The 100 books a year challenge & how you can read more.

Earlier this year, I was involved in rather animated discussion with a friend that revolved around our shortening attention spans. Inevitably, as it often happens, the conversation veered toward politics, war and the conspicuous rise of the ultra-right –and eventually the Second World War.
As I shared some of the finer points and anecdotes of that period, my friend asked, “How do you know so much about this stuff? It’s so unrelated from what you do.”
Simple.
Read.
I set upon extolling the virtues of reading and how its cathartic and gives me a sense of achievement when I finish a book.
“How do I read more? And what do I read?”, asked my friend. The question has often been asked of me since. So in February this year, I set upon the task of reading 100 books in 2017 (I’m at #32 in case you’re interested). The best thing I could think of is a list of things yo can do to read more.(who doesn’t love lists!)
Set Aside a Time
Humans have an inherent ‘curiosity switch’. These days, its mostly satisfied in a short-lived reaction or one-sided engagement that’s constantly updated or ‘refreshed’ in your face. Find material that excites you or piques your interest. Once you identify that, read a chapter to start off. If you find the chapter feels too long, set a time goal. Twenty minutes is a good start.
The Book Buffet
Finding the right book isn’t always easy, it never has been. A little trip to your local bookstore is a good idea. Some of the best books I’ve ever read have been serendipitous discoveries.
If a bookstore visit doesn’t float your boat, thanks to e-readers you can download sample chapters of books before you decide buy them.
Join a Book Club
Being part of a book club lends a certain social and communal aspect to the exercise. More often than not, a social obligation can be a defining catalyst for you to read more. While the books being discussed might not always be of your interest, it’s still a great way to gain insight into something you never thought would interest you.
The Reading Zone
Set the mood by assigning a certain space where you’re comfortable. The park, local library or even the bedroom are some good spaces that lend themselves to interactive engagement which is critical while reading a book. In the last couple of years my reading frequency had considerably dipped and I was beginning to find all sorts of excuses to finish a book.
I chanced upon an article that suggested installing a lamp on the bedside. Although simple, it was the eureka moment! This jewel of a suggestion had a profound impact on how I ended up reading more.
Music
This is a highly subjective option. Not all music complements reading and mostly can be very distracting especially if lyrics are involved. I recommend something that’s instrumental. Ambient music like Brian Eno’s seminal 1975 album Discreet Music and Steve Roach’s Structures from Silence are two of my favourites. In fact, I associate a lot of books that I’ve read with the music I listened to while reading them. A friend recently mentioned that she loved listening to 80s synth-wave with music when she read sc-fi. Bizarre yes, but fascinating nonetheless.
Reading Practice
Reading a book isn’t easy. It’s like anything else, it needs practice. The emotional and physical investment is significant. My good friend Jaya who runs a tremendously successful blog (https://goo.gl/UH6Ktd) says just like exercise, one has to build ‘reading stamina’, which can only come from practice and discipline.
Reading is a highly immersive experience, and can be seen as almost meditative. Your brain is making complex associations, creating ‘mind pictures’ and above all inculcates empathy. There’s actual science behind this. Truly.
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