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Beyond the Pages: My Secrets to Reading 100 Books a Year
I managed to dive into 104 books this year (yes, I counted!). Here’s how I did it and what I learned along the way:
Yes, I read a lot. I always have! But somehow, I’ve been reading 100+ books every year for the last four years. Without fail!
I didn’t intend to do it, though. This reading ritual wasn’t intentional, and it certainly wasn’t part of any “New Year resolution.” In all honesty, I really (really!) enjoy reading, spending time with and for my mind, learning new things, and embarking on literary adventures and journeys.
With that said, if “reading more” or “picking up a book every now and then” are on your wish list, I’d love to share some of the healthy and helpful reading habits I picked up along the way.
This Is Not a Competition
When I read for fun or pleasure, I really read for fun or pleasure!
I read for myself, for entertainment, to keep my mind busy and occupied, for self-improvement, and out of curiosity.
My “books to read” goal is not an expectation and, honestly, isn’t really a goal at all. In fact, I never set a goal as high as 100 books a year! My reading goal is usually around 70 books.
Suppose I read more than that, great!
And if I read less? Also great, are you kidding me?
The real objective here is to read and enjoy yourself, not enter a pretend competition with Goodreads, yourself, BookTok, or fellow your readers.
Audiobooks Are My Best Friend
I will never buy into the ableist “listening to books isn’t reading” discourse.
Reading is about consuming and understanding texts and information, not about how you do that!
With that in mind, audiobooks are a blessing for me! I can read while I do stuff around the house, try to concentrate, take a shower, walk the dog, or prep myself for sleep.
