Be a Better Reader!

Easier said than done? Not at all! Here are nine simple ways you can improve your reading habits.

1. Think about why you are reading

Obviously we're not going to approach every book the same – studying a cookbook is immensely different from delving into a non-fiction book about turtles. But think carefully about why you are lending the page your eyes. Sometimes we read for relaxation, sometimes for learning, and sometimes for inspiration. Before you start, ask yourself: Why am I reading this? Purpose shapes focus, and more often than not, there shouldn't be any guilt in simply doing something because it brings you joy.

2. Get into good habits

Like exercise, reading improves with consistency. Carve out time daily (maybe 15 - 20 minutes a day) to read. Over time, this rhythm strengthens your ability to focus and makes reading an effortless part of your life. Also think carefully about where you are reading and what sort of environment you are in; some of us manage fine in a bustling cafe with the hum of conversation, but others – like myself – prefer to read before bed, or maybe earlier in the morning.

3. Eliminate Distractions

Deep reading requires attention – and there's no point in trying to get anything out of an immersive reading experience if you're not willing to make it more immersive. Silence your notifications, set your phone aside, and create a comfortable reading environment. Even short, undistracted sessions are more valuable than long, interrupted ones. Cushions and hot chocolate – especially as Autumn is rapidly upon is – are always recommended. Playing ambient music that compliments the genre and tone of the book may also help you to spring into the story, but sometimes this isn't exactly for everyone.

4. Take Notes (If you dare!)

Marking passages, writing in the margins, or keeping a separate notebook helps you remember and engage with what you read. Don’t highlight everything—focus on lines that surprise you, challenge you, or spark new ideas. This is particularly useful if you are an avid writer or poet. There will be, of course, some controversy about how you make notes – and it certainly is not advisable to scribble inside a book if you're borrowing it from the library. If it is your own, avoid using any pen especially – just in case that beautiful thing you're reading winds up in someone else's hands one day. They'll want to delve into a story, not a graffiti exhibition.

5. Ask Questions as You Read

Engaged readers are active readers. Wonder about the author’s intentions, question arguments, or reflect on how a story mirrors real life. The more you interact with the text, the more meaningful it becomes. If you keep a diary, it might be helpful to have reading reflections section, or even a reading log to start documenting your findings and insights.

6. Experiment

Balance is key. Been reading a 200,000 word epic? Read a short story next. Just finished a classic? Why not read something contemporary next time. Completed another novel? Find a non-fiction book to dig your teeth into. Just as a varied diet nourishes the body, a varied reading list nourishes the mind. Reading omnivorously is a healthy way balance your reading diet and keep things fresh.

7. Talk!

Talking about books—through a book club, online community, or casual conversations—helps cement your understanding. Other perspectives can highlight insights you might have missed. Oh, and this is the best bit – you can get great book recommendations and ask for people's individual reviews. Super helpful – especially if you're surrounded by readers with similar interests.

8. Revisit and Reread

Some books only reveal their full richness on a second or third reading. Returning to texts at different stages of life allows you to discover new meanings as you grow. Many books uncover new secrets when you read them when you're older – see His Dark Materials by Philip Pullman for plenty of examples on this!

9. Be Patient with Yourself

Reading isn’t a race. Don’t measure your worth by how many books you finish in a year. What matters is what you take away—and how it shapes you. I am a slower reader and only manage to read 1-2 books a month, but things like this really don't make you any less interesting or intelligent, it just means you like to take your time. By approaching books with curiosity and intention, you transform reading from a pastime into a lifelong practice of learning and discovery.