The Most Anticipated Books of 2025

Reading is one of life’s greatest joys, but with busy schedules and endless TBR lists, many of us wish we could read faster and retain more.

The good news?

Efficient reading and faster comprehension are skills you can develop with the right strategies.

Whether you’re tackling dense nonfiction, diving into the latest fantasy epic, or breezing through lighthearted romances, these tips will help you make the most of your reading time.

1. Preview the Material Before Diving In

Before you start reading, take a moment to scan the material:

• Look at headings, subheadings, and summaries: This gives you a roadmap of what to expect.

• Identify key points: Focus on the sections that are most relevant to your purpose.

• Flip through the book: Familiarizing yourself with the structure makes it easier to absorb information as you read.

Why It Helps: Previewing activates your brain’s predictive abilities, making it easier to connect new information with what you already know.

2. Practice Active Reading

Engaging with the text while you read boosts retention and comprehension. Try these active reading strategies:

• Ask Questions: Why did the author write this? What are the main ideas?

• Take Notes: Jot down key points, interesting quotes, or questions for later reflection.

• Summarize as You Go: After each chapter or section, pause and summarize the key ideas in your own words.

Pro Tip: Use a notebook or digital tool like Evernote to keep track of your insights.

3. Improve Your Focus

Distractions are a major barrier to efficient reading. Create an environment conducive to focus:

• Set a Timer: Use the Pomodoro technique—25 minutes of focused reading followed by a 5-minute break.

• Minimize Distractions: Silence notifications, close unnecessary tabs, and find a quiet space.

• Read at Peak Times: Identify when you’re most alert (morning, afternoon, or evening) and schedule your reading sessions accordingly.

Pro Tip: A cozy nook and a warm drink can help set the mood. Pair it with a Bookish Wardrobe hoodie for ultimate comfort.

4. Use a Pointer or Guide

Our eyes naturally wander when reading. A pointer (like a finger, pen, or ruler) can guide your eyes along the text, helping you maintain a steady pace.

• Benefits: This technique reduces regression (rereading sentences) and improves speed.

• Try It With E-Readers: Use the cursor or a stylus to underline sentences as you read.

5. Expand Your Vocabulary

A strong vocabulary makes reading faster and more enjoyable. If you frequently encounter unfamiliar words, try these strategies:

• Keep a Dictionary Handy: Use apps like Merriam-Webster or built-in dictionary features on e-readers.

• Learn Context Clues: Instead of stopping for every new word, infer its meaning from the context.

• Practice Daily: Apps like Duolingo and Anki can help you build and reinforce your vocabulary.

6. Skim and Scan Strategically

Not every word needs your full attention. Use these techniques to identify key information:

• Skimming: Quickly read through a section to get the gist.

• Scanning: Look for specific keywords, phrases, or data points.

When to Use It: Skim through non-essential sections or dense material to save time and focus on what matters most.

7. Read in Chunks, Not Word by Word

Our brains are capable of processing multiple words at once. Train yourself to read in groups of 3-5 words rather than focusing on individual words.

• How to Practice: Use your pointer to guide your eyes across groups of words instead of stopping at each one.

• Why It Works: This improves your speed without sacrificing comprehension.

8. Take Advantage of Technology

Modern tools can enhance your reading experience:

• Speed Reading Apps: Apps like Blinkist, Spritz, or Reedy train you to read faster by displaying text one word or phrase at a time.

• Audiobooks: Listen at increased speeds to consume content quickly (try 1.25x or 1.5x for starters).

• Highlighting Features: Use Kindle’s or other e-reader tools to mark important passages for quick review.

Pro Tip: Pair audiobooks with physical books for a multi-sensory reading experience.

9. Take Regular Breaks

Your brain needs time to process and retain information. Overloading yourself can lead to fatigue and reduced comprehension.

• Schedule Breaks: For every 45-60 minutes of reading, take a 10-15 minute break.

• Stretch and Hydrate: Physical movement and hydration improve focus and keep your energy levels up.

10. Practice Makes Perfect

Like any skill, efficient reading improves with practice. Set realistic goals to gradually increase your speed and comprehension.

• Track Your Progress: Use apps like Bookly to log your reading sessions and monitor improvement.

• Challenge Yourself: Try reading more challenging material to build your comprehension skills over time.

11. Choose the Right Books

Selecting books that match your reading purpose and interest keeps you engaged and reduces the risk of burnout.

• Alternate Genres: Mix heavy nonfiction with lighthearted fiction to maintain variety.

• Prioritize Quality: Focus on books that align with your goals, whether it’s learning or relaxation.

• Need Suggestions? Check out The Top 5 Book Series to Dive Into Right Now for inspiration.

12. Embrace Re-Reading

Don’t shy away from revisiting books. Re-reading allows you to:

• Catch Details You Missed: Often, the second read offers deeper insights.

• Reinforce Understanding: Familiar material helps strengthen memory and comprehension.

Final Thoughts

Efficient reading and faster comprehension are achievable with the right techniques and a little patience.

Whether you’re tackling a dense textbook or indulging in a beloved novel, these strategies will help you make the most of your reading time. And don’t forget, comfort matters! Enhance your reading sessions with cozy, book-themed apparel from Bookish Wardrobe.