How to Get Into Reading: 8 Simple Tips That Actually Work
For most of my life I never considered myself a reader.
In high school, reading felt like homework. It was something I did because I had to, not because I wanted to. I remember skimming chapters, looking up summaries, and counting pages instead of enjoying the story. I really felt like reading just was not for me.
Everything changed the summer after I graduated high school. I really wanted to learn how to get into reading, so I just started by finding a popular book on TikTok.
I picked up We Were Liars by E. Lockhart, hoping it would be something that was actually interesting to me. I still remember sitting outside with that book, turning pages because I wanted to know what happened next. This was the first book I ever enjoyed reading. I would tell anyone around me about this book and the story and the plot twist because I was so invested in it. This single experience opened the door to my now favorite hobby. I’ve read over 300 books since.
If you are here because you want to learn how to get into reading, or how to get back into reading after years away, I want you to know something first. You’re not behind, you’re not doing it wrong… you just haven’t found your way into it yet.
This post is everything I wish someone had told me when I was starting out. We are talking about finding the right genres, building realistic reading habits, choosing the best books to start reading, and letting go of the pressure of reading.
Finding the Right Genre for You
One of the biggest reasons people struggle with how to get into reading is because their experience with books started in school. Required reading lists often focus on classics or literary fiction, and while those books are important, they are not always fun or accessible for beginners. This was my experience with reading in school.
Reading as an adult is completely different because you get to choose stories that excite you. And if you’re reading a book you don’t love, you’re not forced to finish it. And no projects are involved when you’re just reading for fun!
Finding the right genre can completely change your relationship with books. Here are a few genres that are especially easy to get into when you are starting out.
Young Adult Dystopian Books for Beginner Readers
Young adult dystopian novels are fast paced, emotional, and easy to follow. They’ll pull you into the story quickly, which helps build momentum and confidence as a reader.
Some beginner friendly options include:
- The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
- Divergent by Veronica Roth
These books are great examples of the best books to start reading because they keep you turning pages without feeling overwhelming. And if you grew up watching these movies, there’s a hint of nostalgia when reading the books.
Romance Books That Make Reading Fun
Romance is one of the most popular genres (and my favorite!) for a reason. The stories are emotional, character driven, and often comforting. Romance is a great choice if you want reading to feel like a treat instead of a task.
Beginner friendly romance books include:
- Happy Place by Emily Henry
- The Seven Year Slip by Ashley Poston
I will never stop recommending these two books. If you are completely new to reading, I will give this as an automatic read right now and tell me everything you think about it. I also re-read these books every year, so that’s telling in itself how much I love them and how much I want everyone to read them.
Romance novels can be a wonderful way to learn how to get into reading again because they remind you that books are meant to be enjoyed.
Mystery and Thriller Books That Keep You Hooked
Mystery and thriller books are perfect if you struggle with attention or motivation. These stories thrive on suspense and twists, which naturally encourage you to keep reading.
A few easy entry points include:
- Rock Paper Scissors by Alice Feeney
- The Maid by Nita Prose
If you want reading to feel exciting right away, this genre can make all the difference.
Finding a genre you love is the foundation of learning how to get into reading. Once you find stories that speak to you, everything else becomes easier.
How to Get Into Reading by Building Simple Reading Habits
Once you find books you actually enjoy, the next step is creating reading habits that fit into your life.
Reading doesn’t need hours of free time. All you need is some consistency and a good book!
One of the biggest mindset shifts in learning how to get into reading is realizing that small pockets of time matter. Thirty minutes a day can add up quickly.
Here are a few realistic ways to build reading habits into your routine:
- Reading in the morning with coffee before the day starts
- Reading during lunch breaks instead of scrolling
- Reading after work as a way to decompress
- Reading before bed instead of watching TV
Your reading habit should smoothly fit into your routine. Choose a time that feels natural for your lifestyle.
Some people also love pairing reading with rituals. Lighting a candle, making tea, or sitting in a cozy reading nook can turn reading into something you look forward to.
How to Get Back Into Reading Without Fear of DNFing Books
One of the most freeing lessons I learned as a reader is that it is okay to stop reading a book. Honestly, I still struggle with doing this sometimes.
DNF stands for “did not finish,” and embracing this idea is essential when learning how to get back into reading.
When you’re just starting out, motivation matters. Reading books that don’t interest you can make reading feel like a chore again. That is the opposite of what we want.
If a book is not clicking after a fair attempt, give yourself permission to move on. Your time and energy matters.
