Life can be confusing. Difficult. Monotonous. An endless cycle of ups and downs that leaves little room for reflection. Sometimes, it can feel like there’s something fundamentally missing, as if the world has faded into an unimaginative grayscale devoid of anything exciting, leaving little desire for reflection. While there might not be a magical cure-all, there is one thing that comes close: reading.  

Reading is a fundamental skill, yet often overlooked. It’s a window through which we can observe humanity and beyond in all its totality. It shows us the good, the bad, and everything in between, and being exposed to these perspectives makes reading more than just entertainment. Instead, it strengthens empathy, improves focus, and introduces new ideas. Without reading, we’d have a society lacking in creativity and critical thinking, limited in learning and independence. It’s an invaluable asset for our world. 

There’s a type of reading for everyone. But that doesn’t mean building the habit comes easy. According to YouGov, around 40 percent of Americans reported not reading any books for leisure in 2025, even though a vast majority said they wanted to read more. If you fall into this category, there’s no need to worry. Here are a few tips to make getting into reading a little bit easier. 

Start with the Genres You Already Love

When I’ve asked non-readers why they don’t enjoy reading, they often recalled how school-assigned classics ruined the fun of the hobby. If this is you, then there’s good news: Reading should feel enjoyable, not like homework, so you don’t have to start with the classics if you don’t want to. Instead, you get to set your own pace and start with books that match your interests and comfort level. One way to do this is by revisiting the genres you enjoy from TV and movies: fantasy, romance, comedy, sci-fi, mystery, you name it. If you enjoyed watching it, you’ll likely enjoy reading it. If full-length novels seem like too much commitment, then consider short stories or shorter novels, called novellas. Young adult novels are also beginner-friendly, with similarly engaging plots, but with simpler and more approachable language.

Find the Best Format for You

We mainly think of physical books when it comes to reading, but with today’s technology, readers have more options than ever. eBooks, for example, are digital books that you can read on phones, tablets, or e-readers. E-readers like Kindle often use paper-like screen technology called E-Ink, which is gentler on the eyes, prevents screen glare, and, most notably, lets you read comfortably in the dark. Also in the digital space are audiobooks. Audiobooks can also be a great option for busy readers, letting you listen to books while doing something else. For example, if you have a long commute, consider letting an audiobook join you for the ride. 

Track your Reading Progress

Tracking my reading has been revolutionary, as it’s brought a satisfaction that keeps me going back for more. While some readers create a physical reading journal, where they rate, review, and record the books they’ve completed, there are also less time-consuming options. Social apps like Fable are one of them. There, you can track the books you’re currently reading down to their very page number, as well as the books you have completed and the ones you want to read. You can track your progress, set challenges and goals, join digital book clubs, create custom lists, and share reviews with other readers. If you enjoy productivity and numbers, tracking your reading might add that extra flair you’ve been looking for. 

Spice Reading Up with Immersive or Ambient Reading

Have you ever had to read the same sentence over and over again, because the words just wouldn’t stick in your brain? Then immersive reading might be for you. This is the process of reading a physical copy while simultaneously listening to its audiobook, engaging two senses at once. While this can be enjoyable for anyone, it’s a particularly useful practice for those who have difficulty processing words or struggle to focus while reading. Ambient reading is similar to immersive reading in that it engages multiple senses to encourage greater immersion. However, instead of an audiobook, it’s music or ambience that matches the genre you are reading. As someone with aphantasia, or difficulty visualizing mental images, I’ve found that setting the mood with ambient reading helped me be more engrossed in the universes I’m reading about. In that way, both immersive and ambient reading can be a helpful accessibility tool. 

Find your Reading Community

Reading can feel more exciting when you share it with other people. Joining a book club or a reading community lets you share opinions, discover new books, and hear different perspectives. Having this outlet can make reading feel more meaningful and motivate you to continue with the hobby. It can also be a safe space to tackle and break down advanced books. If you’re having trouble finding local book clubs, check nearby independent bookstores, neighborhoods, or community pages on platforms like Facebook. And, if anything, you can always create your own!

Reading is an invaluable hobby, and many don’t realize it’s a skill that has to be learned. So, next time you find yourself with nothing to do, consider giving it a chance—you may just find your next favorite hobby.