How to Fall Back in Love With Reading

by Team Prepped | April 1, 2026

The average American read eight books in 2025, according to research by YouGov. Doesn’t sound too shabby, right? However, a little more digging reveals that most of that reading was done by just 19 percent of Americans, who completed 10 or more titles. The median American read only two books last year, with 40 percent of us failing to read any books at all. While America’s literary prognosis may seem grim, the truth is we can all take steps to improve our reading record and rediscover our love of a good book. 

Why You Fell Out of Love With Reading 

If you tended to plow through titles during your younger years but are struggling now, you’re not alone. The stresses and demands of modern life mean that many Americans are reading fewer books. So what’s stopping us from getting swept away in the page?

While teenagers are often the ones labeled tech addicts, the ubiquity of smartphones and other devices is distracting adult readers as well. Rather than bring a book to read while eating lunch or waiting for an appointment, people increasingly scroll their favorite social media sites. Savvy tech companies recognize that this behavior triggers our dopamine receptors. The more we scroll, the more personalized content we receive as a reward. As a result, you reach for the phone again rather than that book sitting on your TBR pile.

Additionally, the way people interact with digital content may be impacting how they read. Thanks to years of phone and computer usage, we’ve grown accustomed to skimming text when it’s on a screen. Rather than absorb every word of that email or Instagram post, your eyes seek out only the most salient details. In the long term, this habit leads to worse reading comprehension and can affect your ability to enjoy what you read. 

Why Reading Matters

Your parents and teachers said it when you were young, and it still holds true today: reading comes with lifelong benefits. The habit is even more essential for older adults, with studies showing that regular readers experience less cognitive decline than those without a tendency to pick up a book. With dementia rates on the rise, there’s never been a better time to get back into reading.

Moreover, the benefits associated with this hobby go beyond the individual. A Science study from 2013 demonstrates that reading plays a significant role in teaching empathy. In particular, those who read literary fiction demonstrate a greater capacity for understanding what others are thinking and feeling compared to non-readers. By experiencing others’ lives and worlds through stories, we can all do our part to become kinder and more understanding – something our increasingly divided society could certainly use.

How to Get Back Into Reading

Whether you consider yourself a “former reader” or a “never reader,” you can take steps to change your habits and join the millions of Americans who love books. 

Choose the Right Book for You

One of the best ways to boost your reading time each week is to change the type of book you’re selecting. Gone are the days where you had to complete some dusty teacher-assigned tome in time for a test. If you don’t enjoy the classics, skip over them in favor of something more exciting. Many readers enjoy the fast-paced, nail-biting plot of a good thriller, such as Blake Crouch’s Dark Matter or R.F. Kuang’s Yellowface. If you’re concerned about your ability to finish a 500-pager, think about starting with something short and sweet. Coming in under 300 pages, Agatha Christie’s And Then There Were None is a short and creepy delight that will keep you guessing until the end. The goal is to choose a subject that excites you, so you’re more likely to reach for a book than your phone when you have free time.

Consider Your Medium

Along with varying the type of book you choose, you can make reading a permanent habit by changing the way you consume books. Don’t love toting around a paperback? Consider downloading titles to your phone or e-reader or getting into audiobooks. The goal is to make reading more convenient so you’ll (virtually) open your book rather than Facebook. 

Consistency Is Key

It’s worth noting that convenience may not be enough to turn you into a regular reader overnight. Like any habit, reading will start to feel more natural with time. To increase the odds of this hobby sticking, make an effort to read each day, even if it’s just a few minutes during your lunch break or at bedtime. The goal is to reinforce this habit so it becomes a normal part of your routine. 

Get Social

Humans are social creatures, so it’s no surprise that habits are easier to stick to when you practice them with friends. If you’re trying to get back into reading after a gap, think about joining a book club. Sites like Meetup.com and Goodreads offer resources for individuals looking to take part in a local or virtual club. Additionally, plenty of popular celebrities like Jenna Bush Hager and Reese Witherspoon sponsor their own reading clubs with massive followings. You can build your reading habit while seeing what books the stars are loving. 

Remember, there’s no such thing as the wrong book, so pick up a title that interests you today. You may discover a new favorite.