Virginia Tech shares tips on how to hit your summer reading goals

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) — Summer reading sounds great in theory, but getting into the habit and sticking to it in a way that’s sustainable can be challenging. Virginia Tech’s got a few tips that could help you hit all of your summer reading goals.

Jared Gibbs, senior instructor and assistant chair of Virginia Tech’s English Department, said the first thing to realize is that you should be patient with yourself as you exercise your reading muscles.

“If you are out of the habit of reading, don’t start with ‘Moby Dick,’” Gibbs said. “Instead, choose books that keep you reading. Don’t worry about reading the right type of book — just read what interests you, what keeps you coming back. And if you just can’t get into a book, put it down and find a new one. There’s no shame in leaving a book unread.”

The best way to develop a reading list is just to visit a local library and browse, according to Gibbs. Following what “jumps out at you” can prove more successful at keeping you interested.

“You don’t always have to approach reading methodically,” Gibbs said.

In that same vein, Gibbs said he doesn’t recommend a formal goal for total books read. Instead, keeping track of what you’ve read by noting the title, author and perhaps some of your thoughts on the book is a great way to not only reflect on your reading, but to create a tangible record of your reading achievements — without building in a potential feeling of failure.

“I can look back on the list of books I have read and feel a sense of accomplishment, no matter the number,” Gibbs said. “If I start with a specific goal in mind — say, 15 books — that goal is likely to be too ambitious and it just sets me up for disappointment.”

Gibbs said this also plays right back into helping you understand how you read — by recording how you read, you can better understand what factors into a successful read for you.

“When did I read many books quickly? When did I take longer to finish a book? What was happening to allow me to read faster or that forced me to read at a slower pace?” Gibbs said about what his reading logs show him. “My experience has been that this approach helps me to both read more and feel more satisfied with the reading that I do.”

How many books one reads at the same time, the intensity of that book, its genre or style — all of those things are very personal, according to Gibbs. The best thing to do is to follow what works for you individually.

“There’s no one way to be a reader,” he said.

Finally, Gibbs emphasized that it’s okay for reading plans to change while you’re on vacation. While vacations can be a great chance to get a lot of reading done, it truly depends on what kind of vacation you’re taking — so don’t set yourself up for disappointment by planning to burn through several books when the vacation isn’t suited for that.

“The key is to set realistic expectations,” Gibbs said. “Is your vacation’s purpose to read or are you traveling or taking time off work to do other things? A family trip to France is probably not the type of vacation that will include much reading time. But a week-long trip to the beach or to a state park can include more time for reading.”

If you really want a getaway dedicated to reading, you might even consider taking a vacation where reading is the main purpose: a “reading retreat,” as Gibbs called it.

“Such a vacation may not appeal to everyone, but it’s a great way to read many books in a short time,” Gibbs said. “It also helps to choose a location with poor internet and cell service, cutting down on potential distractions.”

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