Your suggestions regarding reading have challenged me. Reading “War and Peace this year following your weekly posts has been great. The size of the book always prohibited me even starting. With applying your tips I am challenged to read more this year. Frankenstein created quite a bit of conversation with others.
I am in my 80s and limited to outside activities. I knit and will apply much of the tips to this activity.
Not sure how much time the Lord has for me in this life. This has give me a new challenge.
If still breathing in 2024 I will report in with my success!
I have ordered Lonesome Dove from Abe Books website anxious to get reading as you lead us.
Such great ideas Jeremy; I need to revisit a few of these for my own reading life. So often we readers get caught up in the "shoulds" instead of doing what makes our reading lives better. I have the hardest time reading for just a few minutes at a time; I think I'll focus more on that for the coming year. I really only read when I go to bed at night and some nights, more often than not, I fall asleep with my kindle in my hand. When I start again the next day, I have to go back a few pages to remember what it was that I read. Thanks for all of these suggestions. Happy New Year!
Awesome tips! Had my first kid this year but also read the most books in one year (25) than I’ve ever read before. So now I know I can do that with a baby I can shoot for the stars.
I also found my groove in reading while my husband watches sports with me peeking up to catch the score a great play and then right back into reading.
Wonderful, helpful advice Jeremy! My reading regiment was transformed in my first year at University with a women’s studies course. Our required reading was voluminous, one book (300-500 pages) plus supplementary reading every week plus a required 15 page reading journal to be completed. It may not seem like a lot but when you have 4 other full university courses as well as work it seemed unattainable. One of the students complained that it was not achievable. I will alway remember my professor’s response. “ You will never be in such a privileged situation as you are now to have the time to read books.” She then went on to give helpful advice in order to tackle that mountain. Always have something to read with you. Always! (Now with reading apps on our phones it is easier than ever) Open your book during any downtime, even if it is just for 5 minutes. It all adds up.
Your column reminded of that valuable advice I received so many years ago.
I do feel vindicated by your advice on giving up or putting aside some books. I sometimes struggle with a book I feel like I should read but get so bogged down and my reading per day is slowed down. It hit me when you pointed out that I could have read 3 or 4 other more enjoyable books in that time. Reading can be demanding sometimes but you should always enjoy it. Especially when I am now in control of the syllabus!
Thanks for the wonderful column and best wishes to everyone on their 2023 reading journey!
I enjoyed reading your tips at the end of the year, a time when I am reviewing my list of books read on Goodreads and preparing to embark on reading Lonesome Dove with The Big Read. I am a 'slow' reader. I read every word and even reread parts. I guess I just enjoy the flow and feeling of the language in a book. But it does slow me down. In 2023, I am going to try reading for a more 'global' experience, thinking about the plot, the development of the characters, etc, as you described. Happy New Year everyone and Happy Reading !
My phone is part of my reading habit. Before I even get out of bed I read something from the Bible, whether it's a devotional with Scripture or a chapter or four from a specific book I am working through. My "go to distraction" on my phone are different newsletter subscriptions like RMB. That helps limit my time on Facebook (plus I have a daily limit reminder for that app built in). They may not be books but I don't feel guilty for getting Twitterpated with social media. I also don't limit myself to one book. Usually I have three or four I am working on. Because of what I like to read one book can elucidate another.
A reading spreadsheet seems really interesting I have decided going forward in 2023 to keep a reading journal but a spreadsheet seems pretty cool as well! Thanks for the posting Jeremy 😊
Hi Jeremy, I came across your newsletter in the recommendation section and immediately subscribed! I decided to be more intentional about reading more books after graduate school when I can finally read more just for fun, and incorporating reading into my daily routine. I was able to increase my yearly read to ~20 to about ~40 last year, and I'd like to get that number up a little bit more every year in the next five. I will definitely be adopting some of the tips you shared here! Thank you!
I started writing on Substack about some of the books I read too, with the intention that this will prompt me to be more reflective and intentional about my reading.
