The Ultimate Starter Kit for Becoming a Reader Again

So, you used to read. A lot. But somewhere between work deadlines, doom scrolling, and binge-worthy shows, your once-thriving reading habit was no more. The good news? It’s never too late to become a reader again. Whether you’re dusting off your bookshelf or starting fresh, here’s your ultimate starter kit to reignite the habit and fall back in love with reading.

1. Start Small (and Smart)

Don’t feel pressured to dive into 700-page epics or dense nonfiction right away. Choose a book that’s short, compelling, and easy to get lost in. Whether it’s novellas, fast-paced thrillers, or humorous memoirs, focus on anything that keeps the pages turning without overwhelming you.

Try:

• The House on Mango Street by Sandra Cisneros

• Before the Coffee Gets Cold by Toshikazu Kawaguchi

• Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman

2. Designate a Reading Spot

Create a cozy, distraction-free zone for your reading time: a comfy chair, good lighting, and maybe a blanket or warm drink. Make it your little escape.

3. Set the Bar Low (On Purpose)

Start with just 10 pages a day or 15 minutes before bed. Building the habit matters more than the page count. Once your brain remembers how good it feels to be immersed in a story, you’ll naturally start reading more.

4. Use Audiobooks to Your Advantage

Busy schedule? Commute? Laundry piling up? Audiobooks let you “read” while you’re on the go. It’s a great way to ease back into stories and get that dopamine hit from finishing a book.

5. Make It Social 

Join a low-pressure book club or buddy-read with a friend. Sharing reactions, favorite quotes, or wild plot twists is a super fun way to hold yourself accountable. 

6. Revisit What You Loved

What kind of books made you fall in love with reading in the first place? Fantasy? Coming-of-age stories? Romance? Whatever it is, go back to your roots.

7. Ditch the Guilt

Didn’t love the book everyone’s raving about? Couldn’t get through chapter three? That’s okay. Life’s too short to force yourself through a book that’s not vibing with you. Drop it and move on to one that speaks to you.

8. Track Your Wins

Tracking your finished books can be surprisingly motivating, whether you use a Goodreads shelf, a reading journal, or a notes app list. 

Final Word:

My biggest advice is: start small, read what you love, and let yourself rediscover the magic of reading.