How To Read More Books & Overcome Reading Slump (10 Tips)

[@speaking_bookish]

As far as audiobook speed goes- it’s a weird phenomenon because as you’re listening you can slowly increase the speed until you have it at 2-3x and for some reason it will sounds completely normal. I still prefer about 1.8x depending on how fast the narrator reads but sometimes I go up or down. Still, when my kids here the narrator when it’s 2x speed they laugh because it sounds funny yet to me it sounds completely normal 🤷🏼‍♀️

[@PetrikLeo]

It's such a weird phenomenon! Even 2x speed sounds soooo weird to me. It's amazing that you and other readers can do it! I'll take your word for it. I'm not one to speak when I can't even use audiobook at 1x speed! :)

[@Michael_L_Morrison]

I used to be comfortable with 1.25 speed, with anything higher being unlistenable. I’ve since acclimated to 1.5 comfortably. With some narrators, I have done 1.75. I’ve experimented with going back to 1.0 speed and it sounds like the narrator is drawling.

[@myaa22]

I usually start the book on 1 or 1.25 speed after a few chapters when I become familiar with the narrator’s voice and pronunciation, the author’s prose then I would pump it up to 1.5 or even more if I feel I can comprehend the story and it will feel very normal

[@Michael_L_Morrison]

@@myaa22 Yeah I’ll start it on a lower speed too.

[@adoniscreed4031]

It doesn't sound completely normal above 1.3x speed, you're just weird 😂

[@mikesbookreviews]

Great tips! When people ask me how I read so much the answer is simple; reduce the time spent watching TV and scrolling social media apps. You'll be blown away with how much more free time you have.

[@PetrikLeo]

Thank you, Mike! Totally true. Scrolling social media apps kills HOURS of reading time!

[@MattsFantasyBookReviews]

Yup, this is the BIG #1 for me. As soon as I just basically stopped watching TV and converted all that time to reading, my pages per day rocketed up. It's shocking how much time is spent watching TV for the average person.

[@Alkemisti]

I love speed-reading. It is the most important skill I have ever acquired. When I was a teenager, my ADD began to turn worse, and slowly, during the following years, I lost my ability to concentrate on anything. I could stare at the page for an hour, read the same paragraph again and again, and after that I remembered nothing. It could take hours to read ten pages, and every line was a chore. I basically stopped reading fiction entirely after I DNF'd _The Eye of the World_ when I had spent months reading it and we were still in Emondsfield. I did not remember what had happened so far. I still read nonfiction but just by skimming and browsing and reading a paragraph or two if I saw something especially interesting. Enjoying reading became impossible; this harmed my studies, harmed my identity as a book-reader, and I became miserable and depressed. I spent a year (2013) by reading just one book, _The Historian_ by Elizabeth Kostova (that I read again later in just a few days), and I DNF'd another one, _The Prague Cemetary_ by Umberto Eco (currently one of my favourite books). Then I watched a KZbin video titled *_READ A BOOK IN A DAY (how to speed-read and remember it all)_** by Nelson Dellis* (I would link, but KZbin usually does not let through my comments with links), and after that I have refound the joy of reading. Speed-reading is mindful and immersive, getting past the text into the story, and practicing it has helped me to concentrate on other things too. I read _The Eye of the World_ in three or four weeks (and I remind you that in Finnish it's twice as long as in English). After I learnt speed-reading, I have read probably more books than ever before that, and reading is my favourite activity. I read at least three hours every day, and the thought storm in my head has actually turned into something creative and productive. Now I have finished writing a novel, and just some time ago I finished a PhD thesis paper. None of that would have ever happened without speed-reading. My apologies. This comment became unnecessarily long, and I might sound like a cult recruiter.

[@PetrikLeo]

No worries! Thank you for sharing your experience. It's cool to see hear speed-reading has shaped your life for the better! 😁

[@kavyapandey5689]

You don't know how much I needed this, Petrik! I think i'm in the biggest reading slump since I ever started reading. Thanks for the great tips. Keep up the good work!

[@PetrikLeo]

You're so welcome! Pleased to hear the video is useful. I hope you can overcome your reading slump! :)

[@Uppernorwood976]

‘Put your phone down’ is just good advice on general tbh!

[@PetrikLeo]

True that!!!

[@cmeeki4]

Wow, I read 30 minutes in the morning before work. I need to spend more time reading.

[@PetrikLeo]

That's already good, though!! 😁 Keep it up!

[@cmeeki4]

@PetrikLeo I love too read, but my days are full. You gave great ideas for reading management.

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

Excellent tips here, my friend! I will never read as many books as you do, but I agree completely with you about the importance of treasuring your reading enough to prioritize it as an important part of your life, which means organizing reading into your life. Also, I'm not a coffee drinker, but I do indulge in tea. 😁Thanks for the video, Petrik!

[@PetrikLeo]

Thank you so much, my friend! I love tea, too! I wish black tea has stronger caffeine, if only that was the case I would've switched to tea easily. :D

[@Qwazim0d00]

Go petrik. Great video. I reading that don’t have to do with how to increase reading speed.

[@PetrikLeo]

Thank you so much! 😁

[@devlyn873]

Excellent tips! I think having several books I'm reading at any one time across various mediums probably contributes a lot to how much I read. It means I don't have to stop reading when it's time to take the dog out or drive somewhere or even just do dishes/laundry/whatever, I just switch over to the book I'm listening to on audiobook for our walk. Waiting at the pharmacy and didn't bring my book or headphones? It's fine, I'm also reading something on my phone's kindle app.

