17 tiny tactics & tips to read more in 2026

Ideas and recommendations to jumpstart your book-reading engines for the year ahead-- and no, they aren't yet another book club.

Wanting to read more is as classic a resolution as they come, maybe second only to hitting the gym. I’m the wrong person to give advice about hitting the gym, but I can definitely help you read more— over the last few years I’ve ramped myself up towards reading 150+ books each year. It didn’t happen overnight, and I’m not suggesting that you need to do the same, but if you’re looking to go from, say, 2 books in 2025 to 7 books in 2026, or to hit your first Goodreads reading goal… I’ve got you!

1. Set your alarm 30 min earlier. Charge your phone in another room overnight and when the alarm goes off, reach for the book instead of reaching for your phone. (If you need an alarm clock reco, I do this with the Hatch.)

   

2. Romanticize it, a little bit. Would you rather be the person waiting for the cappuccino you just ordered from the coffee shop on your phone? Neck all twisted like a social-media-obsessed gargoyle? Or would you rather be the one sitting up straight, reading something delicious? If it appeals to your vanity to think of it like this— preferring to appear interesting and attractive— then, hey, no one is judging. In this case, ends justify the means.

3. Read what you actually want to read. For a few years, I only read business or self-help books because I viewed reading as a process of extraction, only worthwhile if I emerged smarter or better at my job. My actual enjoyed experience of reading couldn’t be further from that— it was only when I got into beach reads and utter fluff that I found my way back to reading for pleasure and doing so often. Release the shoulds. Read what you want. There is no prize at the heavenly gates for reading only serious or literary books.

   

   

4. I’ve said it before, I’ll say it again: get! a! Kindle! Endless books at your fingertips. Light and always fits in a purse. (The key is never being without it.)

   

5. Invest in a Kindle case that sparks joy. (Some of my favorites.)

6. I was embarrassingly old and well into my reading practice before I downloaded the Libby app. I don’t think I processed how free and easy it was to access library books! If you haven’t done this, now’s your moment.

   

7. Extra credit: a clamp that helps you hold up your Kindle, and one of those clickers to turn the page while you’re in bed or crocheting or something. These seem silly, I know, but I read so much that I’m finally like… you know what… yeah!

8. Or, if print books are the hill you want to die on, invest in a book with a cover that delights you. (I like this one and this one!)

9. A clip-on night light for reading a book! (Some options here.)

10. Get better book recs and more often. I write them monthly here, and I subscribe to great creators who share book recs of their own, like Becca Freeman, Alisha Ramos, Brittany Viklund, Olivia Muenter or Grace Atwood. Get some diversity of taste in your recommendations too! I like a lot of different genres. (As an aside, always looking for creators who share more historical fiction!)

11. Share reading recs with your friends and keep up with their progress on Goodreads or another reading app— being able to talk about what you read or exchange recs makes a solo activity delightfully social.

12. If apps aren’t your thing, track your reading goals on your own— my friend Becca Freeman swears by Kim Peek’s Notion reading tracker to help her remember her in-depth thoughts on what she reads.

    

13. Mark it up. Have trouble staying “in the zone” when you read? Take a pen and underline, circle, scribble around every word.

    

    

14. If you have a bathtub, get in it! And bring that book with you! This would be an insanely delicious way to wind down on a cold winter evening.

15. Find a special candle and light it every time you sit down to read, maybe with a tea that you really love too. Mark it as a little ritual to read your book and feed your brain, and it will start to really feel like one you cherish. (My candle and tea rotation!)

    

16. Embrace parallel play. There’s nothing better than a friendship where I know that we plan to read our Kindles at the bar or café or pool deck together— those are the friends I want to hang or travel with. No pressure.

17. Okay, none of the above even coming close to making a dent? It’s time to get into audiobooks. They’re the only way I make my reading goal of 150 books a year— I listen while I walk my dog, while I cook, and while I do dishes. If you truly have no idle time, say you’re busy with work and caring for kids or other family members… audiobooks are your friend and can be your escape even when you can’t escape! I like Audible, and have a subscription where I get “credits” each month I can cash in for books. Libby plays audiobooks from the library directly in app, and lots of people like Libro.fm as well!

Bonne chance, readers! All the fun images are via my Pinterest. If you’re setting reading goals for the year or have any hopes or resolutions for your reading practice, I want to hear all about ‘em…

You can also always add me on Goodreads here! I post book reviews at the end of each month with a round-up of what books I got into, with full book reviews and recs for paid subscribers. You can check ‘em out here!