How to Read More in Less Time
because there’s always more to read, and never enough hours in the day
Book Coven is a free virtual book club dedicated to empowering members through literature as a tool for both personal and collective liberation. learn more
Hey Book Coven,
A lot of you have asked how I manage to read so much, especially with everything else going on. The truth is, I don’t have endless free time—I’ve just figured out how to weave reading into the rhythm of my life. And I wanted to share that with you, because I know so many of us are craving more time with books, but struggling to find it.
Reading doesn’t have to be something that happens in perfect quiet or long stretches. It can happen in the in-between moments, the mundane ones, the ones we usually scroll through. This isn’t about hustling through books—it’s about staying connected to stories and ideas, even when life is full.
I read all the time, whenever and wherever I can.
I always carry at least two books: one in my car, one in my bag. I use the Libby app for audiobooks and squeeze in listening while I’m stuck in traffic, walking, grocery shopping, gardening, bathing, or cooking. I listen while I work out. I read before bed instead of watching TV—for two hours.
Do I stay on track all the time? NO. There are days I don’t even want to look at the page let alone listen to audio but I try to stay consistent and weave reading into my daily life when possible.
Ways to Read More in Less Time
1. Reclaim your waiting moments.
So much of our day is made up of small pauses—waiting for food to heat up, standing in line, sitting in the car before heading in somewhere. These are often the moments we reach for our phones out of habit. Try reaching for your book instead. Even five minutes of reading at a time can add up to a full chapter by the end of the day. Keep a book in your bag, your car, or even in your app if you’re reading digitally. The key is to keep one within arm’s reach.
2. Set small, daily reading goals.
You don’t need to read for hours every day to be a “real reader.” Try starting with just 10 pages a day or a 15-minute timer. These bite-sized goals are more sustainable and easier to build into your routine. And often, once you start, you’ll find yourself reading more than you planned—because the hardest part is simply beginning.
3. Make friends with audiobooks.
Audiobooks are a gift. Whether you’re walking, driving, cleaning, cooking, or gardening—those are all perfect times to listen. I often use the Libby app (it’s free with a library card), and I’ll even listen while grocery shopping or during slow traffic. Adjusting the speed (like 1.25x or 1.5x) can help match your pace without losing comprehension. This is how I get through some of my biggest reads.
4. Read more than one book at a time.
I know this isn’t for everyone, but hear me out. Keeping a few books going…maybe one fiction, one nonfiction, and one poetry or short essays, means you always have something to match your mood or attention span. Some days, I want a slow, lyrical novel. Other days, I just need something practical or empowering. This approach keeps me from getting stuck or bored, and it gives me permission to follow my energy.
5. Protect a reading window in your day.
Even if it’s just 20 minutes before bed or first thing in the morning, carve out a specific window that’s just for reading. Treat it like you would an appointment or a promise to yourself. I skip TV most nights and spend two hours reading before bed instead—it’s become a ritual I look forward to. If two hours feels impossible, start with 15 minutes. Even that can feel sacred.
6. Use reading sprints to stay focused.
Sometimes, I set a timer for 20 minutes and challenge myself to just read. No checking my phone, no jumping up to do something “productive.” Just me, the book, and a window of time. It’s a great way to get back into a story when your attention feels scattered or when you only have a short window but still want to be present with your reading.
7. Let go of books that aren’t working for you.
You don’t have to finish every book you start. I promise. If a book is dragging or you keep putting it down without wanting to come back, it might not be for you—or not for right now. Put it aside without guilt. Your time and energy are precious, and momentum matters. Pick up something that calls to you, that pulls you in. If it’s a book that challenges you then that is different. Many books I read and share with the Book Coven will be challenging (decolonizing, unlearning, and learning new information isn’t easy) and may take time to process. My advice here is to take time to reflect after each chapter. Allow yourself to process and then continue.
8. Make your books easy to reach.
Don’t hide your books away. Keep them where you’ll see them—on your nightstand, by your favorite chair, in the kitchen, your car, or your purse. Out of sight really can mean out of mind. When books are visible and within reach, you’re far more likely to pick them up during spare moments.
9. Make reading part of an existing habit (Habit Stacking)
From James Clear’s Atomic Habits: the easiest way to start a new habit is to pair it with something you already do. This is called habit stacking. For example:
• “After I make coffee, I’ll read one page.”
• “After I brush my teeth at night, I’ll read for 10 minutes.”