[@PetrikLeo]

Thank you, Devlyn! That's an excellent advice! It's like you're almost constantly devouring stories, and the different medium helps to prevent burnout. 😊

[@marlenekayenright9346]

Love the #3 tip. Checking my phone, when I am reading, instantly takes me out of the zone and it takes me so much longer to get back into the chapter. I also annotate to stay focused on my physical book

[@PetrikLeo]

Exactly, Marlene! It's like, not only it made reading slower, but it also ruined our immersion in a novel. :)

[@mediabunny4016]

I love my Kindle! I also read about 100+ books a year, but that's just how l relax. I'm not sure why people set targets and such...? I just read or not, depending on how l am feeling. I guess l often feel like reading and have the time to do so 😀 However, l can't imagine sitting down to write reviews for every book - that's discipline! I do leave reviews on Amazon sometimes, especially for lesser known or indie authors for books that l liked, but certainly not for every book l read. Ironically l think I've been reading less recently as I've been watching more BookTube and other videos 🤣 I've turned on the app notification to tell me when I've watched for an hour... Anyway, l do reread a lot so I'm happy to see you mention that. And l also read before l go to sleep, it helps me settle down. Happy reading and video making! (P.S. I love how-to videos - this was good one!)

[@PetrikLeo]

Thank you so much!! Happy reading to you, too! And congratulations on reading 100+ books a year consistently. Same here, reading is just how I relax, and setting some time for it never felt like work to me. :D

[@dinocollins720]

Another amazing video!!! Thank you!!!

[@PetrikLeo]

Thank you so much, Dino!!

[@jerryfiore5818]

Of all these tips, I find scheduling, reading different genres, and different book lengths are what help me the most in reading more. I'm disabled and retired with no family, so my free-time isn't hard to manage. I use a Kindle and audio books, as I'm unable to hold a physical book or see the small print in one. Kindle Tips for those with vision issues: (1) Make the background black, the text white and enlarge the font up a notch. (2) Download as many of your favorite to the device as possible for when you take your Kindle somewhere that doesn't have Wi-Fi (*YES*, there are such places!). I've never sped-up the audio playback, but will try it!

[@PetrikLeo]

Glad you agree with some of my tips, Jerry. I think the existence of Kindle and audiobooks is irreplaceable. This two help get more people to read amidst their busy days! :)

[@mimimayhem]

I'm sure this is very helpful advice. I particularly like the last one to get over a slump: reread books you love. I want to read more, too! I wish as much as you do, Petrik, but I'm not sure I can 😅

[@PetrikLeo]

You can do it! I'm always trying to read more, too. I haven't read as much as I used to. 😅

[@kirjakauris]

Reading first thing in the morning (especially without even touching your phone first) is a really great way to get your day started!

[@PetrikLeo]

Yesss! Once I open my phone, I tend to get so easily distracted by everything else. Better read first rather than that. 😆

[@ToriTalks2]

This is SUCH a great set of tips, Petrik. I totally agree with all of these. Except the coffee XD I struggle DNFing books, especially when it is a book by an author I know. I'm still learning how to be okay with the fact that not every book is for me, but that doesn't mean it's not for someone else who will love it.

[@PetrikLeo]

Thank you so much, Tori! It will take some time, I think. It took me years before I started DNFing books, too. Obviously, you have to decide for yourself whether a book might be worth persevering. I think this is something that will differ a lot depending on each reader! :)

[@walking_luggage8105]

Those are good advices Petrik. I don't read as many books as you (I only read 50-60 books a year) but I use similar tricks to help me overcome reading slumps. While reading is my main hobby but I have a variety of hobbies, and I tend to go through "phases" with my hobbies. However when I have a reading slump, I still keep reading but I read less pages per day to keep my reading habit trickling. Also when I have a reading slump, I read stand alone books from multiple genres rather than big fantasy/sci-fi series because during a reading slump it feels like an overwhelming commitment to read a series.

[@PetrikLeo]

Thank you! And I agree with you that when you're feeling the reading slump, reading one-off standalone books helps immensely. It's great to have the feeling of accomplishment and reward from reading an amazing one-off standalone novel! :)

[@hungryberry2754]

Love the video! I totally agree, I recently found out that reading a long series in one shot puts me in the biggest reading slump, so taking a break with a genre and the series always helps!

[@PetrikLeo]

Thank you so much! Oh yes, binge-reading The Wheel of Time almost put me into a slump. Now taking a break between books in the series by reading other books first has made me enjoy the series so much more. :)

[@jamienleger]

When I first started listening to audiobooks, it helped to follow along in the physical copy while I was getting used to the narrator's voice. Also, it was easier for me to focus if I had something to do with my hands (like a puzzle, something crafty, or chores). I also agree with the other comments - the longer you listen to the same narrator, you can slowly crank up the speed until you find the sweet spot for their voice.

[@PetrikLeo]

I hope to one day adapt to using audiobooks. I will keep your advice in mind! :)

[@suzannemoore404]

These are some great tips! I think the one that is hardest, for me personally, is dnf-ing. But, I want to do better about it in 2023.

[@PetrikLeo]

Thank you! It took me years to feel like "it's okay to DNF" books. 😂 I totally understand that!

[@noelanikaanana]

Great tips, many of which I do myself. I think it's also important not to stress too much on volume but more so on enjoyment. It's hard sometimes because there's so many amazing stories we (I) want to read them all. 🙃

[@PetrikLeo]

Thank you so much! Oh that's a good one!!! Something I stress about sometimes, too, because I want to read so many books. 😂😂

[@critiquegeek7987]

Audio books at 4x speed?? That is superhuman!

