Halfway Through the Month and Only Two Books? Operation Read Faster Initiated!

Okay, bookworms, let's have a little heart-to-heart. Today is the 17th. The seventeeth! And if I'm being brutally honest with myself (and with you all), my "Books Read" tally for April currently stands at a grand total of... two.

Two!

Don't get me wrong, both books have been enjoyable in their own right. I savored each page, lingered over particularly beautiful prose, and really let the stories sink in. But at this pace, my ambitious Goodreads goal for the year is starting to look less like a gentle stroll and more like a frantic sprint to the finish line.

Does anyone else feel this creeping sense of panic halfway through the month when their reading progress feels…glacial? It's like watching the minutes tick by on a deadline, except instead of a report, it's a towering TBR pile silently judging your lack of commitment.

I know, I know. Reading shouldn't feel like a chore. It's supposed to be a relaxing escape, a journey to other worlds. But there's also that little part of me that feels a sense of accomplishment when I tick another book off the list. And right now, that part is feeling a little neglected.

So, what's a slow-reading book lover to do? It's time to initiate Operation Read Faster (But Still Enjoyably)! Here's my current strategy, and I'd love to hear yours in the comments:

• Prioritize Shorter Reads: While I adore a hefty epic fantasy, now might be the time to reach for those novellas and shorter novels that have been patiently waiting on my shelf. Quick wins, people!
• Maximize Reading Time: Those little pockets of downtime – waiting for appointments, commuting (when I'm not driving, of course!), even a few extra minutes before bed – need to be utilized for reading. Every page counts!
• Minimize Distractions: Farewell, endless scrolling! Hello, airplane mode! Creating a dedicated reading environment free from notifications and temptations is crucial for focus.
• Audiobooks to the Rescue: Sometimes, multitasking is the name of the game. Audiobooks are perfect for walks, chores, and those moments when my eyes need a break but my brain still craves a good story.
• Don't Force It (Too Much): While the goal is to pick up the pace, I still want to enjoy what I'm reading. Forcing myself through a book I'm not connecting with will only make the process feel even more like a slog. If a book isn't working, it might be time to politely set it aside for now.

So, fellow slow readers, are you with me? Let's rally in the second half of April and make some serious reading progress! What are your tips for picking up the pace without sacrificing the joy of reading? Let me know in the comments – I need all the encouragement I can get! Wish me luck as I dive back into my current read with renewed vigor (and maybe a slightly faster page-turning technique!).