Happier with Gretchen Rubin: Episode Summary

Episode Title: More Happier: Reading Hacks [Revisited]
Release Date: April 5, 2025
Hosts: Gretchen Rubin & Elizabeth Craft
Distribution: Lemonada Media

1. Introduction to the Reading Challenge

In this special revisitation of a previous episode, Gretchen Rubin and her cohost Elizabeth Craft delve deep into all things related to reading. Building on the success of their initial annual reading challenge in 2021, they reintroduce the Read 21 and 21 Challenge—encouraging listeners to read for 21 minutes every day in 2021.

Elizabeth Craft [01:45]: "We first did reading as an annual challenge in 2021. It was so popular that we brought it back for read2525."

2. Personal Updates

Before diving into the reading hacks, Gretchen shares a personal milestone.

Gretchen Rubin [02:17]: "I got the first dose of the Pfizer vaccine for COVID-19... There was cheering and clapping and everyone was very excited about getting the vaccine."

This joyous event underscores the theme of happiness and personal well-being that the podcast consistently promotes.

3. The Read 21 and 21 Challenge

The hosts discuss the Read 21 and 21 Challenge, highlighting its popularity and the community's enthusiastic participation.

Gretchen Rubin [03:30]: "I think it's like people want an excuse to read. They want license to spend time reading, and we have given it to them."

Listeners have embraced the challenge, finding it a catalyst to cultivate a consistent reading habit.

4. Effective Reading Hacks and Tips

a. Scheduling Your Reading Time

Establishing a routine can significantly bolster reading consistency.

Elizabeth Craft [04:56]: "Doing my 21 minutes right after a long day of zooming really resets... I feel like myself again."

b. Creating a Book Stack

Having a curated stack of books ready to read eliminates decision fatigue.

Elizabeth Craft [08:09]: "One of mine is to create a stack of books that you want to go through. As soon as I'm done with one, I'm just going to the stack and getting another."

c. Minimizing Distractions

Removing potential distractions, such as mobile phones, can enhance focus.

Elizabeth Craft [08:17]: "Put your phone out of reach... Once I'm down on the sofa, I want people to wait on me hand and foot so I don't have to get up."

d. Reading What You Enjoy

Choosing genres and topics that resonate personally increases reading pleasure and motivation.

Elizabeth Craft [08:27]: "Read what you want. Sometimes people think they should read only certain genres, but reading what you enjoy leads to reading more."

e. Re-reading Impactful Books

Revisiting books that have left a lasting impression can deepen comprehension and appreciation.

Elizabeth Craft [05:49]: "I reread 'Things Fall Apart' and 'The Pillow Book,' which were both profoundly impactful."

f. Utilizing Apps and Tools

Various digital tools can aid in maintaining the reading habit.

• Strides App: For habit tracking and goal setting.
• Time Clock App: To monitor focused reading periods.
• Libby App: For accessing public library e-books and audiobooks.

Elizabeth Craft [20:32]: "Two apps I find helpful are Strides... and Time Clock to help clock in for my 21 minutes."

5. Listener Suggestions and Insights

a. Personalized Reading Lists

Listeners like Katherine have enriched their reading experience by selecting books recommended by loved ones, fostering both personal connections and diverse literary exposure.

Listener Katherine [09:50]: "I read 12 books from 12 loved ones, allowing me to connect and explore genres I wouldn't typically choose."

b. Book Club Ideas

Elizabeth shares innovative book club formats, such as long-distance clubs where members exchange books and letters, enhancing engagement despite geographical barriers.

Elizabeth Craft [14:20]: "We started a long-distance book club where we send each other books and sealed letters with our thoughts."

c. Book-Related Podcasts

Recommendations for enriching literary discussions include:

• Backlisted: Engaging interviews with authors.
• Slightly Foxed: In-depth book reviews and discussions.
• New Yorker Fiction: Author interviews and fiction analyses.

Elizabeth Craft [11:56]: "We have to include podcasts like 'Backlisted' and 'Slightly Foxed' for those who love discussing books."

6. Tools and Apps to Enhance Reading

a. LED Book Lights

Innovative lighting solutions like the LEDgel Rechargeable LED Book Light offer hands-free illumination, making nighttime reading more comfortable.

Listener [18:19]: "The LEDgel is like wearing a snake around your neck with adjustable lights, perfect for focused reading."

b. Bone Conduction Headphones

For active readers who enjoy audiobooks while on the move, bone conduction headphones provide a safe and effective listening experience without blocking ambient sounds.

Listener Joanna [21:05]: "Wireless headphones with bone conduction solve the problem of disorienting earbuds while running."

c. Sleep Timers and Flat Earphones

Apps that allow automatic shut-off of audiobooks and comfortable headband-style earphones enhance the reading experience, especially for those who enjoy listening before sleep.

