How to Read More Books
Elia Scotto shares his rigorous approach to dramatically increasing book consumption, advocating for replacing all idle screen time with reading. The Hacker News community largely embraced the spirit of digital detox for more reading, while vigorously debating some of the author's more prescriptive methods. It's a comprehensive guide to building a reading habit that sparks both inspiration and contention.
The Lowdown
The article, "How to Read More Books," by Elia Scotto, chronicles his personal transformation from reading fewer than ten books a year to consistently averaging one book per week. Scotto contends that the secret isn't "making time" for reading, but rather strategically replacing every available moment of digital idleness with a book. His philosophy and practical tips are aimed at anyone seeking to cultivate a more prolific reading habit.
- Digital Detoxification: Eliminate social media, streaming apps, and even smart devices (like using an analog watch) to prevent phone-checking and create mental space for reading.
- Constant Book Companionship: Always carry a book or e-reader to leverage small, otherwise unproductive moments, such as waking up, meals, commutes, or walking the dog.
- Strategic E-reader Use: While appreciating e-readers for portability and features, he recommends alternating with physical paperbacks to diversify the reading experience and avoid monotony.
- Multithreaded Reading: Engage with multiple books concurrently, often mixing fiction and non-fiction, to maintain interest and broaden exposure.
- Embrace Abandonment: View quitting a book not as a failure, but as a wise choice, recognizing that some books may not be suitable for the current moment or simply aren't worth the time.
- Build a Physical Library: Collect books of interest, primarily used copies, to curate a personal reservoir for future reading.
- Goal Setting (with a Grain of Salt): Use reading goals (e.g., Goodreads Reading Challenge) for motivation, but prioritize deep engagement and comprehension over a mere numerical count.
- Active Retention: Write reviews, take notes, and highlight passages to reinforce understanding and memory of the material.
- Curated Recommendations: Seek out new books via Goodreads (for user reviews) and YouTube (for spoiler-free content creator insights).
- Avoid Reading "Hacks": Strongly advises against speed reading, summaries, and audiobooks, arguing that genuine reading requires full, undivided attention to the printed text.
Scotto's core message champions intentionality and discipline in cultivating a reading habit, positioning it as a deliberate counter-culture act against the pervasive distractions of the digital age, leading to a richer intellectual life.
The Gossip
Audiobook Alarms
The author's firm stance against audiobooks as a legitimate form of reading sparked considerable debate. Many commenters passionately defended audiobooks, highlighting their indispensable role for busy individuals, commuters, or those managing chores, enabling them to consume more intellectual content during otherwise unproductive times. They argued that audiobooks significantly boost overall reading volume and intellectual engagement, sometimes even offering a richer 'performance' experience. Several also pointed out the perceived hypocrisy of the author reading while multitasking (e.g., walking a dog, cooking) yet condemning audiobooks for similar scenarios.
Digital Detoxification Drives
A central theme of the article—the imperative to replace screen time with reading—deeply resonated within the Hacker News community. Many users shared their personal battles with digital addiction, whether to social media, news feeds, or even AI chatbots, and their ongoing efforts to reclaim their focus. The strategy of removing distracting apps and devices to create 'empty' cognitive space for reading was widely acknowledged as a powerful, albeit challenging, method for habit formation, offering a sense of liberation from constant digital demands.
Rhythms, Retention, and Reading Strategies
Commenters explored diverse practical methodologies for reading and information retention. While some found the author's 'read in small pockets' approach effective, others, especially when tackling dense material, preferred dedicated, uninterrupted sessions. The author's advice to abandon unengaging books was broadly praised as liberating. Discussions also covered active reading techniques, such as using tools like Readwise for highlighting and recall, and structuring 'reading projects' rather than focusing solely on numerical goals to enhance the reading experience.
Quality vs. Quantity Quandary
A significant thread in the comments questioned the article's perceived emphasis on sheer reading volume. Several users argued that merely consuming books for the sake of numbers risks superficial engagement and poor retention of information. They stressed the paramount importance of thoughtful reflection, deep understanding, and prioritizing the quality and impact of chosen books over the quantity read. This discussion often intertwined with the audiobook debate, with some suggesting that the inherent quality of the content (e.g., a well-edited book versus a casual podcast) holds more weight than the medium of consumption.