[@PetrikLeo]

I think so, too! xD

[@juliejanisbooks6580]

I can't listen to audiobooks either. It's so hard to concentrate! I love these tips and it's a great reminder to put down our phones and just read! That's what I'm struggling with right now😅😂

[@PetrikLeo]

Thank you so much, Julie! Don't worry about it. It's easier said than done. I still fail on this, too, sometimes! Good luck to you! :)

[@bluovalgal]

Great tips, Petrik, and I agree with all of them! I had to laugh when I read that one of the tips is to drink coffee or black tea. :)

[@PetrikLeo]

Thank you! Hey, that works for me. So why not share it, right!? 🤣

[@readingwithrebeccanicole]

You calling me out for laying down while reading when I'm tired 🤣🤣 These are all great tips! I might need to apply some of them

[@PetrikLeo]

Don't worry, I'm not innocent from doing this, too, Rebecca. But yes, I've applied this more often! :)

[@historymax5479]

I see you've finished Knights of Erador. Hope you liked it!

[@PetrikLeo]

Oh it was amazing. My favorite in the series so far. Looking forward to reading Last of the Dragorn!

[@M_D2]

I've noticed that when I get sleepy if I have something that has mint or peppermint (like altoids) if I take one or two of those at once, it wakes my eyes up and I'm not as tired

[@PetrikLeo]

I've never tried this before, Michele. Might be worth a try... 😁😁

[@M_D2]

@@PetrikLeo you never know!

[@historymax5479]

Nice guide! I usually read when I feel like it, without a strict schedule. Otherwise I think of it as work instead of a hobby. I also put on some background music. For example, if I'm reading a huge, epic battle like in Wrath, I find a suitablly epic piece of music and have it playing in the background. Or if a character is depressed, I put on sad music. It really enhances my reading experience, especially as it ramps up my emotions for those moments far more than if I'd just read the text.

[@PetrikLeo]

Thank you so much! I never thought of having a small schedule dedicated to reading (morning and night) as work. But every person will be different about this. I love setting aside some hours in the day specifically to read, and it never felt like work. I sometimes use music in the background, but it must be without words or singing. Not often, though, I prefer reading in complete silence most of the time. :)

[@esmayrosalyne]

Excellent tips! I am also definitely not a speed reader (and wouldn't even want to be), but I just make very concious efforts to read at any time I can during the day. I start the day off with listening to my audiobook while getting ready for the day and then switch over to my ebook when I eat breakfast. And then I just read whenever I have any moment of free time in the rest of the day. It's become such an integral part of my daily routine that I honestly don't know what I would do without books anymore. That said, I did start watching an episode of a Netflix show in the evening at the start of this year, because I realised that I wasn't processing the stories while reading later at night. Now I just like to chill out and do something else instead of ruining my reading experiences by reading while tired, which is working out great! Love this video :)

[@PetrikLeo]

Thank you so much! Yeah, if you're not used to it, t first it can take some time getting used to. But after a while, it has become such a good habit to have for me. I can't live without books and I'm glad you agree with me!

[@louloubellex9292]

Audiobooks are a godsend to me even more so now I have a newborn! I do feel sad I can’t read as much as before, but hopefully when he’s older we can buddy read together 😅

[@PetrikLeo]

I totally understand that! I wish I can do audiobooks. It would've allowed me to read so much more books! It will be so cool for you to read with your child eventually!! :)

[@marktimmony]

Great tips! I'm hit or miss with audio books myself. it really depends on the narrator 🤓

[@PetrikLeo]

Thank you so much, Mark! Understandable! 😃

[@alexia7981]

The advise from THE man !! Love it ! I used audio books at 2 speed while reading .. otherwise 1.5 . I have been struggling with reading big books the traditional way . But when I start a fantasy series I need to read first with it without Audio to get use to all the world building terminology … so many books to read !!!! Omg - thanks - I will re read guilt free !! I know I will want to re read the banished lands ..

[@PetrikLeo]

You're welcome, Alexia! I envy your skill for audiobook! And yes, reread anytime you want. I've done a reread of Banished Lands and it was amazing! 😁

[@krispy.reading]

Sidenote: omg look at all your Patreons (Patrons?) now! Congrats!

[@PetrikLeo]

Thank you so much!! I'm grateful to every one of them! :')

[@Johanna_reads]

Great video, Petrik! I put one out the same day on why I avoid DNFing books, but I totally understand the rationale for doing so. At the end of the day, I think we're all trying to avoid reading slumps or at least minimize them when they happen. I just so happen to be a reader who finds that DNFing books dulls my motivation to start other books, thus increasing the slump factor. I still love all your tips! 😊

[@PetrikLeo]

Thank you so much, Johanna! I try my best to not DNF books in the hope of the book becoming better eventually. But sometimes, I have to put them aside with the hope of trying them at a more suitable reading mood, or drop them all together when I feel there is no hope of them getting better. I have to do it, I still have wayyy too many books I want to read! xD

[@moonbot7613]

I’m around 70 books per year and read about 55 pages per hour. I read during lunch, work breaks and then 1-2 hrs after work. I do take 3-5 day breaks here and there so it doesn’t feel like a job. I agree with getting a kindle….love mine.

