University of Kwazulu-Natal

How To Read More Books In 2025 Tips For Busy Readers Once Upon A

Bonisiwe Shabane
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how to read more books in 2025 tips for busy readers once upon a

If you’re anything like us here at Once Upon a Book Club, you’ve probably wished for more hours in the day for literary joy! But with busy schedules, reading usually takes a back seat. Don’t worry! Whether you’re a casual reader or tackling an ambitious reading goal, we’ve got you covered with our team’s practical tips and tricks to make more time for books this year. Let’s make 2025 the year you finally read more, even with a packed calendar! Let’s start with the numbers – but don’t panic!

This is the kind of math you’ll actually enjoy. For example, if you take about 8 hours to finish a book, ask yourself, how many minutes a day can you reasonably commit to reading? 10 minutes a day? That’s about 5 hours a month, which adds up to 6-7 books a year. 30 minutes a day? That’s 15 hours a month, or 20 books a year.

You overachiever, you! As a recovering perfectionist, it is vital that during each January’s reach towards a better self, I set goals (to work towards) and not resolutions (to strictly adhere to). We’re growing, we’re healing, we’re in our 30’s. The goals I set this year were quite simple: read one book and publish one Substack essay per month. As of now, I haven’t quite reached either one. This will be my 10th essay and I’m frustratingly stuck on my 11th book.

Truthfully, I’m convinced that falling just short of my goals and being kind to myself anyway is actually a more direct route to a better self. But I will still push myself in this direction next year because having come this far, I do feel better about my mind and how I spend my time in this brief and beautiful... While writing is perhaps a more personal experience for me, I know many of you feel this way about reading, too. We want to read more, we know we should read more, we know we’re happier reading than scrolling. So what’s stopping us? If you’re anything like me, it’s usually as simple as “not having enough time” despite spending hours in front of screens, getting stuck on a novel we don’t like, or even more common, getting...

Any of that sound familiar? That’s why when my friend Janice shared her Goodreads annual wrap on Instagram and I saw that this brilliant woman read 96 books in 2024, I was immediately compelled to talk to her and... That curiosity only grew when I saw another friend, Kayla, post that she also spent the year reading 34 books. Thoroughly inspired, I asked seven voracious readers to tell me about their reading habits, favorites of the year, and any tips they have for those of us who want what they’ve got: an insatiable... On her reading habits: I read on my commute [35-40 min.] and for an hour or more before bedtime. I carry my Kindle with me everywhere and read every chance I get […] the books are my constant companion.

My Kindle is what I like the most because it’s portable and I can get books from the library and Libby. In between those New Year's Resolutions to eat healthier and exercise more, why not give your brain a bit of a workout too? Regular reading leads to positive impacts on your mental and emotional well-being, including slowing down cognitive decline, bolstering empathy and curiosity, improving your vocabulary and reducing stress. Reading can also help you get better sleep. Like any habit or skill, you'll benefit from being consistent and prioritizing reading in your life. There’s no magic solution, but there are hacks to help you up your reading time in 2025.

Between trying new formats, knowing when to put down the book and the best time to pick a new one up, these seven suggestions will benefit any reader – seasoned or rookie. For tips, I asked Al Woodworth, a senior editor at Amazon Books who reads hundreds of books a year, and Ryan Carr, a book influencer who read almost 70 books in 2024, almost double... Take a moment to reflect on why you want to read more in 2025. Is it because you want to join in on the BookTok fun? Need to get off your phone more? Is there a subject you want to learn about?

In a world filled with streaming shows, social media, and busy schedules, it’s easy to let reading slip away. But setting a goal to read more books in 2025 can improve focus, reduce stress, and expand your imagination. Instead of aiming for 100 books, start small. Challenge yourself to read 1–2 books a month. That’s 12–24 books a year—completely doable, even with a busy schedule. Don’t force yourself to finish a book you’re not enjoying.

Reading should feel exciting, not like homework. Mix genres: fantasy, romance, non-fiction, thrillers—whatever keeps you turning pages. Being part of a community can keep you motivated. Online challenges like Goodreads or BookTok trends are great ways to stay inspired and discover new favorites. Pair reading with comfort—tea, blankets, or your own cozy reading nook. The more enjoyable the atmosphere, the easier it is to make reading a daily habit.

