"The act of reading is a decision you consciously make," emphasizes Pearl. "You have the option to immerse yourself in a book or tend to garden chores or succumb to television. If reading hasn't consistently brought you joy, it's unlikely to be your chosen pursuit, given its demand for undivided attention – except, of course, in the realm of audiobooks.
"My embrace of audiobooks came late. Now, I much prefer listening to a book while walking over sitting down to read," Pearl shares.
"Listening to an audiobook equates to engaging with literature," asserts Morrish, a librarian-turned-author with a varied background, from conventional libraries to even haunted ones. Presently, she serves at a secondary school in Hampshire. "Scientific research has employed brain sensors, revealing identical neural patterns whether one listens to a story or reads it independently."
3. Join a library
"Your nearby library serves as an excellent resource," emphasizes Morrish. "The librarians possess exceptional skills in guiding you towards books, and it's all free. You can take a chance on a book without the worry of wasting money."
"I always recommend visiting the library or bookstore and discussing your preferences," adds Pearl. "Express, 'I recently enjoyed this book; I'm looking for something similar.'"
Libraries offer much more than just books. Danny Middleton, stationed at Manchester Central Library, renowned as one of Britain's most remarkable public libraries (and officially the busiest, boasting 4,200 daily visitors), orchestrates events like murder mystery nights, silent discos, and drag bingo. Middleton spearheads reader development, aimed at "enticing people to step inside and uncover the magic within," he explains. "Once we lure them into the library, it's an immersive experience! You're not leaving until you've become a member."
4. Widen your search
"Recall books that have resonated with you in the past," advises Morrish. "Utilizing internet searches for 'books similar to...' or 'books akin to...' is a solid starting point. Goodreads is an invaluable resource, boasting extensive lists of novels, short stories, and thrillers. It offers a plethora of tailored lists to suit your preferences. A recent addition, shepherd.com, aggregates books based on your interests. Simply input, 'I seek books featuring women triumphing over adversity,' and you'll discover curated lists tailored to that theme."
Morrish also advocates for BookTok and following authors and book enthusiasts on social media, which she describes as a "wonderful corner of the internet to explore." Engaging in a local book club, she suggests, "provides an excellent opportunity to connect with fellow book lovers."
5. Work out what you are drawn to in books
"For certain readers, this may revolve around characters, while for others, it's about a vivid sense of place. Yet, for the majority, it ultimately boils down to the plot," explains Pearl. "A prime example that caters to all three preferences is Larry McMurtry's Pulitzer Prize-winning masterpiece, Lonesome Dove," she suggests. "It chronicles the journey of two Texas Rangers post-Civil War, herding cattle across the vast expanse of the United States. Meeting these characters is an unforgettable experience. And for those enamored with plots, the enthralling narrative of the cattle drive and its unfolding events will keep you eagerly flipping through the pages."
6. Create a positive reading routine
"My ultimate life hack is to dedicate time to reading every single day," emphasizes Morrish. "Without fail, I make it a point to read each night, even if only for a few minutes or a single page. This consistent practice enables steady progress through a book while ensuring I remain immersed in the storyline without losing track. It soon becomes second nature, a deeply ingrained habit." If nighttime proves too exhausting, Morrish proposes alternative routines, such as reading during your commute or indulging in audiobooks while walking the dog. Establishing a reading goal can provide additional motivation: "Challenge yourself to, say, read two books per week this month. And upon reaching that milestone, reward yourself with a treat."
7. Read what you love
Discovering your reading revival hinges entirely on your personal tastes, asserts Middleton, who steers clear of grisly content. While crime and thrillers reign supreme for many, with authors like Richard Osman, James Patterson, Ann Cleeves, and Lee Child dominating the scene in Manchester, Middleton emphasizes, "Don't let worries about others' opinions deter you from exploring your interests." Cooke echoes this sentiment, affirming, "Romance, for instance, boasts a vibrant and innovative genre, despite misconceptions. Comics, too, offer a distinct form of literacy."
8. Be open minded
"Step out of your comfort zone and venture into uncharted literary territory," encourages Cooke. Public libraries provide a platform for easy experimentation: "If a book doesn't resonate with you, simply return it and explore something else." Cooke shares his journey with poetry, once daunting but now cherished: "It's akin to music; individuals articulating their experiences in profoundly personal ways." Morrish advocates for broadening your reading horizons, recognizing that tastes evolve over time.
9. Consider nonfiction
"If traditional storytelling fails to engage you, delve into the realm of nonfiction," advises Morrish. "Currently fascinated by the gut microbiome, I find solace in books on the subject." True crime enthusiasts can find an abundance of literature based on real cases. Biographies and memoirs offer compelling narratives as well. Morrish points to literary prizes as wellsprings of inspiration, highlighting the Women's Prize for Fiction's inaugural nonfiction category and the Walter Scott Prize for historical fiction.