[@PetrikLeo]

That's great and awesome! I'm glad you love having a Kindle, too! :)

[@bookdmb]

These are amazing tips! I do listen to a lot audiobooks these days, but all at x1 speed. One thing that’s really fun is rereading favourites in different formats.

[@PetrikLeo]

Thanks, James! I've been thinking of rereading some of my favorites using different format, too! 😁

[@TheObsessiveBookseller]

I like all of your vids, but this is one of my favorite you've done. I love the insight into your reading journey. You've always been the most consistent reviewer I've known and I really admire that. I used to read a couple hours before bed before my eye strain injury, and since I'm getting closer to healing and can read at length again you've inspired me to pick the practice back up.

[@PetrikLeo]

Thank you so much, Niki! I didn't know you had an eye strain injury. I hope you heal pretty soon. Eye strain is really bad. I experienced those many years ago when I read from my ipad. I didn't have a Kindle yet back then. xD

[@TheObsessiveBookseller]

@@PetrikLeo Thank you, it has been ongoing for like seven years (thank goodness for audio) but at least now I can sit and read more than a few pages without suffering. Ohh the ipad would be hard to read on for sure. I'm glad the strain didn't linger for you.

[@krispy.reading]

Thank you for making a video like this. I’m having a really slumpy reading year despite just getting back into reading after on&off college/Uni studies. Compared to my teens & early 20s, I’m definitely a slower reader. I love the BookTube community, but readathons & reading sprints are starting to discourage me; I’m not reading as many books as other participants. I might have to schedule reading. I truly enjoy documentaries & sci-fi shows/movies, discovering new music, and refining my art skills. I tend to lean into those hobbies more when I’m feeling discouraged about reading. I know what you mean about audiobooks. You’re listening one moment and drifting into thoughts about chores or physical tasks the next moment. Non-fiction I can do 1.5x to 2x. Anything that has world building, I need to do 1.25x or I’ll miss a key concept. I’m listening to Sleeping Giants right now, and it’s helping me escape the current slump. The full cast really makes the interview storyline easier to follow. I’m glad I chose audiobook over physical this time around.

[@PetrikLeo]

You're welcome! I'm glad to hear the video is useful. Sorry to hear you're facing a reading slump right now, though. I hope you can get through it soon. And yes, scheduling reading even if little by little might work wonderfully! I wish I can do audiobook and I envy your capability for it. 😂 Sleeping Giant and the entire trilogy is good, though. I heard awesome things about the audiobook! Enjoy!

[@Paromita_M]

Great video! I read nothing except rereads for 8-9 years and have only got back properly into reading new books (new to me that is) since mid-2021. All great tips, many I have personally found very useful!

[@PetrikLeo]

Thank you so much, Paromita! Glad you found these tips useful. May you find many awesome books now that you're back reading! 😁

[@marlenekayenright9346]

Coffee and exercise (running a mile a day) makes me more focused!!

[@PetrikLeo]

Running and exercising more regularly is something I have to adjust back into my life! :)

[@mariareadsssf]

Thank you for the advice! The phone is my biggest temptation. 🙈

[@PetrikLeo]

You're welcome!! Hahaha, easier said than done, really! 😁

[@christinechan3519]

Really good tips!! and makes so much sense. Thanks for the video!

[@PetrikLeo]

That's great! You're welcome. 😁

[@PetrikLeo]

That's great! You're welcome. 😁

[@ludvanbeethoven1]

Great video, thank you so much for sharing! ❤️📚

[@PetrikLeo]

You're welcome! Thank you so much for watching! :)

[@RekindledReader]

Great tips, I try and implement most of these!!

[@PetrikLeo]

Great to hear that, my friend! :)

[@arlissbunny]

Great video, Petrik! It’s the best I’ve seen on this subject. I am a book collector but I usually listen to the books on audio. I rarely listen at above 2x speed but still read around 300 books a year. (I can listen while I work so that adds a lot of available hours.) I’m someone who learns most easily via an aural pathway so audiobooks are perfection in my case. We are all different but all in love with books. It’s a wonderful world.

[@PetrikLeo]

Thank you so much!! 300 books per year is amazing. That's my 3 years worth of reading. I'm envious that you can use audiobook that well!! 😆

[@arlissbunny]

It’s really not that much reading when you realize that I get ten hours or more a day, most days, for listening. It sounds like a bigger number than it really is. Making the time to sit and read, like you do, is a much bigger commitment and is truly impressive.

[@jacekciesiokiewicz7582]

Thanks for advices! 🙂

[@PetrikLeo]

You're welcome! 😁

[@Antonio-wd3ok]

I always get very sleepy when reading and I often have to go back and re read a few pages after I realize I wasn't paying attention to what I was reading. I read the last few chapters of a book by using both my kindle and listening to the audiobook at the same time. I was able to finish it without falling sleep but I'm not sure I was able to retain all of the information I read. I will try to read and listen to another book and see how it goes.

[@PetrikLeo]

Best of luck, Antonio! I hope your new method will work out well for you! :)

[@BookishChas]

These are really good recommendations Petrik. I think reading in the morning and before bed would help me. I do it on occasion, but not consistently. I also need to put away my phone. 😂

[@PetrikLeo]

Thank you, Chas! Fingers crossed you'll succeed. Putting away phone can be really difficult. I fail at it occassionally, too, lately! 😂

[@stephenlogsdon8266]

Sleep. Regular scheduled, uninterrupted sleep is wondrous for both my reading, and especially my writing. Now on my fourth book, I’ve finally managed to put down a 450 page, first draft in only 6 months, and I still fit in 10 to 20 pages, sometimes 50, of reading a day. And my day job allows me to listen to audiobooks, where I recently finished WOT (reread), and finally started Malazan. Book 3 is a blast, but it took slogging through the first 2 to get here.

