It’s the little things sometimes, which can make such a difference to the way we approach things. Whether that’s parenting hacks or viral posts with ideas to make life that bit easier, they are simple yet genius things that make life that bit better. And I do think this applies to reading too. Whether you’re a seasoned book lover or you want to spend more time reading, there are some really useful reading tools and fun things which can help both inspire you to read and help you to make the most of your time when you do read. As I’ve been rediscovering books more and more I’ve been loving using these so I thought I would share and see what your favourite reading things are too!
A tracking system
That sounds a bit formal, like some kind of technical jargon, but what I mean is that you just want a good way to track/ remember what you’ve read. It’s so fun to look back over the year and see what you’ve read (and often good motivation for putting down the phone and picking up the book!) I would recommend either using Goodreads/ a notebook. I use Goodreads to keep a quick log of what I’ve read and to give books a number of stars once I’ve read them. I have been using a lovely notebook from my friend to write my reads in for years too. I rarely write full reviews or thoughts these days but I’m realising that might be worth my time too!
Podcast recommendations
What should I read next podcast– I love this podcast so much. It gives me loads of new book ideas but most of all just reminds me how much I love books and reading, and why. It’s like sitting in a room with bookloving friends for an hour, only whilst you’re doing something less interesting (like walking, or washing up!) If you’re not familiar with podcasts, you can just download a podcast app if you have a smartphone and use the search tool to find topics you’d like to listen to. Most of them you can listen to in the browser too. I’m compiling a list of my favourite podcasts, so watch out for that soon!
Bookish community
Bookish friends- I have made many friends over the years who love books as much as I do- some I’ve known since I was small and others I met at school and university. If you don’t have book friends nearby, why not join the Always Reading Club (shameless plug!) and take part in our lovely community of readers? It’s a free group which mostly takes place in our lovely Facebook group. We are aiming to read one book a month- all grace and no pressure for it to be another thing to tick off your list though!
And if you’re on instagram, whether you post pictures much or not, you should have a look at the photos tagged with the #bookstagram tag. There’s a huge community of readers and so many beautiful book editions to wish for!
The library
The library is an unending love of mine. Right now I’m actually sat in the back of our little local library, tapping away on the computer. The feeling of being surrounded by books will never grow old, and it’s a great place to discover books you might have never seen otherwise. Plus- free books! Libraries often have community aspects, storytimes or craft activities too, so it’s easy to get your little ones involved if you have them. We go to the library at least once a week after school to delight them with our presence 😉
A digital way to read
Kindle or kindle app- this one is contentious, I will admit. I love love the feel of a book, that old or new book smell, feeling the cover and actually holding it to read. But- if you can’t take lots of books, have only one hand, can’t remember to find your book but always have your phone with you- why not use the kindle app or get an e-reader? I got my kindle right before my oldest daughter was born and it was so great for reading whilst I fed her, reading in the night and for one handed reading! Later it was really useful for those long and daunting looking university reads (which were mostly free, incidentally!). I’ve got some Virginia Woolf waiting on mine and love reading non fiction on it too.
I’m ready to settle down with To Kill a Mockingbird which I’m reading for the first time, and get reading. Are you reading anything at the moment? Are there any other things which are essential to your reading light? Perhaps bookmarks, a reading light or a comfy spot would be up there?!
Karen, the next best thing to mummy says
I love children’s books my favourite is the gruffalo by Julia Donaldson, when I was a registered child minder we visited the library regularly not only to borrow books but to join in with singing sessions I also managed to get some new children to mind as I wore my t shirt with my logo one#lovebooks@_karendennis
Angela Milnes says
These are great resources. I think the library is my favourite place to go for books but I do like digital books now too! Also being part of a bookish community can be great fun. Thanks for linking up to #KLTR with Laura summers and The inspiration edit 🙂
Zoe Rose says
I can’t get enough of the library! Just need to read faster to justify borrowing more books.
Mummy and the Mexicans says
Useful tips – I’ll make a note of the #bookstagram hashtag. I could really do with a few extra hours every day! #KLTR
Zoe Rose says
I think we could all do with some extra time!
Laura's Lovely Blog says
Oh I love my Kindle and wouldn’t be without it, it’s like taking a mini library around with you wherever you go. Thanks for linking up to #kltr
Zoe Rose says
It is so fun like that! I sometimes wish I had more opportunities to need it for travelling etc but it’s time will come.