Step by Step Guide: How to Become an Avid Reader in 2026

how to become an avid reader with books stacked in background

Chapter Breakdown

Become a book lover

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Do you find yourself wondering, How to become an avid reader? Don’t worry, you’re not alone. Many of us struggle with turning those occasional pages into a full-blown reading habit. But here’s the good news – you’re already on the right path!

You’ve shown the curiosity, and that’s half the battle won. This guide will walk you through the process, step by step, helping you to transform from a casual reader to a real bookworm.

So, ready to dive into the world of books and discover why so many people say they can’t live without them?

Let’s get started!

The question is: How does one become an Avid reader?

I’ve always had a passion for books and I totally relate to being a bookworm. When I think of someone who loves reading, a few key qualities come to mind.

An avid reader is someone who:

Always have a book handy
Carries a list of books to read and keeps adding to it
Gets excited about visiting bookstores and libraries
Can talk endlessly about their favorite characters and plot twists

If this sounds like you, then congratulations! You’re already well on your way. But if not, don’t worry. Here are some simple steps you can follow to become an avid reader.

How to Become a Reader

1 | Read a genre that you enjoy watching

One of the best ways to start reading regularly is by picking a genre that you already enjoy watching. If you love action movies, try reading action-packed thrillers or if you are a fan of romance movies, pick up a romantic fiction novel.

2 | Make a TBR list

TBR stands for “To Be Read” and it’s a list of books that you want to read in the near future. Having a TBR list will keep you excited and motivated to continue reading. You can also add books recommended by friends, family, or your favorite celebrities.

3 | Create a reading schedule

Finding time to read can be challenging, but having a set schedule can help. Set aside 20-30 minutes each day to read, whether it’s during your lunch break or before bed. Consistency is key!

It’s all about fitting it into your daily routine in a way that it feels natural, not forced. Here are a couple of tips:

Find Your Perfect Time: Some people prefer to read in the morning when their mind is fresh, others like to unwind with a book before bedtime. Try out different times of the day and see what works best for you!
Take Advantage of ‘Waiting’ Times: Got a few minutes to spare while waiting for your coffee to brew? Or maybe you’re early for an appointment? These little pockets of time are perfect for catching up with a few pages of your book.
Break It Up: If setting aside a long chunk of time seems daunting, break it up! You can read for 15 minutes during your morning commute, another 15 on your lunch break, and finally, 15 before bedtime. It all adds up!
Turn Off Distractions: To fully enjoy your reading time, make sure you limit interruptions. Switch your phone to silent or Airplane mode and find a quiet spot where you can dive into your book without distractions.

Remember, the goal is to enjoy the reading journey. So, adjust and tweak your reading schedule as needed until it feels just right.

4 | Start small

If you’re just getting back into reading or trying to make it a regular habit, don’t feel pressured to start with thick novels or challenging books. Instead, opt for shorter reads like novellas or short story collections.

Not only will they be easier and quicker to get through, but they can also introduce you to new authors and genres that you may not have considered before

5 | Read in different formats

Don’t limit yourself to just one format when it comes to reading. Mix it up by trying out ebooks, audiobooks, or even graphic novels. Each format offers a unique reading experience that can keep things fresh and exciting.

6 | Start reading new genres

It’s easy to stick with what you know and love when it comes to reading. But don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone and try new genres. You never know, you might find a new favorite book or author!

To get you started, here are a few of my all-time favorite genres to dive into!

7 | Follow the 50-page rule

If you’re struggling to get into a book, give it 50 pages before deciding whether or not to continue reading. Sometimes books can start slow but pick up later on, so don’t give up too quickly!

But remember, life is too short to waste time on books that don’t interest you. If after 50 pages you’re still not invested in the story or characters, it’s okay to put the book down and move on to something else.

8 | Make reading social

Reading doesn’t have to be a solitary activity. Joining a book club or participating in online book discussions can add a fun and social element to your reading experience.

You can also connect with other readers on platforms like Bookstagram (bookish side of Instagram), where you can share your love for books and discover new recommendations.

9 | Start tracking your reading

Keeping track of the books you’ve read can be a fun and satisfying way to see how much you’ve accomplished.

You can use a reading journal, tracking apps, or even Goodreads (a social media platform for book lovers) to log your reads, set reading goals, and connect with other readers.

10 | Create a cozy reading nook

Lastly, having a designated reading spot can make the experience even more enjoyable. Create a comfortable and inviting space with your favorite pillows, blankets, and snacks.

Whether it’s a cozy corner in your room or an outdoor reading hammock, having a special place to curl up with a book can enhance the overall reading experience.

Did you discover how to become an avid reader?

As you can see, becoming an avid reader is not about forcing yourself to sit down and read for hours on end.

It’s about finding joy and fulfillment in the act of reading.

Whether it’s through exploring different genres, joining a book club, tracking your reads, or creating a cozy reading nook, there are endless ways to make reading a part of your daily life.

So why not pick up a book and give it a try? Who knows, you may just discover your new favorite hobby.

Have any other tips or tricks for becoming an avid reader? Share them with us in the comments below!

FAQ

Is it too late to become an Avid reader?

Absolutely not! It’s never too late to dive into the world of books and become an avid reader. Reading is a timeless hobby that can be picked up at any stage of life.

If you’re new to reading or have taken a hiatus, it’s totally fine. The world of books welcomes everyone with open arms, regardless of where you are in your reading journey.

And remember, it’s not a race—it’s about enjoying each page turn and getting lost in the captivating stories that each book has to offer.

Do avid readers live longer?

Well, the answer is yes – according to several studies, they do! Reading has been linked to a longer lifespan, with a Yale University study. If you read for 3 1/2 hours a week, you’ll be 17 percent less likely to kick the bucket in the next 12 years compared to those who don’t read at all.

Isn’t that fantastic?

So, not only does reading transport us to new worlds, improve our vocabulary, and increase our empathy, but it could also add years to our life!

Just another wonderful reason to get lost in a good book, don’t you think?

How many books makes you an Avid reader?

That’s a tricky one! While there’s no set number to earn yourself the title of an “avid reader”, it really does depend on your personal pace and love for reading. Most avid readers aim for 50 or more books a year.

But remember, it’s not about the quantity, it’s about the quality. So whether you read 10 books or 100 books a year, as long as you’re truly enjoying and immersing yourself in each one, then you can definitely consider yourself an avid reader!

How much do Avid readers read per day?

Well, the amount of reading can vary greatly from person to person, but many avid readers manage to squeeze in around 1 to 2 hours of reading each day. That could be a few chapters in the morning with a cuppa, 20 minutes snatched during lunch, or an hour or so before bedtime to unwind from the day.

Whether you’re spending 15 minutes or 5 hours reading, as long as you’re immersing yourself in the words on the page, you’re doing great!