'It's easy - poems are really short' *stares anxiously at the copy of The Iliad sitting untouched on my shelf*

I've been reading about half an hour of non-fiction every morning and fiction every evening and it's honestly amazing how just a small amount of time spent on reading can have such a large impact on my life!

Every time I feel the urge to pick up my phone and scroll Instagram or something I pick up my Kindle instead. It's crazy how many books you can read when you fill in your extra time with reading.

"The bigger and scarier the goal becomes, the less likely you will actually do the reading"

Another strategy that I've found works for is "sneak reading". I try and get reading in whenever and wherever I can. This includes on the bus, on my breaks, while I'm stirring soup on the stove, etc. I've even taken to trying to read as much of the New York Times at my cashier job as I can without getting caught by my mangers. It's a harmless bit of rebellion. I think this especially works for me because, as a kid I would be the one hiding my novel under my desk during math class or reading with a flashlight well after bedtime.

The one beautiful thing of utmost importance I have learned from you is that How intuitive and gorgeous is to read slowly and deeply. It has changed how I experience reading.

I have the goal of read at least one book a month and write about it. The routine makes me read and enjoy it, without pressure. Aaaaaand i end up reading more than one a month, it's so weird and awesome how our brains works better when we have fun, and we learn too

I think it's easy to fall into a habit of procrastination when you are trying to better yourself. People interested in self-improvement tend towards perfectionism, I think. If you feel like something is only worth doing if you do it perfectly, then you may never feel like starting at all. I know that's how I often end up wasting time on worthless sites when on a deeper level reading makes me much happier.

And sometimes I like browsing in the children's section. There are some really amazing books there.

Been reading mathematics for the past 6 months. I can say my literacy and overall understanding has gotten 100x better. My English feels a lot more strong and grounded when I speak too.

When I was first getting out of depression, I made a deal with myself to read two whole pages of Nausea by jps until I finished it. Really helped me get back into reading, even if it was slow going. I like the idea of starting off with poetry/short stories and building up!

His voice is one that I could sit and listen to for hours....is it just me!?

I completed my PhD in the Sociology of Education last year University of Southampton. I learnt through social theory that children who perform highly in English apply what little they read but wisely to influence the ideas they create in essays. Teachers do not do enough of teaching how to apply the diversity of stories and non fiction to broaden childrens ideas. I tutor GCSE and A level English and I will incoperate your videos and encourage my tutees to listen to you. Keep up the good work.

Followed for the aesthetic, stayed for the advice- But seeing Ray Bradbury in a thumbnail? That made me day. Not enough people listen to or read Bradbury

Same here. I read a book over tea in the mornings. Whatever stress the day may bring, I've already started the day with something productive -- and fun. :D Cheers!

I’m ashamed for unsubbing when you were a tiny channel. You’ve really grown this is great.

Do a what's on my phone so that we could have an "in-depth" look on how you utilize your phone! #videoidea

Loved your content man! Today I was writting about how to start reading and I agree with most of the points you've made in the video. Keep doing what you do, I believe your content is truly amazing

You deserve more subscribers.

Loving the B-Roll Robin (: I've enjoyed this video a lot and congrats on 20k+!

Great advice! Convicted of my comfort rule of ‘a chapter a day keeps the mind awake’.

What I have done to myself is creating a reading challenge. :) On my bedroom door I have taped a list of books like "A play", "A non-fiction book", "a romance story", "a book with knights", "Science Fiction" and so on. This is not just as a challenge, but also to get into the habit of reading broadly, not just limit myself. Because I know readers who does this as well: They are ONLY reading fantasy, but not Shakespeare or even books on mythology. Or they are ONLY reading murder mysteries and turn their noses up at everything else. So with this reading challenge, not only have I read a wider variety of books, I have also discovered gems in genres I didn't think was possible and I have grown curious over different topics! Like after reading a biography on David Lynch, I started to read up on Surrealism, so I read the surrealist manifesto and a book on surrealism in art. After that, I got interested in other artforms like Expressionism, Romanticism, impressionism and Dada. :) I also grew interested in the history of art, which evolved into an interest in history in general. And so on and so forth...

