How to Read More in 2025
- Lucid Paradox Team
Reading is one of the most important and fundamentally sound exercises we can do for the growth and development of our Minds. Yet regardless of its significance, many people just don’t read, either because they lack interest or cannot find the time to sit down and read. For instance, according to Statista, people who do read read approximately 16 minutes a day. But that includes newsfeeds, social media posts, books, magazines, and other reading means, meaning that most if not all is not quality reading of literature.
But the question remains: why should people care about reading? Reading takes time; reading comprehension is dwindling year after year, where an author’s style and artistic prose may be too intimidating to those who don’t read. Why would anyone want to work when relaxing, especially when technology is making our leisure activities more accessible than ever to devour?
As streaming services flood our screens with mindless entertainment, our society’s priorities have shifted. We’re losing the ability to think critically, form our opinions, and engage in meaningful discussions. Instead, we’re becoming passive consumers of drama and vulgarity, allowing these influences to shape our culture and the minds of future generations. For some, this is good news, and for most, this is bad news, but for those who want to learn how to read more, and make reading more enjoyable will not only be smarter but ahead of the curve. So, consider these recommendations to form your habit of reading.
Read What You Like
Many people who don’t read will always make the excuse that they simply do not have the time to read, and although that may be true to a certain extent, that reasoning shouldn’t fly. The main reason it genuinely boils down to is that people do not enjoy reading; if people honestly enjoyed reading, they would make time for it, but for many people, it’s not enjoyable because it’s seen as a chore, and that’s understandable. We have a negative connotation with books because of their relation with school and work, and we associate books with studying dry and sometimes boring text that goes on for ages.
There’s also an internal struggle within our subconscious. Why should we work to use our imagination to put together the story? Especially if someone turned the book into a film. Our minds want to take the cheap route and do what’s easiest so it doesn’t have to work. Unfortunately, brains are notorious for that, but how do we overcome those barriers? By reading what you like, plain and simple. Reading will take constant acts of self-discipline and accountability. However, enjoying what you read will make it easier for you to form a habit of reading more.
It doesn’t matter if you enjoy reading comic books, religious texts, fantasy novels, or the back of a cereal box; what matters is to find something enjoyable. When the time is right, your reading habit will entice your mind to want to explore different genres or other forms of literature.
Recommended Reading
Synopsis
“Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas” by Hunter S. Thompson is a whirlwind narrative that plunges readers into the psychedelic heart of the American Dream through the eyes of its raconteur, Raoul Duke, and his attorney, Dr. Gonzo. Set against the backdrop of Las Vegas in the tumultuous late 1960s, the story unfolds as a frenzied, drug-fueled odyssey into the underbelly of the American psyche.
Build Your Tolerance to Read
Reading is a lot like exercising; building your tolerance and enduring long reading sessions will take time to develop. Just like you wouldn’t run a marathon without any type of training, you shouldn’t expect to read for hours on end. Luckily, books are formatted so that we can read as much as we want—or can, for that matter—and stop to pick the book back up later down the line. So, if you are just starting to read more but get intimidated by the lengths of some of these books, start small and build your reading habits.
There are a few things you can do to find success, you can either:
- Read one chapter a day
- Read until a section breaks in the story
- Read only a set number of pages
Fortunately, there isn’t a right or wrong answer here; what matters is that you are reading and increasing your tolerance for reading. So, find what you are comfortable with and go with that, but for this to work, you must be consistent and determined to keep this schedule. If it’s reading one page or one chapter, keep with that until your mind is ready to increase those goals. Don’t worry; when that time is right, your mind will let you know and soon you will start to see the benefits of reading.
Recommended Reading
Synopsis
“The Alchemist” is a novel by author Paulo Coelho which was published in 1988. The novel is a spiritual exploration, touching on themes of destiny, personal dreams, and the interconnectedness of all things. It emphasizes the essential aspect of listening to one’s heart, recognizing opportunity, and following dreams fiercely. “The Alchemist” has become a global bestseller and is revered in many circles for its powerful message about pursuing one’s dreams and the discovery of personal treasure within.
Find a Reading Buddy
Humans are inherently social creatures; nothing is better than sharing our thoughts and experiences, regardless of whether it concerns the good or bad times. We want our point of view to be heard and our philosophy to be considered among the peers we associate with, the same is true about what we read. When we read, we should be able to form our very own opinion about the text we have read, and if you have a friend or a community to share those thoughts with, you will find the value of reading. Not because you get to voice what you have read but because you get to hear and respond to others who have read the same thing, but have formed an entirely different opinion.
