This morning, after completing my daily chores like a responsible adult (yes, I deserve a medal), I sat down with my newly purchased crime thriller, ready to be immersed in a world of mystery, deceit, and~hopefully~some gruesome plot twists.

But something felt… off. You know that nagging feeling when you forget something but can’t quite put your finger on it? That was me. Instead of solving this real-life mystery, I ignored it and continued packing for my upcoming work trip. Priorities, right?

Once I finished, I realised, oh wow, I had actual free time. No deadlines, no distractions. The perfect opportunity to devour my book. But just as I reached the most jaw-dropping moment, reality hit me harder than a plot twist in an Agatha Christie novel, I hadn’t written my blog. And it was already late.

So, I had two choices:

1. Postpone it, break my routine, and risk spiralling into chaos.
2. Wing it and write about something I can ramble about endlessly.

Obviously, I chose option two.

So, today, we’re talking about reading. Yes, you heard that right. And no, I promise it won’t be boring.

The Tragic Tale of How I Abandoned Books for a Smartphone

Once upon a time, when I was younger (and blissfully unaware of the horrors of adult life), I was an avid reader. I would save up my pocket money just to order books. While the world slept, I was wide awake, travelling through magical lands, solving crimes, and living the lives of fictional characters.

But here’s where it all went wrong.

On one fateful December day, my father, in all his generosity, gifted me an iPhone 5. And that, dear reader, was the beginning of the end. With WhatsApp, social media, and an endless supply of memes at my fingertips, books became obsolete. Who needed stories when I had group chats? Also, let’s not forget the pressure of trying to be one of the “cool” kids. Apparently, in school and later at university, reading for fun was a sign of being boring.

So, I stopped.

The Plot Twist, My Redemption Arc

Fast forward to 2022. I met someone who had a similar tragic backstory, once a reader, now lost to the abyss of gaming and scrolling. We both agreed it was time for a literary comeback.

On 3rd January 2022, we walked into a bookstore in Tokyo, ready to reclaim our past selves. I picked up The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F***k and he grabbed 12 Rules for Life. And thus, our reading journey was reborn.

At first, it was rough. The attention span? Non-existent. The urge to check my phone? Sky-high. But slowly, I got back into the rhythm. And now? If a day goes by without reading something, I feel incomplete, like a protagonist without a plot.

Expanding My Literary Universe

As time passed, I broadened my horizons. Romance, comedy, fantasy, crime thrillers, no genre was safe. Reading has allowed me to live countless lives, feel emotions I didn’t know existed, and gain knowledge from some of the greatest minds.

Which brings me to my hot take:

When someone says, “I don’t like reading,” what they actually mean is, “I haven’t found the right book yet.”

And that’s where I come in.

5 Ways to Trick Yourself into Becoming a Reader (Because Yes, You Can)

If you (or someone you know) think books are dull, let me enlighten you:

1. Start Small—Your Brain Needs a Warm-Up

Thinking of jumping straight into War and Peace? Don’t. That’s like deciding to run a marathon when you struggle to jog to the fridge. Start with something short and actually interesting. Graphic novels, short stories, or books that feel more like a conversation (The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F***k anyone?) are a great entry point.

The goal isn’t to impress people with your reading list, it’s to actually enjoy yourself.

2. Pick the Right Genre, Not What You Think You “Should” Read

Newsflash: you don’t have to read classics to be a reader. If you force yourself to endure Wuthering Heights when you’d rather be reading about serial killers or fantasy worlds, of course, you’ll hate it.

Find a genre that excites you. Love crime documentaries? Try a crime thriller. Obsessed with rom-coms? There are books for that. Want to feel motivated? Self-help is calling your name.

The right book exists. You just need to look for it.

3. Audiobooks Count (Yes, They Do, Fight Me on This)

Too busy to read? Listen. Audiobooks are a game-changer. Stuck in traffic? Doing laundry? Cooking? Perfect time to “read.” Some books even have authors narrating them, making it feel like you’re having an exclusive chat with a genius.

Also, if anyone tries to tell you audiobooks don’t count, remind them that they’re still consuming words. And last time I checked, that’s what reading is.

4. Make It a Habit, Replace Doom-Scrolling with Book-Scrolling

If you can scroll mindlessly through social media for hours, you can read for 10 minutes. Trust me.

Create a reading ritual. Read a chapter before bed. Carry a book everywhere (yes, everywhere, waiting rooms, coffee shops, even boring work meetings if you’re bold enough).

Once reading becomes a habit, you’ll start craving it like your morning coffee.

5. Find a Book Buddy, Accountability Works Wonders

Everything is better with a partner. If you have someone to discuss books with, you’re way more likely to stick with it. Plus, debating plot twists and ranting about characters is half the fun.

No bookish friends? Join an online book club, follow BookTok, or simply force a friend to read with you. If they refuse, just casually remind them that books can improve cognitive function and increase empathy. (Basically, you’re making them a better person.)

Final Thoughts, Your Next Chapter Awaits

So, there you have it, my rollercoaster relationship with books and how I fell in love with reading all over again.

If you haven’t read in a while (or ever), give it another shot. Your perfect book is out there, just waiting to be found.

And if you still think books aren’t for you? Well, I guess you just haven’t met the right one yet. 😉
what’s your favourite?

Loads of Luv

Hannah