Zadan ZarikReader, Writer, Reviewer

In a culture obsessed with metrics and achievements, it’s tempting to measure our reading lives by the sheer number of books we consume. Apps track reading streaks, social media boasts towering stacks of completed books, and yearly challenges push us to read more and more. But the true value of reading isn’t in how many books we get through—it’s in how many books truly get through us. It’s about the depth of engagement, the insights gained, and the lasting impact a book has on our mind and heart.

Reading for numbers often leads to a shallow experience. When the goal is simply to finish as many books as possible, the focus shifts from understanding and reflection to speed and quantity. This approach can leave readers skimming through pages without fully absorbing the material, reducing books to mere checkboxes on a to-do list. While completing a large number of books might feel like an accomplishment, it rarely leads to the profound growth and transformation that meaningful reading can provide.

In contrast, when you allow a book to truly get through to you, the experience becomes richer and more impactful. This means engaging deeply with the material—thinking critically about its ideas, reflecting on its themes, and considering how it applies to your life. A single book that resonates deeply can leave a greater impression than dozens of books read superficially. It’s not about the breadth of your reading but the depth of your understanding that ultimately matters.

Books that “get through you” are the ones that challenge your perspective, spark new ideas, or touch your emotions. They stay with you long after you’ve closed the final page, influencing your thoughts, decisions, and actions. These books might offer profound insights into the human condition, help you see the world through a different lens, or provide guidance and inspiration during difficult times. They leave a mark, shaping who you are and how you engage with the world.

The beauty of this approach is that it shifts the emphasis from external validation to personal enrichment. Instead of worrying about keeping up with others’ reading lists or meeting arbitrary goals, you can focus on finding books that genuinely resonate with you. Whether it’s a novel that moves you to tears, a nonfiction work that opens your eyes to a new field of knowledge, or a memoir that inspires you to pursue your dreams, the value lies in the experience, not the tally.

This perspective also encourages more intentional reading habits. Rather than racing through books, take the time to savor them. Pause to highlight passages, jot down notes, or discuss them with others. Revisit certain books over time, allowing your evolving experiences and insights to bring new meaning to the text. By giving yourself the space to absorb and reflect, you create a deeper connection with the material and, ultimately, with yourself.

In conclusion, the true measure of a meaningful reading life isn’t the number of books you’ve finished but the impact those books have on you. When you focus on how deeply a book engages your mind and spirit, you’ll find that even a handful of thoughtfully read books can transform your life in ways a hundred hastily read ones never could. So, read with intention, seek books that resonate, and let the words not just pass through your eyes but leave a lasting imprint on your soul.

In the age of constant connectivity, our smartphones are the biggest culprits when it comes to fragmented attention. Notifications, alerts, and the endless temptation of social media pull us away from the quiet focus that reading demands. But there’s a simple yet powerful solution: put your phone on silent and leave it in another room before you start reading. This small habit can dramatically improve your ability to concentrate, turning your reading time into a deeply rewarding experience.

The science behind this strategy is clear. Studies have shown that even the mere presence of a smartphone—silent or face down—reduces cognitive capacity. The brain remains subtly aware of the device, anticipating potential interruptions. This “always-on” state keeps your attention divided, making it harder to fully immerse yourself in a book. By physically removing your phone from the equation, you signal to your brain that it’s time to focus solely on the task at hand: reading.

Without your phone nearby, you create a distraction-free environment that allows you to engage deeply with the material. Instead of being pulled out of a narrative by a text or losing your train of thought to a social media notification, you can fully immerse yourself in the book’s world. This uninterrupted focus not only enhances comprehension but also increases the enjoyment of reading. You’re not just skimming the words; you’re connecting with the story, the ideas, and the emotions.

Leaving your phone in another room also helps break the habit of constant multitasking. We’ve become so accustomed to juggling multiple streams of information—checking emails, scrolling through feeds, and replying to messages—that single-tasking can feel foreign. But reading requires undivided attention to truly absorb and appreciate the content. By deliberately separating yourself from your phone, you retrain your brain to focus on one activity at a time, a skill that has benefits far beyond reading.

This practice also fosters mindfulness, a state of being fully present in the moment. Reading in a distraction-free environment becomes not just an intellectual activity but also a form of relaxation and self-care. It allows you to disconnect from the demands of the digital world and reconnect with yourself, your thoughts, and the ideas in the book. The result is a deeper sense of calm and satisfaction, as well as a greater retention of what you’ve read.

For those who feel anxious about being away from their phones, this habit can also serve as a reminder of the importance of boundaries. Setting aside time for uninterrupted reading is an act of prioritizing your personal growth and mental well-being. It’s a statement that your time and attention are valuable, and that not every message or notification requires an immediate response.

In conclusion, putting your phone on silent and leaving it in another room before reading is a simple yet transformative habit. It eliminates distractions, enhances focus, and creates the ideal conditions for meaningful engagement with a book. The result is not only a better reading experience but also a stronger ability to concentrate, relax, and find joy in the art of reading. Try it, and you’ll discover just how much more enriching your reading time can become.

