How I Actually Started Enjoying Books (Without Sitting Still)

I didn’t think I liked reading. Not in a dramatic way. I just… never reached for a book.

I’d buy one with good intentions, read a few pages, and then somehow end up scrolling my phone instead. Every time.

So I kind of accepted it: Maybe I’m just not a “book person.”

But it turns out… I wasn’t wrong about reading.

I was just doing it in a way that didn’t work for me.

It Started at the Beach

The first time I actually enjoyed a book was at the beach.

Not sitting upright.
Not trying to focus.
Not forcing myself through pages.

Just laying there, feet in the sand, listening to an audiobook.

No pressure to “keep up.”
No flipping pages.
No losing my spot every time I got distracted.

And for the first time, I realized:

Oh… this is what people mean when they say they enjoy books.

I Thought It Was Just a “Beach Thing”… It Wasn’t

I assumed that was the only place it would work.

Like:

“Yeah, of course it’s relaxing — you’re literally at the beach.”

But when I got home, I tried it again. And then again. And now? I don’t really read books the traditional way at all anymore.

I listen to them. And somehow, that fits into my life so much better.

If you’ve never tried audiobooks before:

Audible is what made this stick for me. It’s easy to use, and you don’t have to overthink what to listen to.

👉 You can try it here

Where I Actually Listen to Audiobooks

What surprised me the most is that audiobooks didn’t become a “sit down and focus” thing.

They became something I just… layered into my day.

🧺 While Doing Chores

This is the one that changed everything.

Folding laundry.
Cleaning the kitchen.
Wiping down counters for the third time that day for no reason.

Instead of feeling repetitive, it started to feel… kind of relaxing?

Like I had something to look forward to while doing it.

I’m not saying chores became fun.

But they definitely became less annoying.

🚗 While Driving

Running errands used to feel like wasted time.

Now it feels like:

“Okay wait… I want to hear what happens next.”

Even short drives feel different when you’re in the middle of a good story.

🛏️ In Bed (My Favorite)

This is probably the coziest version.

Low lights.
No screen.
Just listening.

It’s honestly replaced scrolling for me some nights — which I never thought would happen.

🚶‍♀️ Walking or Outside Time

Even a short walk feels more intentional when you’re listening to something.

It turns into a little reset instead of just… walking around.

🌿 And Yes — Still at the Beach

This is still my favorite setting.

But now it’s just one of many.

Not the only way I can enjoy a book.

☀️ What I’m Reading (and Listening To)

A lot of the books I’m reading are available on Audible, so I’ve been using that to switch between listening and reading depending on my mood.

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These are the ones I’ve been into lately—fun, easy, and actually entertaining:

🌊 Skinny Dip by Carl Hiaasen

This one is chaotic in the best way.

It starts off wild and just keeps going. It’s funny, fast-paced, and perfect if you want something that grabs your attention right away.

This is one I especially liked listening to—it makes the characters even more entertaining.

Listen Now

🐒 Bad Monkey by Carl Hiaasen

A little quirky, a little unpredictable, and really easy to get into.

If you like something that doesn’t take itself too seriously but still keeps you interested, this is a good one.

Listen Now

🕶 Fever Beach by Carl Hiaasen

This one feels the most current and satirical.

It’s sharp, funny, and just overall entertaining—perfect if you want something light but not boring.

Listen Now

🎧 3 Audiobooks In My “Up Next” Queue

I’ve realized the easiest way to actually stick with audiobooks is to always have something lined up.

Not a huge list. Just a few that sound interesting enough to press play.

These are the ones I have queued up right now:

📚 Where’d You Go, Bernadette — Maria Semple

This one feels like it’s going to be a little chaotic in the best way.

From what I’ve heard, it’s witty, a little sarcastic, and doesn’t take itself too seriously — which is exactly what I’ve been gravitating toward lately.

👉 This is the kind of story I like listening to while doing chores or driving

📚 Anxious People — Fredrik Backman

This one seems more character-driven, but still really clever and funny.

I like books that feel a little more human and relatable — not overly heavy, but still interesting enough to keep me paying attention.

👉 Probably a good one for slower evenings or winding down

📚 The Thursday Murder Club — Richard Osman

This one just sounds fun.

A group of older people solving crimes? I’m already in.

It seems light, witty, and easy to follow — which is perfect for listening without having to focus too hard.

👉 Feels like a good “anytime” listen

💡 What I’ve Learned About Picking Audiobooks

I don’t try to pick “serious” or overly complicated books anymore.

If it sounds:

• interesting
• a little funny
• easy to follow

…it’s probably going to work.

That alone has made a huge difference.

🎧 If You Want to Try Audiobooks

If you’ve ever felt like reading just doesn’t stick, audiobooks are honestly worth trying.

It’s what made it feel effortless for me — especially since I can listen while doing normal, everyday things.

Start your Audible membership

My Very Simple Setup

Nothing fancy. This is very much a “keep it easy” situation.

• My phone
• A pair of earbuds or headphones
• Whatever I’m already doing

That’s it.

No perfect routine.
No dedicated “reading time.”

Which is probably why it actually stuck.

If You’ve Ever Thought “I Don’t Like Reading…”

Same.

That’s exactly where I was.

But it turns out, I didn’t hate books.

I just didn’t like sitting still and trying to force focus.

Audiobooks made it feel effortless.

Like something I could enjoy with my life instead of having to pause everything for it.

And that small shift made a bigger difference than I expected.

Final Thought

I still don’t sit down and read physical books very often.

And I’m okay with that.

Because now, I actually finish books.

I look forward to them.

And somehow, they’ve become part of my everyday routine — without me having to try that hard.

Which, honestly, is exactly what I needed.

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