stack of books on the beach at sunset; summer reading
Reading

Unlock Your Best Reading this Summer

Now that it’s officially summer, many of us are spending more time outdoors, enjoying the warm weather, and taking part in various activities. However, it is also an excellent opportunity to catch up on some reading. Whether you’re lounging by the pool, relaxing at the beach, or enjoying a quiet afternoon in your backyard, summer provides ample time to dive into some captivating books. To make the most of this reading season, consider these five tips to read more this summer.

Set Realistic Reading Goals

To kickstart your summer reading, set a realistic goal for yourself. Instead of aiming to read a crazy high number of books, consider setting a target number of pages or chapters to you want to read each day. This approach allows for flexibility and can help you stay on track without getting overwhelmed on your busier days.

Carve Out Dedicated Reading Time

With longer days and more relaxed schedules, you may find that you have more time to read. Don’t squander your time and instead set a dedicated time for reading each day. If you’re a morning person, read a few pages as you sip your morning coffee. You could also read during your lunch break. If you want to fully romanticize your summer reading, I’m privy to reading in the evening as the sun sets.

No matter when you decide to read, establishing a regular reading routine can help you prioritize your reading goals.

Explore Various Book Formats

With the resurgence of audiobooks, you don’t have to stick to hardcover or paperback versions of your books. Audiobooks can significantly increase your reading stats (and yes, I absolutely consider audiobooks as a type of reading). Listening to a book can be a perfect companion for outdoor activities like hiking or gardening or even chores around the house like folding laundry or cleaning out the fridge.

While physical books are great for beach days and lazy afternoons, eBooks offer convenience for on-the-go reading. For summer travel, an e-reader allows you to take multiple books with you without weighing down your carry-on (if you’re flying) or your tote (if you’re traveling by car).

Create a Cozy Reading Environment

Enhance your reading experience by creating an inviting and cozy environment you’ll want to sit and read in. Add a few pillows to your outdoor lounge chair, set up a hammock in the shade, or simply arrange a comfortable reading nook in your living room. A cozy environment will make your reading sessions more enjoyable and relaxing. Consider adding some ambient lighting (I love this neck light for reading at night), a soft blanket, and a refreshing drink to create the perfect reading atmosphere.

Join a Summer Reading Challenge

Participating in a summer reading challenge or book club can add an element of accountability and motivation to your reading journey. Many libraries, bookstores, and online communities host summer reading programs with diverse reading lists and rewards for reaching your reading goals.

Our Team’s Reading Stats

As a publishing company, our team is full of readers. So, I thought it would be fun to share our team’s reading stats for the year so far. Take a peek and you’ll see what time of day we tend to read most, how many hours a week we typically read, and just how many books we have saved on our To Be Read lists.

Final Thoughts

Summer offers the perfect opportunity to indulge a bit more in reading and explore diverse genres, authors, and stories. By setting realistic goals, establishing dedicated reading time, exploring various book formats, creating a cozy reading environment, and participating in summer reading challenges, you can elevate your summer reading experience and make the most of this literary season. So, grab your favorite book, find a comfortable spot, and immerse yourself in the joy of reading throughout the summer months.

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Erika Bennett is the Content Manager for Xulon Press. She has worked in the publishing industry for more than a decade and her passion is to make sure great books find their way into readers' hands. You can also find her writing on XulonPress.Substack.com.

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