Reading outside of school has not only given me a great pastime away from screens, but has also shaped my personality, perspectives, and future. It has led me to my career path, and has uncovered my passion for writing, languages, and literature. Through reading, I have become the person that I am today—and it could do the same for you.
Reading doesn’t have to change your whole life to be worth trying. It can just be a fun way to spend rainy evenings, something to occupy your mind when you are stressed, or a way to further your understanding of topics that interest you. Here are six tips to begin your reading journey:
1 – Just start.
Many people spend a great deal of time and effort trying to find the perfect book to start their reading journey. In doing so, they develop high expectations for the book, which, in my experience, only leads to disappointment when the book doesn’t live up to those expectations. So instead, choose the first book that captures your attention—even just a little—and read it knowing that it may not be the best. That way, if you like it, then it is great! But if not, then your expectations weren’t high in the beginning, and there is little letdown.
2 – Don’t be afraid to leave a book.
If you find yourself reading a book that isn’t for you, don’t feel like you need to finish it! There is no shame in setting down a book and never going back to it. Just don’t let this deter you from trying again, because as J.K. Rowling has said, “If you don’t like to read, you haven’t found the right book”. This specific book may not be the one for you, and that’s okay; keep trying to find the right one.
3 – Check out different genres.
With so many types of books, there is no need to stick to only one genre. If you don’t like a certain book, then try searching through other genres. With a little time, anyone can find a book that is enjoyable to them, especially with such a variety to choose from. Some genres to get you started may be Fantasy, Mystery, Thriller, Romance, Comedy, or Classics.
4 – Start with something easy.
Certain books are very hard to read. High-level fantasy and historical fiction, for example, often include complex vocabulary, small details to remember, and complicated world building. Many readers enjoy these types of books despite the difficulty, but I would not recommend this to a beginner reader as it can be discouraging. Instead, I suggest trying something with easier vocabulary, but a strong story that captivates attention. Romantasy is a great place to start, especially if you get bored easily. It has both romance and action-packed scenes that can help you figure out what types of books you may enjoy the most.
5 – Always carry a book with you.
You never know when you might have the urge to read. Rather than forcing yourself to read at a time that you may not really want to, let the urge come to you, and make sure you are prepared. Having a book with you always ensures that when you get the desire to read, you can be ready to jump right in.
6 – Find a reading buddy.
Often, reading can be a difficult hobby to get into when it feels like a lonely activity. Personally, I enjoy reading on my own, but I also love talking about current reads with friends. It can be a positive experience to find someone who also loves reading, with whom you can chat about your favorite books. This is also a great way to get recommendations, or find genres and authors that you may enjoy. You could even join a reading club to explore new books with a group of people.
So, there you have it, with these tips you can uncover your love for reading and start a healthy habit! Just remember not to be discouraged if you don’t love it right away. Keep searching for the right book until you find something that you can truly have fun with. Happy reading!
Contributed Graphic/Anna Koehler/Multimedia & Website Director
