Have you always longed to be the aesthetic, mysterious person who always seems to be reading a book, drinking your morning coffee with your noise-canceling headphones on because ‘don’t talk to me until I have my coffee’ and ‘people don’t understand me as books do’?

Yeah me neither but I have wanted to rediscover the joy of reading nonetheless. To be honest I have only “unlocked the magic of reading” for like 2 weeks max but that’s irrelevant because now I can share my reading tips with you! And guess what, you are reading this right now so you are on the right path, well done.

I suppose I will also be kind and drop a few book recommendations but it really does depend on your reading style so don’t be detered if they aren’t interesting you because the right book is out there. You just gotta keep looking.

Now that cringey part is behind us, let’s start to fall in love with books again!

Ask Yourself:

Hard-copy or kindle?

Hard-copy

Before I started reading again, I always thought that I was a hard-copy gal because, in my unpopular opinion, the cover was everything and if it looked nice on the shelf, it was good enough for me. Another great thing about hard copies is that you get that new book smell! Is there anything better? Well, yes actually. The bookstore has that smell plus an array of pristine books and, let’s be real, there is nothing better than a day spent there. It’s so nostalgic. Plus I think it’s important to support shops like that which may not get the attention they deserve

Some problems you might face though is they are slightly more expensive and depending on what store you go into you may not find the exact book you are looking for. They are also just a bit heavier to bring with you so that’s something to consider when going on holiday or when you are bringing your things in a bag because they take up a lot of room. You may also not be able to get a bookshop, but that isn’t really a barrier because a lot have online stores, such as Waterstones, or you can obviously buy on Amazon

Kindle

I suppose I started getting into a Kindle because it has cheaper books, but also to save paper and the environment. I’m not sure if it really has that much of an impact but that was my thinking. I just found that a Kindle was more convenient as well. You can bring it on holiday, you can read in the dark, and you can carry it in your bag without it taking up too much space. It’s just cute and I feel like a hardcore reader. I also tend to be someone who is like “How far into this book am I?” or “How long is this chapter?” and the Kindle is able to tell me instead of me having to flick through the pages

On the other hand, I do miss having my colorful bookshelf put on display to present my reading era. Plus it doesn’t compare to holding a new book and, again, THE SMELL. You could also argue that actual books don’t need charged, or a wifi connection, and you can sell them off afterward so it isn’t actually that expensive, but that’s easy to get past anyways by downloading the books or keeping it on airplane mode to save the battery. I have found the battery life is really great though.

Why do I want to rediscover the joy of reading?

Asking yourself this question is really important because at some point you are gonna be like “I can’t even be bothered reading, what’s the point?” And that is fine like the goal is to really enjoy reading, not make it a chore.

The answer I found for myself was to allow myself to kind of “escape” into a new world. I know I literally sound like an enlish teacher and trust me I am throwing up in my mouth right now, but unfortunately it’s true. I like to see how I still have an imagination and can stop thinking about the world out there which, I don’t know if you’ve realised, is pretty shocking.

But it’s important to find your reason to help keep you motivated. Maybe it’s just to lower your screen time, or you want to improve your vocabulary. Maybe you want to stay in the loop with all the popular books your friends are talking about or people mention on TikTok. It could be anything.

When am I going to read?

You may not be as freaking annoying or particular about this as me, but I feel like I need to set a time when I need to read. I need to timetable it so that I actually do it instead of saying “ok in five minutes” or “I’ll read after I do this” because then I never do it. You can get a little habit diary also or a wee calendar to help visualize and get that extra motivation to get on top of your goal. I know that’s what I love to do. One of my recommendations is “Once Upon a Tuesday” so you can go check them out.

And for all my eco-conscious kindle people out there, the paper and packaging is 100% recycled, recyclable and plastic free! So check it out!

Where am I going to read?

I feel this is important tip for starting to enjoy reading again because you want to be free from any distractions that might stop you from fully concentrating on the book. I mean it doesn’t mean you have to drive to the closest library or hide in any empty closet just to get away from the kids (although I wouldn’t judge) but just get a comfortable place where you don’t need to worry about what is happening in work or whether people are gonna be constantly moving in and out.

It might also be helpful to get into the reading mindset whenever you go there so you kinda train yourself to read subconsiously.

