Did you know the UK is currently in a ‘reading crisis’?! Picking up a book for enjoyment is at its lowest level for 20 years with younger people, which really breaks our hearts. 2026 has been crowned the official National Year of Reading, a campaign to help people of all ages rediscover the marvellous joy of reading and at Martha Brook (a team of self-proclaimed bookworms), we’re on a mission to help people fall back in love with books and give you some easy ways to get back into reading.

7 easy ways to get back into reading in 2026

1. Start small

First up on our list of easy ways to get back into reading is easing yourself back in. No matter if it’s a short book, a novella, or just a few pages of a book you’ve been meaning to pick up, the starting is always the hardest part. And sometimes, just a few pages is enough to rekindle that old flame and reignite your love for reading.

2. Always have one with you

One of the top tips on how to get back into reading is by always having one with you, everywhere you go. No matter if it’s a dog-eared hardback or a kindle, pack it in your bag for those just in case moments as you never know when you might get a moment spare. Train delayed? Have a little read. Waiting for a friend? Have a little read. It’s surprising how quickly you can get through a book with a few pages here and there!  

3. Re-read an old favourite

Reading a book you’ve already read before may seem counterintuitive when it comes to getting back into reading, but hear us out. By re-reading a book you absolutely adored, it’ll remind you why you loved reading in the first place and will bring back an excitement to read more books that you can’t wait to recommend to others.

4. Use a book journal

One of the best ways you can get back into reading is by using our bestselling Book Journal. Created by book lovers for book lovers, collect every story and adventure with handy review spreads, a reading progress tracker to help you stay on track, inspiring lists that all book lovers will love to fill out, quote pages and more! Currently 20% off in our January sale, you can shop the book journal here.

5. Quitting is okay

Repeat after me, “I can DNF, I can DNF, I can DNF”. Lots of book lovers will force themselves to finish a book they aren’t enjoying so it doesn’t remain in their mind as a ‘Did not finish’. Reading should be enjoyable and rewarding, so if you’re wanting to get back into reading, don’t be afraid to bow out of a book halfway through if it just isn’t tickling your fancy. Move on to something else that makes you stay up late, feel tired the next day and have zero regrets about it.

6. Replace screen-time

Stop the doom scroll and replace your phone with a book! We’re all guilty of mindlessly scrolling online in the evening to no avail so try sticking your phone in a drawer and pick up a book instead. Not only will you get a greater sense of satisfaction from having read a little bit of your book, it’ll also set you up for a better night’s sleep. Reading before bed is known to reduce stress, calm the mind and allows your whole body to relax, so this one is a win win!

7. Create a routine

And last up on our list of easy ways to get back into reading is by creating a cosy routine. Whether that’s 15 minutes before bed, or first thing in the morning, find a cosy spot, stick the kettle on and hunker down with a blanket and your book. The consistency of having a little reading routine will make it an easier habit to create and stick to and by making it a cosy environment means you’ll associate it with comfort.

We hope you’ve enjoyed these easy ways to get back into reading and hope you’ll be setting yourself a goal to read more this year, we all are here at Martha Brook! Let us know in the comments if you have any tips for getting back into reading and what’s worked for you!

P.S. We’re kicking things off with an epic bookish competition! 3 winners could win our bestselling book journal plus a signed copy of This Book Made Me Think Of You by Libby Page! Enter here.