How to get back into reading
How to get back into reading
With the change from summer to fall, there is no better time to restart the pastime and curl up with a good book.
When members of Syracuse book club Books on Tap get together on Wednesday evenings, they make their way to local breweries with copies of their latest read tucked under their arms.
Books on Tap’s goal is to get people back into reading, creator Alexandra McLelland said.
“A lot of people in the book club have told me that they consistently read more because they’re excited to share at the book club,” McLelland said.
According to a survey conducted by Test Prep Insight, 786 out of 1,621 adults interviewed did not read any books in 2024.
Social media, shortened attention spans and increased workloads have likely contributed to the downward trend, according to Elaine Castillo, author of the essay collection “How To Read Now.”
Here are some tips on how to get back into reading after a slump.
Pick a book that is right for you
Whether you are into dragons or autobiographies, there is a book out there for everyone.
“Look at the genres that you’re already drawn to in other media,” Books on Tap member Ola Kraszpulska said. “If you like TV, comedies, look for something like that. If you like more drama, look for that.”
Online options for finding book recommendations have become increasingly popular with the emergence of trends like BookTok, where TikTok users can share their recent reads.
“You can talk to somebody and get recommendations online,” Patrick McGrath, owner of Books End in Syracuse, said. “There’s always a good list of top three things to read.”
Join a community
Finding people you can discuss books with helps regulate your reading.
Books on Tap opts not to choose a book for members to read, instead allowing members to discuss books of their own choosing. This format helps members feel excited about reading, McLelland said.
“This type of book club is really good because even if you don’t finish it, there’s no pressure,” Books on Tap member Megan MacDonald said.
Local libraries are also free to use and offer weekly events such as specialized reading groups or book sales.
Just start reading
Don’t get stuck on following recommendations or feel forced to continue a book you are not enjoying.
“I think my easiest suggestion is to not force it, pick up a book and if it’s not capturing you, just move on to the next book,” McGrath said.
is Lead Life & Style Producer for The NewsHouse.