Top Tips on How to Read More Books

Ali AbdaalAbout 2 min readAug 18, 2025Watch original
THE SUMMARYAI-generated

Key Concepts:

  • Kindle for bedside reading
  • Audible for fiction and non-fiction audiobooks
  • Abandoning boring books
  • Removing "should" from reading
  • Reading for enjoyment

1. Bedside Kindle Reading:

The speaker emphasizes the importance of incorporating reading into a nightly routine. They specifically mention having a Kindle on their bedside table, which allows for approximately 30 minutes to 1 hour of reading before going to sleep. This consistent habit contributes significantly to their overall reading volume.

2. Audible for On-the-Go Reading (Fiction and Non-Fiction):

The speaker utilizes Audible to consume both fiction and non-fiction books. They keep one of each type active at all times. This strategy allows them to leverage waiting periods or downtime by listening to audiobooks, choosing between fiction and non-fiction based on their mood or preference at the moment.

3. Abandoning Boring Books:

A key point is the permission to abandon books that are not enjoyable. The speaker explicitly states, "It's totally okay to abandon a book if you start reading it and you get bored." They further elaborate that it's acceptable to skim, skip chapters, or discontinue reading altogether if the book fails to hold their interest.

4. Removing the "Should" from Reading:

The speaker argues against the notion that one "should" read more. They believe that imposing a sense of obligation on reading diminishes the enjoyment derived from it. The speaker states, "generally when you put a should on anything, it sucks the fun out of the thing."

5. Reading for Enjoyment:

The most crucial advice is to prioritize reading books that are personally enjoyable. The speaker explicitly states, "just focus on reading books that you enjoy." They even acknowledge that it's perfectly acceptable to read "trashy fiction books" if that's what brings pleasure. The idea is that reading for enjoyment can then lead to broadening one's horizons into other genres.

Synthesis/Conclusion:

The speaker's tips for reading more books revolve around making reading accessible, enjoyable, and free from obligation. By using a Kindle for nightly reading, leveraging Audible for on-the-go listening, abandoning unenjoyable books, and focusing on reading for pleasure, individuals can cultivate a more consistent and fulfilling reading habit. The core message is to prioritize enjoyment and remove any self-imposed pressure to read specific types of books.

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