Listener Juliet [22:22]: "Using the sleep timer ensures my audiobook stops automatically, and sleep headbands keep earphones in place."

7. Leveraging the Four Tendencies Framework

Understanding personal tendencies can optimize adherence to the reading challenge.

• Upholders: Benefit from scheduling reading times on their calendars.

  Upholder Tip [32:22]: "Put your reading time on the calendar at a consistent time each day."

• Questioners: Thrive by customizing their reading approach and understanding the rationale behind their habits.

  Questioner Tip [32:39]: "Customize how you read the 21 minutes to fit your personal logic and needs."

• Obligers: Respond well to external accountability, such as sharing goals with others or joining book groups.

  Obliger Tip [33:19]: "Create outer accountability by joining book groups or setting up check-ins with friends."

• Rebels: Engage by aligning reading with their identity and embracing the freedom to choose how they read.

  Rebel Tip [34:23]: "Embrace reading as an expression of your identity and allow flexibility in how and when you read."

Elizabeth Craft [32:18]: "For Obligers, creating outer accountability like joining a book group can be very effective."

8. Engaging in Reading Debates

The hosts explore common debates among readers, sharing their personal preferences and encouraging listeners to reflect on their own habits.

• Multiple Books vs. Single Book: Elizabeth prefers multiple books to match her varying moods, while Gretchen opts for one book at a time.

  Elizabeth Craft [28:40]: "I always read multiple books to match my different moods."

• Use of Bookmarks: Alternating approaches where some prefer bookmarks or dog-earing pages, while others use scraps of paper.

  Gretchen Rubin [29:05]: "I rarely use a bookmark; sometimes I dog-ear the pages, which some think is sacrilege."

• Marking Up Books: Differing opinions on annotating books, with some enjoying it and others avoiding it to preserve the book's integrity.

  Listener [29:33]: "I mark them up like crazy if I own them."

• Putting Down Unenjoyable Books: Struggling between the desire to finish a book and the need to maintain a positive reading habit.

  Gretchen Rubin [29:51]: "It's hard for me to put down a book. I'm trying to do it more often because I know it's important."

9. Emotional Connections to Reading

The hosts share personal stories about books that moved them deeply, highlighting the profound impact literature can have.

Elizabeth Craft [30:26]: "The first book that made me cry was 'Charlotte's Web' by E.B. White. I cried for three days straight."

Gretchen Rubin [30:26]: "The first book that made me cry was 'Sylvester and the Magic Pebble.' I just sobbed."

10. Embracing Icelandic Reading Traditions

Katie introduces the Jólabókaflóð, or Christmas Book Flood, an Icelandic tradition where books are exchanged on Christmas Eve, leading to a night of reading. This tradition inspired her family to adopt a similar habit, integrating reading into their festive celebrations.

Katie [26:45]: "We adopted the Icelandic tradition of giving books on Christmas Eve and spending the night reading together."

11. Conclusion and Encouragement

Gretchen and Elizabeth wrap up the episode by reiterating the benefits of the Read 21 and 21 Challenge, encouraging listeners to participate and share their experiences.

Elizabeth Craft [36:11]: "Remember, the best time to start a happiness project is 20 years ago. The second best time is now."

They also highlight the importance of persistence and finding joy in reading, ensuring listeners feel supported in their journey toward greater happiness through literature.

Notable Quotes

• Gretchen Rubin [03:30]: "People want an excuse to read. They want license to spend time reading, and we have given it to them."
• Elizabeth Craft [08:17]: "Put your phone out of reach and read what you want. Reading leads to reading."
• Listener Katherine [09:50]: "Reading 12 books from 12 loved ones allows me to connect and explore genres I wouldn't typically choose."
• Listener Joanna [21:05]: "Wireless headphones with bone conduction solve the problem of disorienting earbuds while running."
• Elizabeth Craft [32:22]: "Put your reading time on the calendar at a consistent time each day."

Key Takeaways

• Consistency is Key: Reading for just 21 minutes daily can significantly enhance your reading habits and overall happiness.
• Personalize Your Approach: Leveraging your unique tendencies (Upholder, Questioner, Obliger, Rebel) can make maintaining a reading habit more effective.
• Utilize Tools and Community: Apps, book clubs, and listener suggestions provide valuable support and resources.
• Embrace Emotional Connections: Allow yourself to connect deeply with the books you read, and don't hesitate to put down ones that don't resonate.
• Cultural Traditions: Adopting reading traditions like Iceland's Jólabókaflóð can enrich your literary experience.

For more detailed tips, resources, and to join the Read 21 and 21 Challenge, visit GretchenRubin.com or follow the podcast on your favorite platform.