That’s the beauty of conversation; you can talk about your experiences and then listen to others on what they have to say, and when all is said and done, you get to take in what you have learned. And that’s what it’s all about the ability to learn from authors, readers, and yourself. Remember knowledge is divine and books are the main source that allows us to time-stamp a point and time in history for future generations to encounter as if they were there confronting the same trials and tribulations the writer faced.
Recommended Reading
Synopsis
Covered in our best Russian literature, Crime and Punishment by Fyodor Dostoevsky is a profound psychological drama and a moral thriller that dives deep into the mind of its protagonist, Rodion Raskolnikov, a destitute and despondent former student living in St. Petersburg. Crime and Punishment takes the reader through a journey of the human psyche, ethical philosophy, and the socio-economic conditions of 19th-century Russia, making it one of the most significant works of world literature, making it one of the best books to talk about with a friend or community of readers.
The Final Word
The essence of fostering a reading habit lies not in the act of reading itself but in the joy and fulfillment it brings. The barriers to reading, such as time constraints or the daunting lengths of books, can be overcome by choosing materials that ignite a spark of interest within us, irrespective of their form or genre. Like any skill worth mastering, developing a knack for reading requires patience, discipline, and a gradual increase in tolerance.
The strategy of starting small—be it with a chapter a day or a few pages—and gradually expanding your literary horizons proves effective in transforming reading from a chore into a valuable habit. Additionally, the communal aspect of reading, facilitated through sharing and discussing insights with a reading buddy, enriches the experience, allowing for an exchange of diverse perspectives and a deeper appreciation for literature’s ability to connect us across time and space.
Ultimately, the journey of becoming an avid reader is a personal and rewarding adventure, offering endless opportunities for discovery, growth, and connection. Through the simple yet profound act of reading, we not only entertain ourselves but also gain access to the vast expanse of human knowledge and creativity, making our lives richer and more informed, navigating through a world of the misinformed.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to Make Reading More Fun?
For many, reading might not be the most enjoyable activity—and that’s perfectly okay. It simply might not be your cup of tea. However, speaking of tea, some people didn’t enjoy their first sip until they acquired a taste for it, you might find that reading becomes more pleasurable over time. If you don’t like reading now, you may just need to cultivate an interest in it. But, there are things you can do to make it more fun.
First, as stated before, reading what you want goes a long way. That means if you enjoy Manga or the fundamentals of litigation, it does not matter, all that matters is that you are reading and that you are enjoying yourself. Once you start the habit it’s difficult to kick (in a good way of course), so when you feel you are ready to read something new it will be an exciting venture to find a new book.
How to Remember More of What You Read?
Remembering what you read can be challenging for various reasons, especially with fiction. One key difficulty is that artistic prose can sometimes obscure the narrative, making it harder for readers to follow the story clearly. Some authors’ styles delve deeply into seemingly irrelevant details, causing readers to lose track and forget what they’ve just read. It happens to every reader, so don’t let it get you down.
However, there are strategies you can use to better remember what you’ve read:
- Reread what you have just read
- Take detailed notes of difficult parts of the book
- Reflect and speculate on what you have just read
- Have a conversation with someone with what you have read. Try to get external insight.
- Read an easier genre, especially if this is a recurring issue with the book.
What Are the Benefits of Reading?
The benefit of reading a book is a personal experience that offers a wide range of benefits that distinguishes the importance of reading from other activities that may bog us down in real life. For instance, while video games and social media can be entertaining and useful, their addictive nature can quickly overshadow any positive effects. In contrast, reading exercises the brain, engaging and challenging it in unique ways that other activities cannot.
Below are some of the most important benefits of reading:
- Reduces stress
- Enhances your communication skills
- Helps you inspire you to write
- Improve memory
- Improves focus and concentration
The Author
Lucid Paradox Team
Welcome to Lucid Paradox where our team is constantly on the lookout finding the next best author. We specialize in all types of books ranging from fiction to non-fiction, but we want to find that author who is isn't afraid of exploring new and thought provoking ideas. To learn more contact us at Admin@lucidparadox.com.