Want to read more books? Follow these tips

Glibly, I could say that I manage it because my standards of housework are exceedingly low. But I know that won’t help you very much, so let me be more specific. We all have limited time on this earth. Here’s how to fit more reading into your schedule, no matter how busy:

1. Choose your material carefully.

Don’t regard reading as a vegetable that you have to choke down because it’s good for you. Make it cheesecake by focusing on books that you love. If this limits you to Harlequin romances, so be it. Once the habit is established, you can stretch yourself to other genres, but get the habit nailed first. Don’t start with Moby Dick if whales aren’t your thing. Me? I have a taste for literary fiction and memoir. I’m also interested in neuroscience and productivity. I dislike science fiction and most fantasy and I refuse to believe that makes me a lesser human being. Not that I think any less of you for liking sci-fi or fantasy. Remember: “De gustibus non est disputandum.” Translated from the Latin, that means, “In matters of taste there can be no dispute.” If you look forward to your reading you’re going to do it more often. I love books that get me so engaged I feel as though I’m watching a movie, or better, as though I’m a fly on the wall in someone else’s really interesting life. I fear that when I close the covers I’m going to miss something. This is what brings me back to reading.