Kristin Hill Taylor

Seeking God as the Author of Every Story

  • Home
  • About
  • Books
    • Peace in the Process
    • Bringing Home More Than Groceries
  • Contact

How to make time for books

December 17, 2020 by Kristin 1 Comment

On my real-life and virtual porches, people often ask: How do you make time to read so many books?

“So many” is relative because I know some people read more books than I do. But, hey, I like to watch TV too. Even so, I thought I’d share nine ways I manage to read books while also mothering my children, who are currently 13, 11, and 5.

1. I read on a Kindle.

Say what you will about missing the physical turning of pages and the smell of an actual book, a Kindle is convenient. I can have hundreds of books at my fingertips wherever I go. And when I finish one, my next ones are right there.

I do read actual books, especially when I get them free, discounted, or from the library. And I read more physical books in 2020 because I needed a break from the screens.

Also, Amazon Prime members get a free book each month as part of the First Reads perk. It helps with quality Kindle reading. (Try Amazon Prime for free for 30 days! Kindle books are only one perk. We also love free, fast shipping and streaming music and TV shows.)

2. I review books on my blog.

I get quite a few free books through launch teams and blogger review programs, although I did less of that in 2020. Weird year. The deadlines that come with the review process keep me reading too. Plus reviewing books helps me process them and connect with other readers.

3. We spend a lot of time poolside.

I devour some fiction books at the pool. In the summer, I’m easier going when it comes to chores and household tasks. (I’m trying to adopt that mentality year around, though!) Just one more chapter and then I’ll move the laundry to the dryer and start a new load in the washer! This was true before we had our own pool, and it helps that my kids are strong swimmers.

4. I read when I’m waiting or sitting …

… at the doctor’s office, at the school pickup line, and when I eat breakfast. I’ve been known to buckle in my youngest and show up at the big kids’ school early just so I can read. Now with waiting room restrictions, I take a book with me to read while my youngest two kids and I sit in the parking lot while my oldest has her monthly orthodontist appointments.

5. I stop reading books I don’t like.

There are way too many good books to waste time on the ones that aren’t working for me. For real, ain’t nobody got time to wait and see if a book might get good. I’m also picky about historical fiction and don’t read fantasy or scary stuff, especially if it involves missing kids, husbands dying in car wrecks, or other situations that could hit too close to home. I don’t really like time travel or anything that’s too far-fetched either.

6. I read what I’m in the mood to read.

Typically, I read one book at a time. I tend to go through fiction binges. I don’t pressure myself to read through a list. I choose my next book when I’m done with the current one. Surprisingly, I don’t set reading goals. It’s a free for all, and that works best for me in this one area of my life!

7. I keep a wish list of books.

I love book recommendations, so I have an easy-accessible list on Amazon. I add to it often, order from it sometimes when prices drop, and consult it in the library. I also keep an Amazon list of good reads to share with others. As much as I like reading, I certainly also like talking about books.

8. I splurged on Book of the Month.

I’d seen people talk about, share the books they received, and brag about the subscription service. I gifted it to myself a couple of months ago and am gifting it to a few people this Christmas. I’ve gotten two monthly picks so far: “This Time Next Year” by Sophie Cousens and “The Wife Upstairs” by Rachel Hawkins plus “Atomic Love” by Jennie Fields as a free add-on pick I earned from the gifts I purchased. (Join BOTM here.)

9. I use the library.

I typically don’t re-read books, so borrowing them works well for me. In 2020, our hometown library did a great job with curbside pickup service. I like to browse, especially the well-stocked new release section, at the library in the neighboring county where my kids attend school. It was opened some this fall, but it’s been shut down again recently. So, yes, COVID made library usage different, but there were still ways to support my reading habit.

Fellow readers, what would you add to your list about how you make time to read?

  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
  • Click to email this to a friend (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window)
  • More
  • Click to share on Pocket (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Tumblr (Opens in new window)
  • Click to print (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window)

Filed Under: books Tagged With: books, life, motherhood

Trackbacks

  1. Books of 2020 says:
    December 21, 2020 at 4:01 am

    […] Turns out I managed to read more than than I did in 2019 (53 total), 2018 (52), 2017 (47), and 2016 (53.) I did read almost twice as much non-fiction this year compared to last, but that’s because I was on a memoir kick. I guess reading worked out for me, even though there wasn’t much of a rhythm to it. (Read here about the nine ways I make time for books.) […]

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Let’s Connect

  • Bloglovin
  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • RSS
  • Twitter

About Me

Telling stories is my therapy and I love sharing them with friends on my porch.

