How to read more books

450 points · 228 comments on HN · read original →

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Replace phone-scrolling with book-reading to consume a book per week.

The author reads roughly one book per week by replacing screen time with reading. Removing social media and streaming apps from the iPhone was crucial; an analog watch helps avoid phone checks. An ebook reader enables carrying books everywhere, though physical paperbacks are preferred for variety. Reading multiple books in parallel (fiction and non-fiction) prevents boredom. Quitting unenjoyable books is encouraged; some books may be better appreciated later. Setting yearly reading goals on Goodreads provides motivation, but the author warns against prioritizing volume over comprehension. Reviewing books aids retention. The author advises against speed reading, summaries, and audiobooks, arguing that reading requires full attention.

What commenters are saying

Several commenters share practical tips: using Readwise for highlight emails, combining audiobooks with dog walks, and logging out of social media accounts to reduce friction. A parent with toddlers finds the advice inspiring but challenging. One commenter notes that mental fatigue makes it difficult to use interstitial time for reading. Two camps emerge: those who see AI as a distraction from reading, and those who find it a useful tool for deeper understanding of technical books. Another commenter laments the post-2023 trustworthiness of books due to AI-generated content, preferring to stick with older authors. The thread also discusses the antilibrary concept, which the article's author is surprised was omitted.