[@PetrikLeo]

Wonderful tips!! Can't deny a lack of sleep make it harder to read and concentrate! 😅

[@safinan8008]

Hi 👋 I’m glad you reached ur goal on reading!! This year I would’ve read a little more books, I’ve had too many DNFS book which upset me..... 😊😮 wen I’ve done all my house work because I’m house wife once done my chores then I sit down I read my book...I read one book at time because I luv the journey reading each book! Thanks for the video 🎥⚔️📽 happy reading to you!! ⚔️📽🎞

[@PetrikLeo]

Happy reading to you, too! Fingerscrossed you'll encounter fewer DNF!

[@Cyber_Crows]

Audio books while commuting works wonderfully

[@PetrikLeo]

I bet it does!! 😁😁

[@keziahduncan5081]

Great tips. I have one more tip too gamify your reading. If you read on a ereader like an iPad or kindle use the built in reading app to gamify your reading. iBooks gives you a badge when you reach your reading goal. It's so encouraging. You could also try book bingo. It's very motivating.

[@PetrikLeo]

Thank you so much, Keziah! That sounds fun! Probably not for everyone but some reader will find that an extra reward! 😁

[@muttineni03]

Great video!! Not related to this video, i just finished Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir and wow it was brilliant, you should read it if you haven't already.

[@PetrikLeo]

Thank you, Krishna! I did read Project Hail Mary already. I liked it but I loved The Martian more, though! 😃

[@TheBookishMom]

I agree with keeping a schedule and reading even a little every day! This month has been So wild and I haven't finished a single book and it has been bugging me so badly!

[@PetrikLeo]

Hear hear!! It all really adds up! 😃😃 I hope you'll find a book that click with you soon! 😊

[@TheBookishMom]

@@PetrikLeo thanks!! My lost metal did come in so I think that's gonna do it for me

[@NaN-cn5hq]

Petrik I think you should do manga read alongs of whichever manga you are reading. Recently there has been a huge boom in manga among booktubers like Merphy Napier and Daniel Greene. You are already manga fan and own many physical copies

[@PetrikLeo]

I tried doing manga on the channel, and it did so poorly. 😵 Most of my subscribers don't really care about manga, I think. 😂

[@magnumbeef]

I love the advice to not read while you're lying down. I used to try to do this, but I have a sleep condition that makes me often sleepy even during the day, so trying to read before bed or when I wake up always results in a book falling on my face. Even sitting position doesn't always work--I do have a few books that may or may not have wet spots on a page or two where I started to doze and drooled on them. XD What I usually do is go straight to bed when it's time for me to do so, lights off and phone down, and then wake up earlier, go downstairs, grab some coffee and breakfast, and read while I'm eating and drinking that. It helps me wake up to be doing something else, even munching on a muffin or frittata, while I'm reading in the morning, and I find I'm able to make it a part of my morning routine easier by doing multiple things at once, since it takes less time. I've also started bringing whatever book I'm reading with me to the office and reading it over lunch as well, or in waiting rooms at doctor appointments, etc. Not only is it a great way to "steal read" (never heard that term before, but I'm stealing it now :) but it also serves as a conversation piece when it's sitting beside me during work hours, so I get to talk to people who are interested about what I'm reading and hopefully learn more about their tastes and interests as well. I highly recommend it to everyone who wants to read more and make more reading friends!

[@PetrikLeo]

Thank you for providing your experience and tips! I think bringing a book we want to read wherever we go is incredibly important. It's shocking, really. When we start reading wherever and whenever during our waiting time for something, it shows how much a day we spend actually waiting! xD

[@magnumbeef]

@@PetrikLeo This is very true! Or in my case, how much time I actually spend scrolling through Twitter on my phone while waiting rather than reading something more fulfilling and worthwhile. It's been fantastic for the past few weeks as I've kept the phone set aside and continued reading through Mistborn Era 2 for the first time. So much more fun, and so much better for me. :)

[@tonyyy2812]

I tried to do audiobooks as well and I also find it hard to concentrate… I feel you on that one lol

[@PetrikLeo]

It's certainly a challenge!! 😂

[@PAlex-us4ov]

Audio books need to be listened to when doing something that does not require much attention. E.g. walking, cooking, gardening, housework. They are very hard to listen to when sitting idly. Start small - 30minute blocks per book and gradually increase the listening time as you get used to them. I find that with a good narrator I can sustain 2 - 3 hours of listening, provided I'm doing something outside or in the house.

[@nikkisweezea2388]

I love audio books, but I can only do them on something I'm rereading. This year I listened to all of the Wheel of Time and Mistborn Era 1&2, just on my commute back and forth to work. But, if it's something brand new, I find myself missing important details.

[@PetrikLeo]

Some readers have mentioned audiobook worked better on reread! I may have to try that to make me get used to audiobook. 😁

[@chevalierdulys]

All good advise. One more from me...always read two novels at the same time.. when reading fantasy which can take a lot of time to read I usually read in-between horror novels (which usually are smaller) . To be fair I read more than 2 , usually an anthology is there as well plus a sci do..I like to read a novel in the morning and something diff in the night.. sometimes I am enjoying the book so much that I want to take it longer lol..I know it doesn't make sense but ...

