Reading is not a luxury.
Practical advice from readers for readers on maintaining a joyful reading rhythm.
A friend and I recently met up at the library with our kids. It was one of those grey Midwest early summer days when you glance at the sky every couple of minutes unsure if it’s going to rain and when it does, will it last or will it pass?
Anyway, rain it did and we were making the best of it. The kids were working puzzles together and building towers of magna-tiles when she asked me if I read much. “Yeah!” I said. “I do!”
“Okay but how?” She asked.
How does one read while drowning in a sea of children and birthday cards and groceries and careers and emails? How do you read for fun when life is consumed by classes and clinicals and internships and part-time jobs? And that’s just the ordinary stuff. Forget trying to read in the midst of grief, depression, paralyzing anxiety or chronic illness.
In a life that is heavy with responsibilities, is there even space to read for pleasure? When something has to give, does it have to be the things that bring us joy?
There is space for what brings you joy, even here in the midst of the hardest and most ordinary things, and I’ve gathered some friends* to share with us their best advice for claiming the space to read right there in the middle of it all. Their tips are so fun and so brilliant. I hope you enjoy them as much as I have.
plans ahead
“I always have books on hold at the library and my “want to read” shelf on Goodreads full so I never have to wonder the next book I’m going to read. I used to prefer hard copy books, but I love the kindle app on my phone (and my kindle) now that I have 2 toddlers so it’s easy to pick up a book during naptime or bedtime or waiting at appointments. I’ve also recently gotten into audiobooks and will listen while I’m making dinner or folding laundry.”
says it’s always a good time for an audiobook
“Audio books are my secret weapon for the days that feel very demanding and full. I keep one headphone in while I do things around the house and the kids are occupied. I also take advantage of our library’s audio books on CD for my kids. I let them listen through the car to their CD and I listen to my own thing via my one headphone in peace. Is this best practice for driving safety? I don’t know but it’s wonderful.”
rests on purpose
“I read for 20-30 minutes before bed instead of scrolling on my phone. I get a lot of reading done when I choose to read instead of scroll! A few times per week I also purposefully rest and read during my toddler's afternoon nap time. I'm a morning person, so usually once or twice per week I wake up before my toddler to drink my coffee and read. It's easy to let reading slip away during a busy season, but I've found that if I prioritize reading when I'm busy, it actually helps me unwind, rest, and not become overwhelmed within the busyness.”
keeps books close
“Keep a book by your side to pick up in the little moments”
Brianne Guidicessi likes having options.
“Perhaps I’m complicating more than simplifying but what works for me is having as many forms of the book as possible. Kindle, audiobook, physical copy, etc. If I’m driving, doing dishes, laundry, I listen. If I’m on the go but not driving, kindle. If I’m at home, physical copy. The change in media helps keep me focused along the way.”
Grace Thomas at minimizes distractions
“It’s tricky to prioritize time for reading! I find that I have to put away digital and visual distractions. Oftentimes, I try to put my phone on airplane mode and read at night or during breakfast. I’ll also read in a new environment like a coffee shop or in the car while the baby naps.”
doesn’t mind wet pages
“It’s so easy for a busy day take over and for reading to fall to the bottom of the list. I take advantage of bath time. I make it special and fun with bubbles, bath paints, and little sea creatures. I sit next on a little stool next to the bath and read as long as I can, before my pages get too splashed and wet!”
reads first
“My best reading window is when I first wake up. I read anywhere from 30-45 minutes every morning. If I don’t read the rest of the day, it’s okay but most afternoons I’m in the backyard with the kids and try to read there too. I just accept that I’m going to be interrupted 17 times. I usually read nonfiction or memoir in the AM and fiction in the PM. Some nights we also do “family reading” after dinner where we all grab a book and curl up in the living room. We don’t do that *every* night but usually 2-4 times a week we do.”
Shannon Williams at saves the best for last
“The one time I can guarantee is mine to read each day is right before bed. Some nights it might only be ten minutes, usually more like 30-40, but I never go to bed without winding down with a book. Now that my kids are older, we sometimes have reading time together. Lucky for me they love to read! I've noticed that they love reading a book during snack time. I'll try to grab my book and join them when I can. Also using the Libby library app. I know people have thoughts and opinions on actual physical books (I get it!) but you can't beat the accessibility and portability (not to mention price!) of an ebook through the library.”
Fay Gordon isn’t afraid to quit
“I have no idea how many books I start and stop each year-it’s a lot-but if I’m not into it by page 50, I pass. So basically, I’m always into/excited about what I’m reading, which helps me make time.”
Amy Hill makes it fun for everyone
“My 3 year old just gave up her nap, which is such a huge life change-up. (My oldest are twin 11 year olds- we’ve been holding afternoon nap hours in this house for 10 years!) Since summer just started and we needed a plan for what that afternoon window would look like, I started setting her up with 3 picture books from our library haul, having her 3 older brothers pull out their summer reads, fixing my afternoon iced coffee and slipping out to the back porch with my book. I never set an “end” time, just hold the “start” habit. Some days the younger kids kind of drift from their books into other creative things, and I get a lot of reading in- a treat! And always I can count on getting in some pages.”
stays up late
“I stay up way too late reading. That's it, that's my advice.”
gets cozy
“My nightly routine is to read in bed before falling asleep. I turn off the lights and use a book light. It's very cozy and has the added benefit of helping me fall asleep. My nightly reading is a part of my day that I can count on and always look forward to, whether I read just a few pages or several chapters.”
* Many of those who contributed to this offering have their own publications that you can read and enjoy by following the links to their Substacks, instagrams and more.
I love this so much!! I need this reminder, especially lately!
Just love reading this and seeing so many familiar friends!!