How to Read More: Read Everywhere?

My ability to read literally anywhere and everywhere is something I’ve always treasured (my mother tells a childhood story of running out to stop me from walking down the road with my nose in the book).

But I also don’t take reading for granted and I know that in moments of intense stress and grief, losing the ability to read is a very true fear.

One tip for reading more that works for me: I always have a book on me. I literally only buy bags after I have confirmed I can fit a book inside. If I can’t take a book in it, I’m not using it.

What books to take with me is a constant travel conundrum. I have been asked to “limit” my books on trips due to luggage weight. I feel like sometimes my trips and memories become literally infused with the literature I consume.

Having my head in my books is probably not always ideal, but it’s so part of me by now.

I think you read wherever you want to read, but I do encourage people when they ask me “how to read more” to embrace reading-on-the-go and do it whenever, without waiting for a perfect moment.

But then, some people don’t find that realistic or they get distracted. Or for them, reading is about that perfect, lovely moment. In essence, there are no rules: do what feels natural.

I weirdly like reading in public as it makes me feel more safe to be occupied somehow, it’s almost like the book is a shield.

I also think that if you are in a reading slump, start with a really “sticky” and fun book to get you back into things. Re-reading a book you love is also a great “in”. I would probably start with an Agathe Christie.