Why Do We Quit Reading? And How to Fall Back in Love With It Again

You know how it goes. You pick up a book with so much excitement, thinking, “This is the one!” The first few pages feel great, and you’re hooked. But then… life happens. The book sits untouched for days, maybe weeks, and before you know it, you’ve forgotten what it’s even about. Sound familiar?

If it does, don’t worry. You’re not alone. In fact, most people have at least one half-read book on their shelves (or ten, if we’re being honest). The question is: why does this happen? And more importantly, how can you stop it? Let’s talk about it.

Why Do We Start Books and Never Finish?

There’s no one reason, but a combination of things often gets in the way:

1. Life Gets in the Way
Our lives are hectic—work deadlines, family responsibilities, endless WhatsApp messages. Finding time to read can feel like an impossible luxury when there’s so much going on.

2. The Wrong Book
Have you ever forced yourself to read a book just because it was popular? Or maybe because someone said, “You HAVE to read this”? If the book doesn’t resonate with you, it’s hard to stay invested.

3. No Routine, No Habit
Reading requires a bit of consistency. Without a set time or space for it, it’s easy to let it slip off your to-do list.

4. The Digital Temptations
Be honest—how many times have you picked up your phone to “just check something” and ended up scrolling for an hour? Netflix, Instagram, YouTube—they’re all competing for your attention, leaving little room for books.

How to Fall Back in Love With Reading

So, how do you go from a “reader who starts but never finishes” to someone who can’t wait to pick up their next book? Here are a few ideas:

1. Stop Feeling Guilty About Unfinished Books
Not every book is meant for you, and that’s perfectly okay. If you’re not enjoying something, it’s better to move on than to force yourself to finish it. Reading should feel like joy, not homework.

2. Start Small
If you’ve lost the habit, don’t overwhelm yourself with big goals. Pick a short book, a novella, or even a collection of stories. Start with 10–15 minutes of reading a day. Small wins build momentum.

3. Build a Reading Ritual
Think of reading as a treat. Brew a cup of chai, find a cozy corner, and switch off your phone. Make it your little escape from the chaos of daily life.

4. Audiobooks Are Your Friend
Busy schedule? No problem. Audiobooks are fantastic for multitaskers. You can “read” while commuting, cooking, or even taking a walk.

5. Pick Books That Spark Joy
Forget what everyone else is reading. Pick a book that YOU are excited about, whether it’s fiction, self-help, or even a comic. When the topic excites you, reading feels effortless.

6. Take Baby Steps
Set small, realistic goals. Instead of finishing an entire book in a week, aim for one chapter or 15 minutes a day. Progress is progress, no matter how small.

What Happens When You Start Reading Again?

The moment you bring books back into your life, something magical happens:

• You start seeing the world differently, thanks to the ideas and stories you encounter.
• Your focus improves—reading is like a gym for your brain.
• You’ll feel calmer and more grounded, even during stressful times.

Most importantly, reading becomes a source of joy. It’s not about how many books you finish, but about the experiences and lessons you take away from them.

Final Thoughts

Here’s the thing: no one’s keeping score of how many books you finish. The point of reading isn’t to impress anyone or follow trends—it’s to connect with stories, ideas, and yourself.

So, pick up that unfinished book or start fresh with something new. Make reading a habit, not a chore. The world of books is waiting, and trust me, it’s worth rediscovering.

Now tell me: Have you ever left a book unfinished? What’s stopping you from picking it back up? Let’s chat in the comments!