How I Became A Reader
And why you should too!
Five years ago, if you would’ve asked me my idea of a perfect nightcap it would’ve been a glass of merlot and a true crime documentary. Now, while life isn’t too far off from that, as I’ve evolved into my late 20s — caffeine after 3, or alcohol after 8 is looking like a mighty terrible idea, unless I’m begging for heart burn.
My evenings now look much more my speed. Curled up on the left side of the couch, watching some sort of YouTuber post dinner with my husband and our pups. When my husband’s hand reaches for the Play Station controller, I know, it’s Kindle time.
The couch routine came later. First, I had to actually become someone who reads.
High school surely didn’t pique my reading interest. If anything, it probably turned me off. I wasn’t a lover of Hamlet or Animal Farm. In fact, for years after high school, you’d find books gathering dust wherever they resided within my reach.
It started as a challenge in 2025. Read 15 books. What seemed simple enough proved to be difficult off the bat.
I began with reading at night. 10 pages. In the beginning, those 10 pages felt like a stretch. Yet nightly I stuck to the ritual. Sometimes more pages (not often), and some less. I made the ritual special.
Pajamas on, skincare done, tea brewed, home ‘cleaned and closed’ for the night. Into bed I went, lit my yummy smelling vanilla candle, and cracked my book.
Eventually, I finished the book. All whopping 256 pages. The book? Home Is Where the Bodies Are, by Jeneva Rose — honestly, pretty good book.
In sticking with this habit I learned a few things. First, I was darn proud of finishing it. Reading became a relaxing way to unwind without any screen time. And maybe most importantly, it opened my eyes to the thriller genre. As someone who loved true crime forever and a day, I realized I don’t always have to be chasing faith based books or self help reads. The ‘should be’ books could wait. It was time to stop shelving DNFs and actually add some finished books to my Goodreads. In my preferred genres, on my own terms.
Over the next few days, Goodreads became my social media platform of choice, adding all the books possible that seemed my taste so that come Friday, when me and my husband went to Barnes and Nobles, I could snag a few and get to reading.
I did just that. I read another book, and soon after, in hopes to listen while multitasking, I quickly became an Audible subscriber as well. I finished 2025 with 20 books. Enjoying the accomplishment, and the stories of all the pages.
There was something cool about tracking stats on apps, and seeing all of what I had run through that year. My Christmas present was a Kindle even, which was something that “I didn’t need because I loved the feeling of a real book,” but in all honesty? It ended up being cheaper in the long run (thank you goodness, Kindle Unlimited + discounts), and the ease is unmatched.
What Actually Helped Me Reach Reading Goals:
Bring your book/Kindle everywhere. Yes, everywhere. This has included me being someone who when my husband is pumping gas? I’m squeezing in whatever paragraphs I can. Reading > scrolling (this rule has cut down my screen time majorly)
Be quick to add a book to your DNF (do not finish) list. I use to feel so guilty. If I was even as long as 20 pages in, I had this odd obligation to finish, so it would drag on forever. Now? If I don’t enjoy a book within the first chapter or two, it’s done
Acquire allotted reading slots. My favorites? Habit stacking in the morning and evening. In the morning, when reading my coffee, I’ll typically get through a chapter or two, book dependent. Of course the evening is when I thrive — see above routine
Immersive reading!! Honestly one of my biggest tips. I absolutely adore pairing a read with an audiobook — extra points if you pair the book with situational (ie, if it’s going to be a stormy weekend, I love finding a book that matches the vibe)
Create a routine around reading if it’s not your beloved habit yet. Reward yourself!! Make your favorite cozy drink. Wear the best pajamas. Do a face mask. Make reading your version of sexy!!
I love the nightstand theory too. This is just a me thing. I love the aesthetic of a nightstand. All your essentials by where you start your mornings, and end your nights — a book, or Kindle there always is a great reminder to always begin and end with a few pages
Looking for some good recs to shop? On my Amazon storefront I have my favorites easily linkable to buy — take a peek!
Walking into 2026, I didn't want this hobby to die. In fact, I became the friend who began giving old books to friends and family, swapping recommendations with my mother in law, and loving Barnes and Nobles dates. I’ve slowed down in moments of my day to read, rather than scroll. I find myself getting lost in books. Some only 2/5, but others loved beyond measures.
My family is always joking about how they envy me for “being able to read” or my husband talks about wanting to pick it up the way I find it relaxing. In reflection, I wondered what was the key to making me a reader.
I was seeking an inner peace, away from the world. Not to disconnect from it, but just to bring me inward enough within my four walls to turn the light off for the night.
So I’ll happily curl up, with a good blanket, my Kindle, and some rowdy male banter via Play Station in the background. So long as I am off my phone, and presently adding towards my 2026 reads….I’m a happy girl.
love this!!! but girl, DNF shelving after the first/second chapter? hahahha you do not play!