A couple of weeks ago, I posted my summer reading list for 2018. I got a lot of enthusiastic responses, especially on Facebook! (Did you know I have a Facebook page? Follow here for all things books, reading and writing.) But one friend said something that gave me pause. She told me, “People are going to be wondering how you’re going to read that many books.” She’s got a point. I’ve already acknowledged that my list is ambitious– 37 books is a big number, even for me. But I’m not simply casting that number out into the darkness without a plan. I already have systems in place for how I can find the time, money, and energy to read all of those books. That’s what I’m going to share with you today: my pro tips for a full summer of reading, reading, reading.

This post isn’t really about what to read– but if you’re having trouble making a book list and you haven’t yet signed up for The Perspective Post, good news! In the first issue, I offer all my readers a free, personalized book recommendation. Sign up now!

First pro tip: If you don’t want to read the full post (hey, maybe you’d rather get back to the novel you’re reading) check out the pro tips under each category for a concise, actionable suggestion.

Time

My reading time is so ingrained that at this point, it feels as essential as food or sleep. At certain times of day, I get hungry for a book, just as I get hungry for snacks and meals. In the summer, because I have fewer obligations, that reading time gets extended. I can feast all day!

I read hardcovers or paperbacks in the evenings before bed. It is highly unusual for me to skip this activity; even on a late night, I read a few pages before sleeping. In the summers, I can read later, because I don’t have to get up quite as early (though I still do set an alarm, in order to get good-quality writing time in before my kids wake up).

I also am still nursing my daughter three times a day, so that’s when I make headway on my Kindle books. I get compliments on the fact that I’m still nursing, and I am glad my daughter is receiving the extended benefits, but in truth, it’s completely selfish: I can’t give up those quiet moments with baby and book!

I don’t get quite as much audiobook time over the summer because I don’t have a commute, but I do use Audible while doing household chores and taking walks. I’m going to be using Audible quite a bit for my son this summer, too: he’s starting to get interested in longer reading experiences, and I’m looking forward to listening with him while we play or color or have snack.

Added to the above, I read a lot on vacations, both while relaxing by the lake or the beach, and during long car trips. I can sometimes get through 4-5 books a week during vacations.

Reading pro tip: Find an extra time slot to carve into your day for reading. Make it a summer habit! The more you read, the hungrier you’ll get for good books. You’ll also become a faster reader. 

Money

Books aren’t free. I’ve been reading a lot more new releases in the past couple of years, and I don’t usually want to wait until they’re released in paperback. But I do have a few tricks to make it affordable to read 37 books– mostly new– in a season.

• Most obviously: use the library. Get to know your local branch as well as the online catalog and e-book lending system, then put holds on the newer books early in the season. You have to be willing to wait for some, but if you’re part of a big enough system, it’s usually quicker than you’d expect. The only problem is when all of your holds come in at once!
• Ask for books as gifts. My birthday is mid-summer, and I always score a few hardcovers off my generous dad! The key to this is having a list ready for people who ask. Goodreads and Amazon Wish Lists are great places to direct gift-givers.
• Do a book swap with another reader with similar taste. If you each buy a new release, you can swap them after you’ve finished. Even if you have to mail it, the postage will be less than buying a new book.
• Join Audible for a discount on new audiobooks. They have several plans that are comparable or less than monthly music subscriptions, and will keep you entertained just as long. You can also pause your account if you find you’re not listening as much.
• If you don’t have a specific book list, get to know your local used bookstores or library book sales. You’ll often find great classics or new releases that were popular a year or two ago.
• Lastly, if you do spend money on a hardcover, try to buy it from one of your local (preferably independent) bookstores. That way, you’re not only getting a great read, you’re also supporting your local book community– not to mention the hardworking author.

Reading pro tip: Plan ahead and use your library, used sales, local bookstores, and generous gift-givers as resources. Make a list on Goodreads so you’re prepared with titles that excite you, or be open to new books while browsing.

Energy

Like any project, reading your way through a long list can, at least theoretically, lead to burnout. I avoid this in two ways. First, I don’t force myself to read a book if I’m not enjoying it. I give it a chance (50 pages or 20% is a rule of thumb) but if I can’t find a reason to keep reading, I’ll abandon it. Second, I read multiple books at the same time. Some books are fast reads, and some are slow; some are better via audio, and some are better in paperback. It’s taken some time for me to get the right balance, but I’m now at the point where I’m typically reading anywhere from 4-6 books at a time, generally in different genres and methods. That way, I can pick up whatever suits my mood and environment at the time.

Reading pro tip: Don’t forget that reading is supposed to be fun! If you’re getting frustrated with your reading life, try a creative approach. Browse the library and pick up a book from five different categories. Or only allow yourself to choose a book whose author’s name starts with the letter E!

What are your best “pro tips” for getting the most out of your reading life? I’d love to hear your thoughts!