10. Embrace Quick Reads
Middleton recommends the Quick Reads series, compact and accessible renditions of both fiction and nonfiction. "Renowned authors contribute gripping thrillers, comedic tales, or romantic escapades, all presented in straightforward English with concise, punchy chapters, spanning a mere 150 to 200 pages."
11. Remove any distractions
"When engrossed in reading, Morrish advises, 'Switch off your phone or place it in another room.' It's the ultimate distraction, especially for children; a single notification can derail their focus from the book, making it difficult to regain their reading momentum."
12. Immerse your surroundings in literature
"Sprinkle books throughout your living space that beckon with allure," suggests Mariesa Dulak, a librarian at a primary school in Ealing, west London, and a children's author. This simple tactic fosters a reading-friendly environment for yourself and your family: "When children observe you reaching for a book instead of your phone, it sparks their interest in reading as well." Middleton notes this strategy can extend to the workplace: "By placing books in the staff room, they become a constant reminder during tea breaks, enticing you to pick one up."
13. Cultivate early reading habits
"Dive into reading with children from the outset," advises Dulak. "When taking your baby out in the stroller, alongside packing snacks, include a board book for interactive reading. Hearing you articulate the words aloud is pivotal for language development; there's nothing more cherished by a child than their parent's voice."
14. Embrace the power of reading aloud
"Despite children learning to read independently, we often neglect reading to them," reflects Pearl. "Allocating time in the evening for a family reading session, with everyone engrossed in their own book sans electronic distractions, is invaluable. Reading aloud together remains a cherished bonding experience, even into the teenage years." Cooke suggests engaging with author readings, whether in person or online through platforms like the library Living Knowledge network.
15. Chronicle your reading journey
"Maintain a reading diary to document your literary explorations," recommends Cooke. "Record the title, author, publisher, and your reflections on each book. Over time, this serves as a treasure trove of your reading history, allowing you to revisit past reads and reminisce. It needn't be elaborate, just a few sentences to jog your memory."
16. Ebook or print?
“Print,” says Middleton. “I’m old school, I like holding it in my hands and turning the page. I like an audiobook when I’m doing the ironing, though.” Pearl adds: “I read Susie Boyt’s book Loved and Missed recently and that was a book that I really needed to hold to encounter the words and the characters myself.” Dulak says: “I would say that a Kindle has its place but only when I’m on holiday,”
Cooke is an ebook enthusiast: “What’s really exciting about digital is it can allow new ways to tell stories and engage people, such as books that include the reader making a choice as they go through or [a book] that reacts to the reader’s environment.” He recommends Breathe by Kate Pullinger, a ghost story that is designed to be read on your phone and uses data about you to create a personal experience of the book based on your circumstances.
17. Steer clear of overdue fines
According to Dulak, the key is to "keep your books visible – not hidden under the bed – and consistently place them in the same spot for easy retrieval." Cooke advises, "Don't let fines intimidate you. Familiarize yourself with your library's policies, learn how to renew online, and set calendar reminders to stay on track."
18. Discover the ultimate holiday page-turner
Pearl recommends seeking out "a compelling saga or an enthralling fantasy novel" for holiday escapades. Morrish suggests Tahereh Mafi's works, praising her style reminiscent of text messages: "short, punchy chapters written in stream of consciousness." Middleton enthuses about "The Tales of the City series by Armistead Maupin," particularly the latest installment. Cooke suggests exploring "80 Days by Inkle Studios," an interactive online retelling of the classic tale. Dulak recommends "The Skandar series by AF Steadman" for its appeal to kids, and "Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin" for older readers, describing it as a beautifully crafted narrative exploring themes of love, loss, and gaming.
19. Recognize when to call it quits
The librarians unanimously endorse the 50-page rule. "Read until the bottom of page 50," advises Pearl. "If you're engaged, continue; if not, feel free to abandon it. If your sole concern is resolving the plot, skip to the final page." She adds, "As I entered my 50s, I realized the finite nature of time to indulge in reading. So, if you're 51 or older, subtract your age from 100; that diminishing number represents the pages you can read before guiltlessly abandoning a book. Upon reaching 100, you're granted the privilege of judging a book by its cover."
20. Read a book and reap the rewards
"If you dedicate just 10 minutes daily to immerse yourself in a book, newspaper, or any reading material, it can significantly benefit your mental well-being," asserts Middleton. "Numerous medical studies support this claim. Spending those 10 minutes reading a book offers greater benefits than listening to your favorite music album."
Morrish passionately underscores the profound advantages of reading: "Scientific research unequivocally demonstrates that reading enhances empathy, social acumen, and interpersonal skills. It serves as a relaxation tool, reducing cortisol levels and blood pressure. Reading enriches vocabulary, knowledge, creativity, and imagination. Pleasure reading correlates with improved academic performance. Choosing a book over screen time provides invaluable respite, greatly benefiting mental health."