Each year I try to read 100 books or more. I don’t always make my goal — minor life events like pushing a whole human being out of my own body derailed my 2023 progress, for instance — but for the most part, I’m... So, how am I able to avoid the pitfalls of endless Twitter doomscrolls or getting sucked into a TikTok binge? It’s not always easy, I’ll tell you that. But if one of your resolutions in 2025 is to read more books, I’ve found that there are a few (relatively simple) ways to help beef up your reading habits that don’t involve swearing... (Then again, Netflix subscriptions are outrageously expensive these days — your wallet is probably better off with that new thriller your got from the library, instead.)

A little disclaimer: the following tricks aren’t rocket science, but then again, I wouldn’t necessarily say it’s always easy to consciously prioritize reading in your life if you don’t already. (Presumably that’s also why you’re reading this blog post.) For me, it helps that 1.) I love reading (love it), and 2.) that I’m a pretty fast reader, and always have been. If that doesn’t sound like you, never fear — I’m here to help whether you want to increase how many books you read this year, or if you simply just want to be more... A post shared by Quinn📖 (@whatisquinnreading) One of the best things about a voracious reading habit is that it’s (mostly) free. You can obviously shell out for new hardcovers the day of their release as often as you please, but getting yourself a library card will open you up to a giant (and most importantly,...

Access to the library doesn’t mean you have to hoof it to your local branch whenever you need a new book, either — libraries work in tandem with apps like Libby, which let you... Simply sign in, link your library card to your account, and voila — you’re well on your way to a growing TBR pile. If you have extra cash to burn, you can also consider a subscription service on top of your library membership — I use Kindle Unlimited myself, and am a former Book of the Month... New Year, new reading goals, right? Are you aiming to discover how to read more books in 2025? Whether you’re looking to finally tackle your…

New Year, new reading goals, right? Are you aiming to discover how to read more books in 2025? Whether you’re looking to finally tackle your ever-growing TBR pile or make a solid attempt at enhancing your reading habits this year, you’ve come to the right place. While many are setting resolutions to hit the gym or save money, prioritizing reading in 2025 can be both fulfilling and enjoyable. The beauty of setting a reading goal is that it’s a hobby—not a chore. So let’s talk about how to get those pages turning, without adding pressure or guilt to your year.

Before we dive into the tips, let me drop a quick disclaimer: Reading is a hobby. If your goal is to read more books in 2025, that’s great, but it’s about enjoying the experience—not the number of books you get through. Don’t feel the need to set unrealistic goals like “I’m reading 150 books this year!” unless you truly want to. The point is to make reading a fun, enjoyable experience—not a race. Think of it like a journey, not a checklist. Make it something you look forward to, not a “task” to cross off your list.

Remember, the experience of reading and diving into different worlds is what matters most, not how fast you get through it. Want to read more books but can’t find the time? Discover 30 practical, real-life tips to help you read more books—even on the busiest days. I know how it feels—your TBR’s exploding, life’s nonstop, and you can’t remember the last time you finished a book you loved. Over the years, I’ve tried every trick in the book (pun intended!) to carve out reading time, stay motivated, and actually finish what I start. Here are 30 practical reading tips—from tiny habit tweaks to social hacks—that helped me read more books.

Let’s dive in! Block 15–30 minutes on your calendar—just like a meeting. Morning coffee, lunch break, bedtime: pick a sweet spot and stick to it. Stash one in your bag, car, and nightstand. When life pauses—waiting in line, a delayed train—you’re ready to read. I power through chores, commutes, and workouts by listening on Libby or Audible.

Suddenly, “busy” becomes “bookish.” From books that changed the world to contemporary works that are certain to endure, these are your must-read classics from the Booker Library Disclosure: We are part of the Amazon Affiliate/LTK Creator programs. If you purchase a book, we will receive a small commission at no cost to you. This post may contain links to buy books, and you can read our affiliate disclosure here. Reading is one of the most enriching and relaxing habits you can develop.

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