How to Read a Book a Week (Even If You're Super Busy)

Wondering how to read a book a week even if you're super busy? I understand the struggle. Between work deadlines, family obligations, and the constant ping of notifications, finding time to read seems impossible. Yet the most successful people consistently make reading a priority.

You know reading is valuable—it expands your knowledge, improves your vocabulary, and gives you an edge in conversations and career advancement. But when your schedule is already packed to the brim, adding one more activity feels overwhelming. The thought of squeezing in time to read an entire book every week might even seem laughable.

The truth is, your jam-packed schedule isn't just preventing you from enjoying books—it's potentially holding you back from personal growth and career advancement. Every week you don't read is another week of missed insights and opportunities that could transform your thinking.

But here's the good news: reading a book weekly isn't about having more time—it's about using the time you already have more intentionally.

The Science-Backed Benefits of Regular Reading

Before diving into how to read a book weekly, let's understand why it matters. Regular reading isn't just a hobby—it's a powerful habit with measurable benefits:

Reading reduces stress by 68% according to research, making it more effective than listening to music or taking a walk1
Consistent reading improves vocabulary, communication skills, and analytical thinking
Reading before bed improves sleep quality by signaling to your brain that it's time to wind down
Book readers have been shown to develop greater empathy and emotional intelligence

When you read a book a week, you're not just consuming information—you're investing in your mental health, career prospects, and personal development.

Finding Time When There Is None

The Intentional Approach to Reading

The main question people ask when told about reading a book weekly is: 'How do you find the time?' The answer isn't about finding time—it's about being intentional with the time you already have1.

Be Intentional: Schedule reading like you would any important meeting. Pre-plan when you'll read during your week rather than waiting for free time to magically appear1 2.

For example, if an average book takes about 6 hours to read, you only need to find 6 hours across your entire week—less than an hour per day.

Transform 'Dead Time' into Reading Time

Look for pockets of time throughout your day that are currently underutilized:

Morning routine: Wake up 20 minutes earlier to read with your coffee
Commute time: Listen to audiobooks while driving or on public transport
Lunch breaks: Use half your lunch break to read instead of scrolling social media
Waiting time: Keep your book (or e-reader) handy for doctor's appointments, children's activities, or other waiting situations
Bathroom breaks: Many successful people admit to reading in the bathroom
Evening wind-down: Replace 30 minutes of TV or social media scrolling with reading

One reader shared: 'I take one-hour long baths, about 4 times a week between 10pm and 11pm each evening before I go to bed. I find this is quiet time that is free from distraction and feels a bit of a treat at the end of a long day.'1

Strategic Reading Techniques

Schedule Your Reading Time

Treat reading like any other important commitment by blocking time in your calendar specifically for it. Waiting until you're 'in the mood' to read simply doesn't work for busy people2.

An average adult can read approximately 300 words per minute. At this rate, reading for just 30 minutes daily will get you through a mid-sized book in a week2.

Embrace Different Reading Formats

Don't limit yourself to traditional physical books:

Audiobooks: Listen while commuting, exercising, or doing household chores
E-books: Keep hundreds of books on your phone or e-reader for reading anywhere
Book summaries: Use services that provide condensed versions of popular books
Speed reading apps: Tools like Blinkist or Headway can help you consume key ideas faster

Audiobooks in particular can dramatically increase your 'reading' time. Services like Audible offer new releases, while LibriVox provides free public domain works read by volunteers2.

