As a literature student and self-proclaimed bookworm, there’s a certain sense of panic that arises when someone asks that dreaded question, “What’s your favorite book?” The last book I read that I deemed a “favorite” was from high school. That was only a few years ago, so why didn’t that feel like a valid answer? The truth is that I hadn’t read enough since then to even begin choosing a favorite. Books are an integral part of who I am, yet I’d lost sight of what it means to be a reader. I began reminiscing about times in which I’d read regularly and found myself nostalgic for the little girl that was captivated by every page they read. The childlike wonder of opening a book, my only worries in the world being Geronimo Stilton’s latest adventure or the newest Rainbow Magic installment, became something completely of the past.

At college, where the entire basis of your schooling is completing various readings, the last thing you want to do is read some more. At the end of the day, I need a brain break. I put on a mindless show or movie to provide comfort without overworking myself. Or, worse, start doom scrolling. The thought of picking up a book, no matter how much I’d love to read it, feels heavy and overwhelming. There needs to be a separation between academics and pleasure, but there is an overlap when you’re a reader. 

I’ve tried forcing myself to read, shoving stories down my throat, hoping to eventually start resonating with the story enough to be trapped. However, that just creates a space for thoughts to swirl and the mind to venture elsewhere. Forcing something that used to be a passion can create resentment towards yourself for not feeling the same about that particular hobby anymore. In the long run, reading for recreation can emphasize the academic burnout you’re already experiencing if not done properly.

Between working multiple jobs, engaging with student organizations, attending classes, and completing homework, the only moments I have to sit down and read throughout the day are brief. There is a lack of time to sit with and truly focus on what’s in front of me.

Over the last calendar year, I decided that I’d had enough of school impacting this passion of mine. I took the summer to fall back in love with reading, integrating it into my morning routine. This didn’t last when the academic semester started, so I regrouped in the first few days of 2024 by downloading Goodreads and setting a reading goal of twenty-four books this year. I absolutely highballed it, but I’m determined to use this goal in exploring what reading habits work best for me. It’s an ongoing process, but here are some tips I can provide for anyone experiencing similar difficulties or want to begin their reading journey:

1. Download Goodreads and set a reading goal. Being able to connect with friends and others online creates a community of readers at your fingertips. I can see my friend's progress, make lists, and read reviews.

2. Set one day a week when you’re not working on any schoolwork. This one may be hard, but it will feel gratifying to use reading as a reward for completed assignments. Having one day a week dedicated to reading allows the mind to focus on the world in your hands rather than the one around you.

3. Audiobooks!!! This one seems counterintuitive, I know. An audiobook is just a podcast, right? Wrong. Podcast hosts speak directly to you, usually sharing some sort of real-life words of wisdom, whereas audiobooks still hold the weight of world-building—with exceptions of certain genres such as “self-help.” I had several unfinished books on my shelf, unable to read them to completion, but wanting so desperately to cross them off my reading list. I spoke with a friend, voicing how I wished reading had the same multitasking ability as turning on a television show. She assured me it was different from podcasts and informed me that by turning on an audiobook, I could still fit storytelling into my day, assuring me it was different from podcasts. She was right. Getting ready? Audiobook. Walking to work? Audiobook. Need mental stimulation while cleaning? Audiobook.

Now, when my peers ask me my favorite book, I give my high school favorite and college favorite. I don’t feel the need to pick just one, or pick any at all. I’ve learned that when I’m honest about academic burnout impacting my reading goals, I find deeper connections than if I simply responded with my typical robotic answer. I’m a reader, and that’s all that matters.