So Many Books, So Little Time: Has it ever occurred to you that there are so many authors and excellent books out there that you might not even know about? There might be so many books out there that you know about but can’t seem to lay a hand on them, whatever the reason may be. I know this feeling. I’ve been there.
I want to read so many books, but no matter how hard I try, I can’t seem to get through them all. It’s 2023 already, and there are still books from 2018 that I discovered and want to read and so many books from long ago that I want to re-read!
This quote, “So Many Books, So Little Time” by Frank Zappa, fits our lives today. We are so occupied by other “important” stuff in our lives that we barely have time to read. Even those of us who term ourselves “book lovers” can’t seem to take much time to read these days.
For all the readers and book lovers out there, who need help managing their time for reading, this is just the article for you. Keep on reading!
How Many Books Can One Possibly Read in Their Lifetime?
Technically, estimating how many books you can read in your life is simple, and you should aim to reach that target. All you have to do is make an educated guess as to how long you’ll live, how swiftly you read, or how many books you can consume in a year. The simple calculation would provide a startling total of 4,560–4,880 volumes in a lifetime if we start with super readers who can easily read 80 books per year and the average life expectancy.
Today, fewer readers can make such a claim. You will, however, unquestionably need a strong book reading plan and all the assistance you can acquire. We already know that if you are a typical reader, you will read 14 novels in a calendar year. To determine how many books you will have read by the time you pass away, you only need to do a little math.
These statistics are a good motivation even though they could surprise you and appear unattainable. Consequently, starting modestly is far better than establishing lofty and unattainable goals. And as you accomplish each yearly goal, rejoice and develop another. This type of habit will significantly enhance your reading and experience.
How Fast Can One Read
Subvocalization readers (also known as mental readers) typically read at a rate of 250 words per minute, 450 words per minute for auditory readers, and 700 words per minute for visual readers. A proficient reader can read between 280 and 350 words per minute without losing understanding.
The typical reading speed of a reader is between 200 and 300 words per minute (wpm). An average reader can read 300–400 words per minute. Better readers often read between 400 and 700 words per minute. Those who are proficient speed readers can read between 700 and 1000 words per minute. Nevertheless, not everyone can read at even the typical speed. Most new readers read between 100 and 200 words per minute. You might fit into this group if you don’t read all that frequently or if you’re just getting started.
How to Choose What You Read?
Whether you’re a veteran reader or just starting out, picking a good book to read might seem daunting, especially with so many options available. Here’s a helping hand to assist you in determining how to choose what to read.
1. Read Your Beloved Authors’ Works
Choose a book whose author you are confident will appeal to you. If you’re a voracious reader, you probably have one or two authors you enjoy. Check the author’s list of published works to see what you still need to read; you never know, one of those books might be just what you were looking for. If you’re in a rut, think about re-reading some of your favourite authors’ works. There is no harm in re-reading the book because you already know how amazing it is.
2. Pick a Book With a Subject That Appeals to You
Find a decent book by paying attention to your likes and pastimes. Choose a book that closely resembles your daily life if you’re having trouble deciding which to read next. Finding characters and tales that resonate with you can be done this way. Search online briefly or review titles and covers for terms describing your favourite items.
3. Choose a Book That is Based on a Great Movie
Check to discover whether your favourite movie is a book-to-movie adaptation to find an excellent book. There’s a strong possibility that you’ll enjoy the book if you enjoy the movie. Check the internet to check if any of your favourite movies are adaptations of books. Then think about trying the book. You could enjoy the book just as much as the movie.
4. Read Book Reviews
Find the most recent book reviews and suggestions online. You can find a book that everyone else is reading and raving about by keeping up with what novels are popular and receiving significant media attention. Follow the New York Times Bestsellers List and subscribe to newsletters about books.
5. Pick Out a Classic or a Book That Has Won an Award
Choose a book that has previously received excellent reviews. So many books are available that it’s simple to feel overwhelmed regarding what to read next. Check out the best-selling titles or classics to focus your search. Pick up one of these books to discover why they are so well regarded.
6. Read the Opening Chapter
Read the book’s first chapter to get a sense of the writing style. A book should captivate you from the first few pages. You might enjoy the rest of the book only if you like the first chapter. So, try the first chapter; if you find yourself eager to read more, you probably found an excellent book. Use this advice to help you decide between two or more books you want to read and to help you decide. If you don’t have the actual book, try listening to a sample on audio.
How to Read More Books in This Little Time We Got?
Even though we all have busy schedules these days, here are a few tips we can follow to make out more time for reading.
1. Establish a Comfortable Reading Area
Sometimes the environment is everything. Associating reading with comfort and relaxation by designating a spot in your home as your official reading nook will help. Setting the mood is as easy as donning your cosiest pyjamas and lighting your favourite candle.
2. Get Into Poetry
Poetry may be an intriguing change of pace from the typical fiction and nonfiction reads that frequently top bestseller lists, whether you dive into an entire poetry book or read well-known love poems online. Poetry is concise and easy to read, but it’s also a terrific method to stimulate your brain’s creative faculties.
3. Consider Taking Part in a Reading Challenge
Spending time on a challenge is a method to challenge yourself while still achieving your reading objectives. You can keep it straightforward by deciding on a set amount of books to read each year because keeping track of it makes it easier to monitor your progress.
4. Read Right Before Sleeping
I’m sure most of you scroll through your Instagram before dozing off to sleep, but when asked to read a few pages before sleeping, you’re way too tired. Take the suggestion and start reading before falling asleep; before you know it, it’ll become a part of your daily routine, and that, too, a healthy one.
5. Take a Break From Something Else (Less Important) to Read
Two or three hours of reading daily is a significant time commitment. However, if you take time from something else, it’s pretty simple to set aside additional time for reading. For instance, if you watch a lot of TV, you could manage up to two hours each day and read for the other three. Try reading before watching TV; the reverse doesn’t work as well.
6. Skim Through Some
This is more relevant to reading internet information, periodicals, or newspapers, but be bold and skim novels while you’re reading for pleasure. It makes the book easier to finish to move on to the next one.
7. Plan a Certain Reading Hour
This promotes the habit of reading. There’s always the option of blocking off 20 to 30 minutes in the morning before everyone awakens. This eliminates interruptions. The best period is between 20 and 30 minutes before sleep.
8. Read Novels You Genuinely Enjoy
Reading is about pleasure. It has many other advantages like self-growth, knowledge enhancements, and much more, but the foremost reason anyone develops a reading habit is for pleasure and fun. For me, reading is a temporary escape from reality that everyone needs once in a while. So, if you enjoy what you read, there’s only a little point. Choose wisely about what you want to read based on your preferences.
Conclusion | So Many Books, So Little Time
Reading habits change as time passes, and even if we don’t want to believe, we have changed too. In earlier times, reading was a luxury, and one would feel blessed to have access to it, but these days, accessing books is so easy, yet we are “way too busy” and “confused” to take out time for that and end up not reading so many excellent books at all. This article was of help to you all readers, and I that you enjoyed it!
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