And if you didn’t pick a place and just started reading in the middle of the busiest room of your house or in the most uncomfortable chair, you may not be able to fully get into the book and then you’ll not have the desire to do it again. So make the experience as nice as possible so you actually look forward to doing it again.

For me, I read in my bed with my reading pillow, a cuppa tea, and my dog beside me (Although she snores really loudly so I might need to invest in some noise-canceling headphones)

how much will I make myself read?

Setting yourself a sort of “must read” amount will help to get you going. You don’t have to make it too ambitious because this is gonna be for those days where you can’t be arsed to read anything. For example, you tell yourself you have to read at least one page everyday.

Maybe some days you’ll be like “This is slay, I can’t wait to read” while other days you might be like “I acc don’t want to do this” but then you made a promise with yourself to read at least one page so you do that and surprise surprise, you want to read more. So by telling yourself I have to read one page you are allowing yourself to take it easy while still trying, but opening yourself up to doing more.

It’s getting started that I find the hardest. Kinda like with literally everything else in life 🙂

What genre do I like?

I don’t know why, but I always felt like if I was gonna read something it would have to teach me something and make me smarter. But, while normal stories don’t make you less smart, I realized that I wouldn’t read at all. It is kinda a bit ironic because I thought I will only read to learn, but then it made it into a chore and it was so much harder to get into so I wouldn’t read anything and at the end of the day reading crap is better than not reading at all because it can help with your imagination and your language and blah blah blah, but it is also something quite fun (and quirky) to do.

So what I’m tryna get at is find the kind of books that you genuinely enjoy and not ones you feel you have to enjoy because it’s gonna make enjoying to read so much harder and in reality reading fiction is still a great thing to do. At least that’s what my mum told me…

For me, I don’t know the name of the genre I like but I like life stories. I suppose similarly to my blog (lol) I like reading about stories that could be true and just tell the story of someone or a particular point in their life. Maybe the right word is a story from the perspective of the protagonist and how they face things. It’s weird because I don’t like autobiographies or stuff like that, so maybe it’s thrillers I like, but I will leave a few book recommendations of what I like to read so you can tell me what that type of genre is then.

Where can I get books?

I suppose I already answered this but there are also some free ways to get books that I think a lot of people, including myself, forget about.

You’ve obviously got the classic bookshops like Waterstones. There are also online stores like Amazon where you can buy the Kindle version or hard copy.

But some hidden gems for books include charity shops. While it may seem the exact opposite of the “new book” feel, it is exciting because firstly, it’s cheaper, but also you get a whole array of different books you probably haven’t heard of. So it isn’t basically a fyp of books that are just trendy but not actually good, you get more of a discovery page vibe where you can discover different stories you’ve never heard of. They tend to be the best books honestly. It also makes a good day trip with friends.

Lastly, the option we all forget about for some reason, the library. Literally that b!tch is free and we just ignore it like it’s the dishes. I mean what else could you ask for? Plus the vibes are excellent and can count as your place for reading. What is more mysterious and quirky than reading in a library?! Literally nothing.

Do I have any Book-besties?

This might be one of the nerdiest things I’ve ever put in my blog (not that it’s a bad thing) so sorry for instantly putting you all off reading, but put your ego aside for a second because I have an explanation. Having someone that also loves to read or wants to fall in love with reading again is very helpful to stay on top of things.

Not only can you get recommendations about books but it also means you can talk with them about what you read so you get more excited to finish the book and hear their thoughts. It’s also nice to feed off their excitement to read because it’s kind of like a good influence. If you don’t have book-besties that’s totally ok.

It’s not like you have to join a book club if you don’t want to but it may be something to think about and if you realize you do then slay, but if you realize you don’t it’s no big deal! You can still do this.

How will I motivate myself to keep reading?

What will your reward be? What will you allow yourself to do after each time you read or after a full month of daily reading? It could be buying yourself a Kindle (which is, in my opinion, a smart investment) or maybe getting yourself your fav chocolate bar.

I don’t know what keeps you going, but whatever it is, tell yourself that if you achieve this goal you’ll get it!

Make it a big reward, make it a part of something that you will get the rest of when you reach your next goal. Be fun with it because whatever it is you deserve!

Book Recommendations

It’s important that you look for new authors and titles so keep an open mind and be willing to try something new, besides, you can just put it back if it isn’t your cuppa tea.

