How to read more books? *even if you don’t like reading*

Reading goals fail for a simple reason: chasing numbers turns books into a performance, not a practice. The transcript argues that setting targets like “a book a week” or “52 books a year” often leads people to abandon their plans by March because the pace is unrealistic and the method quietly shifts from deep engagement to quick consumption. In one personal example, a college student hit 54 books in a year by reading every day—but later concluded the focus on quantity crowded out the real purpose of reading: becoming wiser through reflection. When numbers become the priority, readers start selecting shorter, easier books, avoid anything challenging, and end up treating reading like a race. The result is forgettable reading—books finished without lasting insight.

The alternative is to build a system around quality, reflection, and personal fit. Instead of treating books like content to “consume,” the transcript emphasizes taking time to engage: reading slowly, checking reviews or the author’s background, and then writing a brief post-read review or mini-essay to capture the lessons worth remembering. A practical rule of thumb is offered: if someone can’t summarize a book’s key ideas in a couple of minutes after finishing it, they likely didn’t engage deeply enough. The goal isn’t to impress others or boost ego with a tally; it’s to let books shape thinking.

Another major driver of disappointment is following the crowd. The transcript cites a Haruki Murakami quote—“If you only read the books that everyone else is reading, you can only think what everyone else is thinking”—as a warning against trend-chasing on platforms like TikTok and YouTube. A personal phase of BookTok recommendations is described as largely unsuccessful, with many books receiving low ratings because they didn’t match individual taste. The fix is to diversify discovery: ask friends and family, explore forums, use AI for suggestions, browse randomly in bookstores or libraries, and even allow unconventional cues like cover appeal. Importantly, readers aren’t obligated to finish every book; abandoning a poor fit is framed as part of keeping reading enjoyable.

Finally, the transcript reframes reading as something that should feel fun and sustainable, not a chore. If reading feels like work, it may signal the routine needs adjustment: switch from Kindle to physical books, break out of repetitive genres, try graphic novels or comics, or use audiobooks when focus is low. Novelty is presented as the key ingredient for consistency—experiment with new genres, pick random library finds, and stay flexible. Reading becomes a slower, quieter form of satisfaction and a dialogue with the author, making it easier to stick with over time.