The main characters in my stories are my entrepreneur husband, our eighth-grade girl who never forgets, our have-no-fear fifth-grade boy, and our joy-filled preschool girl. As we live out our stories, we seek God as the author of them all.

Learn more about my story here.

Subscribe for Updates

Recent Posts

  • Taking a [spring] break
  • Ways to connect with your partner
  • Hope at home with Dolphin Island
  • Hello, March!
  • 3 Ways to Boost Our Kids’ Confidence

#PorchStories button

Join the Conversation

Join the Conversation

On Instagram

I asked Greg what he wanted to do for his birthday I asked Greg what he wanted to do for his birthday (which is next week) and he said have friends over to play. So that’s what we did yesterday.

The birthday boy turning 43 soon, a few other husbands, and a bunch of kids played kickball and basketball. Us moms mostly talked and enjoyed the fact most of our people were engaged in community and activity. Of course, we ate well too.

It’s had been a long time since we had a party where multiple families mingled together on our porch, in our kitchen, and all around our property. We missed this, so good call on letting us your birthday as an excuse, husband.

#weekending #birthdayboy #choosingJOY #countryliving #bettertogether #morethangroceries #PorchStories
First game of the season in the books. I love this First game of the season in the books. I love this time of the year. ⚽️☀️ #soccermom #girlmom #thirdchild #momlife #choosingJOY
Our Precept group went to @bidwellfamilyfarms this Our Precept group went to @bidwellfamilyfarms this morning. While us mommas discussed Acts 16-17, Scott took the kids on a tour of the farm. Truly, this group of women is a blessing for me and the effects ripple through my whole entire family. I’m so thankful for the way God knits people together.

#precept #preceptministries #biblestudy #bettertogether #momlife #countryliving #livingfaithfully #choosingJOY
I finished this book on Easter Sunday while laying I finished this book on Easter Sunday while laying in my hammock soaking in the sunshine. I liked the story enough, but sometimes young adult books baffle me with all the adult drama. These characters navigate young love, racial tension, and pains of growing up — of which some storylines were better than others. 

Maybe most importantly, this book got me back into reading on my Kindle. I like physical books, but I love the convenience, deals, and library of the Kindle. I always feel like I have to choose books or Kindle, but truth is I can have both.

Do you prefer Kindle or physical books? #KHTreads #booklover #kindlebooks #latergram #bookstagram #kindle #youngadultbooks
We took a (spring) break in St. Pete Beach, Florid We took a (spring) break in St. Pete Beach, Florida last week, and now I'm old-school blogging about it. So pull up a porch swing, and come read about what we did and ate on our five-night getaway. 

#linkinbio #ontheblog #bloggerlife #springbreak #beachvacation #PorchStories #choosingJOY #vacationlife #seafood #beachlife #momlife #TeamTaylor #adventurers
Until last spring, I always assumed the yellow fie Until last spring, I always assumed the yellow fields were goldenrod. I learned it’s canola plant — not our state’s flower that’s actually a weed that grows in the late summer and early fall. The seeds from these plants can be crushed to make canola oil and meal. 

Whatever it is, I think it’s beautiful. After the dreary colors of winter, it’s a lovely welcome to spring and a reminder of how new life sprouts right where we already are. 

#seasons #kentucky #livingfaithfully #choosingJOY #countryliving #spring
Spring Break was good to us. I’m having my usual Spring Break was good to us. I’m having my usual Sunday night mixed emotions - thankful for our time & adventures together as a family, eager to be productive in my quiet house, and sad everyone will head their separate ways tomorrow morning.

#reallife #sundayvibes #springbreak #beachtrip #momlife #momconfessions #TeamTaylor #adventurers #weekending #choosingJOY #livingfaithfully
I finished my third Spring Break read before we go I finished my third Spring Break read before we got home from the beach. This World War II book is so good! I loved the characters and their stories that unfolded mostly in occupied France.

This is the first book I’ve read by @healeyjane, but I’m glad to know she has other historical fiction about women who made a difference.

#KHTreads #springbreak #historicalfiction #recommendedreads #bookstagram #books #booklover #kindle #kindlebooks
This girl believes she’s a mermaid. But even mer This girl believes she’s a mermaid. But even mermaids need to rest. 🧜🏻‍♀️

#thirdchild #springbreak #vacation #beachlife #choosingJOY #momlife #girlmom
Load More... Follow on Instagram

Favorite Places & Projects

Categories

Archives

Copyright © 2021 Kristin Hill Taylor | Design by Traci Michele | Development by MRM

loading Cancel
Post was not sent - check your email addresses!
Email check failed, please try again
Sorry, your blog cannot share posts by email.