Hoping I read more physical books this year

You know that feeling? Staring at your beautiful shelf of physical books, promising yourself this year will be different, but then your Kindle or phone calls your name? I’ve been there! Last year, my physical TBR (to be read) pile seemed to grow rather than shrink, despite my best intentions. So, this year, I'm taking a stand – I'm embarking on what I'm calling my 'intimate reading challenge' to reconnect with the magic of paper books. What does an 'intimate reading challenge' even mean? For me, it's about deeply engaging with the stories in my hands, away from digital distractions. It's not just about hitting a number; it's about savoring each page, feeling the texture of the paper, and even smelling that wonderful 'old book' scent. It’s about creating a dedicated, cozy space and time just for me and my book. Maybe it means rereading a beloved classic, or finally diving into that intimidating literary fiction you've been meaning to read. It could be dedicating an hour each evening before bed, or setting aside a whole Sunday afternoon once a month. The key is making it personal and meaningful to *you*. My approach involves a few simple steps. First, I’m curating my physical TBR more intentionally. Instead of just buying every tempting new release, I'm focusing on books I truly feel drawn to. Second, I'm setting a realistic goal – maybe two physical books a month to start. And third, I'm creating a 'reading nook' where my phone is strictly off-limits. It's amazing how much more I focus when I'm not tempted by notifications! I also track my progress in a simple planner, noting down thoughts and favorite quotes, which adds another layer of intimacy to the experience. Now, I'm not throwing my Kindle away! 'My kindle' is fantastic for travel, for those impulse buys, or for reading in bed without disturbing anyone. But there's a different kind of joy in holding a physical book. The weight in your hands, the turning of the pages, seeing your progress visibly with every bookmark move – it’s a sensory experience that e-readers just can't replicate. My strategy is to use my Kindle for quick reads or when convenience is key, but for my 'intimate challenge,' it's all about those beautiful paper books. Perhaps you could try dedicating certain times or days specifically to physical books, keeping your e-reader for other moments. To truly conquer that physical TBR, I've found it helps to actually see your books. Stack them proudly on your nightstand or coffee table as a visual reminder. Consider joining an online community like the #lemon8bookclub or a local book group – discussing a physical book with others can be incredibly motivating. And here's a big one: it’s okay to put a book down if it’s not working for you. Life’s too short to force yourself through a book you’re not enjoying, especially when your goal is to make reading a joyful, intimate experience. So, if you're like me and want to rekindle your love affair with physical books, why not join this 'intimate reading challenge'? Let's make this the year we truly dive into our bookshelves and rediscover the unique pleasure of a good old-fashioned paper book.