How to Read Five to Ten Books Each Month
Unlock the secrets to devouring 5-10 books monthly with proven strategies, audiobooks, and exclusive deals for avid readers.
How to Read Five to Ten Books Each Month (and a Special Deal for Wise Bread Readers)
Reading more books can transform your life, expanding your knowledge, sharpening your mind, and providing endless entertainment. But in our busy world, finding time to read five to ten books each month seems daunting. The good news? It’s entirely achievable with the right strategies. This guide draws from proven methods shared by productivity experts like Cal Newport, real reader experiences, and practical tips to help you build a sustainable reading habit without breaking the bank. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned reader, these techniques will help you consume more books efficiently.
Why Read More Books?
Books offer unparalleled depth compared to short-form content like social media or articles. Reading five to ten books monthly builds expertise in any field, improves vocabulary, enhances empathy through fiction, and boosts cognitive function. Professor Cal Newport, author of Deep Work, reads five books a month and shares his system publicly on his podcast. He emphasizes that reading maximizes your brain’s potential, much like exercise does for your body. Regular reading also reduces stress and improves focus in an attention-scattered age.
Audiobooks and print books alike fit into modern lifestyles. Readers in Wise Bread comments report consuming 5-10 books weekly by integrating reading into commutes, chores, and downtime—no TV required. One reader notes, “I read every spare minute,” achieving this over 40 years.
Tip 1: Choose More Interesting Books
The biggest barrier to reading more is boredom. Select books that captivate you from the start. Cal Newport advises picking titles across genres, difficulties, and formats—mix non-fiction thrillers, page-turners, and audiobooks that shine in audio form.
For example, Newport recently devoured Lost Moon, a gripping non-fiction account of Apollo 13 that reads like a thriller. Avoid forcing “important” books; opt for compelling narratives. Vary your stack: one biography, one novel, one self-help. This keeps momentum high, turning reading into a pleasure rather than a chore.
- Action step: Curate a list of 10 intriguing titles from recommendations on Goodreads or library apps.
- Pro tip: Start with shorter books (200-300 pages) to build wins.
Tip 2: Schedule Reading Like Exercise
Treat reading as a non-negotiable appointment. Newport schedules dedicated blocks, just like gym time. Block 30-60 minutes daily—mornings for focus, evenings for wind-down.
Integrate into routines: read during lunch, before bed, or while coffee brews. Consistency compounds; 30 minutes daily equals 15 hours monthly, enough for 5-7 average books (250 pages each).
| Time Slot | Duration | Books/Month Potential |
|---|---|---|
| Morning (post-wakeup) | 30 min | 2-3 |
| Commute/Lunch | 45 min | 3-4 (audiobooks) |
| Evening (pre-bed) | 30 min | 2-3 |
Use apps like Google Calendar to set reminders. Track progress in a journal or app like Goodreads.
Tip 3: Create Rituals Around Reading
Rituals signal your brain it’s reading time, reducing friction. Newport pairs reading with coffee or a specific chair. Light a candle, play ambient music, or brew tea—these cues build habit loops.
For audiobooks, listen during walks, cleaning, or drives. Wise Bread readers love this for monotonous jobs: “It helps pass the time,” one clerical worker shares, tackling classics like Lolita and Slaughterhouse-Five.
- Print ritual: Cozy nook, no distractions.
- Audio ritual: Headphones during chores.
- Bonus: Note-taking ritual to retain insights.
Tip 4: Do Closing Pushes
When 100 pages from the end, sprint to finish. Newport calls this a “closing push”—leverage momentum to cross the line instead of stalling.
Rotate 2-3 books: primary daily read, background audiobook, spare-time page-turner. Nearing the end of one? Dedicate extra sessions. Readers report finishing series by juggling titles, avoiding burnout.
Tip 5: Make Your Phone Boring
The ultimate hack: Remove distractions. Newport insists on stripping social media, news, and games from your phone. Reading becomes the default idle activity.
Install grayscale mode, delete apps, use blockers like Freedom. Reclaim hours lost to scrolling. Side benefit: Less anxiety from addictive feeds. One reader ditched TV entirely, hitting 5-10 books weekly.
Embrace Audiobooks for Massive Gains
Audiobooks multiply reading speed. Listen at 1.5x during commutes (45+ minutes daily for many). Libraries offer free access via OverDrive or Libby—over 50 books commute-free, per readers.
Inter-library loans expand options. Sites like Podiobooks.com provide free author-narrated ebooks. ChristianAudio.com and Audible.com are favorites; dyslexic readers and retirees rave about multitasking (e.g., listening while puttering).
Pro: Covers 1-2 books monthly passively. Con: Choose narrator-friendly titles (narratives over dense texts).
Budget-Friendly Ways to Get Books
Reading 5-10 books/month needn’t cost much:
- Libraries: Free print/audiobooks, ILL for rarities.
- Free sites: Podiobooks.com (donation-supported).
- Subscriptions: Audible credits, library apps.
- Buy smart: Used books, sales.
Wise Bread’s 10,001 Ways to Live Large on a Small Budget inspires frugal hacks.
Special Deal for Wise Bread Readers
Exclusive: Free audiobook from ChristianAudio.com! Use promo code WISEBREAD for a quality title (e.g., inspirational or fiction). Readers stock libraries this way—over 50 titles stored.
Limited time: Redeem now and fuel your habit!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can beginners read 5-10 books monthly?
A: Yes! Start with 2-3, scale using tips. Short books and audiobooks accelerate progress.
Q: Best audiobook sources on a budget?
A: Libraries (OverDrive), Podiobooks.com, ChristianAudio deals. Free commutes add up fast.
Q: How to retain what you read?
A: Note key ideas, discuss with others, apply concepts. Rituals aid memory.
Q: Fiction or non-fiction for speed?
A: Mix both—fiction for flow, non-fiction for depth. Thrillers finish quickest.
Q: What if I have no time?
A: Audit phone use; schedule 20 minutes daily. Replace scrolling with reading.
Track Your Progress
Join challenges like Goodreads Reading Challenge. Monthly reviews (like Newport’s podcast) build accountability. Celebrate milestones—10 books? Reward yourself.
In summary, combine interesting picks, scheduling, rituals, pushes, and distraction-free environments to hit 5-10 books. Audiobooks and libraries make it accessible. Start today; a reading life is a richer life.
References
- How to Read 5 Books a Month | Cal Newport’s Method — Cal Newport (YouTube). 2022-05-29. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gRBkIdc_VYU
- Recent comments | Wise Bread — Wise Bread. Accessed 2026. https://www.wisebread.com/comments/feed?page=4097
- 10,001 Ways to Live Large on a Small Budget — Wise Bread (Goodreads). N/A. https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/6407614-10-001-ways-to-live-large-on-a-small-budget
- 10,001 Ways to Live Large on a Small Budget — Wise Bread (BiblioCommons). N/A. https://mbln.bibliocommons.com/v2/record/S132C2447382
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