Reading is a fickle hobby. It has highs and lows – there may be times when you feel capable of devouring four books in a week, and other occasions when you don't pick up a book for months. Most readers know the frustration of wanting to read, yet struggling to actually get through a single chapter.

I've always loved reading, but in 2022, I found myself crawling through books. In the end, I finished the year not having read as many as I would've liked. So, I made it my 2023 New Year's resolution to read as many books as possible. And, I'm proud to say that I've so far managed to read one hundred! (Cue the party cannons.)

However, getting through one hundred books was not easy. Over the year, I've adopted a range of tips and tricks that have helped me read more quickly while still enjoying the books I pick up. Here are some of the strategies that made the biggest difference.

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Tip One: Read Whenever You Can

A major reason people struggle to read many books is because they tell themselves they don't have the time. In reality, it's less about finding the time, than making the time.

Widen your horizons! Your reading time isn't limited to the space after dinner and before bed.

It's time to get creative. Swap out the hour on Saturday morning that you would've spent watching television, and read instead. Pick up a book during the ten minutes that you're waiting for your bus. And in the half-hour between the end of the school day and the start of your club.

When you look for them, you'll quickly realise just how many pockets of time there are during your day that you can use for reading. Even if it's only for a few minutes, the time and pages will add up. You’ll be surprised by just how many extra books you finish simply by using these overlooked moments.

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Tip Two: Read on your Phone

Although, to some people, the idea of reading on their phone is sacrilege, it's a highly effective way of getting through more books. Drop your prejudices and give it a try!

Reading on your phone is almost ridiculously convenient. No one wants to be lugging around a chunky four-hundred-page book with them wherever they go. Downloading books on your phone means you can carry a whole library with you at all times. This will make it easier than ever to whip out your phone when you have a spare moment, and get through a few pages.

Sites such as Project Gutenberg and Internet Archive offer thousands of free ebooks for you to choose from. If you want newer titles, you could give the Kindle app a try, as it offfers a wide selection of YA books and best-sellers that are typically a fraction of the price of physical books.

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Tip Three: Expand what you Read

If you frequently fall into reading slumps, it may be because you're reading the same kind of thing over and over again. Diversifying your reading habits will enable reading to become an exciting and dynamic hobby.

Even if you're certain that nothing will ever top your favourite romance book, or that there's nothing better than a good sci-fi novel, you should challenge yourself by stepping outside your comfort zone. You may be surprised by what you end up enjoying.

For genre-based recommendations, I'd recommend browsing the Goodreads Choice Awards lists. Every year, people vote on the best book in each genre and Goodreads awards the top-voted book. This way, you can browse the list and confidently pick out a book that you know is tried and tested by other readers.

Alternatively, you could check out the recommendations of BookTubers and BookTokers, many of whom post helpful videos such as a Beginner's Guide to Fantasy Books. Two of my personal favourite BookTubers are A Clockwork Reader and caricanread.

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Tip Four: Don't be Afraid to DNF Books

Wading through the sea of books out there can be daunting. Occasionally, you're bound to pick up a book that sounds good in theory, but which ends up being terrible.

It's important not to force yourself to finish it. Although this may seem counter-intuitive if you're trying to read more books, it will help in the long run. Forcing yourself to read something that you're not enjoying is at best, boring, and at worst, will put you in a reading slump (AKA every reader's worst nightmare). Remember – reading is meant to be fun, not a chore!

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Tip Five: Join Book Communities

The age of the internet is upon us. This means it's easier than ever to connect with fellow readers. There are thousands of online book clubs and reading communities you can become part of.

Joining one is a great way of motivating you to read more books. Not only is it super fun to discuss your current read with fellow book lovers, it'll also give you the push you need to pick up more books so you have something to discuss with the other members.

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Tip Six: Listen to Audiobooks

Audiobooks are a great way of getting through more books, especially if you're someone who's always on the move. All you need is your phone and headphones and you're good to go.

Many people find listening to audiobooks soothing. They also come with health benefits, helping reduce eye strain and improving critical listening skills. It's no wonder so many people swear by them!

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Tip Seven: Set Yourself Goals

Setting reading goals can be a useful way of motivating yourself to read more books. Whether it's a yearly book target or a daily reading time, having a goal can give you the push you need to get through more books.

Top tip: download a book-tracking app such as Storygraph or Goodreads. Both allow you to set a reading goal for the year and update your progress.

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Tip Eight: …Read More!

Yes, this tip sounds obvious, but it's an important one. One of the great things about reading is that reading one book often makes you want to read more and more. For instance, you may love the first book in Cassandra Clare's The Mortal Instruments series, which pushes you to read the rest of the series, and then the spin-off series, and then everything Clare's ever written.

Reading is addictive in the best way possible. Ultimately, nothing makes a reader want to read more, then finishing a great book and wanting another that hits just as hard.