Looking forward to discovering more books through your newsletter!
I started reading 4 years ago after reading some click bait article that said you could read some ridiculous number of books a year if you just stopped social media. The article went on to do the math, “the average person spends X on social media, reads Y pages per minute, average book is Z pages long” While I’ve never read close to the amount the article stated, I’m in the 30 to 35 per year, it was a good reminder to put down social media.
Couple of other thoughts. For me the hardest thing is picking what to read, so newsletters like this help make sure I have something in my que! I love audio books, I have a two hour commute and so I “listen” a lot, and can’t recommend them enough. I also keep track in a spreadsheet, but one thing I’ve noticed is that this year I’ve read a lot of short books so my number is greatly increased. In other years I’ve read longer books. . . .the gamification of it helps me but I’ve wondered if I should switch to “pages” read. . . .I know I’m over thinking it.
Great post. New follower here. You touch on the power of habit, which I think is definitely key and something I need to work on. I also love tracking my reading in a spreadsheet. So satisfying at this time of year when I do the annual recap. The other point I would make is to read in different formats. I like a physical book for my morning commute, the Kindle on the ride home, and audiobooks when walking the dog, cooking dinner, etc.
Thanks for sharing this list of tips and advice. It is very helpful as an end of the year wrap up, and to help ignite a newfound hope for reading more in 2023!
I did not do a great job of tracking what I read this year and it makes me sad. I tried to fix it in the last two months but have had a hard time remembering everything I read in early 2022. Goodreads suggests I read 40 or so books, but I would reckon I read closer to 55-60. I wish I had remembered to track these reads more closely and meticulously.
That said: I wanted to ask if you could share your book tracking spreadsheet, or do you have a template? I’d love to start 2023 on the right foot and make sure I’m tracking from day one.
Also interested for any advice or tips from anyone for tracking their read books.
Your suggestions regarding reading have challenged me. Reading “War and Peace this year following your weekly posts has been great. The size of the book always prohibited me even starting. With applying your tips I am challenged to read more this year. Frankenstein created quite a bit of conversation with others.
I am in my 80s and limited to outside activities. I knit and will apply much of the tips to this activity.
Not sure how much time the Lord has for me in this life. This has give me a new challenge.
If still breathing in 2024 I will report in with my success!
I have ordered Lonesome Dove from Abe Books website anxious to get reading as you lead us.
God Bless you Jeremy.
Such great ideas Jeremy; I need to revisit a few of these for my own reading life. So often we readers get caught up in the "shoulds" instead of doing what makes our reading lives better. I have the hardest time reading for just a few minutes at a time; I think I'll focus more on that for the coming year. I really only read when I go to bed at night and some nights, more often than not, I fall asleep with my kindle in my hand. When I start again the next day, I have to go back a few pages to remember what it was that I read. Thanks for all of these suggestions. Happy New Year!
Awesome tips! Had my first kid this year but also read the most books in one year (25) than I’ve ever read before. So now I know I can do that with a baby I can shoot for the stars.
I also found my groove in reading while my husband watches sports with me peeking up to catch the score a great play and then right back into reading.
Wonderful, helpful advice Jeremy! My reading regiment was transformed in my first year at University with a women’s studies course. Our required reading was voluminous, one book (300-500 pages) plus supplementary reading every week plus a required 15 page reading journal to be completed. It may not seem like a lot but when you have 4 other full university courses as well as work it seemed unattainable. One of the students complained that it was not achievable. I will alway remember my professor’s response. “ You will never be in such a privileged situation as you are now to have the time to read books.” She then went on to give helpful advice in order to tackle that mountain. Always have something to read with you. Always! (Now with reading apps on our phones it is easier than ever) Open your book during any downtime, even if it is just for 5 minutes. It all adds up.
Your column reminded of that valuable advice I received so many years ago.