[@PetrikLeo]

Thank you, Paulo! Having an anthology to read together is a good advice. I don't read more than one book on the go, but sometimes I like to read one or two short stories in different series as I read through a novel. 😊

[@ScullyPop]

Great to get this along with my first cup of coffee. Hey, if you get bored, stop by and let me know what you think of my narration. Cheers, Petrik.

[@PetrikLeo]

Thank you! I'll keep that in mind, Scully!

[@Caru14]

Helpful video!

[@PetrikLeo]

Thank you! 😁

[@EmpressNoriko]

Great suggestions. I usually read 125-150 books a year, though this year it will be around 100. People often think I can speed read, but I don’t. I simply read considerably faster now than I did 10-20 years ago. The more you read the faster you get, up to a point. It’s like anything else, practice makes you better. I love audio books, but I can’t listen when not at least a little active. Otherwise I fall asleep. But I do listen sometimes when doing mindless chores. When I could still drive I had about a 45 min-1 hr commute each way and listened then. I also listen in the shower, just get a cheap waterproof speaker. Though I cannot listen beyond 1x speed.That can add 20-30 minutes of reading time. I have a suggestion that is definitely not for everyone, but it has helped me. I started using a reading tracker app a little over a year ago. I use Bookly, but there are several. The notifications you can set help keep me on track. I like the feeling of accomplishment when I reach a goal and it helps me remember books I have gotten away from or to helps decide to DNF them. I recently moved and it helped me read at least a little bit on days when I was busy and exhausted. It gave me the nudge to sit down and read at least a few minutes. I like to have several books going at a time so this helps me keep them straight.

[@PetrikLeo]

Thank you so much! And that's really true. It used to take me at least a week to finish 600 pages novel, and this was back when I was still single. The more I read, the faster I get at absorbing the words written on the page. That sounds like a solid advice, too, btw. Definitely not for everyone, but I think some will find using a reading tracker app an extra motivation to their reading life! :)

[@boromirjonah5774]

I had covid twice last year i actually read a personal record 30 books last year. All sci fi and fantasy. This year I have read 9. totally reorganized my books on new custom bookcases from an estate sale and updated my TBR. I have intentionally done kind of a brain reset. So excited to get back to it but what to read next???

[@PetrikLeo]

The tough and fun choice of choosing which books to read next will always exist in our life. xD

[@LamentaFortuna]

I needed to hear that DNF tip. I am currently reading a book that I know is probably a good book, but it's actively depressing me because of the subject matter and I think I need to DNF it because I don't want to read ANYTHING at the moment.

[@PetrikLeo]

Sometimes, we must DNF a book just because we know we're not in the right headspace at the moment. I've DNFed books, only to come back to them one day and end up loving them so much. :)

[@cilliansands6166]

You're such a good pal, P. You make a video with the sole intention to help fellow readers out. I still think you should open your own "doctor's office" for desperate readers who can't get out of a slump. I love the tips and what you said about reading not being a competition; I wholeheartedly agree. So, I need to ask you: for a long time (about 2 years) I've been having this issue in which I get super excited to read a certain book or series, it all goes well for about 200 pages and then I start getting antsy about this other series I also want to read or maybe this other, and as much as I like what I'm reading I can't commit. I can't focus, I should say? So I start another book before I finish the one I was reading thinking I can alternate them and then both go on hold. Rinse, repeat. Sorry to dump this on you, but what do you recommend I should do or what would you do if that happened to you? (If the answer is that you don't know, it's perfectly fine. Dr. Petrik can only come to the rescue so much. 😆)

[@PetrikLeo]

Thank you so much! Hahaha, unfortunately, Dr Petrik can't help much on your predicament as he, too, struggle with it sometimes. I think when a book is REALLY good and compelling, we're more inclined to not feel that way. I tend to find, with most books, the 30-%-60% can feel less addictive to read than its first or last quarter. 😂

[@HanaBilqisthi]

I amazed by your productivity 😍🙌✨ thank you for sharing your tips and keep up the great work 👏👏

[@PetrikLeo]

Thank you so much, Hana! I will do my best! 😁

[@IbbyMelbourne]

The problem with me, is that I love books, comics/manga, movies, tv, video games... I love all of these artforms so much, and I have this need to keep up with the current stuff coming out. I'll spend a week really getting into a book, only to spend the next week catching up on TV, and then spend the week after that playing video games, etc. I have no consistency, lol. What's really helped me are audiobooks, because I can listen in the shower or while driving to work. And I also just got a Kindle, which helps me to always be reading.

[@PetrikLeo]

That's great! And hey, I'm a HUGE fan of all the art forms you mentioned except probably comics. I understand your predicament because I have indeed sacrificed a LOT of gaming time to focus on my reading and watching. 🥲

[@IbbyMelbourne]

@@PetrikLeo Most people I know who read a lot aren't as into the other stuff, it's so hard to balance everything!

[@andreabknight]

Kindle is a lifesaver for me as I have a bad shoulder, so I can't hold hardbacks, or even paperbacks. Also, I can't read with the book in my lap as that gives me a headache (from looking down too long). So the kindle or audiobook is my only way to read, as I can prop the device.

[@PetrikLeo]

I'm glad the existence of Kindle/audiobook can ease your reading! Another reason why they are so important! :D

[@ramzanreviews]

I only have 2x speed option in my cell app. But usually i listen audiobook from 1x to max 1.8x. It depends on narrator and story both for me at least. Like at the moment I'm listening to "Ghost of tomorrow" by Michael Fletcher and at start it was difficult to get accustomed to but so is the case with most audiobooks but after 1 hour or so it become much more easier to listen to.

