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We all know reading is good for us, yet finding time for it can feel impossible. Between work, family, and endless distractions, books often end up at the bottom of our priority list. If that sounds familiar, you're not alone.
Google searches for "how to start reading books" increased by 158% year on year, highlighting a growing interest in building a lasting reading habit
2026 Forbes article by William Arruda
Many people want to read more but struggle to turn that intention into an everyday habit. Research from The Reading Agency highlights how common this challenge has become. Around 46% of UK adults say they struggle to focus on reading because of distractions, while 31% say they struggle to finish the books they start.
The challenge isn't that people don't value reading. Most people understand that books offer countless benefits, from learning new skills to reducing screen time. The real challenge is building a reading habit that fits into our modern lives.
Starting to read more books doesn't require a complete lifestyle change. By setting aside a few minutes each day, choosing books you genuinely enjoy, and building a simple routine, it’s possible for anyone to create a lasting reading habit.
How many books have you bought, only for them to sit unopened on your bookshelf? We all want to become people who read regularly, but finding the time and focus isn't always easy.
In this guide:
One of the biggest mistakes people make when starting a reading habit is setting goals that are too ambitious. You don’t need to read a book every week or spend hours reading every day. Large goals can create pressure and make reading feel like another responsibility. A reading goal should motivate you, not overwhelm you. Instead of aiming for an unrealistic target, choose something achievable that fits into your routine:
Small habits are easier to maintain because they remove the pressure to achieve too much too quickly. Over time, those small reading sessions can add up to finishing several books a year. If you are looking for shorter and easier reads, there’s a list of 20 brilliant books that can each be read in a day. Tracking your progress through a reading list or journal can also make the habit feel rewarding. The aim isn’t to compete with other readers or reach a certain number of books. It’s simply to make reading a regular part of your own routine.
A common reason people struggle to build a reading habit is choosing books they think they should read rather than books they genuinely enjoy. Many readers feel pressure to start with classics, bestselling novels or books that are considered important. But the best book to start with is the one that makes you want to keep reading. Whether you enjoy fantasy, biographies, history, self-improvement or hobbies, choose books that match your interests. Reading should feel enjoyable, not like homework.
One of the easiest ways to read more is to remove the barriers between you and your next reading session. Keep a book on your bedside table, in your bag, next to your sofa, on your phone or eReader. Many people automatically reach for their phones during spare moments. A few minutes waiting for an appointment or travelling somewhere can easily turn into an opportunity to read instead. Small reading sessions quickly add up.
The easiest way to build a new habit is to connect it to something you already do, such as adding reading to an existing part of your day:
Creating a regular routine helps reading become automatic rather than something you only do when you have free time.
Reading doesn't have to mean sitting down with a physical book. For busy lifestyles, audiobooks can be a great alternative. The Reading Agency found that 38% of adults who struggle to focus on reading listen to an audiobook at least once a week, showing how different formats can help people fit books into their lives.
Whether you prefer print books, eBooks or audiobooks, the best format is the one that fits into your daily routine.
Modern life is full of interruptions. Notifications, emails, messages and social media all compete for our attention, making it harder to focus on a book.
The Reading Agency’s 2025 research suggests that 19% of UK adults feel their ability to focus on reading has worsened over the past three years, with lack of free time, increased screen use, health changes and major life events among the reasons people give.
If you find it difficult to concentrate, try:
The more regularly you practise focused reading, the easier it becomes. Reading itself may help strengthen this habit. People who read regularly are more likely to report improvements in their concentration compared with those who don’t read.
Reading doesn’t have to be a solitary activity. Book clubs, reading groups and online communities can help you discover new books, share recommendations and stay motivated.
Discussing books with others often makes reading more enjoyable and gives you extra encouragement to continue.
If you are searching for how to start reading books, there is a good chance you already own a collection of unread books. According to research from Headway, highlighted by Forbes, around 66% of people buy books they never end up reading.
This happens more often than you might think. We often buy books because they represent the person we want to become. A business book might represent career ambitions. A health book might represent a goal to live differently. A hobby book might represent something we hope to learn.
Our bookshelves often reflect our interests and our goals. There is nothing wrong with buying books you hope to read someday. However, when unread books continue to pile up, they can start to feel overwhelming rather than inspiring.
You don’t need hours of free time to build a reading habit. Start with small, achievable goals, such as reading for 10 minutes before bed, during your lunch break or while travelling. Consistency matters more than the amount of time you spend reading.
There is no perfect number of books everyone should read. Some people enjoy reading one book a month, while others prefer reading several each week. The best goal is one that motivates you without making reading feel like a chore.
Start with books that match your interests rather than choosing books because you feel you should read them. Fiction, biographies, hobbies, history, fantasy and self-improvement books can all be great places to begin. The best first book is one that keeps you interested.
Creating a dedicated reading routine can help improve focus. Try putting your phone away, choosing a comfortable reading space and setting aside a short period of uninterrupted reading time each day.
Audiobooks are a great way to enjoy books when reading a physical copy is difficult. Whether you listen, read digitally or choose a traditional paperback, the most important thing is engaging with books in a way that works for your lifestyle.
If you have books sitting unread on your shelves, consider passing them on. Selling unwanted books creates space for new reads, gives you extra money and allows someone else to enjoy them.
Decluttering your bookshelf doesn’t mean giving up on reading. In fact, removing books you no longer want or need can make it easier to focus on the books you are excited to read. Building a reading habit isn't about owning more books; it's about making time for the books you actually want to read.
At WeBuyBooks, you can sell unwanted books quickly and easily, freeing up space, earning extra money, and giving your books a chance to be enjoyed by someone else.
Building a reading habit starts with one page, one chapter, and one book at a time. And if some books no longer belong on your journey, passing them on can be the perfect next chapter.
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