I do feel vindicated by your advice on giving up or putting aside some books. I sometimes struggle with a book I feel like I should read but get so bogged down and my reading per day is slowed down. It hit me when you pointed out that I could have read 3 or 4 other more enjoyable books in that time. Reading can be demanding sometimes but you should always enjoy it. Especially when I am now in control of the syllabus!
Thanks for the wonderful column and best wishes to everyone on their 2023 reading journey!
I enjoyed reading your tips at the end of the year, a time when I am reviewing my list of books read on Goodreads and preparing to embark on reading Lonesome Dove with The Big Read. I am a 'slow' reader. I read every word and even reread parts. I guess I just enjoy the flow and feeling of the language in a book. But it does slow me down. In 2023, I am going to try reading for a more 'global' experience, thinking about the plot, the development of the characters, etc, as you described. Happy New Year everyone and Happy Reading !
My phone is part of my reading habit. Before I even get out of bed I read something from the Bible, whether it's a devotional with Scripture or a chapter or four from a specific book I am working through. My "go to distraction" on my phone are different newsletter subscriptions like RMB. That helps limit my time on Facebook (plus I have a daily limit reminder for that app built in). They may not be books but I don't feel guilty for getting Twitterpated with social media. I also don't limit myself to one book. Usually I have three or four I am working on. Because of what I like to read one book can elucidate another.
A reading spreadsheet seems really interesting I have decided going forward in 2023 to keep a reading journal but a spreadsheet seems pretty cool as well! Thanks for the posting Jeremy 😊
Hi Jeremy, I came across your newsletter in the recommendation section and immediately subscribed! I decided to be more intentional about reading more books after graduate school when I can finally read more just for fun, and incorporating reading into my daily routine. I was able to increase my yearly read to ~20 to about ~40 last year, and I'd like to get that number up a little bit more every year in the next five. I will definitely be adopting some of the tips you shared here! Thank you!
I started writing on Substack about some of the books I read too, with the intention that this will prompt me to be more reflective and intentional about my reading.
Looking forward to discovering more books through your newsletter!
I started reading 4 years ago after reading some click bait article that said you could read some ridiculous number of books a year if you just stopped social media. The article went on to do the math, “the average person spends X on social media, reads Y pages per minute, average book is Z pages long” While I’ve never read close to the amount the article stated, I’m in the 30 to 35 per year, it was a good reminder to put down social media.
Couple of other thoughts. For me the hardest thing is picking what to read, so newsletters like this help make sure I have something in my que! I love audio books, I have a two hour commute and so I “listen” a lot, and can’t recommend them enough. I also keep track in a spreadsheet, but one thing I’ve noticed is that this year I’ve read a lot of short books so my number is greatly increased. In other years I’ve read longer books. . . .the gamification of it helps me but I’ve wondered if I should switch to “pages” read. . . .I know I’m over thinking it.
Thanks again, can’t wait to start Lonesome Dove!
It’s funny how we approach reading with so many unconscious “shoulds.” Thanks for the tips! Super helpful.
Great post. New follower here. You touch on the power of habit, which I think is definitely key and something I need to work on. I also love tracking my reading in a spreadsheet. So satisfying at this time of year when I do the annual recap. The other point I would make is to read in different formats. I like a physical book for my morning commute, the Kindle on the ride home, and audiobooks when walking the dog, cooking dinner, etc.
Jeremy:
Thanks for sharing this list of tips and advice. It is very helpful as an end of the year wrap up, and to help ignite a newfound hope for reading more in 2023!
I did not do a great job of tracking what I read this year and it makes me sad. I tried to fix it in the last two months but have had a hard time remembering everything I read in early 2022. Goodreads suggests I read 40 or so books, but I would reckon I read closer to 55-60. I wish I had remembered to track these reads more closely and meticulously.
That said: I wanted to ask if you could share your book tracking spreadsheet, or do you have a template? I’d love to start 2023 on the right foot and make sure I’m tracking from day one.
Also interested for any advice or tips from anyone for tracking their read books.
Books rule 📕📕📕
Great advice in here! Thank you!