Are you tired of feeling like your love for reading has faded into the background, overshadowed by the endless scroll of social media and daily distractions? It’s time to reignite that passion with simple yet powerful habits that can transform your relationship with books. Inspired by Emma Loffhagen’s insightful piece on rediscovering reading (The one change that worked: I was lost in the infinite scroll – until a small ritual renewed my love of reading, 6 October, The Guardian), I’ve adopted a ritual that has become my morning anchor. A few years ago, I found myself trapped in a cycle of procrastination, endlessly scrolling through feeds instead of diving into my writing. That’s when I stumbled upon the concept of ‘morning pages’—a practice of daily reflection and free-writing. I adapted it by asking myself two questions each morning: ‘What did I read today?’ and ‘What are my thoughts on it?’ This simple act not only gives my scrolling a purpose but also primes my mind for the day’s writing. But here’s where it gets controversial: Is structured reading a necessity, or does it strip away the joy of spontaneity? Let me know your thoughts in the comments!
For Rachel Amphlett in Poole, Dorset, reading is a deliberate, unhurried journey. She jots down unfamiliar words, pauses to ponder phrases, and embraces books that veer off the beaten path. Her favorite? Orbital, the 2024 Booker Prize winner—a testament to her eclectic taste. And this is the part most people miss: Slow reading isn’t about speed; it’s about depth. Rachel’s approach challenges the notion that reading must be efficient to be meaningful. Meanwhile, Pam Connor in Belconnen, Australia, grapples with the pace of her new book club, which demands one book a month—a stretch for her slow-reading style. Her commitment to savoring every page raises a question: Are we sacrificing quality for quantity in our reading habits?
James Mitchell-White from Nottingham takes a unique twist on this theme. Instead of noting unfamiliar words, he creates flashcards from nonfiction tidbits—like why medieval Florence restricted building heights. Here’s the kicker: Does memorizing trivia enhance understanding, or does it clutter the mind? James argues it adds context, but what do you think? Is his method genius or overkill? Share your take below. Whether you’re a speed reader, a slow ponderer, or somewhere in between, these habits offer a roadmap to rekindle your love for reading. But remember, the key isn’t just to read more—it’s to read better. So, which habit will you try first? And which one do you think is overrated? Let’s debate!
