In my opinion, fall is the perfect season to cozy up with a good book. The moment it gets colder, I start reading more. The chilly weather, cozy blankets, and warm drinks practically beg for reading time. But with busy schedules and endless distractions (hello, Netflix!), it can be tough to make time for it. If you’re looking to dive into more books this fall, here are some easy and realistic tips to help you turn those pages!
How to Read More Books This Fall
1. Set a Reading Goal
First things first, set a goal! It doesn’t have to be huge—maybe it’s one book a month or even a few pages a day. Having a specific target keeps you motivated, and it feels so good when you accomplish it. Plus, you can adjust your goal based on how much time you have. Whether it’s one book or five, a goal helps give you direction. Also, be realistic. Some people have enough time that they can read 10 books or more every single month. But maybe you have kids, so reading one book per month might be more realistic.
2. Create a Cozy Reading Nook
Nothing says fall reading like a cozy nook. Find a spot in your house where you can set up a comfortable space with a blanket, soft lighting, and maybe a candle or two. When you have a designated reading space that feels warm and inviting, you’re more likely to want to curl up with a book and stay there for a while. Or maybe you just want to read in bed, which I can totally understand because it is my favorite reading place too.
3. Keep a Book with You Everywhere
You’d be surprised how much reading you can fit into your day by always having a book with you. Waiting in line, sitting at a coffee shop, or even those few minutes before bed can add up. Plus, it’s a great alternative to scrolling through your phone! I can imagine a book of 700 pages is not going to fit in your bag, so bring an e-reader instead. They are super light and don’t take up a lot of space in your bag.
4. Join a Fall-Themed Reading Challenge
Get into the seasonal spirit by joining a fall reading challenge! There are tons of challenges out there—some focus on specific genres, others on reading a certain number of books. They add a fun twist to your reading goals and give you a sense of accomplishment as you check off books from your list. Plus, who doesn’t love a little challenge? I sort of do this all the time. Right now, it is fall and I am looking for books that fall into this category. I love reading romance but right now I am more reading books about love stories that take place in the fall. So far I’ve read a Roman with Gilmore Girls vibes, and a book about falling in love with a vampire.
5. Mix It Up with Audiobooks
If you struggle to find time to physically sit down with a book, audiobooks are your new best friend. You can listen while you’re driving, cleaning, or even going for a walk. It’s a super easy way to “read” more without having to carve out extra time. There’s something oddly comforting about listening to a good audiobook while surrounded by the fall atmosphere.
6. Set Aside “Screen-Free” Time
We’re all guilty of losing hours to social media or binge-watching TV, but you can reclaim some of that time for reading. Try setting a specific time in the evening when you switch off the screens and pick up a book instead. Even if it’s just 15-30 minutes, you’ll find yourself making steady progress without even realizing it. It was not easy, but a while ago I decided for myself that I can’t use any screens after 8-9 PM and now I am using that time to read a book. Before I read 3/4 books a month and now I am reading so much more. It is a win-win situation, because I am not wasting my time anymore on social media and I am reading more books.
7. Find Books That Excite You
This one might sound obvious, but sometimes we fall into the trap of thinking we should be reading certain books (you know, those classics that everyone raves about). Instead, focus on reading books that genuinely excite you! Whether it’s a fantasy novel, thriller, or feel-good romance, reading something you want to read will keep you coming back for more. After trying different genres, I realized I prefer romance most of the time. So most of the time I am looking for new cute love stories I could read. You just have to find the genre/authors you like.
8. Join a Book Club
Fall is a great time to join (or start!) a book club. Whether it’s in-person or online, being part of a book club adds a social element to reading and gives you a reason to keep up with your reading. Plus, discussing books with others can help you see things from new perspectives and make the experience even more enjoyable. I’ve never joined a book club. It sounds fun though. Everyone is reading the same book as you and you get together and discuss the book but also have a lot of fun. Personally, I would like to join a book club in the future but I want to be sure that it is a book club that fits me. A book club, that focuses on romance for example.
9. Take Advantage of Fall Weekends
Fall weekends are made for relaxing, so why not dedicate a few of them to a reading day? Brew some tea, get cozy, and spend a lazy Saturday or Sunday with a good book. You’ll be surprised how much you can read when you dedicate an afternoon to it—plus, it’s the ultimate self-care. Get a few snacks, a blanket, and a few drinks and get cozy for a few hours.
10. Track Your Progress
There’s something motivating about seeing your progress! Use a reading app like Goodreads, or simply keep a list of the books you’ve read. Watching that list grow over the fall season can give you a sense of accomplishment and motivate you to keep going.
With these tips, you’ll be well on your way to reading more books this fall. Whether you’re curled up with a mystery novel or listening to a memoir while sipping pumpkin spice lattes, fall is the perfect time to dive into new stories. So grab a blanket, find a comfy spot, and let the reading begin! 📚🍂
Photo by Joel Muniz on Unsplash