5 Ways to Fall Back in Love with Reading

There is something truly special about the power of words. They inform, inspire, and connect us. Yet we sometimes let the busyness of everyday life be a thief of our personal time. It’s easy to let the simple joy of holding a book, turning its pages, and getting lost in reading a story slip away.

If you’ve been wanting to rediscover the pleasure of reading, here are five practical ways to rediscover your love for books:

1. Create a cozy reading nook

Carving out time to read is important, but if you’re surrounded by distractions, that time can’t truly be yours. Create the right, quiet environment. Whether that’s a corner of your living room, a sunny spot by the window, or even a comfy chair with a soft blanket.

Tip: make sure there’s warm lighting and maybe even a scented candle. A welcoming space invites you to slow down and savor the moment.

2. Join or start a book club

Reading is wonderful, but sharing the experience makes it even richer. A book club can introduce you to stories you might never pick up on your own. It also brings accountability to your reading – so you’ll stay committed so you can talk about it with your club!

Can’t find a local group? Start your own! Invite friends, neighbors, or colleagues and choose a mix of genres – from thought-provoking nonfiction to page-turning fiction.

3. Swap digital for print for one week

Screens dominate our daily lives, but according to Taylor, a recent analysis of 25 research studies showed reading comprehension among students was estimated to be six to eight times higher when reading books printed on paper than when reading the same material on a digital device. Challenge yourself to put the tablet down and pick up a book, magazine, or newspaper instead. Even swapping just a few minutes of scrolling for printed reading can help you feel more present and connected to the words on the page.

4. Visit your local library

Libraries are a great resource, offering a wide variety of books to borrow, all for free. Not only this, but many libraries also host reading challenges, literacy programs, and community events.

By supporting your local library, you’re also helping sustain literacy in your community.

5. Explore a New Genre

Sometimes we fall out of love with reading simply because we stick to the same types of books. Trying a genre you wouldn’t normally pick up, like historical fiction, poetry, science fiction, or a graphic novel, can reignite your curiosity and excitement for stories.

Diving into something new challenges your perspective, introduces fresh ideas, and makes reading feel like an adventure again. Who knows? Your next favorite book might be in a section you’ve never explored before.

Why rekindling a reading habit matters

• Only 16% of US adults now read regularly for pleasure, down from 28% in 2024 according to a American Time Use Survey by University of Florida
• NEA reported how, according to its 2022 Survey of Public Participation in the Arts (SPPA), conducted by the U.S. Census Bureau, that 48.5% percent of adults reported having read at least one book in the past year, compared with 52.7% five years earlier
• In 2022, just 37.6 percent reported reading a novel or short story, compared with 41.8 percent in 2017 and 45.2 percent in 2012.

Reading isn’t just a hobby; it enhances empathy, focus, creativity, and overall well-being. Reclaiming that bookish spark can refresh both your mind and spirit. Let’s fall back in love with reading.