A thoughtful approach to reading transforms it from a simple pastime into a meaningful journey of growth, discovery, and inspiration. The mantra “Read good books, reread great books, rebuy groundbreaking books” serves as a guide for cultivating a rich and intentional relationship with the written word. Each step represents a deeper level of engagement, ensuring that your reading not only entertains but also enriches your life.

Read Good Books

Good books are the foundation of a satisfying reading life. They introduce new ideas, expand your knowledge, and entertain you along the way. These books may not always transform your worldview, but they play an essential role in keeping your mind active and curious. From page-turning novels to insightful nonfiction, good books are the gateway to exploring diverse topics, genres, and perspectives.

Reading widely and frequently helps you identify what resonates most with you. Good books often plant the seeds for deeper exploration, leading you toward works that challenge and inspire you. The key is to be open to variety, giving yourself the freedom to explore new authors, genres, and styles. While every book won’t leave a lasting mark, each one adds value by sharpening your tastes and enriching your reading journey.

Reread Great Books

Great books are the ones that stay with you long after you’ve finished them. They resonate deeply, offering profound insights, timeless wisdom, or unforgettable stories. Unlike good books, which you might enjoy once and move on from, great books invite you to return to them time and again. Each reread brings new layers of understanding, shaped by your evolving experiences and perspectives.

Rereading great books is like revisiting an old friend. The familiarity of the text creates a sense of comfort, while the depth of its content ensures that it never feels stale. A novel that moved you in your youth may offer entirely new lessons when revisited later in life. Similarly, a philosophical or historical work might reveal nuances you missed the first time. By rereading great books, you deepen your relationship with them, allowing their themes and ideas to take root more firmly in your mind.

Rebuy Groundbreaking Books

Groundbreaking books are those that change the way you see the world. These are the works that challenge conventions, introduce revolutionary ideas, or inspire profound personal transformation. They hold such immense value that they’re worth having in multiple formats or editions—whether it’s to share with others, annotate for deeper study, or simply keep close as a source of inspiration.

Rebuying groundbreaking books is a testament to their impact. It shows that these works are not just fleeting experiences but enduring companions. Whether it’s a special collector’s edition, an updated translation, or a digital version for convenience, owning multiple copies ensures that these books remain accessible and cherished. They become touchstones in your intellectual and emotional life, ready to revisit whenever you need their guidance or insight.

A Balanced Approach to Reading

Together, these practices create a balanced and meaningful approach to reading. Good books keep your reading life dynamic and enjoyable. Great books provide depth and continuity, becoming anchors in your intellectual journey. Groundbreaking books inspire and transform, leaving an indelible mark on your soul.

This philosophy encourages intentional reading, where the goal isn’t to consume as many books as possible but to cultivate a collection of experiences that truly matter. By reading good books, rereading great ones, and rebuying groundbreaking works, you create a personal library that reflects not just your interests but your values, aspirations, and growth.

Becoming a reader isn’t about adopting an identity first; it’s about engaging with the act of reading. The transformation into a “reader” happens not through a decision but through action—by picking up a book, turning its pages, and immersing yourself in its words. It’s in the doing, not the labeling, that the magic unfolds.

For many, the idea of becoming a reader feels like an aspiration tied to a certain image: someone who devours books effortlessly, always with a novel in hand and a profound thought to share. But this idealized notion can feel intimidating, especially for those who haven’t yet made reading a habit. The truth is simpler and far more attainable: you don’t need to “become” a reader to start reading. You just need to begin.

Picking up a book, even if only for a few minutes a day, is the first step toward developing a reading habit. Initially, it might feel unfamiliar or even difficult, especially in a world filled with constant distractions. But with time, as you read more, the act becomes natural. Each page you turn, each story you finish, brings you closer to identifying as a reader—not because you’re chasing a label, but because the habit starts to feel like an integral part of your life.

What’s remarkable is that the transformation into a reader doesn’t require a specific kind of book or a fixed amount of time. Whether you’re diving into a gripping novel, exploring a thought-provoking nonfiction piece, or enjoying a lighthearted magazine article, every moment spent reading contributes to your growth. There’s no “right” way to start—what matters is that you’re engaging with the written word.

As you continue reading, you’ll notice subtle shifts. You might find yourself eagerly anticipating the next chapter, pausing to reflect on an idea, or searching for your next book before finishing the current one. This enthusiasm isn’t something you force; it emerges organically as the habit takes root. Over time, the act of reading becomes more than just a pastime—it becomes a part of who you are.

This process also comes with unexpected rewards. Reading expands your knowledge, improves your focus, and deepens your empathy. It connects you with ideas, stories, and perspectives you might never encounter otherwise. These benefits reinforce the habit, creating a positive cycle where reading begets more reading.

The beauty of this journey is that it’s entirely personal. You don’t need to measure yourself against others or adhere to rigid definitions of what it means to be a “reader.” The moment you pick up a book and start reading, you’ve already begun. Whether you read one book a year or one a week, what matters is the joy, growth, and fulfillment you derive from the experience.

In conclusion, becoming a reader isn’t about claiming an identity before you act. It’s about the simple decision to start, to open a book and let its words take you somewhere new. The label of “reader” will follow naturally, not because you’ve sought it, but because you’ve lived it. So don’t wait to become a reader—just start reading, and let the transformation happen along the way.