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Have you ever fantasized about reading in a picturesque setting, only to have reality fall short? You plan for a perfect day under a tree at the park with snacks, favorable weather, and an enthralling book. But soon, discomfort sets in—you sweat, the seating is uncomfortable, you forgot the snacks, and your focus wanes. Rather than continuing, you might find yourself going home.
This common experience reveals an important lesson: waiting for the perfect reading moment could mean you never finish a book. Kevin Nguyen, author of My Documents and New Waves, agrees. In 2017, he penned an article for GQ titled “How to read a whole damn book every week.” Nguyen’s message encourages reading whenever possible.
Seize Small Opportunities to Read
Utilize short intervals in your day to read. While waiting on the train platform or in line for food, you can finish a few pages. During school pickups or while waiting for laundry, these moments are perfect for reading. Don’t overlook commuting. Nguyen suggests using audiobooks when driving or picking up a book rather than playing games or listening to podcasts on the subway.
Keep Books Accessible
Place books throughout your living spaces and carry one with you. Juanita Giles, director of the Virginia Children’s Book Festival, recommends having multiple books accessible. “Have an upstairs book, a car book, or even a bathroom book,” she advises.
Choose Paper to Avoid Distractions
Cognitive neuroscientist Maryanne Wolf from UCLA, and author of Reader, Come Home, advises opting for physical books. Digital reading offers temptations—texts, emails, alerts—that interrupt focus. Even if notifications are turned off, browsing social media out of habit disrupts deep reading.
Match Books to Available Time
Select books that align with your available time. For shorter windows like those at the DMV, choose lighter reads. Books demand varying levels of attention. “Siddhartha reads faster than Narcissus and Goldmund or poetry,” says Wolf.
Feel Free to Stop Reading Unenjoyable Books
Traci Thomas, host of The Stacks podcast, says if you’re disinterested, put the book down. Eye-rolling or distractions signify dislike of the material. There are plenty of books available—this process helps cultivate taste, Thomas says.
Interested in more? This episode was produced by Sylvie Douglis with visuals by CJ Riculan. We welcome your feedback via email at [email protected]. Listen to Life Kit on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, and subscribe to our newsletter for updates.
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