The Art of Strategic Skimming

Not every part of every book deserves the same attention. Learn to identify which sections warrant deep focus and which can be skimmed:

Read the introduction and conclusion thoroughly
Scan chapter headings and subheadings to understand structure
Read the first and last paragraph of each chapter
Pay close attention to chapters most relevant to your interests or needs
Don't hesitate to skip sections that aren't valuable to you2

Creating a Sustainable Reading Habit

Start Small and Build Momentum

Don't jump straight to attempting a book a week if you're not currently reading at all:

Begin with 10 minutes of daily reading
Gradually increase to 20, then 30 minutes
Start with shorter books (under 200 pages) to build confidence
Celebrate finishing each book to reinforce the habit

Choose Books That Pull You Forward

Reading shouldn't feel like a chore. Select books that genuinely interest you:

Mix educational books with entertaining ones
Follow your curiosity rather than reading what you 'should'
Abandon books that don't capture your interest after giving them a fair chance
Create a 'to-read' list to always have your next book ready

Optimize Your Reading Environment

Create conditions that make reading easier and more enjoyable:

Keep books visible around your home as visual reminders
Remove distractions by putting your phone in another room
Find your ideal reading spot—comfortable but not so comfortable you'll fall asleep
Ensure good lighting to reduce eye strain
Consider background music without lyrics if it helps you focus

Advanced Reading Strategies

The Power of Reading Multiple Books Simultaneously

Rather than reading one book at a time, consider having different books for different contexts:

A physical book for bedtime reading
An audiobook for commuting or exercising
An e-book for on-the-go reading opportunities
A more challenging book for when you have high mental energy
A lighter book for when you're tired

This approach allows you to match your reading material to your energy level and environment.

Retention Techniques

Reading quickly is pointless if you don't remember what you've read:

Take brief notes on key concepts
Highlight sparingly (only the most impactful passages)
Discuss books with others to reinforce learning
Write a one-paragraph summary after finishing each book
Apply one idea from each book you read to your life

Building a Reading Community

Reading doesn't have to be solitary:

Join a book club (in-person or virtual)
Share your reading goals with friends for accountability
Discuss books on social media or dedicated platforms like Goodreads
Find a reading buddy to tackle the same books and discuss
Participate in reading challenges

Overcoming Common Reading Roadblocks

'I'm Too Tired to Read'

If you consistently find yourself too exhausted to read:

Try audiobooks when your eyes are tired
Read in the morning when your energy is higher
Choose more engaging material for low-energy periods
Read just one page—often you'll continue once you start
Consider whether you need more sleep generally

'I Can't Focus When Reading'

For those struggling with concentration:

Start with shorter reading sessions (even 5-10 minutes)
Use the Pomodoro technique: 25 minutes of reading followed by a 5-minute break
Create a distraction-free environment (no phone, TV, etc.)
Try reading out loud to increase engagement
Consider whether the material is truly interesting to you

'I Don't Know What to Read Next'

When you're unsure about your next book:

Use recommendation tools like Goodreads or StoryGraph
Ask friends or colleagues what they're reading
Follow book reviewers who share your taste
Try the first chapter of several books before committing
Explore 'best of' lists in genres that interest you

Measuring Your Reading Progress

Track Your Reading Habit

Monitoring your reading creates motivation and accountability:

Use apps like Goodreads or StoryGraph to log books and set annual goals
Keep a simple reading journal noting completion dates and key takeaways
Share your progress with an accountability partner
Celebrate milestones (10 books, 25 books, etc.)
Review your reading list periodically to identify patterns in your interests

Quality vs. Quantity

While reading a book a week is an impressive goal, remember that quality matters:

Deep reading of fewer books may be more valuable than skimming many
Give yourself permission to slow down for complex or important books
Consider rereading particularly impactful books
Focus on application of ideas rather than just consumption

Conclusion: Your Reading Revolution Starts Now

Reading a book a week isn't about bragging rights—it's about consistently investing in your most valuable asset: your mind. By being intentional with your time, optimizing your reading environment, and employing strategic techniques, you can transform from 'too busy to read' to a consistent reader who completes 52 books a year.

Start today by selecting your first book, blocking 30 minutes in your calendar for tomorrow's reading session, and committing to the process. Remember that reading, like any habit, becomes easier and more automatic with practice.

The question isn't whether you have time to read a book a week—it's whether you can afford not to make this investment in yourself. Your future self, equipped with the knowledge and insights from hundreds of books, will thank you.

What book will you start with today?