How to Read a Book in a Week

PDF download Download Article
PDF download Download Article

Reading an entire book in a week can be an easy feat for some, but for others it presents a difficult challenge. While some need to read a book in a week for a school assignment, others want to do it for the challenge, or just for the fun of it. Whatever your reason, there are ways to approach the task that will make it seem less daunting and more manageable.

Part 1
Part 1 of 3:

Choosing a Book

PDF download Download Article
  1. Once you have an idea of how many hours per week will be required to complete your book, you’ll be more likely to choose a book that can be reasonably read within a week. Don’t choose a short story that can be read in 30 minutes; likewise don’t read an 800 page book that will take 13-14 hours to complete if you don’t have the time nor patience. Timing is especially relevant when you have a deadline such as an assignment for school.
    • Also consider your history with reading. If you are used to reading only one 400 page book per month, try to choose a book that is a fraction of that size, like 150-200 pages. This allows your goal to be realistic while still challenging.
  2. If you have a choice, pick a book that will really pique your interest instead of choosing a boring book that will only make you want to stop reading. Try one from your favorite author, read a review online, choose based on recommendations from others, or choose based on your personal interest in subjects. [1]
    • Many people read a variety of subjects as a means to get better at being a human and being a life-long learner. [2]
    • Try keeping a reading list of books that you want to read. Whenever you come across a book that interests you, update your list so you always have something interesting from which to choose.
    Advertisement
  3. There are many times people are unable to choose their reading material because it has been assigned to them for school, work, or other projects. Even if you find yourself hating the material, set a plan in motion to keep reading. Keep in mind that even if you don’t like something, you can always learn from it, which is usually the goal. Not only will it be preparing you for an immediate gain (like a good grade on a test), but it will also provide you with knowledge of a person or topic of which you were previously unaware. [3]
    • Even if you feel the text doesn’t keep your attention, you can always focus on what worked or didn’t work, what the author did well and what they didn’t. Not only will this show a deep analysis of the text, but it will also help you in determining what books you prefer to read.
    • Commit to your goal. If you are forced to read an assigned book within a week’s time, prepare yourself by truly committing to the goal. Always remind yourself of what depends on your completion of the book (a grade, a report, a presentation, etc.).
    4. Advertisement
Part 2
Part 2 of 3:

Starting to Read

PDF download Download Article
  1. This is especially helpful if you have an assignment due date or if you consider yourself a weak-willed individual. Having a routine in place will help you to stick with reading and help you reach your goal. Learning your reading speed will help you determine how many hours it will take you to complete the book. [4] ]
    • Learn how fast you read. Determining how many words per minute (wpm) you are able to read will help you to determine what size book to choose as well as how much time per day should be spent reading.
    • Time required can fluctuate based on the difficulty of the text, but having an idea of how long it will take will give you a measurable goal to work with.
    • Choose the right time of day to read. You should always choose the time of day when you have the most energy so you’ll be more focused and more prepared to learn. Try treating it like an appointment and schedule time with yourself each day to read.
    • Wake up, take a shower, and read while eating breakfast; or stop at your favorite coffee shop on the way to work and spend 30 minutes reading while enjoying your coffee. By putting everything in its “proper place,” you’ll be more likely to stick to your assigned task
  2. The more you read, the more you will enjoy reading. Try to sit alone and read for at least 10 minutes before taking a break. Before you know it, those 10 minutes will have passed and you’ll be hooked. [5] The more you learn to read for pleasure, the easier it becomes. Keep in mind the number of pages or chapters you need to read daily to meet your goal.
    • After your goal of 10 minutes, aim for reading one to two chapters. By then, your interest will have been piqued and you’ll want to continue reading without checking the time. [6]
  3. Aside from your scheduled time, use your free time to read a few extra pages or chapters. Instead of checking Facebook or playing games on your phone, use the extra 5-10 minutes to catch up on your reading.
    • Depending on how often you read, you can add an extra 30 minutes to 1 hour each day. This equates to an increase of about 5 hours per week. [7]
    • Carry your book anywhere you go so you will always be prepared to read. Use your phone or an electronic reading device such as a Kindle to always have a book at your fingertips. [8]
    • If you’re on a deadline, remove distracting apps from your phone for the week. [9]
    • Even if you’re only able to read ahead a few pages, you’ll still be ahead of your goal which can boost your confidence and give you a rewarding feeling. [10]
  4. If you are falling behind in your reading and have a deadline to meet, feel free to skim over a few pages. Read the first few pages of the chapter and look for the main idea of the chapter and how it fits into the flow of the book. [11] Look for any important plot points or new characters that will be helpful in later chapters.
    • Skim headings and subheading to search for organization and main ideas.
    • Read the first and last sentence of each paragraph. If you are able to abstract the meaning, move on; otherwise, it may be necessary to read the entire paragraph. [12]
  5. No matter what happens, don’t stop reading. If your deadline is approaching and you feel like you won’t reach your goal, continue pushing and read as much as you can. If you don’t have a deadline, continue your routine and determine how long it actually takes you to finish reading the book. This will help you in being able to realistically set future reading goals.
  6. If you have a tough time keeping your eyes glued to the page, listen to your book instead. It may feel like cheating, but it's not--you're still getting the same information and activating the same language centers in your brain. You might just find it more fun, too! [13]
    7. Advertisement
Part 3
Part 3 of 3:

Avoiding Pitfalls

PDF download Download Article
  1. Once you fall behind in your reading it is hard to catch up. Try not to “owe yourself one” or think that you’ll double up on time later. [14] This can cause people to feel overwhelmed and helpless, and can cause people to give up instead of pushing forward.
    • Try sticking to a schedule and routine to avoid falling behind.
    • If you do fall behind, make a realistic plan about how to get back on track. Give up television for one evening or take your book to the gym to make up time.
    • Be sure to control your emotions if you find yourself behind in your goal. Keep from feeling overwhelmed and hopeless by putting a realistic plan into action. [15]
    • The best way to avoid this feeling is to stay ahead of your reading at all times.
  2. Get rid of any outside source that has the potential to steal your attention away from your book. Turn off your laptop, close yourself in your bedroom, turn off the television, and leave your phone on the charger. [16] Make this time an important priority over everything else.
  3. If you read while tired, you’ll either fall asleep within a few pages or you won’t retain any important information. Instead of reading at the end of the day when you’re drained, try reading as early in the day as possible when your mind is still fresh and fully functioning. [17]
    • Being comfortable is a major part of reading; but being comfortable and tired is usually a recipe for disaster. Avoid reading in bed unless it has become habit or part of your winding down routine for bedtime.
  4. Attempting to read a book in a week without previous practice can be a difficult task. By reading and sharpening your learning skills, you are able to practice your "meta-skills" and become more proficient in learning, reading, remembering and thinking. If possible, try to increase your reading skills before setting your goal to read a book in a week.
    • This practice can be equated to cutting wood. If you have wood to cut you must first sharpen your saw when cutting the first log, not the last.
    • You can build your skills by reading more (not just books), reading often, or trying a speed reading program.
    5. Advertisement

Community Q&A

Search
Add New Question
  • Question
    How do I read a book in one day?
    Community Answer
    It might not be possible, depending on the length of the book and your reading speed. Break the book up into even sections, see how long the first section takes. Multiply that amount of time by how many sections there are and you will know how long it will take to read the whole thing. If you must read the book that quickly, you'll just have to buckle down and do it. Make sure you're in a place free of distractions and start reading.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 3 Helpful 26
  • Question
    What other options do are available to read a book in a week?
    Community Answer
    Don't try and split up your reading throughout the day, just read in your free time, during meals, or make a scheduled time to read. Don't make it too random, though.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 3 Helpful 12
  • Question
    For how many minutes should I read a book each day?
    Butterfly
    Community Answer
    It's totally your choice; there's nothing in particular. If you're just getting into the habit of reading, 20-30 minutes every day should be enough. If you already read a lot, you can read for 60-90 minutes or more if you want and have enough time.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 2 Helpful 8
See more answers
Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Tips