One of my biggest sayings is that reading is soooo subjective. Just because a book is popular or highly rated does not mean it’s the right fit for you.
DNFing books will create space for stories that actually excite you. That excitement is what builds momentum and will help keep your reading habits strong.
Create a Reading Environment You Actually Enjoy
One thing that helped me get into reading was realizing that the environment matters way more than I thought it would. Reading feels very different depending on where you are and how you do it. If you’re trying to read in a loud space, on an uncomfortable chair, or when your phone keeps pulling your attention, it makes the experience harder than it needs to be.
Creating a reading environment doesn’t mean you need a perfect reading nook or expensive decor. You can make simple, small changes that make reading feel more like a hobby and less like a chore. For some people, this looks like reading in bed with a soft blanket. For others, it might be sitting outside on a nice day.
Once I started associating reading with comfort, it stopped feeling like something I had to force myself to do. It became something I looked forward to. Even small rituals like lighting a candle, putting on soft background music, or reading at the same time each day can help signal to your brain that it is time to slow down.
If you’re learning how to get into reading, pay attention to where you feel most relaxed. That space might surprise you, and it can change over time. The goal is to make reading feel easy and enjoyable, and most importantly something you look forward to.
How to Get Back Into Reading by Letting Go of Reading “Rules”
One of the biggest mindset shifts when learning how to get back into reading is letting go of the idea that there is a right way to read. Reading used to be so intimidating to me because I was a slow reader, and that turned me away from wanting to read for years.
Reading does not have to look like sitting quietly for hours with a physical book in your hands. Audiobooks count. Ebooks count. Reading a few pages at a time counts. Rereading a favorite book counts.
For a long time, I felt like audiobooks were cheating. Then I realized how many stories I was missing out on by holding myself to unnecessary rules. Audiobooks became a way for me to read while driving, cleaning, or going for walks. They kept stories present in my life even on busy days.
If physical books feel intimidating, try an ebook. If sitting still is hard, try listening. If long chapters feel overwhelming, look for books with shorter chapters. All of these options support reading habits and make the process feel more approachable.
Learning how to get into reading means building a relationship with stories that works for your life, not someone else’s version of what reading should look like.
Best Books to Start Reading When You Feel Overwhelmed
Choosing the right books matters, especially in the beginning.
The best books to start reading are often:
- Shorter in length
- Fast paced
- Emotionally engaging
- Easy to follow
Standalone novels are also great for beginners because they offer closure without commitment to a series.
If you feel overwhelmed by choice, consider starting with:
- Popular contemporary novels
- Page turner thrillers
- Comfort romances
- Young adult fiction
These types of books help build confidence and reinforce the idea that reading can be enjoyable.
Let Go of Comparison
Comparison can quietly ruin your reading experience.
You might see people online reading dozens of books a month or following strict reading challenges. While those things work for some readers, they’re not requirements.
Your reading journey is yours.
Reading one book a month is just as valid as reading ten. Audiobooks count. Rereading counts. Skipping days counts.
Learning how to get into reading means letting go of rules that do not serve you.
How to Make Reading Feel Like a Lifestyle Instead of a Goal
Reading becomes sustainable when it fits into your life naturally.
This might look like:
- Keeping a book in your bag
- Having a book on your nightstand
- Listening to audiobooks while commuting
- Joining a reading challenge for gentle structure
If you enjoy accountability, I recommend checking out my reading challenge for extra inspiration!
Challenges can help guide your reading habits without pressure and add a sense of community to the experience.
How to Get Into Reading
Learning how to get into reading is not about forcing yourself to read books. That will never work in the long run. You need to find books that you enjoy and a space that makes you look forward to reading on a regular basis.
Reading changed my life because it became personal. The characters in some of my favorite books feel like real people to me. Fictional worlds become a place of comfort when the real world feels crazy. I often find myself thinking of this quote from Tahereh Mafi’s Shatter Me:
“I spent my life folded between the pages of books.
In the absence of human relationships I formed bonds with paper characters. I lived love and loss through stories threaded in history; I experienced adolescence by association. My world is one interwoven web of words, stringing limb to limb, bone to sinew, thoughts and images all together. I am a being comprised of letters, a character created by sentences, a figment of imagination formed through fiction.”
Reading has had such a powerful and meaningful impact on me, and I hope that it can do the same for you.
If you are starting fresh or learning how to get back into reading, start small. Choose books that excite you and make you want to keep reading forever.
Your reading journey can start today, one page at a time.
xoxo,
Kayla Mae 🩷
