Remember when reading was your favorite escape? Just because life’s busier now (hello tennis practice, math homework and weekend parties) doesn’t mean you have to leave behind your favorite fantasy worlds, love triangles and juicy mysteries. Here’s how to fall back in love with reading like you used to—plus a few recs to help you on your journey!
Romanticize the experience
If you’ve fallen into the all-too-familiar trap of being too busy to get lost in a fictional world, reading might feel a bit mundane. Making the experience feel super aesthetic and treating yourself like the main character can remind you why you love reading—and why you can’t live without it.
Imagine you’re starring in an indie film or a cute rom-com. Lay out on a picnic blanket in the grass with The Inheritance Games, light a candle and slip into a silky nightgown while diving into Pride and Prejudice, or annotate a well-loved copy of A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder. It’s the little details that make all the difference when it comes to making reading feel like a dream again.
Incorporate it into your daily routine
One of the biggest challenges to reading regularly is simply finding the time. Between school, sports, homework and keeping up with friends, squeezing in even a few chapters a day can feel totally impossible. But..it *might* not be as hard as you think. The time you spend scrolling on social media—in the morning, between final period and theater rehearsal, or before bed—could just as easily be spent with a book in hand. Not only will reading become a steadier part of your routine, but you’ll also feel way better about yourself. And that’s a win-win, right?
Revisit old faves
You might be having trouble getting into that new sci-fi thriller because you miss your days of Hunger Games obsession (and honestly, is there a better fictional heart throb than Peeta Mellark? We’ll wait). It could be as simple as rereading a few chapters, your fave scenes, or even the whole book (or series) that was once your favorite. Revisiting stories you have loved will remind you what’s so great about reading, and get you into your newest shelf find.
Connect with others about books
Okay, we’ve all heard about the issues with BookTok (glorifying toxic romantasies might not be the move). Aside from this, though, there are countless platforms and ways to connect with other young book lovers who share your literary passions and can point you in the direction of your new fave reads. From Goodreads (srsly, the best platform for bookworms) to Wattpad to bookish accounts on social media, the options are endless. Even better? Start an IRL book club with your besties…and let the obsessions with fictional characters come pouring in.
Watch the movie first
For some of us, watching the movie before reading the book feels like a crime. But let’s be real—films hit us in a totally different way, and they can actually be your secret weapon for getting back into reading. Tons of classic stories have awesome movie versions, so why not make it a game? Watch the movie first, then dive into the book and compare. It gives you something to look forward to after finishing each read—and makes that feeling of accomplishment even sweeter.
Reading might sometimes feel like just another chore in the chaos of life, but with a few new habits and a fresh mindset, you’ll remember exactly how much you missed it. Now, get ready to dive into your next obsession—it’s waiting for you!
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Check out these articles for more reading inspo:
📖 How To Make Reading A Priority When You Just Don’t Have Time
📖 5 Literary Classics You Need To Revisit
📖 5 Books To Read If You Can’t Wait For Summer