[@PetrikLeo]

I love Ghost of Tomorrow! I hope you'll enjoy it more as you read through it! :)

[@ramzanreviews]

@@PetrikLeo oh its good. Its so damn good so far

[@carcass2886]

have your read or seen deathnote? i recently watched the anime and it quickly became one of my favorite shows of all time

[@PetrikLeo]

It's one of my top favorite manga and anime. I've read the manga probably 5 times, and I've watched the anime 3 times. :)

[@SilverThreads]

Reading before and after sleep for a set amount of time ... Simple yet I never thought of it. I can feel my tbr getting smaller already

[@PetrikLeo]

It may take some time getting used to, but believe me, it eventually adds up a lot! :)

[@fjuran1]

Excellent video. Ah you said the magic word, children, mine are grown but still, the interruptions. It's ironic I do many of the items you practice, and I get close to you, but don't have a channel and write formal reviews. Audiobooks, for me are harder to absorb a story. I need to see the words, names, places etc. Audiobooks do work for me with non-fiction though, where you have no need to learn characters and a world that you do with fantasy. Sin order to do so much reading, you must not watch any television or streaming shows?

[@PetrikLeo]

Thank you so much! Yeah, I don't have children on my own yet. And I'm pretty sure once I do, it will take me some time to adjust to the new schedule. But I'll manage!! I do watch streaming shows and movies, but I, unfortunately, need to sacrifice my gaming time. I played only Elden Ring this year. Insane.

[@grebfleb]

I have that FS edition of Book of the New Sun 👀

[@PetrikLeo]

It's so damn gorgeous. I really need to read it! 😁

[@MariaMightReadThat]

Haha audiobooks are definitely a superpower in my mind! I’m still trying to train my brain to listen to audio on 1/1.25 speed too. 😅 Also loved hearing about how you incorporate reading into your daily schedule! I’m curious what time you set aside for filming/editing. Anytime I try to be consistent with BookTube, it eats away at my normal evening reading time.

[@PetrikLeo]

It's truly a superpower! I still need to adapt to it! :D BookTube definitely eats away at my normal reading time! Replace the reading hours I mentioned in this video with Booktube recording/editing, and well, you have my schedule, really. That's why my reading this year decreased by almost half... xD

[@MariaMightReadThat]

@@PetrikLeo I’m glad it’s not just me but also kind of sad there isn’t some magic trick/secret hour I have yet to uncover 😂

[@sukhvindersingh2579]

Sometimes i 'take a break' and do boring things. It really inspires you to read novels.

[@PetrikLeo]

True true. 😆

[@ValiantAshira]

How do you read before going to sleep? I either fall asleep/get very sleepy and only read a few pages or get so involved that I awake and I read too much, and then I can't sleep at all. But I do read before waking up, sometimes, when insomnia hits and I awake at 4 am.

[@PetrikLeo]

Not sure, I just can. Reading actually makes my sleep better. I DO understand when a book is too good and I ends up ruining my sleeping hours hahaha. :)

[@estelaeva8403]

Thanks Petrik!! I really needed this. I’ve been busier than usual so I get way too tired by my usual “peak reading time”….I think I’ll continue binging shows as I’ve been for a few weeks 👀 also… HOW DO YOU KNOW WHEN TO DNF? I can never tell when I should….

[@PetrikLeo]

You're welcome! I think sometimes, when a book feels so boring and it ended up taking so many days just to progress through a few chapters, that's when i know I should DNF a book. 😂

[@abelangjq]

I really like personal videos like this, that are also relevant to the viewer. Is there a particular brand of coffee or tea you drink? I am Singaporean so maybe I can find your brand here as well.

[@PetrikLeo]

Thank you so much, Abel! I didn't know you live in Singapore. I just went there two months ago. I usually drink only Nespresso! :D

[@abelangjq]

@@PetrikLeo Thank you for this. You are super productive! To travel and make videos at the same time!

[@sukhvindersingh2579]

I tried reading Ths Spear Cuts through Water by Simon Jimenezi. Then after reading through 8% DNFied. This novel had moderan era as well as mediaeval era. It had 1st, 2nd and 3rd person POVs. It has past and present tense. And that didn't work for me.

[@PetrikLeo]

Interesting. I have that book on my TBR pile! I look forward to finding out how that will work for me!

[@wiltedthread]

Yes u right… when I don’t read for a few days, I get Into a bad mood… I thought that was only me 😮

[@PetrikLeo]

You're not the only one, for sure! 😊

[@larryladeroute971]

In my biggest slump of the year. Cause is Elden Ring. Determined to beat it. That Fire Giant will not get my books!!! Some worlds like Middle Earth I become familiar with to the point where where I do not need to reread but I do as a way of visiting those worlds. Going into my library is like going into the Tardis where it is much bigger on the inside (of the books).

[@PetrikLeo]

Well said! And Elden Ring is amazing. Absolutely amazing really. The only game I played this year. 😂 the battle against Fire Giant is so epic, too!

