In 2014, I set a goal for myself to read 100 books. I kept a piece of paper on the wall and wrote down each book title I read. By the end of the year, I had 76 books on that list. Even though I fell short of my goal, which I later realized was nearly impossible, I still felt a strong sense of pride and content. I felt this way because I spent time that year doing something that I truly loved - reading - and it was as simple as that.
For the next four years, things changed. As I entered high school, I stopped reading as much due to the amount of work I had. I even created a Book Club to bring together a community to read together. I kept telling myself that if I truly loved reading so much, then I should make time for it.
It wasn't until the summer of 2018 did I fall in love again with reading. After I got a Kindle Paperwhite and discovered that you could borrow e-books from the library, I started reading non-stop. Before bed, on the bus, in the car, on the beach - everywhere. My Goodreads goal was set to 25 books for the year - I'm already at 24.
When school started I thought my workload was going to slow me down - it didn't. I have my book or Kindle with me everywhere I go, I read when I'm on the bus and subway and when I'm waiting for either of them, I read in the awkward amount of time before class starts, and when I'm in line for food and coffee, I read before bed and wake up with my Kindle next to me, and sometimes read my book when I'm walking home.
For most people in our technology-obsessed world, their smartphones are like extensions of their bodies, but for me? Whatever book I'm reading, whether it's a physical copy or on my Kindle, becomes the extension of my arm.
The point is if you're a bibliophile like me and having trouble making time to get back into the habit of reading, take advantage of the technology we have today. You're always in the car? Join Audible and download audiobooks. Can't find something you would like? Check out book websites such as Bookriot and Bustle. Want to keep up to date on new releases? Subscribe to subscription boxes such as Book of the Month and more. Don't want to spend too much money? Borrow books electronically and read them right from your laptop! And your local library and the university library are waiting to be taken advantage of! The options are limitless and the literary scene is thriving and exciting!
Happy Reading!
