cultivating a reading life
Our ever-growing library and piles of books scattered throughout our wee apartment surely attest to this love of reading. Truth be told, I have rarely felt as seen and understood (and mortified?) as the moment I came across the Japanese word, tsundoku, which refers to "a person who owns a lot of unread literature." Acquiring more and more books is an unwitting bad habit I'm quite guilty of. . . Can anyone relate?
All that being said, that night, I was alone at home and eager to spend time in the good company of a book. Agnes Obel's piano and voice played in the background, rain puttered steadily on the sill of our open window, sheer curtains swayed gently in the evening breeze. I could not have conjured up a better scene to read all evening. A stack of titles were begging for my attention, but Delia Owens' Where the Crawdads Sing pulled the strongest. I have been utterly enraptured by this work of fiction, and wanted to conclude this wondrous read. From its first to last page, I thought it a marvel.
As I read there, I realized that little heartens me as much as a powerful story--the ones that thrill my heart, engage my senses, stir the deep places of my soul. So, naturally, I thought I would write about cultivating a reading life on the blog today.
First Things First: You Are a Reader
Before I share some of the ways we have nurtured a culture of reading within our four walls, I want to share the following: I don't solely read because I like it. I read because it is important. I view reading as more than a hobby, but also as a deeply formative habit, skill and value.
Most importantly, I believe everyone is a reader. There, I said it.
My current work centers on literacy. I recognize that millions of people around the world are not afforded the possibility to read. One in four people don't have access to an education in their language, which represents a significant obstacle to development and life opportunities. However, part of my passion for literacy classes in minority language groups and marginalized communities is this: I believe all people have the right to learn to read and discover the power of written language. Because everyone, if given the opportunity, is a reader! It's part of the way we are wired as humans.
Why, you ask?
We all are storytellers and live within the stories of our lives. We make sense of the world around us with language and words. We glean our grasp of morality and heroism and virtue from accounts we hear in our families, places of worship, schools and all spheres of life. Frankly, I'd go so far as to say our entire social imaginaries (the set of values, institutions, principles and symbols through which people understand their lives) are rooted in the sharing of stories, legends and myths from generation to generation. You see where I'm getting at here: humans are story-formed beings. Every day, we are shaped by tales, narratives, dramas and words.
My faith certainly informs this idea. Christianity is a word-centered, verbal faith. I believe we are made in the image of a God who spoke (yes, spoke) the world into existence. And He communicates with us through the medium of a Holy book, the Bible. When we engage with oeuvres that powerfully display the beauty of storytelling and the craft of language, we can better understand the way the God of the Universe speaks into our lives.
Sure, some may have a greater proclivity and ability to sit and read for hours on end. But when someone tells me they aren't a reader, I can't say I fully believe them. Ha! I think the issue is that they've yet to discover the type of book they love, and yet to take the time to build a rhythm of reading in their life.
If this resonates with you, or if you know yourself to be a reader but can't seem to find the time for it, I hope this post encourages you. I recognize some seasons make reading all the more difficult (I was so tightly wound with lecture readings in my University years that I seemingly forsook leisurely reading altogether!).
But this I know: profound treasures and joys are hidden in the art of reading, and we would be remiss to ignore the invitation to go find them. And who knows? Cultivating a reading life may help you uncover and define your sense of identity, enliven a dream, spark new curiosities and strengthen your spiritual life. It may seem like a daunting effort at first, but oh friend--what adventures await!
Cultivating a Reading Life: A Few Tips
1. Ditch the distractions!
It's basic. It's simple. It's almost too obvious to write about. But if there is any key practice necessary to the reading life, it is to put down our phones and turn off screens, and pull out our books. There is just no way around it. I am by no means against social media and technology. In fact, I love them! You'll see below that, when used well, virtual spaces can actually help fuel one's reading life. But I can't emphasize enough the necessity of unplugged moments to cultivating a love of reading. Do note: I'm preaching to myself here. Year after year, my resolutions include scrolling less and reading more.
