Danielle Kate Wroe, a senior social news reporter, has read 134 books so far in 2026, and she credits five specific habits for managing her heavy reading load. Contrary to popular belief, she does not spend entire weekends in marathon reading sessions. Instead, she squeezes reading into small moments throughout her day.
1. Read When You're Waiting Around
Whether waiting for friends at a restaurant or standing in a queue, Wroe pulls out her book instead of scrolling on her phone. Even a five-minute delay can yield a chapter or two, and she finds she makes significant progress without frustration.
2. Read in Bed Before Sleep
Instead of using TikTok before bed, Wroe reads on her Kindle or a paperback. She notes that hardbacks are uncomfortable in bed. She also uses Spotify's page match feature to switch to audio when needed. Citing a University of Sussex study, she points out that reading for just six minutes can reduce stress by up to 68%, and a nightly reading habit signals the body to wind down, improving cognitive function and empathy over time.
3. Read on Public Transport
Wroe recommends taking an e-reader or light book on trains or buses. She recalls a five-hour daily commute in 2020, during which she finished a book halfway home and then bought another at WHSmith—Queenie by Candice Carty-Williams—finishing it by the time she walked home.
4. Take Your Book or Kindle Everywhere
Wroe never regrets bringing reading material, even on short trips as a passenger. She suggests a small Kindle that fits in a pocket or using headphones for audiobooks. The weight is negligible, so there is no excuse not to carry one.
5. Read on Your Break at Work
During a 30-minute lunch, Wroe eats at her desk and then reads for the remaining time. With a full hour, she eats and reads. She estimates reading 40 to 70 pages in 30 minutes, depending on focus.
Final Thoughts
Wroe emphasises that reading is about upgrading downtime, not just being a bookworm. She notes that reading three books or 300 in a year is fine, as long as the process is enjoyable. The habits she shares have helped her set higher Goodreads goals each year.
