How To Read More & What I Read In May

*gifted items and affiliate links

Hi mates, it's been a while! 

So, I've had quite a few requests to create a blog post all about how I read so much. Don't get me wrong there are loads of people out there that read way more than me. But I average 4 books a month, however with lockdown in the UK I've been able to rack up my monthly average. 

Let's just jump straight in to how I read as much as I do.

1 ~ Choose books you WANT to read

This sounds super obvious, however I myself have been known to follow book trends and pick up a book because it's all over the gram, or because my favourite influencer has told me to read it. Doing so can result in books you just don't get in the flow of reading and books you don't want to actively pick up. 

Know what genres you like to read. Know what authors you like and do some digging to make sure you pick wisely. Sometimes you will be disappointed with a book that you feel you should of enjoyed, because that's just how it goes but choosing more wisely is key.

2 ~ Audiobooks to continue reading or read two books at a time

Personally I like to have a serape audiobook on the go at the same time as reading a book physically. In the current pandemic situation I listen to audiobooks when I clean, go for my daily walks or when I'm in the bath. Then on the other hand some people choose to listen to the book they're reading and chop and change, meaning they wiz through the book quicker and focus on one book at a time. 

I'm a huge fan of the Audible app as well as using my library Libby app. Both of which are great and would highly recommend! 

3 ~ Find a time when you enjoy reading and put reading into your daily schedule 

Fo me, I'm a morning and daytime reader more so than in the evening. My boyfriend goes to work for 6am; so I get up with him, make myself a peppermint tea and head back to bed to read until 8am/8:30 before starting work for 9:30am. 

Not an morning person? No problem. Instead of scrolling on social media in the evening, whilst sitting in front of the TV. Take yourself away, get ready for bed and set yourself up for an hour or so reading time away from your phone. When you get into a flow and a routine of reading at the same time every day, it becomes easier and easier. 

When I read on my lunch break, or have a day off, I read in my reading corner that's situated in the living room. It's cosy, comfortable and a place I associate with reading. 

4 ~ Get yourself on Goodreads 

Why did it take me until this year to get myself on Goodreads? It's flipping amazing! 

You can follow authors, other readers and take a look at what they're reading. I like to follow people who enjoy the same type of books as me as you can get inspired and find your next read super easily. 

Within your profile you can create different shelves. For example, I have a 'Currently Reading' shelf, a 'Read' shelf and a 'Want To Read' shelf. And if you're still on the fence, the app links up to your kindle (if thats how you enjoy reading) making the synch super super easy. 

5 ~ Set yourself A Target 

Some people really don't get on with setting a target because they feel too much pressure. Me on the other hand (the long lost sister of Monica Geller) loves a challenge and a target to work towards. You can set yourself a target on Goodreads and when you complete a book, it shows you visually on a bar how close you are to achieving your target for the year. LOVE THIS and it really spurs me on.

Currently when writing this, my 2020 reading challenge is at 32/50... 13 books ahead of schedule. 

I'd also like to add that getting ahead of your challenge helps you when or if you get into a reading slump, with the last thing you want to do is read. 

Now on to what I read in May....

• The Switch * by Beth O'Leary (audio on Audible)
• The Dutch House * by Ann Patchett gifted by The Tandem Collective
• My Dark Vanessa * by Kate Elizabeth Russell
• The Wall * by John Lancaster 
• The Last * by Hannah Jameson (audio on Libby app)
• Olive * by Emma Gannon (proof copy from the publisher)
• Daisy Jones & The Six * by Taylor Jenkins Reid *re-read (audio on Libby app)
• Frostheart * by Jamie Littler (audio on Libby app)
• If I can't Have You * by Charlotte Levin (proof copy from the publisher)
• The Love Square * by Laura Jane Williams (proof copy from the publisher)

For my star ratings, follow me on Insta and check our my stories/highlights, or hit me up on Goodreads and follow me there.

Happy reading my loves!

xoxo