[@mattamant915]

The other day I was reading "The Blade Itself" and got distracted with my phone because I started looking up lists of fan favorites of actors that would portray the characters from the book. 40 minutes gone 😅

[@PetrikLeo]

That has happened to me a few times. Until I got spoiled by a major event from a particular series, now I stopped researching fan art I think I'm fully caught up with a series. xD

[@gabekarl82]

I’m in a reading slump I DNF my plan to reread One Piece manga, still haven't finished some books in my TBR

[@PetrikLeo]

No need to push it. One Piece is a huge commitment, too. :)

[@gabekarl82]

@@PetrikLeo thank you for the encouragement

[@epiphoney]

Time management. I can only read 30 pages per hour. I read you should take eye muscle breaks and stretch your eye muscles looking at clouds every 20 minutes. I like the chapter and book eta in the kindle app; I wish the desktop version had it. I think I would miss things on audiobooks without rewinding. Fantasy books tend to be long too.

[@PetrikLeo]

Time management is certainly important when it comes to reading more! I must admit taking a break after 20 minutes or so is something I forgot to do often when the book I'm reading is really good. 😅

[@dinocollins720]

you're an animal!!! awesome!!!

[@PetrikLeo]

Thank you!!!

[@FriedGatoraid]

I wish they could just add a kindle version when you buy a book!! Just charge 4 dollars more. Makes no sense to me? Could make more money. I just buy the book but if they only had that option

[@PetrikLeo]

TOTALLY AGREE!

[@PAlex-us4ov]

Audio books need to be listened to when doing something that does not require much attention. E.g. walking, cooking, gardening, housework or driving. They are almost impossible to listen to when sitting idly. Start small - 30minute blocks per book and gradually increase the listening time as you get used to them. I find that with a good narrator I can now sustain 2 - 3 hours of listening, provided I'm doing something outside or in the house. Typically I manage 100 books per year, and often my biggest problem now is finding books with good narrators that I'm interested in. I don't worry about speeding through books as this ruins the experience.

[@PetrikLeo]

Yeah! I figure that might be the case. I have to give it a try again. Being idle listening to audiobooks is so boring.

[@sukhvindersingh2579]

I am not an audiobook person

[@PetrikLeo]

Me too. Unfortunately. :/

[@HotTakesDiscussion]

Reading first thing in the morning? I don't think I could do that, I'm not awake enough yet 😂

[@PetrikLeo]

As I said, this is what worked for me hahaha. And this certainly took me a long time to adapt! 😂

[@sukhvindersingh2579]

Hiring a video editor ( a professional) 's help can save a lot of time. If that is even possible. 🤗🤗🤗🤗

[@PetrikLeo]

I've received some offer, but they're all way above my pay range. xD

[@Rendref]

I think people are lying to you about 4x times speed on audiobooks. Either that or it was one time because the narrator was dying and wasn't as quick....

[@PetrikLeo]

They're not. They (two of them) INSIST they listen on 4x speed. They finished the entire Malazan Book of the Fallen in two weeks. I dont even know how that's possible.

[@Rendref]

@@PetrikLeo so, it is not even regular books, but Malazan? One of the most complicated book series ever. This sounds impossible physically on many levels, lol. I just tried 3x on Wheel of Time book, and though you can hear some words here and there majority becomes swallowed and mumbled. Unfortunately, my app does not allow speeds more than 3, but I remember doing 4x for one and it just becomes unintelligible. So this sounds like a case for Sherlock Ilia here, lol. I just can't believe it is physically possible. And especially with Malazan....

[@PetrikLeo]

@@Rendref you and me both. It just sounds like a superhero feat really. From my perspective, I really don't think it's possible. But well, if it makes them happy! 😅

[@sukhvindersingh2579]

I can't even listen to them in normal speed, let alone four times the normal speed.

[@PetrikLeo]

That's the same for me, too. xD

[@monkeymox2544]

Listening to an audiobook at anything other than 1x speed seems sacrilegious to me. Maybe a nonfiction, but never fiction. An audiobook is a performance, not simply a recital. The voice artist has chosen a certain pace for a good reason. Increasing the speed alters the tempo, the pacing, the pitch of the voice... It's all wrong. A performance is a piece of art in itself. You wouldn't listen to music at any other speed. Or a film. You wouldn't speedrun an art gallery. Also I think getting obsessed with getting through as much as possible kind of misses the point. Past a certain speed - whether reading or listening - the quality of your experience is going to be effected.

[@PetrikLeo]

I am not an audiobook user but I mostly agree with you. I feel like quickening audiobook usage destroy the performance. Tempo and everything matters a lot. I will not judge anyone who use audiobook at 2x or even 4x speed, but I won't be one of them. Well, I can't even listen at 1x speed... 😂

[@jacquesduplessis8944]

I wish I could read just 30 pages a day

[@PetrikLeo]

May the page count per day increase for you! You can do it! 😁

[@davidbonar5190]

substitute "read" for "write" and send it to george ;)

[@PetrikLeo]

@@davidbonar5190 Ouch 😂😂😂

[@sukhvindersingh2579]

4× speed? They are not reading, they are pretending. Or am I jealous of them, too? 😁😁

[@PetrikLeo]

I totally can't a single word said in a 4x speed audiobook. I've tried it. It's chipmunk electrocuted. xD

[@Edog1337]

Just replace your social media and Tv time with reading. Its not hard.

[@PetrikLeo]

Trust me, it's easier said than done for many people. Social media is a form of addiction. :)

[@this-is-not-a-channel-]

Get as far away as you possibly can from people and / or your device

[@PetrikLeo]

This is sounf advice, too. 😂😂

[@islar7832]

Hmm... So a book every 4 days... That's pretty fast...

[@islar7832]

I'm gonna keep you up late at night >:)!

[@PetrikLeo]

Not bad right!? Now let me sleep... xD

[@islar7832]

@@PetrikLeo Yeah, get some sleep while you still can ;)