Let’s Talk Bookish is a weekly meme that was created and hosted by Rukky @ Eternity Books and then cohosted with Dani @ Literary Lion. It is currently hosted by Aria @ Book Nook Bits and Dini @ dinipandareads. This meme has a discussion format, where participants get to talk about certain topics, share opinions, and spread the blogging love by visiting other posts. You can learn more about this meme here!

Hello readers and happy Friday!
Have you ever found yourself staring at your bookshelf, full of unread titles you were once excited about, only to feel… nothing? You’re not alone. This week on Let’s Talk Bookish, we’re diving into a topic every reader grapples with at some point: motivation to read. Whether you’re stuck in a slump, juggling a busy schedule, or simply feeling uninspired, staying motivated to pick up a book isn’t always easy. So what keeps us turning the pages? What reignites that spark when it fizzles out?

Reading is one of those beautiful habits that offers so much—escape, knowledge, connection—but ironically, it can also be one of the hardest to keep up with consistently. Life gets busy, distractions are everywhere, and sometimes even the thought of picking up a book can feel overwhelming. Over time, I’ve found a few ways to stay motivated and make reading a regular part of my life.

How do you motivate yourself to sit down and concentrate on reading?

For me, motivation starts with intention. I remind myself why I read: for joy, for relaxation. When I’m feeling unmotivated, I think about how good it feels to get lost in a story or learn something new.

Sometimes I need a little external push, too. That’s where ‘reading goals’ come in—whether it’s a yearly challenge (like reading 30 books), joining a book club, or even just setting a personal goal to read a chapter a day. Having a reason to stay on track keeps me accountable.

Do you have a set reading time/schedule that works best for you to focus?

I’ve learned that the best reading times for me are either early in the morning or right before bed, up til late night. Mornings are quiet and distraction-free—perfect for non-fiction or something reflective. Nights are reserved for fiction when I want to unwind and shift into a calmer headspace.

That said, I don’t stress about reading for hours. Even 10–20 minutes a day makes a difference. If I can carve out a short window of time and use it well, I feel good about it.

Do you have tips/tricks that you would recommend others try?

If you’re struggling to read more, here are a few things that help me:

• Start small. Don’t pressure yourself to read 50 pages. Commit to 5–10 pages a day. Often, you’ll end up reading more once you start.
• Make reading part of your routine. Pair it with something you already do—like drinking coffee in the morning or winding down at night.
• Limit distractions. Put your phone on airplane mode, sit somewhere quiet, and use a bookmark to track progress (small wins are motivating!).
• Use audiobooks or ebooks. Some days, reading physically isn’t possible. Audiobooks during walks or chores still count and keep you connected to the habit.
• Read what excites you. Don’t force yourself through a book you’re not enjoying. Reading should be something you look forward to, not dread.
• Experiment with Timing: Try reading at different times of day—morning, lunch break, or before bed—to find what works best for your energy and focus.
• Create a Dedicated Space: Having a cozy, distraction-free spot for reading (even if it’s just a quiet corner with good lighting) can signal your brain it’s time to focus.
• Set a Small Daily Goal: Commit to reading 10-15 pages or for 20 minutes a day. Small goals make it easier to stay consistent.
• Pair Reading with a Habit: Link reading to another daily habit, like having coffee or winding down before bed, so it becomes second nature.

Staying motivated to read is a balance of discipline and passion. You have to create the space for it, but you also have to enjoy it. If reading ever starts to feel like a task, step back and reconnect with the reasons you started in the first place.

The beauty of books is that they wait for us—so when you’re ready, pick one up and see where it takes you.

If you enjoyed this post and found it useful, feel free to drop a like—it really helps! Don’t forget to hit that follow button so you never miss out on bookish topic, rec, and fun literary chats. Your support means so much, and I’m looking forward to sharing more great content with you soon!