The Nora Theory

I am a reader, obviously. It’s pretty much my entire personality. In 2023, I read 257 books. Some long, some short, in pretty much every genre there is, although the vast majority were romance of some kind. If you just read that and immediately wondered how that is possible, you would not be the only one.

Growing up, my house was a house of readers. Reading was just a natural fabric of life for us. It was also an excellent form of escapism in what was a rather weird childhood. Also, I was a former gifted and talented child, which meant large portions of my self-worth were centered around how many books I could read far above my age’s reading level. I grew up into an anxious college student who actually did all of the assigned reading, like an absolute psycho.

Part of how I read so much is probably just naturally part of who I am, a skill the universe gave me in lieu of social skills, but through these experiences in school and in life, I learned to read and absorb information very quickly.

That said, if you are looking to read more or are just curious about my methods, here are some tips, tricks, and lifestyle choices I employ that allow me to read so many books.

E-readers

This is a controversial take, I know, but there is no way I could read as much as I do without my Kindle. It allows me to immediately download my next book when one is finished, and it does significantly less damage to my bank account (thank the lord for Kindle Unlimited). I still read a ton before my fiancé convinced me to get the Kindle, but once I started using it I really kicked my reading into high gear.

Bring a Book Everywhere

In addition to my Kindle, I also have the Kindle app on my phone, which means I don’t go anywhere without a book. If you are strictly a physical book person, then keep one in your purse at all times. You never know when you might have to wait in line or get stuck on the side of the road. Any time I have to wait somewhere, instead of scrolling through my phone, I read. Whenever I’m bored, I read. If you see me sitting in a social situation off to the side on my phone, I’m probably reading.

Prioritize

If you want to read more, you need to make reading a priority. Instead of doomscrolling before bed, read a few pages instead. Read while your partner watches football. Read while your kids are taking a nap. It doesn’t have to be a lot, we all have shit to do, but just making reading a part of your life for a few minutes each day will help you read more.

Don’t Force It

Don’t force yourself to read things you don’t like. I used to spend a month muddling through a book I just wasn’t feeling. Now, I put it aside and start something new instead. In that same vein, read what you like and not the things you think you’re supposed to read. Those “100 books you should read before you die” listicles are not law. Some of those books are great. Some of them are awful and boring. Read something fun, especially when you’re just starting to get into the habit.

Enjoy It

Reading isn’t homework anymore! This isn’t something you have to do, it’s something that is supposed to be relaxing and pleasurable. If you don’t like to read, don’t do it. Don’t put pressure on yourself because it will just make it harder. Set a goal, and if you don’t meet it, who cares? No one is double-checking your work. Draw a bath, light a candle, and read a page or two. It’s self-care. You deserve it.