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Reading Gets Even Better the Deeper You Go
Published about 20 hours ago • 3 min read
Build a Better Reading Habit
Hello Reader,
I’ve Unlocked a Magical Reading Door in My Brain
I didn’t even know the door existed. But recently, I’ve discovered that my ability to sink deeply into a book and truly enjoy it is a skill—one that can be developed. Here’s what my reading journey has looked like so far, and maybe you’ll see yourself somewhere along the way. If you’re trying to level up your own reading life, hang in there.
LEVEL 1: MAKING TIME FOR BOOKS
The first step is simply learning to spend time with books. Not because we don’t want to read—but because the chaos of life constantly pulls us in other directions. If distractions are winning, this is the level to focus on: choosing a book over your phone, the TV, or whatever else is shouting for your attention.
LEVEL 2: BRINGING YOUR BRAIN TO THE PAGE
Now that you’ve carved out the time, the next challenge is showing up mentally. You’re sitting in the reading chair, the book is open—but your mind keeps drifting. The goal here is to slow down and really pay attention. Let the words take root.
LEVEL 3: EXPERIENCING THE STORY LIKE A MOVIE
Once you’re engaged, the next level is immersion. Think of how it feels to get lost in a movie—that’s what we’re after here. You’re following the action, feeling the rhythm of the plot, and beginning to connect emotionally with the characters. It’s compelling. But it still gets better.
LEVEL 4: FEELING WHAT THE CHARACTERS FEEL
This is the magical door I’ve unlocked. At this level, you don’t just follow what’s happening—you understand why it matters. You sense what drives the characters, what changes them, and what the story means to them on the inside. This is the kind of depth only books can give us. Authors invite us inside the minds and hearts of their characters in ways no other medium can.
Building a reading habit is a journey. At first, it’s about showing up. Then, it becomes about learning to go deeper and deeper. Eventually, you realize that books offer one of the most immersive forms of entertainment—if you’ve trained your brain to meet them at that depth.
No social media post, movie, game, or app can touch the kind of magic a great book provides.
👋 Until next time, read slowly – take notes – apply the ideas.
-Eddy
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Feel free to respond to this email. Let me know how I can make your experience in our reading community better, or if you have questions, I'm all ears.
As always, read slowly - take notes - apply the ideas.
-Eddy
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Subscribe to my newsletter for tips on close reading, detailed note-taking, and applying bookish wisdom to your life. I talk about fiction and non-fiction, interview literary experts, and host The Read Well Podcast. Subscribe today and build better reading habits.