Many people wonder how many books they should read per month to consider themselves enthusiastic readers.
In the U.S., the average person reads about 12 books per year, equating to one book a month. Achieving this monthly goal in Kenya can place you among the top readers in the country.
Reading habits vary widely, with some reading more and others less.
For instance, some avid readers might enjoy 3-4 books monthly, making them dedicated weekend readers. This frequency often ties in with personal reading goals and the joy derived from books.
If you’re aiming to read more, setting a realistic goal based on your schedule can help.
Devoting just 30 minutes a day could allow you to read approximately 33 books a year, significantly increasing your reading habit.
Establishing your reading goals
Setting clear and achievable reading goals helps enhance daily reading habits, promotes personal growth, and ensures reading remains enjoyable.
Knowing your reading speed and being realistic about your targets are essential steps in establishing effective goals.
Understanding individual reading speeds and habits
Every reader’s pace is different.
To figure out your reading speed, consider timing yourself for a few pages or taking a simple online test. This gives you an idea of how many pages you can read in a set amount of time.
For example, if you read 30 pages in 30 minutes, that’s 1 page a minute.
Think about your daily schedule. Do you have a consistent time each day to dedicate to reading? Many find that reading 30 minutes a day is a good starting point. Factor in your existing habits and any time constraints you might have because these can significantly impact your reading goals.
Questions to ask yourself:
- How much free time do I have each day?
- What genres do I enjoy and can consistently read?
- Am I an average reader or a fast reader?
By evaluating these elements, you can tailor your goals to fit your lifestyle and preferences.
Setting realistic targets
Once you know your reading speed, you can set realistic goals.
For instance, if you can read 30 pages an hour and have a daily reading time of 30 minutes, aim for one book a week if it’s approximately 100 pages.
This makes your goal measurable and achievable.
Steps to set realistic targets:
- Define your goal (e.g., read two books a month).
- Break it down into daily tasks (e.g., read 30 pages a day).
Participating in a reading challenge can also provide motivation. Setting milestones and tracking progress can turn reading into a rewarding habit.
Remember to start with smaller targets to ensure success and gradually increase them as you build confidence.
Selecting your reading material
Choosing the right books involves exploring different genres and formats, balancing quality and quantity, and utilizing recommendations and reviews to find the best reads.
These strategies can help readers create a rewarding and engaging reading habit.
Exploring different genres and formats
Reading a variety of genres, such as fiction, non-fiction, mystery, and science fiction, keeps the experience fresh and exciting. It also broadens understanding and empathy by exposing readers to different perspectives.
Novels offer deep dives into characters and plots, while non-fiction books provide knowledge and factual content.
Formats like print, eBook, and audiobooks each have their own benefits. Print books are tactile and can enhance concentration, while eBooks are convenient and portable.
Audiobooks are great for multitasking and can be enjoyed while commuting or exercising. Exploring these different formats can enrich the reading experience.
Balancing quality and quantity
Reading for comprehension and enjoyment is more important than just trying to finish a certain number of books per month.
It’s essential to choose books that are both interesting and well-written, rather than simply aiming to read as many as possible. Quality books contribute more significantly to learning and personal growth.
Goodreads is a useful tool for managing reading lists and tracking progress. It’s also helpful for finding information about books, including reviews and ratings, which aids in selecting high-quality reads.
Social media platforms and book blogs also offer valuable insights and recommendations.
Utilizing recommendations and reviews
Relying on book recommendations and reviews can guide readers to worthwhile reads.
Websites like Goodreads and Book Riot provide extensive lists and user reviews. These can highlight popular and well-loved books across various genres.
These recommendations often help in discovering new authors and books that readers might not have encountered otherwise.
Social media channels, such as book-specific Instagram and X accounts, offer up-to-date suggestions and personal insights from fellow readers.
Following these can keep one informed about trending books and hidden gems.
Also, libraries and bookstores provide curated recommendations that can be explored in person.
Incorporating these resources helps in choosing books that match personal interests and reading habits, leading to a more fulfilling reading experience.