There's some thing in your videos that motivates me more than anything else. Thank you!

I saw a lot of your videos this past week and noticed that you speak really well in front of a camera. You give quality content and your passion is evident. Mad respect brother!

Just recently discovered your channel and I'm so glad I did! You've inspired me to aim for consistency and books that I'm genuinely interested in reading. It really feels like some weight was lifted off my shoulders. Thank you :) Also, please consider making longer videos! Would love to hear you rant about anything at all haha

Audio books add a,great dimension. It's quite peaceful to listen to someone tell a story.

the videos are 50% better because of the tone of his voice it keeps you engaged and it is a nice book

Dude! Congrats on the improvment with your videos. You can tell you've come a long way. Great inspiring content

I read fanfics during weekend afternoons that really relaxes me and recharges me for the rest of the week

I know it's been a hot minute since this video was uploaded but i'd just like to drop my two cents as a person who loves books a lot. When i was a kid (say around 8-9) and I'd just started reading, I'd sit in front of my parents' bookcase and pick up books just by looking at the cover, so I'd often read random art books, poetry and theatre I didn't entirely understand (or at all sometimes). i would also ask my dad for recommendations and he'd literally give me books like the lord of the rings, or Aliende's The house of spirits, or modern greek authors who write for adults (my native language is greek). This attutude my parents had towards the books I read made me adopt the same way of thinking: no book is unreachable! The beauty of books is in enjoying them, not in understanding them 100%. Did I fully grasp the fellowship of the ring that first time I read it? Absolutely not. But I enjoyed it so much and I couldn't see how a book like that couldn't be enjoyed by other kids in primary school too. I kept reading books like so and progressing continuously. The point is, do not be afraid of delving into seemingly 'difficult' books. The Crying of Lot 49 took me about 2 months to read and I still don't get much of what happened. Do I regret it? NO. There is fun to be had in everything, just as this boy is saying. So read that book!!

Stumbled across your videos, and they’re awesome. I’m a daily reader, usually of non-fiction, and your advice is great and encouraging. I’ve read Bradbury’s Zen In The Art of Writing, and your video reminded me about how golden his advice and words are.

This baffles me. I love reading and never have to trick myself into it. I’d rather read than watch shows or movies. I think just read what you love not what you think you should. If you aren’t enjoying, it, add it to the DNF shelf and move on. You should feel like you can’t wait to get home and find out what happens next. I read about six books at a time so I can choose based on my mood. Also, I read physical books, my ipad, my iPhone, kindle and get books from different places to change things up. Ray Bradbury is highly addictive! Man read one of his scary stories at night on your ipad with the lights off! 😱

Thank you for sharing an insightful perspective on reading! Reading to truly to be enjoyed!

Great content, directly to the point and really well edited. That's the channel that I needed.

Thanks for the encouragement and giving me realistic goals to attempt! I really enjoy your content and hope you keep making videos like this!

Your editing has noticeably improved video by video, well done!

So grateful I found your sites, thank you.

R.C. Thanks again for another inspiring and insightful video essay. In addition to being a subscriber, I have also signed up for the newsletter. My compliments on both your channel and your newsletter. Both are top shelf quality; your hard work definitely shows! As another person has commented here, you definitely deserve far more than 20,000 subscribers. I am confident that number will steadily rise with time.

This was a great message. Thank you. I love your newsletters as well. Very well thought of. Hope you are doing well, my friend.

It turns out that I love the idea of reading, but I can’t sit still long enough to read a bunch. A work in progress!

Hi, I really admire your commitment to reading and how you give such great tips. Thank you for being such an inspiration!

This is such an amazing video in how simple how positive it is!