Book REcommendation #1: The Midnight Library

Fun fact, this is the book that actually helped me to fall in love with reading again. It isn’t too long but you can still get to know the character really well. Again, as I said, I enjoy books that develop the plot more than the detail of the character because I find those books are really best for English students who die for every full stop. But obviously, what helps you to read is perfect.

It may seem like it gets a bit boring in the middle of it, but once you start to think that, you eventually find yourself getting drawn back in because that’s when everything switches up. It’s quite an easy read in terms that it kinda lays it out for you, but there are a few hard topics. Still, though I really enjoyed it and finished it in no time.

Book REcommendation #2: The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo

A few weeks ago I had never heard of this book. Now, I can’t stop hearing about it. Every time I even say “I’m reading The-” they cut me off like “SEVEN HUSBANDS OF EVELYN HUGO?! I LOVE THAT BOOK” and I’m just standing there like, ok.

Then they’ll go on to talk about how it is their favorite book ever. I have to say I am in the middle of it right now and honestly it’s starting to live up to the hype. Even my book besties who actually are book addicts love it. It’s a great genre (drama or thriller I suppose) and is very much plot-based but also very much character-based, if you get me.

I feel like I know the characters well already and it’s easy to imagine what everything looks and feels like which is quite fun.

Book Recommendation #3: Noughts and crosses

When I tell you what “Noughts and Crosses” are about you will likely think it’s a bit too deep or hard-hitting to read but the thing is, it is so good and there is a series of 4 books so I mean it’s pretty successful. The main idea of it is racism, terrorism, and prejudice and it tells it all through this beautiful story written by Malorie Blackman.

And I know what you thinking, “This white girl reading about racism? She is just tryna look woke” but no literally for real someone bought me this book because they had read it plus it’s turning into a BBC program. It also isn’t too political and aggressive, it is more just part of the plot and the actual storyline is very unique and easy to read. I have them all as a hardcopy because, that’s what they were gifted to me as, but also the covers are kinda satisfying.

Book recommendation #4: The silent patient

I’m not gonna lie to you, I have not actually read this one yet, but I do in fact have it on my “to read” list. I still wanted to mention it though because so many people have said it is their favorite book ever. All I know is that it’s won lots of prizes and it’s also big on TikTok, I don’t know if that’s convincing or not. It’s a thriller/crime book by the sound of things. It’s also being made into a movie which is a great sign!

This is the blurb given on Amazon:

“Alicia Berenson lived a seemingly perfect life until one day six years ago.

When she shot her husband in the head five times.

Since then she hasn’t spoken a single word.

It’s time to find out why.“

I don’t know about you, but that sounds pretty damn good. Bit of a mystery vibe. I would also try to hype it up by saying it is a New York Times Best Seller, but then again my p5 diary would probably get that award.

Really though, why does every single book get awarded with the New York Times Best Seller? Who even gives a crap now?

But anyways, if you are reading this, I haven’t finished it so try at your own risk but I have heard a lot of great things and I already got the Kindle version ready to read after my current book. But as soon as I finish it I shall update the post, so make sure to subscribe so you know when this updates so I can give you the real scoop.

See if it meets the Periodt Best Seller criteria! *mic drop*

Final Comments

Anywho, obviously I am also at the start of my reading journey so at the moment the book recommendations are limited however I don’t want to list a bunch of books that I don’t know are good or not in order to spare you guys the cash or boredom of a bad book. But I shall be updating this every time I finish a book to give a little review and help you out there who are starting or trying to keep themselves going through their journey of loving to read again.

But guess what, if you have got to this bit, you have already started! So well done and keep it going!

Please help out by leaving a comment with any of your book recommendations to help your other friends reading this and wanting to find the perfect book to get them started. Or, if you have any tips to stay motivated please comment below too. I want everyone to rediscover the joy of reading like I have.

But to end off, I hope you enjoyed this post and found it useful. Don’t forget to like and subscribe for more. Also, before I forget and get my ass sued, some of these links are in fact affiliate links meaning that, at no extra cost to you, I may get a commission on any purchases which can help me to fund this blog and keep it going. But don’t worry, this doesn’t affect my judgment and my reviews are always 100% honest.

Plus, if you wanna help out a little more that is literally the most slay thing ever and you can do that by donating as much or as little as you like here, or if you like me and don’t trust links, scroll down a wee bit and you’ll see the donate section. Thank you!

I hope you have a great day, stay safe and stay yourself PERIODT.

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