How to Start Reading Books? A guide for beginners with a one-month reading strategy
By The Power of Reading
Reading might seem quaint in a world where information is at our fingertips. Yet, it remains one of the most powerful tools for personal development. Reading not only entertains but also significantly enhances cognitive functions. Research and discussions on platforms like X highlight several benefits:
- Cognitive Enhancement: Reading, particularly fiction, boosts empathy, stress reduction, and even cognitive functions like word recognition for low-frequency words. This suggests that reading isn’t just a leisure activity but a mental exercise with long-term benefits.
- Socio-economic Impact: For those from less affluent backgrounds, developing a reading habit early on can lead to better socio-economic outcomes, suggesting reading as a tool for mobility and self-improvement.
- Mental Health: Engaging with books can reduce stress, improve sleep, and increase focus, offering a natural escape and relaxation technique.
Given these advantages, cultivating a reading habit isn’t just about acquiring knowledge; it’s about enriching life, enhancing mental health, and potentially altering one’s future trajectory.
One-Month Reading Strategy for Beginners
Week 1: Establishing the Habit
- Day 1-3: Start Small: Commit to reading for just 10 minutes daily, whether in the morning or before bed. The goal is to make reading a part of your routine without feeling overwhelmed.
- Day 4-7: Increase Engagement: Increase your reading time to 20 minutes. Choose a book that interests you deeply. This could be anything from a famous novel to a biography or graphic novel. The key is enjoyment.
Book Recommendation for Week 1:
Man’s Search for Meaning by Viktor E. Frankl: It is a profound exploration of human resilience and the quest for purpose amidst unimaginable adversity. Written by a psychiatrist and Holocaust survivor, the book is divided into two parts. The first part recounts Frankl’s harrowing experiences in Nazi concentration camps, where he observed that those who found meaning in their suffering were more likely to survive. This section documents the horrors of the camps and serves as a testament to the human spirit’s capacity for endurance. The second part introduces Frankl’s psychological theory, Logotherapy, which posits that the primary motivation for living is the search for meaning. Frankl argues that even in the most dire circumstances, life can have meaning, and it’s this meaning that gives us the will to live. The book has become a classic, offering historical insight and a philosophical guide to finding purpose in life.
Week 2: Deepening the Habit
- Day 8-14: Aim for 30 minutes of reading daily. Introduce variety by alternating between genres or formats (e.g., switch between a novel and a short story collection).
- Engage Actively: Use the ‘Blank Sheet Method,’ in which you jot down what you know about the topic before reading, helping you engage more deeply with the text.
Book Recommendation for Week 2:
- The Indian Struggle by Subhash Chandra Bose: “The Indian Struggle” by Subhash Chandra Bose is a critical examination of India’s independence movement from 1920 to 1942, highlighting Bose’s ideological differences with Gandhi, advocating for a more aggressive approach to freedom and envisioning a socialist, industrialised India. The book critiques Gandhi’s non-violent methods, emphasises the need for mass mobilisation, and outlines Bose’s vision for a robust and centralised state. Banned by the British for its revolutionary content, it was published post-independence, offering a unique perspective on the political strategies and the future of India’s political landscape while reflecting on Bose’s controversial alliances during WWII.
Week 3: Expanding Horizons
- Day 15-21: Increase your reading time to 45 minutes. Start integrating different reading mediums. If you’ve been reading print, try an audiobook or an e-book.
- Join a Community: Consider joining a book club or online forums where you can discuss what you’re reading. This not only motivates but also provides insights from different perspectives.
Book Recommendation for Week 3:
- “The Road to Serfdom” by Friedrich von Hayek: A defence of free-market economics and libertarian thought, this book remains influential in conservative circles.
Week 4: Making Reading a Lifestyle
- Day 22-28: Aim for an hour of reading. By now, reading should feel more natural. Experiment with reading environments – maybe in a park or a coffee shop.
- Set Goals: Use platforms like Goodreads to set reading goals for the next month or year. These goals can be based on pages, books, or genres.
Book Recommendation for Week 4:
- Sanatan Dharma for the Modern World by Jayaram Rajaram: Jayaram Rajaram’s “Sanatana Dharma for the Modern World” is a spiritual guide tailored to modern times. The author’s insights into contemporary issues and his deep understanding of dharmic principles make this book a valuable resource for anyone navigating the challenges of today’s world. Whether you’re struggling with personal issues or seeking a deeper connection with your spirituality, this book offers practical advice and timeless wisdom to help you. I encourage everyone to read this book and discover how the teachings of Sanatana Dharma can enrich their lives.
Conclusion: A Journey Beyond the Page
Embarking on this one-month reading strategy isn’t just about finishing books; it’s about opening doors to new worlds, ideas, and perspectives. As we’ve explored, reading profoundly benefits cognitive health, emotional intelligence, and personal growth. By the end of this month, you’ll have read several books and cultivated a habit that could last a lifetime. Remember, the goal isn’t to race through books but to savour them, to let them influence your thoughts and, perhaps, your life. As you close this month, look back at the pages turned and the new paths your mind has ventured upon. Welcome to the world of readers, where every book is a new adventure, and every page is a step towards a richer, more empathetic you.
Ashish for Desi Readers
