Episode 6: How to Read Better

Episode 9: Hot Girl Books – Book Babes Banter

In this episode we go over several tips and strategies that you can use to help you read better. We also include some of the resources we love to use – because even if you’re already an avid reader there’s always something new you can try to enhance your bookish life, 

Before you dive in there’s one major disclaimer – it’s serious as a funeral. YOU HAVE TO LEAVE OUT YOUR EGO. READING BETTER IS ABOUT ENJOYING READING, and there’s a lot of different ways to do that. 

Where to Begin

Ideas to Give You Some Direction & Motivation

Start with some reading goals.

They don’t have to be complicated. Whatever goal you make, remember, no one knows and no one cares. Don’t make your goals for anyone else but yourself in the present, because past you doesn’t care about what changes you’re making right now.

  • Reading a certain number of books in the year. It doesn’t have to be a crazy number and it can even be 1. Whatever the case, choose a random one that works for you to get the pages flipping.
  • Complete your favorite author’s published works, or just read some their other works. If it’s a new author with one book, look the title up on a site like Goodreads to see their suggestions for similar titles.
  • Read more joyful stories featuring diverse characters and authors. Only read what you enjoy, and reading stories that don’t match with your experiences helps expand your lit palate.
  • Explore a genre or book format you’re unfamiliar with. Like romance? Go the other way and hit up the historical fiction section. And if you’re always reading chapter books try out a graphic novel!

Find Your Reading Doorways

Imagine each book as a house with multiple doors: plot, character, setting, and language.

These doors serve as entrances into the unique world of the story.
Depending on which doorway you find most appealing, your enjoyment of a book can significantly differ.
Here’s a quick rundown:

Plot Doorway:
If you love action and can’t wait to see what happens next, run to the plot doorway. These books are fast-paced adventures and page-turners.

Setting Doorway:

If you’re captivated by world-building, ambiance, or where a story takes place then you’re a fan of setting. These books transport you to another place and time, making you feel right at home or on an exotic adventure.

Character Doorway:
Prefer getting intimately acquainted with characters, understanding their growth and relationships? Character-driven stories are where your heart lies.

Language Doorway:
If you savor beautifully crafted sentences and artistic use of words, you’re probably a fan of the language doorway. These books might move slowly, but they offer a feast for the senses through their lyrical prose.

Tips To Find Your Doorway


Reflecting on your reading doorways can help you better select books that will captivate you, making each reading moment a joy. To find your doorways we recommend thinking about the books you’ve liked and disliked, and what elements of the book formed your opinion.
However you find it –

BE HONEST WITH YOURSELF. DON’T ANSWER WITH EGO.

Some questions to help guide you

  • How did I feel about the pacing of this book?
  • Did the word choice resonate with me?
  • Or did the events of the story stand out more?
  • Would I want to be friends with the characters?
  • Do I respect the protagonist’s choices?
  • Do I care about the moral of the story?
  • What kind of reading would enjoy this story?

Recognize Your Reading Doghouse

The reading doghouse represents themes or genres that just don’t click with you. It’s important to acknowledge that not every book out there is for you—and that’s okay! Understanding what doesn’t work for you helps in avoiding reading slumps and the frustration of slogging through a book that you find no joy in.

What’s in our dog house?

Soph:

Romance books without happily ever afters, male POV ONLY romance books, non-human female main characters, MMC being actually mean to FMC, and mysteries with obvious endings or it’s them waking up from a dream.

Sel:

Graphic violence, multiple character deaths, sometimes major character death, angsty YA and usually very cerebral or interior writing – like say what u have to say and lets keep it going

Other Resources and Tips

The Libby App: With libby, you can connect your library card to get thousands of free ebooks and audiobooks on your phone, tablet, or e-reader. (We aren’t sponsored but the door is always open).

Utilize Apps for Free Ebooks and Audiobooks: Dive into digital libraries like Libby or OverDrive to access a treasure trove of reading material without breaking the bank.

Participate in Reading Challenges: Many libraries and book communities host reading challenges that can push you out of your comfort zone in a fun and engaging way.

Join Online Bookish Communities: Platforms like Goodreads, Bookish social media groups, and reddit groups, can offer a space to share recommendations, reviews, and connect with fellow readers. You can also sign up for your favorite authors

Book Podcasts

Booktubers:

Others:

  • Goodreads
  • Reddit forums, r/RomanceBooks and r/DarkRomance
  • Other authors recommendations
  • Kindle Unlimited personalized suggestions