How to Read 100 Books a Year : The Way I Actually Made It Possible

I’ll be honest, I used to think reading 100 books a year was only possible for people who had endless free time, no jobs, and definitely no Netflix account. But a few years ago, I challenged myself to try, and surprisingly, I actually managed to pull it off. It wasn’t about speed reading or skipping sleep, it was about building smart habits, staying consistent, and knowing how to enjoy the process.

If you’ve ever dreamed of hitting that magical number, here’s exactly how to do it without burning out.

Why Even Aim for 100 Books a Year?

Before diving into the “how,” let’s talk about the “why.” For me, it wasn’t about bragging rights, it was about growth. Reading this much changed the way I thought, expanded my vocabulary, gave me new perspectives, and honestly, made me more creative. And let’s face it, if you read 100 books, you’re basically carrying a mini-university in your head.

Break It Down: Numbers Don’t Lie

When I first saw “100 books a year,” it felt impossible. But then I did the math:

• 100 books ÷ 12 months = ~8–9 books a month
• 100 books ÷ 365 days = ~1 book every 3.5 days

That’s it. Suddenly, it didn’t feel so scary. It’s not about racing, it’s about steady progress.

My Proven Strategies to Read 100 Books a Year

1. Always Carry a Book (or App)

I can’t count how many books I’ve finished just by reading while waiting in line, commuting, or before bed. If I didn’t have a physical book, I used Kindle or Audible. Tiny pockets of time add up fast.

2. Mix It Up

If I only read 600-page history tomes, I’d have given up by February. I balanced heavy reads with:

• Short story collections
• Graphic novels
• Audiobooks
• Lighter fiction

This kept reading fun instead of a chore.

3. Audiobooks Are a Game-Changer

This one saved me. I’d listen while cooking, exercising, or even folding laundry. And yes, listening counts as reading. Anyone who disagrees can try listening to Dostoevsky on 1.5x speed while chopping onions, it’s just as intense as reading.

4. Set Small Daily Goals

I aimed for 30–50 pages a day. Some days I read more, some less, but those small daily wins stacked up beautifully.

5. Create a Reading Routine

My golden hours:

• 20 minutes in the morning (instead of scrolling my phone)
• 30–40 minutes before bed
  That alone added up to about a book per week.

6. Drop Books Without Guilt

This might be the most important rule. If I wasn’t feeling a book after 50 pages, I moved on. Forcing myself to slog through one book could derail an entire week.

The Secret Sauce: Make It Social

I found that joining online book communities and talking about what I read motivated me to keep going. Sharing highlights, posting reviews, or even just tracking progress on Goodreads kept the momentum alive.

What I Learned After Reading 100 Books a Year

• Not all books need to be profound, sometimes a quick thriller is exactly what you need.
• Consistency beats speed. You don’t need to power-read; you just need to read often.
• The journey is more important than the number. Honestly, I don’t remember all 100 titles, but I do remember how they shaped my mindset.

My Final Takeaway

Reading 100 books a year isn’t about competing with anyone, it’s about building a lifestyle where books naturally fit into your day. The trick is balance: choose books you love, use every free moment, and never let it feel like homework. Before you know it, you’ll look back and realize you’ve read way more than you thought possible.