How to Read 50 Books a Year — Even If You Haven’t Finished One in Months

You love the idea of being someone who reads 50 books a year. You imagine yourself as one of those avid readers who always have a new book recommendation ready. But here's the reality — between work, family, social media scrolling, and everything else, finishing even one good book feels like a victory.

Here's the truth: reading 50 books a year isn't about speed-reading or sacrificing sleep. It's about small shifts in your reading habits that add up to something remarkable. Whether you prefer a physical book on your nightstand, the Kindle app on your phone, or listening to Audible during your commute, this guide will show you exactly how to reach your goal.

Quick answer: How to read 50 books a year

• Set a realistic goal of roughly one book a week (52 books = 50+ with buffer)

• Create a reading list. Include different lengths and genres

• Read for 20 minutes daily (or listen to apps like Headway or Libby)

• Track progress regularly

• Mix paper books with Audible or Amazon Kindle books. Try in-app book summaries to be on track

• Find the best reading time and adjust your schedule accordingly

• Join a book club for accountability

The secret isn't reading faster — it's reading smarter. With strategic planning and the right tools, you'll discover that reading 50 books a year fits naturally into your life.

Want to absorb key insights without spending hours per book? We'll show you how apps like Headway can help you learn from the best books in just 15 minutes. It's helpful when you're too busy to finish every book but still want the knowledge.

Try Headway today to turn small reading moments into major knowledge gains.

Why read 50 books a year?

Before we dive into the "how," let's talk about the "why." Reading 50 books a year isn't just about hitting an arbitrary number of books — it's about what happens to you along the way.

When you commit to reading this amount of books, you'll notice shifts in how you think and understand the world. You'll develop a stronger focus in a world designed to fragment your attention (Hello, TikTok!). You'll build vocabulary that makes you more articulate. You'll gain perspectives that challenge your mind.

Plus, there's something deeply satisfying about looking back at your reading list and seeing all those great books you conquered. It's proof that you made time for growth when everything else was screaming for your attention.

📘 Master your reading goals with Headway.

Understanding what "reading 50 books" really means

Let's do the math. Fifty books a year breaks down to roughly one book a week — or about 4-5 books per month. Sounds manageable, right?

But here's what most people get wrong: they think every book needs to be a 400-page literary masterpiece. Wrong. Smart readers mix it up.

Some of the best books you'll read this year might be 150-page memoirs. Others might be 500-page fantasy novels. The key is variety. Fast readers can balance shorter books with longer ones. If you're not naturally a fast reader, lean into audiobooks and shorter formats like book summaries without guilt.

Build a reading list that excites you

Your reading list is your roadmap. Without it, you'll wander into bookstores (physical or digital) and get overwhelmed by choice. Then you'll end up scrolling social media instead.

Start by listing your favorite books you've already read. What did they have in common? That genre, that author's voice, that type of story — that's your reading DNA. Build from there.

Platforms like Goodreads make this easy. You can:

• Browse curated lists of great books by category

• See what your friends are reading

• Get personalized recommendations based on your ratings

• Track your progress toward your annual goal

Don't plan all 50 books upfront — your tastes will evolve. But have your next 3-5 books queued up so you never waste time deciding what to read next.

📘 Discover your next favorite book on Headway.

The format mix strategy

Here's a game-changer: you don't have to read the same way every time. Successful readers who hit 50+ books a year use multiple formats strategically.

Physical books work best when you want to fully immerse yourself. Keep one on your nightstand for before-bed reading. There's something about holding a physical book that makes the experience tangible and memorable.

Amazon Kindle or the Kindle app excels in convenience. You always have your entire library in your pocket. The built-in dictionary helps you learn new vocabulary without breaking the flow. Plus, syncing across devices means you can switch from phone to tablet seamlessly.

Audiobooks on Audible or Libby unlock "dead time" in your day. That commute, those household chores, that workout — suddenly they're all reading time. Many people discover they can finish a book a week just through their daily drive.

Headway book summaries give you the core insights from great books in 15 minutes. Perfect for when you want the knowledge but don't have time to spend on the full text.

Mix these formats based on your situation. You're not cheating by using audiobooks or summaries — you're being smart about your reading habits.

Create your daily reading ritual

Don't consider reading 50 books a year as a challenge or a marathon. It should become your new habit, and the only way it is possible is through consistency. Twenty minutes daily beats a three-hour binge on Sunday.

The trick is attaching reading to something you already do. This makes it automatic instead of requiring willpower. Try these reading habits:

Morning readers: Swap 15 minutes of phone scrolling for reading with your coffee. You'll start the day feeling accomplished instead of anxious from social media.

Commuter readers: Use Audible or the Libby app during your commute. Even a 20-minute drive each way gives you 40 minutes of daily reading time.

Lunch break readers: Keep your Kindle or a physical book at work. A 20-minute reading break beats scrolling Instagram, and you'll return to work more focused.

