As a child, I loved reading. It was one of my favorite activities and I would not go anywhere without a book on me. However, throughout middle and high school, my passion burned out. From being told what to read throughout school to not having time to read on my own, I no longer desired to read.
With “BookTok” and “Bookstagram” having become massively popular communities on TikTok and Instagram over the past couple of years, I aspired to regain interest in reading. However, this promptly failed when I attempted to read a popular novel only to get two chapters in and never picked it up again (sorry “Gone Girl,” I’ll try again eventually). This wasn’t to say the book was bad or I did not like it, I just felt uninterested in the act of reading. Though I gave up once, I was determined to not give up again. My New Year’s resolution for 2024 was to read more books. Simple goal I thought; I didn’t set a number, so I figured if I could get at least six books under my belt for the year I could say, “Job well done!”Â
Job well done indeed; just over 100 days into the year and I have completed 15 books. I wondered how I made this achievement after not reading a single book for fun since fifth grade. One factor that I believe contributed tremendously to my ability to complete a book without giving up is e-reading. Although I love the aesthetic of physical books and the option to display what I have read, I find it much easier for me to read digitally. Here are some factors of e-reading that led me to enjoy reading again!Â
A big difference between physical books and e-books for me is the ease of reading. With my eyesight, I read better one page at a time when the font is larger and stands out against the page. E-books allow me to adjust the font size, increasing the readability of the text compared to the smaller font in physical books. Backlighting makes it easier to read anywhere without needing a light source. Personally, I read best when black text is on a bright white background, but alternatives including black or tan backgrounds may be better suited at night or if you’re sensitive to bright light for less eye strain. Also, reading on a device saves space. Although it is pretty to display your books, some just do not have the room. Plus, my device is easily portable and I have less fear of getting it dirty like I did with physical books. The customizability of e-books improves my reading experience, thus resulting in me also reading faster.
At the beginning of the year I subscribed to Kindle Unlimited. I started during a free trial period to see if I would commit to reading, and it was a game changer. This platform made it easy for me to start off my reading journey since it offered a vast selection of books. With millions of books of any genre all in one place, you are guaranteed to discover what you like. Many BookTok and Bookstagram influencers post book recommendations, including those from Kindle Unlimited, making it easy to sort through titles. I search under the #bookrecommendations or #kubookrecs hashtags to find my next reads. Additionally, with titles available with just a click, you can start your next book immediately, or have a guilt-free DNF (did not finish) if that’s how you roll. Though many popular titles such as “A Court of Thorns and Roses” and “Shatter Me” are not included in the subscription, there are plenty of books that keep my TBR long enough that I don’t think about what I’m missing out on (I promise I’ll get to those some day).Â
Goal setting and accountability has helped me remain consistent when reading. This can apply to both physical books and e-reading, but in my case, there is an aspect of accountability on the Kindle app; it tracks the number of weeks and days you’ve read in a row. I am one who loves achieving, so it encourages me to find time in my day to read at least one chapter to keep my streak alive! Also, some public libraries hold annual reading challenges. I discovered that mine did at a local event, but you can check your local library’s website or ask in person if they participate in any challenges. My local library has participants set a yearly goal of either 12, 24 or 52 titles and keep track of their reading on an app called Beanstack. If you complete the challenge, you receive a free tote bag, which is a nice incentive to encourage reading.Â
If you find yourself struggling to read consistently, I’d give e-reading a shot! While physical copies are more aesthetic and charming, the actual ability and desire to read is more important. If you’re like me, you may rediscover an old passion.