Robinnnnn, congrats on 21k subscribers!!!! I am so happy for you now. (don't know what will happen to me when you'll have a million;)) You are absolutely eloquent and so talented. Besides, your videos inspired me to find my passion and work hard to achieve my goals. Thanks for everything, man, you make me а better person.🖤

This is excellent! I'm reading a lot more and preparing to read more because I'm finally starting the classes for my philosophy degree. This is really helpful and will help me stay motivated and happy

Just what I need! I stumbled upon your video and decided to give it a chance. I like how simple your videos are but concise with the information that I need. A new subscriber!

Loving this new editing along with the new camera! looks great

First video I've discovered from your channel, I love it! Reminds me to be more consistent with areas of growth in my career & life

What a fantastically concise and useful video. Love the mention of 20k subscribers!! Crazy to see how much you've grown with 375k subscribers now.

Thank you for this piece of advice! It is just what I need. Best regards.

First time ever a suggestion from KZfaq is this great! Your channel is really interesting and the way you explain things is so simple and clear! English is not my first language therefore the fact that I understand you so well it's fantastic! Subscribed right away! 👍

Your presentation is brilliant. Thanks

Just found your channel. Love it so far! Thanks.

I really needed to hear this right about now. Looking forward to implement this in my daily routine.

I used to read alot when i was a child. All up until 11th grade my interest began to wane. My teachers would tell me to stop reading, my home life was a toxic mess and books didnt cut through the daily slog. Im 24 now and its been 5 years since I have stopped reading. Its prolly not as a big deal as losing 20 to 30 years not reading, but its sufficient to make reading difficult. Anyhoo, have started with John Steinbeck and Im slowly enjoying reading. I dont know what my point is but i just want to say that the decision to read is the important thing.

This is what I really needed. Thanks.

I finally found someone having a really good reading ideas

I deleted every app from my phone except texting, phone, maps, calendar, camera, and Spotify. I made my phone more useful instead of making it a place where I live 8 hours a day. That made it much easier to clear out time for hobbies and reading.

I lost my love for reading books at some point years ago.....this video (literally clicked on for Ray Bradbury's wisdom) is bringing me back.....and it is everything

These are words of wisdom,dude.Thank you.

Have been on-and-off watching your videos for a while :) congrats on 20k! Here's to the next 200k ;)

Informative and passionate about reading, love your vids, and congrats on 20K subs, you deserve it!

You are an inspiration. At 57 years old, I read 100+ books a year, and I feel I'm not reading enough. Your advice will help me read even more. Thanks again.

Hi, R.C.Waldun! My name is Paulo. I'm 44 years and live in Brazil. I love the process of reading and learning. It has changed my life and the way I see the world. You are by all means right! Your videos are really good and your tips helped me to dive into some hardest books. Besides, I can practice my English (sorry for some grammar mistakes). Congratulations!

Just signed up with your newsletter! Great videos by the way!

I'm addicted to your videos

Excellent Mr Waldun.

Couldnt agree more! I tried to explain this to my friends the other day, but didnt come out as a good explanation. Thanks for making a video of this! 👍

Wonderful Video! I'd never seen this channel before but felt so endeared in the first 20 seconds I hit subscribe. Thank you!

I just love your content Thank you so much.

Great insights. Thank you!!

I love listening to your voice!!

This video might finally get rid of my reader's block. You've got yourself a new subscriber!

Great advice, thank you.

you're so well-spoken!

My biggest impediment to prolific reading is getting stuck on having to understand everything. Also, if I am finding a reading too difficult I will give it up. So there is a balance that needs to made as to what needs to be pushed through that doesn't need to be fully understood and what needs to be worked through so that I make sure I understand it. I'm sure more advanced readers will know which decision to take.

Love these tips!

your videos are my channel's quality goals !

Love your videos man!! Would love to see your books someday. ❤️

Just subscribed today🙂 I like your clarity and conviction.