The goal is to link reading to something that’s already automatic—making it more likely to stick.
10. Reduce decision fatigue (Pre-plan your next reads)
Studies show we make over 35,000 decisions per day, and by the end, we’re mentally drained—making it harder to choose what to read, even if we want to.
Solution? Create a short to-read-next list or stack. Keep 2–3 books queued up so you’re never stuck staring at your shelves overwhelmed by options. Less friction = more reading.
11. Minimize distractions (Read with your phone in another room)
Cognitive research shows it takes about 23 minutes to regain deep focus after being distracted. Even having your phone in sight can lower attention.
Try putting your phone in another room, or use tools like a simple timer to create focused, distraction-free reading blocks.
12. Read during your peak focus hours
Everyone has windows during the day when their brain is sharper—often in the morning or late at night. If you can, use these times for reading, even if just for 10–15 minutes. You’re more likely to retain and enjoy what you’re reading when your brain is naturally more alert.
13. Engage with what you’re reading (Annotation + Reflection)
The more actively your brain engages, the better it retains information—and the more satisfying the experience. Use post-its, highlight passages, or jot down a quote in your notes app. Even pausing to reflect after a chapter deepens your memory and connection to the book.
Bonus: you’re more likely to want to read if you’re creating a relationship with the text, rather than passively consuming it.
Here are two newsletters I shared that can help:
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It’s not about reading fast. It’s about staying connected to the practice—even when life is full. Books will meet you wherever you are.
With Love, Juliet
BOOK COVEN
Welcome to Book Coven— Book Coven is a free virtual book club dedicated to empowering members through literature as a tool for both personal and collective liberation.
I’m so grateful you’re here. This is more than just a book club; it’s a Coven for those who believe in the power of literature to create change, heal, challenge, and transform. Whether you’re here to deepen your personal journey or to connect with a community dedicated to collective liberation, you are in the right place.
Rooted in Literary Activism At its core, Book Coven is about more than books—it’s about action. We believe literature has the power to spark change, and we are committed to using this space to amplify urgent causes, share calls to action, and keep each other informed. Together, we engage with stories that challenge systems, honor voices too often silenced, and imagine new possibilities for ourselves and our communities.
Join us
What You Can Expect
As part of the Book Coven community, you’ll receive:
• Monthly Reads – One book each month (with extended time for longer reads when needed).
• Curated Book Guides – Reflection prompts, discussion questions, reading schedules, and deeper resources to enrich your experience.
• A Private Chat Space – Ongoing conversations, insights, and support.
• Monthly Virtual Gatherings – Discussions where we come together to share thoughts, questions, and reflections.
• Guest Author Visits – Whenever possible, we invite the authors of our chosen books to join us for conversations.
• Polls to Help Shape Our Selections – You’ll get a say in what we read next.
• Event Announcements – Be the first to hear about upcoming virtual and in-person gatherings.
Note: You’ll receive the registration link for each virtual meeting directly in your monthly book guide.
Thank you for being part of this journey. I can’t wait to read, reflect, and grow alongside you.
With appreciation and solidarity,
Juliet Diaz (Founder of Book Coven)
By Juliet Diaz:
Juliet Diaz is an Indigenous Taino and first-generation Cuban American, as well as an award-winning and internationally bestselling author and literary activist. Her writing is rooted in liberatory and decolonial themes, empowering others to reclaim their voices, align with their truth, and embrace their innate magic and humanity.
As the founder of the Literary Craft Society, she leads a revolutionary writing community dedicated to fostering change, healing, and liberation through the transformative power of words.
Her works, including Witchery: Embrace the Witch Within, Plant Witchery, The Altar Within, the Seasons of the Witch Oracle Deck series, and the Earthcraft Oracle Deck, have inspired thousands across the world to create meaningful change within themselves and their communities.
I have my own newsletter:
A monthly community newsletter: The Altar Within—notes on life, magic, and liberation.
“Writing is a way of making sense of the world, of uncovering what’s hidden and reclaiming what’s ours. Here, I share reflections on life, the unseen forces that shape us, and the ongoing work of liberation—personal and collective. No fluff, no pretenses—just honest writing as a tool for deeper understanding and transformation.”
Thank you so much for sharing! 🙏🏻 I think these suggestions will be really helpful for me. My ADHD and piles of lonely, unread books appreciate you 😅📚
Thank you for the tips! I love that you read for two hour a night! You’ve inspired me to slowly shift my evenings from tv to reading 📖