There’s something about summer that calls for long days, iced drinks, and finally getting around to that towering “To Be Read” pile. But for many, carving out time to actually sit down and read isn’t so simple.
Whether you’re a student on break, a busy parent, or someone juggling work and travel plans, here are practical (and realistic) ways to rekindle your reading habit this summer—no matter your schedule or lifestyle.
1. For Busy Professionals: Turn Commute Time Into Book Time
Your calendar may still be packed, but that doesn’t mean you can’t fit reading into the cracks of your day. Try:
- Listening to audiobooks during your commute, workouts, or lunch breaks.
- Setting 15-minute reading breaks to recharge your brain between meetings.
- Swapping screen time for book time—even 10 pages before bed can help.
Pro tip: Get curated recommendations based on your taste, so you’re not wasting time deciding what to read next. Here’s one way to do it.
2. For Stay-at-Home Parents: Make Reading a Shared Activity
Between keeping kids entertained and handling the daily juggle, it’s tough to find “you” time. Try:
- Designating family reading hours—everyone reads their own book, together.
- Listening to audiobooks while doing chores or pushing a stroller.
- Keeping a book in the kitchen or bathroom for sneaky page-turning moments.
Pro tip: Children love mirroring what they see—when they see you reading, they’re more likely to do the same.
3. For Students: Detox from Screens and Dive In
After a long academic year, you deserve books that feel less like assignments and more like escapes.
- Try reading outdoors—parks, beaches, or your balcony can make it feel special.
- Create a mini summer reading challenge with friends.
- Mix genres—alternate between something light and something deep.
Pro tip: Summer is the best time to read what you want—not what you have to. Explore genres or indie authors you’ve never tried before.
4. For Travelers: Make Books Your Travel Buddy
Planes, trains, and quiet afternoons are perfect reading moments if you come prepared.
- Pack a slim paperback or load your e-reader before your trip.
- Download audiobooks or offline reading apps for when Wi-Fi is spotty.
- Match your reads to your destination—it makes the experience richer.
Pro tip: Use Quill’s book-matching algorithm to discover books wherever you are in the world!
5. For Everyone Else: Build the Habit Without Pressure
Not every reader fits a label—and not every summer has to be packed with books. If you’re craving a slow and steady return to reading:
- Try the 10-Page Rule: Read 10 pages a day—no pressure to do more.
- Curate a summer reading stack you’re actually excited about.
- Track your reads to see your progress—apps, journals, or even sticky notes
Pro tip: Reading isn’t a race. It’s okay to quit a book you’re not enjoying. Time is precious—read what lights you up.
Bonus: Make Reading a Ritual
To make reading stick, tie it to an enjoyable routine:
- Morning coffee + a chapter
- Afternoon sun + 30 minutes of uninterrupted book time
- Evening wind-down + soft music and a good story
Rituals turn reading into something you look forward to—not another task on your list.
Your Summer Reading Starts Now
Whether you’re squeezing in chapters between errands or dedicating whole afternoons to the page, this summer can be your chance to finally catch up on your reading goals.
And if you need help picking your next book, try Quill. Our smart algorithm matches you with titles based on what you already love—so your next favorite read is never far away.