The online world is unresting, always ready to stimulate and entertain. It wholly interrupts our attention, consciousness and embodied experience in the real, physical world. For some, it may seem awfully difficult for a book to compete with endless hours of sensory diversion. The truth is, our world is overloaded with dopamine. And our devices are, in essence, dopamine drip feeds. Intentionally stepping away from these distractions rewires our brains and cognitive loops, such that we can grow increasingly satisfied with the quieter, simpler (and richer, mind you) entertainment of a book. To pick up a book is an act of resistance against a virtual world vying for our attention. It reminds and trains our bodies to be sated by slow-releases of dopamine instead of instant deluges.
And that feeling of hollowness we feel after endless scrolling? I promise, you won't feel that when you finish a book. I urge you to turn away from your screens and watch how formative and fulfilling a good read can be.
2. Schedule reading times.
I recently heard of someone who literally schedules an hour of reading every day in his calendar, as he would a doctor's appointment or dinner date. I find this so compelling. If we want to cultivate a life that prioritizes reading, we ought to determinedly find and make those times throughout the week. Plugging reading times into our calendars is a way to officialize the deal, too!
I would suggest starting with two hours a week. Find four slots of thirty minutes where you will part with distractions (see point 1) and sit down with a title, preferably with a spot of tea and candle aglow, and delve in. As time goes, you'll most likely increase the time.
3. Always bring a book, in case the line is long.
A life rule of mine. I always, always bring a book with me wherever I go. Whether for transit or a doctor's appointment or errands or a walk, a book is my trusted companion. You never know when a long line could be made sweeter or a park bench will beckon you! Training myself to read in lulls (instead of pulling out my phone) is a true gift when in an endless queue at the post office or whilst waiting for a friend to arrive on a coffee date, on those rare occasions I got there early. Always, always bring a book.
3. Attach reading to another daily habit.
This might seem odd, but I've heard that the key to building a new habit is to attach it to a habit you have already cultivated. For example, if you eat breakfast and drink coffee every morning, you can add reading to that rhythm. If you unwind at the end of the day with a tv show, you can make it a rule that 15 minutes of reading ought to precede that daily pattern. If you mentally attach reading to your lunch break, getting-home-from-work routine, commute or evening teeth-brushing (ha!), day after day, reading itself will become a routine. We are creatures of habit, after all.
4. Create a reading-friendly environment.
I usually liturgize my reading evenings with the lighting of a candle. The candle's glow and scent is so comforting to me. When I read, I generally opt for warm lighting, and perch myself on my beloved corner of the living room couch. These things are by no means necessary. I point them out simply to say: my environment matters to me as a reader. Sure, you'll find me reading in just about any context possible--in bed, at a café, cozied up on a park bench, on transit. . . But my very favorite way to read is whenever our home is quiet and tidy, soft light flooding my reading corner. And, to me, the simple act of lighting a candle and switching on some soft music is my way of signaling that it's time to read.
Beyond this, you can transform your entire home into a reader-friendly environment by spreading books throughout your home: place bookshelves in living spaces, fill baskets of books near sitting areas, rotate coffee table books. Even placing reading materials in a restroom can make a difference! Growing up, my parents chose to forego a television in our living room (it was in the basement instead), partly to ensure that space was a peaceful place for reading. This really informed our family culture!
To cultivate a reading life, I encourage you to create a reading space that is comfortable and comforting, conducive for long stretches of time spent with a book. You will be amazed how helpful this is!
5. Get a library card
I am forever helpless before the charms of an independent bookstore. They are truly slices of heaven on earth. More often than not, I am attempting to channel Kathleen Kelly in You've Got Mail. Alas, as much as I urge you to support these businesses, I admit reading can become an expensive hobby. You certainly can find great books in local thrift stores, yard sales and a friend's need-to-go pile. However, the very best way to fuel your love of reading and find the books you want is through membership to your local library. Most cities offer free membership, and you can even rent digital books if e-readers are your thing! Said writer Sidney Sheldon: "Libraries store the energy that fuels the imagination. They open up windows to the world and inspire us to explore and achieve, and contribute to improving our quality of life." In other words, when it comes to going to the library, don't walk--run!
