How To Become A Bookworm
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We read every day. From text messages, road signs, package labels, to billboards. If you think about it, we’re all well-read from all the text we get to consume. If we have the stamina to read this much normally, I believe we each have the bandwidth to become a bookworm.
Reading books is intimate and personal. It takes care of your mind and body because you get to stop what you’re doing and just focus on what’s in front of you, and go at your own pace. The book is ready for you to take your time to read it; you set the tone and speed. It’s not like a movie that is a certain amount of minutes, or a game where you have to do multiple things at once — reading is just about you and a book ready to take you away.
You’re here because you’re ready to make a change in your daily life, or maybe to come back to a once beloved activity. You’re probably burnt out by the feeble messaging on social media posts, now you’re looking for a new story that can transport you. You’re looking for a deep take on a subject you’ve wondered about. You’re looking for a way to calm your mind and relax your tense body.
Here are some practical steps in becoming a bookworm:
01 | Start with a grace-filled mindset.
Remove any pressure and expectations you may have set for this journey. Instead, keep your focus on what you’re reading. People become bookworms because they thoroughly enjoy what they’re reading and are comforted by the simple act.
02 | Visit your local library & sign up for a library card.
A lot of libraries have digital library cards as well. You can browse the categories and see what librarians recommend. My favorite app for my local library is Libby. There’s also Overdrive or your local library’s own app. You may download ebooks or audiobooks to read on your phone, computer browser, or tablet as well.
03 | Browse shelves, in person or digitally.
Take your time to sift through paperbacks, hardcovers, bricks or thin reads. Familiarize yourself with new releases, classics, books translated to your language. Once you’ve explored, go back to the books you remember standing out to you the most. Make that your next reading selection.
04 | Carry books with you wherever you go.
Whether it’s a digital or physical copy, keep your current read handy. Having access to it will remind you to read and keep you accountable to what you’re after: to read more. I wouldn’t want you to feel stranded somewhere with the regret of “I could be reading.”
05 | Designate your reading time.
It can be as simple as after you’ve had your breakfast or as strict as 6 p.m. every week day. Make a realistic plan of when you can read and make it to those appointments.
06 | Read with a friend.
Ask a friend if they’d like to read the same book as you and begin a small book club. Having someone to talk to about what you’re reading in real-time makes the story or topic come more alive. You’ll debate, highlight different themes, and get to spend time with a friend.
07 | Annotate what you’re reading.
You don’t have to write in your book – especially don’t if it’s a library book – but use Post-It flags or highlight via your digital app for lines that stand out to you, new ideas, or something you would want to come back to. Annotating helps you to become a critical reader and helps you to remember what you’re reading. The physical act of annotating will make you more present with what you’re reading, too.
08 | Know when to put the book down.
There’s a difference between stopping from reading a book and making the decision to stop reading a book. If you find yourself not enjoying the story, or the writing, or the characters, then it’s okay to put the book down, unfinished. I would say, give at least the first 30-50 pages a chance before you put it down. Again, you want to enjoy what you’re reading, why make it a chore?
