It’s the start of a new year, and you promise yourself that this will be the year you finally read more…and then somehow life inevitably gets in the way. We all know the feeling, juggling work deadlines, endless emails, and the constant flow of daily responsibilities. It’s so easy for reading to fall by the wayside. 

We’ve all been there, and we get it! You plan to start that book tonight, but somehow that Netflix series wins again. But the truth is, you don’t need more time; you just need to have the right systems in place to make reading feel doable again. That’s where our Book Subscription Boxes come in, because when the perfect story arrives at your doorstep, half the battle is already won. Trust us, once that box arrives, you won’t be able to stop yourself!

Why It Feels Impossible to Read (Even When You Want To)

As we’ve said, life is busy, and if you’re anything like us, between screens, daily commutes, and that never-ending to-do list, you feel as if your time is constantly slipping away. Research shows that when we are distracted–and let’s not forget those constant notifications–it makes it harder for our brains to settle into deep reading mode.¹ 

And as we all know, reading is exactly what we need more of; it boosts relaxation, reduces stress, and helps us unplug from all of the noise that comes with daily life. The solution isn’t squeezing more hours into the day; it’s learning to create small, structured rituals that make reading fit naturally into your routine. That’s what we do best, turning that thought of “someday I’ll read” into “one more page.”

 

Your 15-Minute Reading Routine Blueprint

Step 1: Redefine What “Reading Enough” Means

First things first! Forget the guilt trip about not reading a book a week. Reading doesn’t have to mean marathon sessions; it can be ten minutes before bed or a few pages while you wait for your coffee to brew. 

We know from experience that small, consistent habits are what will keep you on track. Try replacing a quick scroll through social media with a short reading burst. Those five-to-fifteen-minute windows add up faster than you think. The stories in our book subscription boxes are chosen with real life in mind, page-turners that fit your busy schedule and remind you that a good book doesn’t have to wait for a vacation. And with our world-famous surprise gifts that bring the book to life, you won’t want to put it down!

Step 2: Time-Blocking for Reading

Relax, you don’t need to replan your calendar. Think of reading like brushing your teeth, something small but essential you do every day. Time-blocking works wonders when you dedicate short windows to reading. Think of adding a book to your morning coffee, lunch break, or bedtime routine. Sip your latte with a book instead of a screen, or listen to an audiobook during your commute. 

According to the experts, “fresh start” moments like mornings or Mondays boost motivation, making these mini-resets perfect for restarting your reading habit.² Before long, those micro-moments become your favorite parts of the day.

 

Step 3: Stack Small Wins for Motivation

Nothing feels better than seeing progress, no matter how small, and as you know, we love reading trackers and journals. There is something quite wonderful about celebrating each chapter you finish. Yes, celebrate each chapter!

Reading journals are a great way of turning short reading sessions into those all-important victory moments. Each entry becomes a reminder that you’re doing something for yourself. And let’s be honest, flipping through pages filled with your progress feels a lot better than scrolling through notifications. Celebrate every chapter, because each one is a small win!

Step 4: Let Your Subscription Do the Planning for You

The biggest reading roadblock for many of us is deciding what to read. With thousands of titles out there, it’s no surprise we feel overwhelmed. Relax, take a breath, we have got you covered! Our monthly book box subscriptions take the guesswork out entirely. 

Each month, a whimsical book box arrives with a carefully selected, handpicked book and surprise gifts that bring the story to life. We like to think of it as a little nudge from your bookish best friend saying, “Here’s your next great read.” It’s that touch of Once Upon a Book Club magic we all look forward to.

 

Step 5 – Join the 2026 40 Book Reading Challenge

We all know accountability helps habits stick, which is why our annual reading challenge is the perfect motivation. Join the 40 Book Reading Challenge and connect with fellow readers who’ve turned “too busy” into “booked and thriving.” 

You can even grab the physical challenge poster, available in the Up All Night Box, to track your progress. And yes, we offer a prize for completion, because who doesn’t love a little extra motivation? 

The “Up All Night” Box is the perfect option to get you going! Make sure to order before they sell out! This exciting book box features a hardcover edition of The Ordeals by Rachel Greenlaw, plus THREE gifts that bring this incredible read to life! Also included is our highly coveted 40 Book Scratch-Off Reading Challenge to help you hit your 2026 reading goals, an exclusive champagne flute to help you celebrate, plus an extra item exclusive to this year's box!

Best Book Subscription for Every Schedule

No matter who you are, there’s a Once Upon a Book Club box that fits your lifestyle. For the multitasking professionals who crave late-night escapes, the Adult Book Subscription Box offers immersive stories you’ll want to stay up for “just one more chapter.” 

For fans of YA fiction, the Young Adult Book Subscription Box is just the box for you with its relatable characters and heartfelt adventures. And for parents wanting to spark joy in younger readers, the Tween Book Subscription Box turns reading into a magical shared experience. 

 

Reading Tracker + TBR Planner for 2026

A little organization goes a long way when it comes to keeping your reading goals on track. We’re all about making reading journeys easy, and we have a gorgeous and exclusively designed digital Reading Journal. You can download it and fill it in digitally on your tablet or phone using Goodnotes or Notability, or print it out and use your favorite pens to turn it into a keepsake-worthy physical journal! 

This set includes 10 undated template pages that you can use again and again, making it the perfect companion for every reading season. Page types include: Reading Goals, Book Review, Monthly Recap, TBR List, Five Star Favorites, Best Books Of _____ (insert year here!), Wishlist, Series Tracker, and Favorite Quotes. It makes it easy to jot down thoughts, track pages, and set mini goals for the year. Think of it as your personal TBR planner, part logbook and part inspiration board. There’s nothing more motivating than watching your list of finished books grow month after month.

 

From “Too Busy” to “Shhhh, I’m reading!”

Let’s be honest, time isn’t the problem; the approach is. Reading shouldn’t compete with your schedule; it should complement it. Here at Once Upon a Book Club, we love bringing books to life, and with every delivery, you’re reminded that reading isn’t a luxury; it’s a joy you deserve to make time for. 

Subscribe today, unwrap your next great story, and make 2026 the year you finally read more, effortlessly. Because when it comes to rediscovering your love for books, Once Upon a Book Club makes it easy to go from “too busy” to “Shhh, I’m reading!”

For more tips and inspiration, don’t miss Why Book Subscription Boxes Are Perfect for Busy Lifestyles.