“You want weapons? We’re in a library. Books are the best weapon in the world. This room’s the greatest arsenal we could have.” –Doctor Who (The Tenth Doctor)
Some people doom scroll. Some people read. I’ve always enjoyed reading. Before BookTok, Bookish, and Book Dragons, bookworms were associated with libraries, good grades, and a classic in hand. I was a bookworm. Being a bookworm was not a bad thing. I carried my books with me. I had my library card and made my parents drive me to the library every week to replenish my shelves. Think Matilda without the powers, or Rory Gilmore without the private school.
For many reasons, beyond my love and adoration of reading, I was looked at as less social than other girls my age, perhaps a little strange. I am not saying that enjoying books made me bored, or antisocial. I am saying that I discovered worlds within the pages. I was introduced to countless characters who made an impact on my life. I learned life lessons through the actions of others, and I gained knowledge from experts who knew their respective work and fields. I’ve mourned a thousand deaths, and I’ve celebrated thousands of happily ever afters. I’ve embraced the spicy and left my judgment at the cover.
Tips to Get More Reading Time
Being a bookworm means so much more than growing up with books. It means I’ve experienced life through books, and I’ve grown because of books. I dive in headfirst, and I don’t come up for air unless I have to do “real-world adult stuff.” For the record, I am a mom and I run a nonprofit organization. I do have real-world adult stuff to do, but I just prefer to read sometimes.
I try to make as much time to read as I can, but I do make time everyday. If you want to make time to read, here are my top tips.
1. Read before bed. This seems like common sense, but I suggest doing this only when you’re starting a book or finishing a book. Unless it’s a SJM book — the last 100 pages are always just pure chaos, and you will not want to put it down.
2. Read in the parent pick-up line. If you’re the first one in line, great! You have more time to read. If you’re the last one in line, fantastic! You have to wait for everyone to go through. You have time to read.
3. Read before you check your phone in the morning. Set aside time to read 10 pages first thing in the morning. This works really well if you’re reading something spiritual, self-help, or devotional. It’s a great way to get grounded before the day gets going.
4. Turn it into a family affair! Reading doesn’t have to be expensive (even though some social media pages may lead you to believe that). You aren’t limited to buying books. Get a library card and get your little ones library cards, too! Read together before bed or do an evening where you swap a 20-minute episode of TV for a few chapters of a book together.
5. Audiobooks count. I will die on this hill. Although I prefer hard-copy books or my Kindle, I have to accept that not everyone shares that perspective. Audiobooks are a great way to get lost in a different world while you’re keeping up with life and all of your responsibilities. Gym? Audiobook. Driving to the office? Audiobook. Navigating the airport solo? Audiobook.
6. Do it with friends. Join a book club. It sparks conversation.
I don’t belong to a Book Club, but if I did (or if I had my own), the first rule of Book Club is you don’t talk about Book Club.
But look at you… still reading this, you rebel.
