Do you love to read? I certainly do. Do I find it hard to read while being a full-time student? 100 percent! In fact, I spent the last three years barely reading outside of textbooks, academic language, and empirical articles required as part of my studies.
I never spent that time enjoying a book for fun or because it gave me a deep sense of connection. I told myself, “Esther, you should get back into a book some time,” and never did.
During the summer, I found myself wanting to go read at an independent bookstore, and pick up a few books. I began to spend my time reading when I was free, whether in Nirvana Soul, the quiet floors of the library, even in the comfort of my own room.
As one friend once asked, “You seem like you have been into reading more lately, what book are you interested in right now?”
Okay, story time is over. The point is, how do I start a reading list?
“But I have so much work, I’m a full time student, and I’m losing my mind,” said the person who juggles more tasks than I do. So how is this possible? Let’s dig in.
Search Up a Local Bookstore
This is the ideal first place to start, especially an independent bookstore near you. They carry banned books, used books, discounted, or locally curated selections.There is no harm in buying, it would be good addition to your collection, indeed.
You can also use the space to lounge, talk with the staff, or scout whatever interests you.
Have A Budgeting Plan for Your Book Spending
Don’t go all out on books. As a college student, lacking a stable source of money is a huge problem. We live in the constant habit of paying student tuition, housing, job hunting, and rising and falling prices.
Keep a list of books you like, put an approximation of how much you think will be enough but still keep you from going too broke. For example, I keep a list of books I want to read and examine the prices in approximation before I even go through.
Do whatever works for you, as long as it doesn’t go above your usual spending.
Choose a Genre that Appeals to Your Current Era
Books are vast. Sometimes they contain topics that spark your passion, and sometimes they can make it feel like a chore.
When you’re searching, I like to skim through the book, whether that’s table of contents, headers, even personal connections to the author or topic. For example, I would say “Feeling like I’m in my non-fiction era. Let’s find some non-fiction books related to writing a story!”
It doesn’t have to be limited to one genre, but it’s a nice tip for your first reading list and it may change over time.
Establish a New Normal
Now I know what you’re thinking: “But Esther, I’m busy. I don’t have time to read.”
Yes, that is totally normal. I don’t read every day. In fact, I have not heard someone ever say they read every day as a full-time student. Living in the habit of classes, part-time jobs, and going between work-life balance, it feels impossible.
A good way I’ve learned to do that is to keep a mental map. Keep track of schedules, delegate work time and downtime, even deliberately spending time off just for a recharge. Do whatever makes you happy and less winded.
Have Fun!!!
Reading shouldn’t be a chore. Even if it’s not your main hobby, it’s great to find some sense of joy or feeling of accomplishment from reading something new.
In short, have fun with it, don’t sweat finishing as soon as possible, and enjoy the process!
What are some of your favorite genres? Do you have any thoughts on finding your best reading list? Let us know at HerCampusSJSU!