Want to read more in 2026?

NEW YORK (AP):

People stop reading in adulthood for lots of reasons. But it’s never too late to turn the page on old habits and start again.

Curling up with a good book can reduce stress, increase creativity and boost empathy.

Some people say they’re fatigued from years of assigned reading in school. Others don’t have the time or would rather zone out by doom-scrolling on social media. And many just got out of the habit.

For those looking to set reading goals or resolutions in 2026, here’s how to get back into the habit.

CHOOSE THE RIGHT BOOK

When picking your next book, avoid dense non-fiction or a 500-page doorstop.

“Your first book should be something that you think will be joyful,” said Jocelyn Luizzi, a software engineer from Chicago who blogs about books.

Everyone’s taste is different, so get recommendations from a variety of places, including friends, booksellers and online communities like BookTok.

Think about the last book, TV show or movie that you really enjoyed? Then, try to look for similar genres or themes.

SET A READING ROUTINE

To create a habit that sticks, “start by scheduling reading into your day,” said Gloria Mark, an attention span expert with the University of California, Irvine. Read five pages during a lunch break or right before bed.

If you’re reading a physical book, Mark said to avoid distractions by keeping phones and laptops out of sight.

But experimenting with other formats can make reading more convenient. E-books are portable, and audiobooks are a good candidate to accompany chores or the morning commute.

Try to read in a quiet setting, but don’t be afraid to make it a social activity.

Setting a reading goal for the year or joining a reading challenge can help with motivation, but if it feels like added pressure, don’t do it.

FEEL FREE TO SKIP A READ

If a book feels particularly sluggish, it’s OK to put it down and start another. Reading “shouldn’t feel like a burden”, said Jess Bone with University College London, who analysed the survey data about American adults reading for pleasure.

Routine readers say the habit helps them stay curious and release the stress of the day. Jacqueline Rammer, director of Menomonee Falls Public Library in Wisconsin, reads mysteries rife with twists and turns, and romances that cycle through roller coasters of emotions.

Most of all, she likes books that end with a “happily-ever-after”.

“I think the guarantee of knowing that things are going to end up OK is really reassuring,” Rammer said.

lifestyle@gleanerjm.com