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Thu Jul 17 2025

Clare Mulroy | Books Reporter

Happy Thursday, booklovers!

I had a recent conversation with a friend who has a relatable problem: She wants to read more this summer, but she just can't find the time or energy. The temptation to doomscroll is all too real. And finding the right book is a task.

If you have the same predicament, I've got a few hacks to ramp up your summer reading. I've also got tips for parents who are desperate to keep kids off the iPad and into a good book .

Follow these tips to get off your phone and into the pages of a new book this summer.

NDinfinity, Getty Images

📚Find a book that meets you where you are: Lean into mood reading – what kind of book do you need in this moment? Is it something cozy and comforting ? We've got recommendations. Want to go all-in on dystopian? Want a swoony cowboy romance or a short, speedy book ? Knowing your taste is the first step to finding a book that's right for you right now. And if it's doesn't end up being a good fit, don't be afraid to DNF and move on.

📚Take yourself on a reading date: Carving out time to sit in a coffee shop or at a park and read always makes me more intentional about reading, plus it's a fun treat. One reader we spoke with earlier this year recommended getting to at least page 50 the first time you open a book to fully immerse yourself. This tip also works for families – while reading may be a solitary activity, reading together can encourage this healthy habit for kids.

📚Give yourself an incentive: Our summer reading challenge has a $100 giveaway prize and makes reading creative with categories for every reader, from whodunit mysteries to time travel sci-fi to memoir. We've got more tips for how to gamify reading for kids here.

What are you reading this summer? Let me know at cmulroy@usatoday.com or reach out on Instagram. Thanks for keeping up with USA TODAY Books this week!