First, I want to say that – I am not a good reader! People assume that since I read a lot that I must be a good reader. The reality is that I am perhaps the worst reader I know. I am a slow reader (even though I took a speed reading class once) and worse than that my comprehension level is atrocious. Seriously, I have prayed about this, whined about this, asked God why do I retain so little, etc… It’s bad – really bad! My kids laugh at me because when they were young and I would read to them The Lord of the Rings or The Chronicles of Narnia or… they retained everything and dad… “He forgets everything!”
Next, I didn’t used to be a reader. Some wrongly assume that I grew up with a love to read. No, I was the guy who was saying, “read a book, why would I want to do that?!?” Sometimes people think I am joking when I say, “I made it through high school and 2 years of college before I ever read an entire book.” I am not kidding…
All that to say… to all my – bad reading and never read a book… friends out there – don’t let any of these things be the reason for you to bail on reading. I have to work at it more than most people and you might need to too. It’s ok – we can only do what we can do. So, let’s get to reading!
All that said, I am regularly asked, “where do you find the time to read?” And quite often, I don’t have a very well thought out answer to that question. Below is my attempt to fill in the blank stare that I have when asked. Perhaps one or two of the below bullet points might help you in your quest to read a book this year or 30 books… or more!
Read: 30 Book Challenge and 30 Book Challenge – My 2019 List
Where do I find the time to read?
- I ALWAYS have a book with me. No matter where I go, I have a book. It used to be a printed book and that meant I had to be more intentional. But now, with digital books – I carry a whole library of books with me on my computer, iPad, and phone. I can’t tell you how many times I have been in a line or waiting for my wife as she runs into the grocery store. Make use of the time and pull out a book.
- I try to get to EVERY appointment early. Whether that’s 5 minutes or 20 minutes. That is time I slot to read. Doctors office, dentist appointment, or a scheduled meeting – arrive early and rather than wasting time on social media, consider using the time intentionally for reading.
- Start the day reading. For me, this is the best time to be in God’s Word. This is simply because it is the most important book to read. It is kind of like a “tithing of time.” Meaning, it’s what we can do, first thing, to give the Lord something of our time and attention.
- End the day reading. This is often a good time for me to read things that are easy and interesting. I like to use this time to read interesting backstories, biographies, or sports stories. Some of my favorite authors over the recent years include: Jon Krakauer (Great author. Into The Wild, Into Thin Air, Where Men Win Glory, Under the Banner of Heaven… such good books that I want to re-read and have re-read some of them.) Jeffrey Toobin, Laura Hillenbrand, Nathaniel Philbrick, Jeff Shaara, Bill Bryson. (Find a good, favorite author that keeps your attention and read everything he or she writes.)
- Limit Social Media. This can be the most difficult aspect that keeps us from reading. Scrolling the screen requires nothing of you. While it can be used for useful purposes, be aware of the wasting of time. Perhaps we could all scroll less and read more?
- Along with that – I have found that reading on my digital devices can be more difficult. Notifications, email, and other distractions are too accessible. Sometimes I like to push it all away and grab the printed book to read without distraction.
- When I am reading books that require more of my attention… I read with a coffee or tea and a pen in hand. I find it helpful to highlight, make notes in the margins or even into a notebook. All these things help me to stay engaged.
- Read multiple books and a variety of genres. I know some people refuse to pick up another book until they finish the one they are reading. For me, I have found it helpful to put down one book (maybe I am drifting and losing interest) and pick up another one in a different genre. This keeps me interested and engaged which keeps me reading longer.
- Read good books! Nothing crushes reading faster than a dull, slow book! If the book is not engaging you… put it down and start one that does! There are soooo many good books to read, why waste time on a bad one?
- Make a plan. Maybe it’s just how I am wired, I don’t know. I simply read more when I make a plan. There is a difference for me when I have a stack of books that just sit there or when I go through them and begin to plan out which books I want to or need to tackle first. What interests me when I flip through it? What are my friends reading? What has been recommended to me? If you have never made a plan to read before, give it try. You might find it helps you too.
Maybe one or two of these bullet points above will help you. In the end, do whatever works best for you! I would love to hear – what works for you, or what hasn’t worked for you? How do you approach reading?
You just described me.. I love to read but not a fast reader because I’m a thinker and an underlines. This was very encouraging to me.. I took my book to Dr appt yesterday and read at least 10 pages. Thanks for the helpful tips and encouragement.
That’s fantastic Lea – Happy (slow and underlining) reading!
When my wife was going through cancer treatment, I started reading aloud to her as her concentration often ran thin. We’d begin with a chapter from scripture, then something from some other book. We’ve continued that practice. Reading aloud helps slow me down, ensuring I read every word, and it helps her, as she still has some residual “chemo brain”. Whether it’s a simple devotional, or a more complex theological treatise, we then briefly discuss however much we read. It’s been great, for both spiritual and marital development.
I love this John! I remember the post-chemo blahs. Reading wasn’t fun or easy. Kim would heartily agree with reading out loud – she loves reading her bible outloud even when she is by herself. It helps to slow down – as you say – and read every word.