1.Buy a downloadable audio version of a book. It's usually the cheapest option, available in minutes so you can listen to it just about anywhere. Many public library systems now allow their cardholders to download electronic audiobooks (or audio books) to personal MP3 players.
2. Buy a pocket version of a book, such as the Barnes and Noble Pocket Classics. These are cheap, small and can fit in your purse or back pocket.
3. Carry the reading material with you wherever you go. That way, you will have it with you when you have a few moments or find yourself waiting.
4. Read or listen while you are waiting in line, for your food, or for your kids. Read or listen on your lunch break at work, or even during breakfast.
5. Read while working out at the gym. The elliptical trainer, cybex arc trainer, and stationary bike all accommodate book reading, and some gyms have a book holder to hold reading material for those who want to read during their workout. Then you will get smarter and fitter simultaneously, and your workout will become more enjoyable at the same time.
6. Nicely ask your spouse or kids to do more housework so that you may relax for a half hour each day to read.
7. If you are a college student, read a book between classes instead of the school newspaper. Read instead of doing the crossword puzzle or the Sudoku puzzle.
8. Consider having the book on tape, CD or your MP3 player as well so that you can listen to the book when you are doing something that requires your hands but not too much thinking.
9. Keep a bookmark handy so you won't reread the same thing over again or waste time finding your page.
10. Bring a book or audio book with you when you're on a trip, whether it's across town on the subway or cross country on a train. Books and audio books make great traveling companions.
11. Buy a purse big enough to contain a book.
12. Listen to books on tape or CD if you commute via car. It's not "reading" per se, but at least you're using your brain and absorbing the material.
13. Get a notebook and make notes.
14. Join a book group. That gives you more incentive to finish the book by a certain time. People give you more time to sit and read if you tell them you have to read the book for a book group.
15. Read short books. If you are very busy, you're less likely to finish that 600 page literary epic.
16. Read what you love. If you don't like what you are reading and it's not required, read something else. There's no law that says you can't abandon a book just because you don't like it. If you do love a book, you're more likely to return to it and you'll probably finish it faster.
17. Read each night before bed or every morning when you get up. Opportunities like these make reading a part of your everyday routine, and they take advantage of times when your mind is most flexible and your life is probably quiet.
18. Read in the bathtub (but keep a towel handy so the books don't get wet). If you're no good at keeping books dry in the tub, read a magazine or newspaper, instead.
19. Read in the bathroom. Besides helping to pass the time, this is a good choice because it's quiet and alone.
20. Read with your spouse or partner, if you have one. It's a great opportunity to spend some quiet time together.
21. Pick books for ease of reading and/or interest level, particularly books that you will carry around with you. Even if you do enjoy involved reading during quiet times at home, a crowded airport might not be conducive to the level of focus required to absorb it. A paperback novel is also less of a loss if it does get damaged or lost from carrying it around.
22. Read in small pieces. If all you have time for is a page or two today, just read that much. It might be enough to get you into the story, or just keep you going until a day when you have a bit more time.
23. Learn to read faster, but remember that speed at the expense of understanding gains you nothing. Start by reading at the pace that feels natural to you and to practice a great deal. You'll naturally speed up with practice.
