Let’s be honest. Somewhere between school textbooks, busy jobs, and endless scrolling, reading quietly slipped out of our lives. If your 2026 goal is to read more, you’re not alone. And the good news? You don’t need to become a “serious reader” overnight to fall back in love with books.
Why We Stopped Reading in the First Place
Adult life is loud. Work stress, social media, and constant notifications leave little mental space for books. Many people feel tired just thinking about starting a novel. Others associate reading with exams, deadlines, or unfinished book lists. And when doom-scrolling is easier than turning pages, books often lose.
Start With the Right Book (This Matters)
Your comeback book should feel fun, not heavy. Skip dense nonfiction or massive novels at first. Choose something that feels comforting or exciting.
Think about the last movie, show, or podcast you loved. Mystery? Romance? Fantasy? There’s a book for that vibe. Ask friends for suggestions or explore BookTok and online book communities. Libraries also help match you with books based on what you already enjoy.
Build a Tiny Reading Routine
You don’t need hours. Five pages is enough. Read during lunch. Before bed. Or while commuting. Keeping it short removes pressure and makes reading feel doable. If physical books feel distracting, try audiobooks while cooking or walking. E-books are also perfect for reading anytime, anywhere.
The key is consistency, not speed.
Make Reading Social (or Quietly Social)
Reading doesn’t have to be lonely. Silent book clubs, library reading challenges, or even sharing book updates online can keep you motivated. Seeing others read often nudges you to pick up your own book instead of your phone.
But remember, no guilt. No competition.
It’s Okay to Quit a Book
If a book feels boring, stop. Seriously. Reading is meant to relax you, not stress you out. Drop the book. Pick another. There are too many good stories out there to force yourself through one you don’t love.
The Real Win
Regular readers say books help them unwind, feel curious again, and escape daily stress. Sometimes, knowing a story ends well is comfort enough.
So in 2026, don’t aim to read “more.” Aim to read more happily.