Excellent advice!

This was a really neat video to stumble upon. I like this content and have subscribed!

That Bradbury quote is one of the best speeches of all time. It's from the Point Loma Nazarene Address

I like read best in the beginning of the morning too! Something else that works for me is to start out with novels that deal with a theme you find interesting or with easier works like 1984, the catcher in the rye, the strange case of dr jekyll and hide etc. Thanks for the video!

Your ideas are great. The twenty to thirty pages a day is certainly a great daily amount. All the best from a fellow reader!

Really great effort and a very big fan of you! Keep Rockin'... Your accent is superb and way of interaction delights every reader. I'm one of them 🤩. Simply awesome .

A great bedside poetry book is Harold Blooms The Best Poems of the English Language anthology from Chaucer to Frost. It’s an amazing anthology with Blooms amazing commentary throughout. Great way to get started with poetry. Some great short story recommendations are Checkhov (the father of short stories and my all time favorite short story writer), Hemingway, Flannery O’Connor, Jorge Louis Borges, Gabriel Garcia Marquez, Kafka, Faulkner, Gogol, Philip K. Dick, and Harlan Ellison all have amazing short stories. Checkhov made me fall in love with short stories before him I seemed to steer away from those types of collections but now I love them and they’re some of my favorite type of reading.

Little increments add up. Everyone has the same amount of time. And most peeps, no matter how busy they are, really can't say, "I don't have 15 mins to read a day." And 15 mins can lead to 20, 22, 33. I like 33! It is easy to remember and you can set an alarm on your phone and divide it into 3 x 11mins a day- until it becomes a habit. Most peeps" thumb scroll" their screen about that much per day- just checking for krapacola before they ever find something. I remember one time sitting in a car with a gal-pal while she ""ts"-ed looking for a coffee shop mentioned in FB (yes. Former FB). Up and down. Down and up. I sat for15 minutes! She never did find the posting. I got out and started walking to the coffee shop I had chosen. The one we had parked near. I thought, I can get a table, coffee, munchito and finish reading a K-bk before she ever comes up for air. Lol. (The coffee shop was a local Mom & Pop in an old converted farmhouse.)

Man thank you for guidance. 💪

Cool, Waldun. I will implement Bradbury's reading routine for my homeschooling before getting into scheduling.

Excellent thanks.

After watching this I forced myself to reading some short stories from an H.P Lovecraft compilation I got a few years back at Barnes & Noble. I barely read anymore, and if I do it's only non-fiction, but I've been in a deep depression last couple years where I hardly ever feel joy or positive emotions anymore... but then just now, as I was reading suddeny...I felt SOMETHING, for a brief moment. For or a moment, I felt a spark of FEELING..and I all of a sudden got reminded of how it felt to enjoy a fiction book when I was younger. I had totally forgotten that I actually used to LOVE reading stories when I was young. I suddenly remembered how I had read all the 'Series of Unfortunate Events' books and how I would get absorbed and engrossed in the story. I just remembered that there is something special to be experienced from reading... That you can still feel joy from and immersion from books, I had forgotten that was possible.

Hi I'm your new subscriber and I am so addicted to your highly intellectual content that I have made it my motto to watch all your videos! Keep coming up with more such content. Would love to listen to your thoughts whatever they are. P.S. Believe me I'm in my mid thirties yet I have never been so uber enthusiastic in my life about reading, although I am an avid reader. All credits to You! 😊

Good vid, man. You have evolved a lot in production terms.

Pure awesomeness

This advice is good for those who don’t like or are tired of reading.

Great content sir.

thank you, I needed this

Black bell award achieved! good work sir.

Fresh vibe, keep it up fellow reader

Great advice! I started keeping a book on the table next to my living-room chair... beside the TV remote. After my wife goes to bed, I turn off the TV and pick up the book instead, and it feels great! In the past I would just keep watching TV instead of reading.