To read more this summer, stop waiting for the perfect moment

To Read More This Summer, Stop Waiting for the Perfect Moment

To read more this summer stop - Imagine this: You're in a sun-drenched park, sprawled beneath the shade of a towering oak. A gentle breeze rustles the leaves, the air is crisp, and your favorite book rests on your lap. You’ve packed a picnic, sipped water, and are fully immersed in the story. It’s a scene that feels idyllic, like a cozy escape from the world. But how often does this picture match reality?

Reality, however, is less forgiving. Within minutes of settling in, the sun beats down harder, your seat becomes a cushion of tree roots, and you realize you’ve forgotten your snacks. The pages of the book now feel like a burden rather than a reward. Before you know it, you’ve closed the book, trudged home, and surrendered to the comfort of the TV. This is the recurring cycle for many of us—dreaming of the perfect reading moment, only to miss it entirely.

Kevin Nguyen, author of My Documents and New Waves, and a self-proclaimed reading evangelist, has seen this struggle firsthand. In 2017, he penned a viral piece for GQ titled "How to Read a Whole Damn Book Every Week." His insight? The perfect moment is a myth. “If you wait for all those ideal conditions, you’ll never finish a book,” he argues. Instead, he urges readers to embrace spontaneity, turning everyday interruptions into opportunities for literature.

Reading Is a Habit, Not a Special Occasion

Nguyen’s approach is rooted in the idea that reading should be a routine, not a rare event. He believes the key to cultivating a consistent habit lies in making it accessible. Whether you’re waiting in line for lunch, commuting to work, or stuck at the DMV, these moments can be transformed into pockets of literary engagement. “You’re driving to work? That’s audiobook time. You’re at the subway? That’s book time,” he insists. The idea is to eliminate the barriers that keep us from starting or continuing a reading practice.

Kevin’s advice aligns with the philosophy of Juanita Giles, executive director of the Virginia Children’s Book Festival. She advocates for a practical strategy: having multiple books available in different locations. “I keep a book upstairs, another downstairs, one in my car, and even a few in the bathroom and bathtub,” she explains. This method ensures that no matter where you are, you’re never more than a few steps away from a page. “Pretty soon, you’ll pick one up and start reading,” she says.

The Science Behind Reading in the Digital Age

According to cognitive neuroscientist Maryanne Wolf, the way we consume text has evolved dramatically, and this shift can hinder deep reading. Wolf, author of Reader, Come Home: The Reading Brain in a Digital World, highlights the challenges of reading on screens. “When you read on your phone, you’re just one tap away from a text message, an email, or a social media notification,” she notes. Even if you silence those distractions, the habit of scrolling can still creep back, interrupting the flow of your reading experience.

Wolf warns that digital reading often leads to skimming rather than deep engagement. “Skimming is one of the greatest disruptions of deep reading,” she says. This habit, she explains, creates a mental shortcut that makes it harder to focus on the nuances of a story or the complexities of a narrative. For those rekindling a reading habit, she recommends paper books. “The physicality of a book—its textures, its weight, its pages—demands a different kind of attention,” she adds. This sensory experience, she argues, can help restore the immersive quality of reading.

So, what’s the solution? It’s simple: carry books with you. Whether it’s a novel, a collection of poems, or a short story, having a book in your pocket or bag ensures that you’re always prepared. “There are too many books in the world to ignore,” says Traci Thomas, creator and host of the book podcast The Stacks. She emphasizes the importance of cultivating taste, suggesting that readers should be selective about what they choose. “If you’re falling asleep, checking your phone, or rolling your eyes while reading, it might mean you’re not connecting with the material,” she explains. In such cases, it’s better to pause and pick something else that resonates.

How to Make Reading a Part of Your Daily Life

Thomas’s advice is part of a broader strategy to integrate reading into the fabric of daily life. She suggests setting aside small, dedicated chunks of time rather than waiting for hours of free time. “Even five minutes can be enough to get a few sentences in,” she says. This mindset helps normalize reading, making it feel less like a chore and more like a natural part of your routine.

For those who struggle to find time, Nguyen offers a compelling perspective. “Reading doesn’t need to be grand or dramatic,” he says. “It’s about being proactive.” He encourages readers to start with a book that feels approachable, whether it’s a short story, a memoir, or a collection of essays. The goal is to build momentum, allowing the habit to take root over time.

Another effective tactic is to pair reading with other activities. For instance, reading a book during a walk, while waiting for your coffee to brew, or even during a workout can help break the cycle of procrastination. “When you associate reading with mundane tasks, it becomes easier to do,” says Giles. This technique not only maximizes time but also makes the act of reading feel more effortless.

Ultimately, the secret to reading more this summer lies in redefining what counts as a reading moment. It’s not about waiting for the perfect conditions but about embracing the imperfections of daily life. Whether you’re on a bus, in a queue, or between tasks, these are the moments that can fuel your literary journey. “The perfect moment is a trap,” Nguyen concludes. “It’s the moment you start reading that matters.”

As the summer sun beats down and the days stretch longer, now is the time to take action. With the right mindset and a few practical strategies, you can turn the mundane into the meaningful. So, grab a book, find a quiet corner, or even take a few pages during a waiting period. The world of literature is vast, and the more you read, the more you’ll discover. As Wolf puts it, “Reading is not just an activity—it’s a way of thinking.”

This episode was produced by Sylvie Douglis. The visual editor is CJ Riculan. We’d love to hear from you. Email us at LifeKit@npr.org. Listen to LifeKit on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, and sign up for our newsletter.