As an avid reader, once I find an author or genre I love, I tend to stick with it. Unfortunately, this means my reading slows down while I wait for new books from my favorite writers. A few years ago, I decided to break out of my routine and add more variety to my reading life. Here are three ways that helped me create a more eclectic reading list:
- Listening to book podcasts (my favorite is What Should I Read Next with Anne Bogel)
- Attending a neighborhood book club
- Reading by using audiobooks.
Find New Reads Through a Book Club
The book club I attended wasn’t just an excuse for wine and conversation—it was the real deal! We read and discussed thought-provoking books, with a rotating schedule of genres each month. This pushed me to pick up titles I wouldn’t have discovered on my own.
Interestingly, many members of my book club regularly listened to our selections as audiobooks. Their reasoning? It was easier to finish books while commuting, cleaning, or doing other tasks.
I had tried audiobooks before but struggled—getting distracted, losing my place, and even feeling bored. However, after hearing fellow members rave about how they read more books thanks to audiobooks, I was intrigued. More books? Now that got my attention.
How I Made Audiobooks Work for Me
Today, I’ve found a happy medium between reading physical books and supplementing with audiobooks. I use the Libby app from my local library, which allows me to borrow audiobooks instantly.
If you’re hesitant about switching to audiobooks, I get it—but hear me out. Listening to books has some incredible benefits, and they might just convince you to give them a shot.
Why Audiobooks Are Worth Trying
1. Relive the Magic of Story Time.
Remember being read to as a kid? Audiobooks recreate that experience, making stories feel immersive and engaging. A skilled narrator can bring characters to life, enhancing the joy of storytelling. Need a recommendation? Anne Bogel’s blog, Modern Mrs. Darcy, has great posts on audiobook narrators.
2. Take a Break from Screens.
In a world overloaded with screens—phones, tablets, computers—it’s refreshing to let your eyes rest. Audiobooks let you absorb great stories without visual strain.
3. Unwind and Reduce Stress
An audiobook can help you unwind as you concentrate on the narrator and let your mind live in another world. A lighthearted, inspirational, or humorous book can be a mood booster. A favorite classic may relax you and get you ready for sleep.
4. Manage Anxiety
Tuning into an audiobook can help quiet anxious thoughts. Concentrating on the narrator’s voice shifts focus away from negativity and provides an emotional boost—something I’ve found incredibly helpful.
5. Make Boring Tasks More Enjoyable
Listening to audiobooks while doing chores makes the time fly by. Yard work, workouts, and house cleaning feel less tedious when you’re absorbed in a great story.
6. Boost Your Brainpower
Even as adults, audiobooks can sharpen critical thinking, improve comprehension, and expand vocabulary. Research suggests they enhance language acquisition and fluency—helping us grow as readers.
Ready to Give Audiobooks a Try?
If you’re new to audiobooks, start small. Choose an audio version of a book you’ve already read, pick a short story by a favorite author, or go with a title that’s 5-6 hours long. As you get used to listening, you might find longer audiobooks slipping into your routine—and soon enough, you’ll have a whole new way to read.
I'd love to hear what you think!