6. Read widely, and different genres.
Reading widely is so valuable. I can't encourage you enough to broaden your horizons when you read, and delve deeply into new ways of thinking. This will shape you as a reader more than you know. Read authors of different genders, religions, contexts and ethnicities. Read various theological persuasions. Read books hailing from different parts of the world. Changing it up helps fuel my own reading life, sparking my curiosity and imagination.
One of the ways I maintain reading as a habit is to always have a variety of genres going at any given time. Personally, I get quite restless or tired of the same book after a while, so changing up styles of writing and topics is quite helpful. Generally, I am always reading at least two of the following: fiction, non-fiction (either social or political commentaries, international development or justice related), a poetry or essay collection, a memoir or biography and reads on Christian living, spiritual discipline or theology.
Call me harsh, but I think shoehorning yourself into only one genre of literature is an unfortunate approach to reading. Many Christians assume that, if they are going to read, it should largely be about God and Christian theology. I disagree. I love author Lore Ferguson Wilbert's reasoning: "...if theological writing is the bones on which our body hangs, creative writing is the flesh. It fills out the muscles and fills in the crevices. It takes what is foundationally real and true about God and man, and fleshes it out."
To cultivate a reading life, commit to reading widely. This will spur you on in your efforts to read more!
7. Join a book club!
Committing to read a book in community is a wonderful way to nurture a love of a reading. Partaking in a book club holds me accountable, essentially giving me a needed push to read regularly. I have found that book club discussions expose me to new perspectives as I hear others' thoughts and interpretations. They actually help me understand what I am reading more deeply. Book clubs brim with possibility: you may even be introduced to authors or genres you would generally not gravitate towards. You can find local book clubs online or form your own with friends or peers. You won't regret it!
8. Subscriptions!
Perhaps you don't know where to start with books. Committing to reading articles is admittedly less daunting than a full novel. So why not start off by subscribing to a blog, magazine or newspaper? Wonderful literature is found within the pages of publications like The New Yorker, Vanity Fair, The Atlantic, Kinfolk, Christianity Today, Relevant, Fathom Mag. . . Some articles may be a bit intimidating for one's first foray into reading, but nonetheless so enriching!
9. Curate your online reading, too!
By now, I hope I've somewhat convinced you to forsake your phone awhile and pick up a book. But let me contradict myself for a second. The online space, while generally a hindrance to the reading life, can actually enhance it at times. My Instagram feed is full of wondrous writers who inspire me with their word-craft. I would encourage you to curate your social media in such a way that fuels your love of reading--poetry accounts, beloved authors, reading enthusiasts, etc. The quality of writing in the online world may end up surprising you! Of course, set healthy boundaries. . . but remember the Internet can be a redemptive space if curated wisely.
10. Just do it.
Well, that's that. I have come to realize that much of habit-building boils down to the very first step--to just start doing it. Onward!
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I do hope these tips inspire you in your quest to start (or keep) reading. As you cultivate a reading life, I offer the follow blessings:
May your bookshelves brim with possibility, may no nook or cranny of your library go unexplored, may new characters delight you and give you courage, may a string of words break your heart, may you delight in the smell and feel of a thick paperback, may you stay up far past bedtime to finish a chapter, may you fully soak in the story found between your fingers. May books knit together your community, while becoming a great companion in themselves. May you discover reading to be one of the great joys of a life, a powerful way to hold onto beauty and hope in a weary world.
Said Madeleine L'Engle:
"A book, too, can be a star, a living fire to lighten the darkness, leading out into the expanding universe."
Happy reading, friends.
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