      Show More Tips
      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Name
      Please provide your name and last initial
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!
      Advertisement

      Warnings

      • If you don't enjoy reading the book, don't continue to read it (unless it is an assigned reading for school).
        Thanks
        Helpful 12 Not Helpful 1
      • Avoid trying to read a book within a week for school assignments. Not only is there a chance that you won’t be prepared but it also puts you under a tremendous amount of stress and pressure.
        Thanks
        Helpful 11 Not Helpful 1
      • Don't pressure yourself to read all the time! If you're worried about it, remember that you don't have to read the entire book in a week. Instead, you could read half or a third of the book.
        Thanks
        Helpful 34 Not Helpful 11
      Advertisement

      You Might Also Like

      How to
      Improve Your Reading Skills
      How to
      Understand the Book You Are Reading
      How to
      Read Effectively
      How to
      Read Faster & Retain More Information
      How to
      Read a Property Survey
      How to
      Read Faster
      How to
      Be a Good Reader
      How to
      Improve Speed Reading Skills
      How to
      Improve Your Reading Comprehension
      How to
      Read a Long Chapter Book in Two or Three Hours
      How to
      Stop Subvocalization
      How to
      Improve Your Language Skills Through Reading, Writing, Listening and Speaking
      Advertisement

      References

      1. ↑ https://www.takingcharge.csh.umn.edu/reading-stress-relief
      2. ↑ https://www.cornerstone.edu/blog-post/5-ways-reading-can-change-your-life-and-best-practices/
      3. ↑ https://www.uopeople.edu/blog/why-its-important-to-read/
      4. ↑ https://learningcenter.unc.edu/tips-and-tools/studying-101-study-smarter-not-harder/
      5. ↑ https://learningcenter.unc.edu/tips-and-tools/reading-textbooks-effectively/
      6. ↑ https://learningcenter.unc.edu/tips-and-tools/studying-101-study-smarter-not-harder/
      7. ↑ https://learningcenter.unc.edu/tips-and-tools/studying-101-study-smarter-not-harder/
      8. ↑ https://www.health.harvard.edu/healthy-aging/reading-books-may-add-years-to-your-life
      9. ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/automatic-you/202005/learn-how-avoid-distraction-in-world-thats-full-it
      1. ↑ https://kidshealth.org/en/teens/happy-life.html
      2. ↑ https://hbr.org/2016/02/how-to-read-a-book-a-week
      3. ↑ https://hbr.org/2016/02/how-to-read-a-book-a-week
      4. ↑ https://www.cornerstone.edu/blog-post/ten-ways-your-smartphone-can-help-you-learn/
      5. ↑ https://success.oregonstate.edu/learning/reading
      6. ↑ https://www.helpguide.org/articles/mental-health/emotional-intelligence-eq.htm
      7. ↑ https://www.readingrockets.org/article/15-strategies-managing-attention-problems
      8. ↑ https://www.apa.org/topics/sleep/why

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      It might be hard to read an entire book in a week, but if you pick a book that’s interesting and you’re dedicated to reading some every day, you can do it. Find a quiet place where you won’t be disturbed, and try to spend at least 10 minutes reading before you take a break. Schedule some time each day to read, and carry the book with you so you can read in your free time, like when you’re waiting for the bus or when you would normally watch TV. Keep reading for tips from our reviewer on skimming pages if you fall behind!

      Did this summary help you?
      In other languages
      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 83,213 times.

      Reader Success Stories

      • Angela Ho

        Jan 15, 2017

        "I find this article good."
      More reader stories Hide reader stories
      Share your story

      Did this article help you?

      Advertisement