Is reading a book a week really feasible?
The short answer is yes. The long answer is: it depends on how you organize yourself. It's not about reading faster or sacrificing sleep — it's about building a solid habit and choosing the right books.
The basic calculation
An average book has about 250–300 pages. A normal-paced reader reads 20–30 pages an hour. This means you only need 10–15 hours a week — less than 2 hours a day — to finish a book every 7 days.
If this seems like a lot, consider how many hours you spend on social media or watching TV shows. It's not about time you don't have: it's about choosing how to use it.
The 5 Principles of the Method
1. Create a fixed time slot every day
In the morning right after waking up, at lunch, before bed. It doesn't matter when: what matters is that it's always the same time. The brain associates the habit with the context.
2. Always carry a book with you
Waiting times are golden. The line at the pharmacy, the train, the coffee break: these are dozens of minutes a day that are often wasted. With a book in your bag (or the Kindle app on your phone), that time becomes productive.
3. Don't finish books you don't like
This is the most important rule. If a book doesn't engage you after 50 pages, put it down and move on to the next one. It's not a defeat: it's respecting your time. The obligation to finish every book is the main enemy of reading.
4. Alternate genres and lengths
After a 600-page novel, choose something short. After a challenging essay, a quick thriller. This keeps motivation high and prevents reading burnout.
5. Keep track of what you read
Recording every book you finish creates a powerful motivational effect. Watching the list grow week after week is an extraordinary boost. Tools like Bookstack are perfect for this.
The Practical Plan
Start with a more modest goal: 12 books in the first year. Once the habit is established, gradually increase. Consistency is everything — five minutes a day always beats a weekend reading marathon.
