Every January we tend to make a list of New Year’s resolutions. Exercise more. Drink more water. Spend less time on our phones. And, almost inevitably, read more books.
It sounds simple enough, until life gets busy, attention spans get shorter, and that book on your nightstand starts collecting dust. If reading more is on your resolution list this year (or even if it isn’t), here are a few gentle, realistic tips to help you actually make it happen.
Learning to say, “Okay, I give up,” was incredibly freeing. There are so many books waiting to be read so why force yourself to finish one you don’t enjoy? Letting go of that guilt might be the fastest way to read more.
In fact, it’s been one of the best habits for me while struggling with staying asleep through the night. Reading doesn’t have to happen in long, uninterrupted sessions. A few pages here and there still count. It’s about creating the habit.
It’s also especially helpful when I’m reading in another language. Being able to tap a word for an instant definition saves me from grabbing my phone — which usually leads to opening one app, then another, and suddenly forgetting why I picked up my phone in the first place.
There’s no “better” format, only what works best for your lifestyle.
Reading more doesn’t have to mean reading better, harder, or faster. It just means finding small, personal ways to make reading fit into your life.
It sounds simple enough, until life gets busy, attention spans get shorter, and that book on your nightstand starts collecting dust. If reading more is on your resolution list this year (or even if it isn’t), here are a few gentle, realistic tips to help you actually make it happen.
Know Yourself
I know for a fact that I struggle with books over 400 pages unless they’re extremely engaging. Big books give me anxiety, and more often than not, I end up abandoning them halfway through. So now? I usually stick to books under 400 pages. And no shame in that!It’s Okay to Give Up
For years, I refused to quit a book once I started it. No matter how annoying, boring, or unengaging it felt, I pushed through. Slowly, something that was meant to be a pleasure turned into an obligation.Learning to say, “Okay, I give up,” was incredibly freeing. There are so many books waiting to be read so why force yourself to finish one you don’t enjoy? Letting go of that guilt might be the fastest way to read more.
Find the Best Time for You
My reading moment is at night, once I’m already in bed. It’s the moment I can finally slow down, rest, and stop doing things. Sometimes I only read a few pages before falling asleep.In fact, it’s been one of the best habits for me while struggling with staying asleep through the night. Reading doesn’t have to happen in long, uninterrupted sessions. A few pages here and there still count. It’s about creating the habit.
Choose the Right Format
I love physical books and have been trying to buy more from local bookstores. But sometimes, practicality wins. My e-reader is easier to hold in bed and much simpler to bring along when I’m on the go.It’s also especially helpful when I’m reading in another language. Being able to tap a word for an instant definition saves me from grabbing my phone — which usually leads to opening one app, then another, and suddenly forgetting why I picked up my phone in the first place.
There’s no “better” format, only what works best for your lifestyle.
Not Sure What to Read Next?
If choosing your next book feels overwhelming, you don’t have to do it alone. We’re always sharing recommendations on our Instagram, and you can also browse our collection directly to find something that matches your mood, your schedule, and your curiosity.Reading more doesn’t have to mean reading better, harder, or faster. It just means finding small, personal ways to make reading fit into your life.
Bruna Franco
Marketing & Membership Manager
Bruna first joined the Center as a member, looking for an opportunity to practice French and to be around French culture. She is now thrilled to be the Membership Manager and to provide members with the amazing experience she was previously able to enjoy herself. She is a native Portuguese speaker who, by the age of eight, knew she wanted to be multilingual someday. Working at the French Library now seems like a dream come true.
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J’aime beaucoup votre blog . Je suis d’accord avec vous . Les livres de plus de 400 pages ont souvent 100 ou 200 pages de trop avec beaucoup de répétitions. Il y à longtemps vous aviez des « tomes » ce qui permettait de souffler entre deux. Je lis énormément plus de 120 livres par an ( je suis à la retraite « en général je sais dès le début du livre si je vais le finir ou pas . Style,vocabulaire étant mes principaux obstacles et lire devrait être un plaisir et un objet d’intérêt quelque soient les critiques si ce n’est pas pour vous ce n’est pas pour vous