Evening readers: Replace one TV episode with reading time. That's easily 30-45 minutes you can spend with a good book.

The secret is protecting this time like it's sacred... because it is.

📘 Build better daily habits with Headway.

The power of having multiple books going

This might sound chaotic, but reading 3-4 books separately can help you read more. Your mood changes, and that's ok. Some days you want escapist fiction. Other days, you're hungry for business insights. Having options means you'll always have something that fits your state of mind.

Try this system:

• One fiction book for pure enjoyment

• One nonfiction book for learning

• One audiobook for commuting or chores

• One shorter book as your "palate cleanser"

Keep your fiction on your nightstand, your Kindle loaded with nonfiction, and your audiobook queued in Audible. When you finish one, immediately start the next in that category.

This prevents reading slumps. If you're stuck in a book you're not enjoying, you have permission to set it aside and grab something else. Life's too short for bad books.

Track your progress (it's motivating)

What gets measured gets done. This is why platforms like Goodreads are so valuable for people trying to read more books.

When you log each book you finish, you get:

• A visual record of your progress

• Motivation from seeing your streak continue

• Recommendations based on what you've enjoyed

• A community of readers sharing their favorite books

Set your annual goal to 50 books at the beginning of the year. Goodreads will show you if you're ahead or behind pace. This gentle accountability keeps you consistent without feeling pressured.

Some people also love the social aspect. You can join virtual book clubs, see what friends are reading, or get inspired by lists of the best books in various categories.

Make reading visible in your life

Your environment shapes your behavior more than you realize. If you want to read more books, make books more visible and accessible.

At home: Keep a physical book on your nightstand, coffee table, and anywhere you typically scroll your phone. Visual cues trigger the behavior.

On your devices: Put your favourite reading app on your phone's home screen. Delete or bury social media apps. Make reading the easier choice.

In your bag: Always carry a book or e-reader. When you're stuck waiting somewhere, you'll read instead of doom-scrolling.

At work: Keep a book at your desk for lunch breaks. Even 15 minutes daily adds up to serious progress.

The amount of time you spend reading increases when books are convenient and visible. Remove friction from the reading process.

📘 Turn waiting time into learning time with Headway.

Join a reading community

Reading doesn't have to be solitary. In fact, joining a book club can boost the number of books you finish. Why reading in a supportive company matters:

• Accountability: When others expect you to finish a book, you're more likely to do it

• Discovery: You'll read titles you'd never pick yourself

• Comprehension: Discussing a good book deepens your knowledge

• Motivation: Seeing others hit their goals inspires you to do the same

Look for:

• Local book clubs at libraries or bookstores

• Online communities on Reddit or Goodreads

• Podcast-based book clubs where hosts guide discussions

• Friends who are ready to commit to reading 50 books this year

Having a community transforms reading from a solo activity into a shared experience. You'll find yourself excited to finish books so you can reflect together.

Don't forget: Quality over quantity

Here's something important that gets lost in the "50 books a year" challenge: the goal isn't just accumulating titles. It's learning, growing, and enjoying the experience.

Some books deserve to be savored slowly. Others can be skimmed or summarized. Smart readers know the difference.

If you pick up a book and it's not serving you, put it down. Life is too short to finish bad books out of obligation. This isn't school — there are no tests.

Focus on reading great books that genuinely interest you. Mix in your favorite books for comfort reads. Try new genres to expand your perspective. Listen to podcasts about books to find new recommendations.

The best reading habit is one that brings you joy, not stress.

Master the art of reading more books with Headway

You've learned the strategies to read 50 books a year. Now let's talk about reading smarter, not just more.

Here at Headway, we've helped millions of readers absorb knowledge from the best books without spending hours reading. Our 15-minute book summaries give you the key insights, actionable advice, and core concepts from bestselling nonfiction.

Think about it: if you read one full book per week, that's 50 books a year. But if you combine that with daily 15-minute Headway sessions, you're suddenly learning from 100+ books annually. That's the power of efficient learning.

Here's what makes Headway perfect for serious readers:

Time efficiency: Get the main ideas from a 300-page book in 15 minutes. Perfect for when you want the knowledge but don't have the amount of time for the full read.

Audio + text options: Read summaries like using the Kindle app, or listen like Audible while you multitask. Your choice, your schedule.

Curated collections: We organize the best books by topic, so you can dive deep into areas that interest you most.

Daily learning habit: Build consistency with bite-sized sessions that fit any schedule. It's easier to commit to 15 minutes a day than to finish an entire book a week.

Preview before committing: Use summaries to decide which books deserve your full attention. This saves countless hours on books that wouldn't actually serve you.

You don't have to choose between depth and quantity. Smart readers do both. They use Headway to efficiently learn from a lot of books, then invest their full reading time in the great books that truly resonate.

Download Headway today and discover how to make every reading moment count. Your 50-book goal just became achievable — and enjoyable.