What’s Your Reading Reason? Why It Matters More Than You Think

I was just browsing one day when I came across an article about classic novels. As I read through it, an idea hit me—what’s your reason for reading? Why do you pick up a book and keep going, even when life gets busy or the story gets tough?

If you’ve ever been on Reddit, Facebook, or writing forums, you’ve probably seen people setting big reading goals—things like “I’ll read 30 books this year” or “One classic every month.” It’s impressive, no doubt. But is that really why they read? Or is it just about reaching the goal?

Some people do it to tick off a list. Some lose steam halfway. That’s normal. Because reading isn’t always easy. It takes time, focus, and the right mindset.

That’s why your reason matters.

Reading has to be more than just a task. It has to come from somewhere real. That reason—the thing pulling you toward the book—is what helps you actually finish it… and enjoy it.

Writers Read to Learn

Writers read too, not just for fun, but to study. To understand the craft behind the words.

One guy from KnowledgeLust (dot) com shared this about reading A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens:

“Before reading A Christmas Carol, I was curious about how Dickens made such an extreme change of heart believable, and such an atrocious man (Scrooge) somewhat likable, even pre-transformation.”

That was his focus. A craft-based reason.

He could’ve read it thinking, “Why is greed bad?”—a moral question—but that would’ve led to a totally different reading experience. In fact, he even wrote what I’d call reasons (his questions) inside the front flap of the book. Those questions (reasons) gave him a clear path.

You can do that too. It doesn’t have to be fancy—just a simple thought like “I want to understand this character better” or “I want to feel something deep.”

Why Having a Reason Helps

When you know why you’re reading, you’re more likely to:

• Stick with the book
• Notice things that matter to you
• Enjoy the experience more
• Talk or write about it in a meaningful way

Let’s look at some real reasons people read—see which one fits you best:

1. To Escape or Relax

Some people read to take a break from real life. Books offer a way out—a quiet place where nothing else matters.

You might enjoy:

• Fantasy worlds
• Light-hearted stories
• Books with cozy or dreamy vibes

2. To Learn a Lesson or Explore a Theme

Maybe you’re drawn to questions like “What makes someone good or bad?” or “Why do people change?”

You might enjoy:

• Moral tales like Les Misérables
• Stories about justice, revenge, kindness, or truth

3. To Improve Your Writing

Writers often read to pick up techniques—dialogue, structure, character growth.

You might enjoy:

• Studying how a book is built
• Taking notes while you read
• Re-reading strong scenes to see how they work

4. To Connect With Others

Some people read because they want to talk about it with a friend, a group, or an online community.

You might enjoy:

• Book clubs
• Sharing quotes or thoughts online
• Reading what’s trending

5. To Finish What You Started

Maybe you don’t love the book… but you started it, and something inside you wants to finish. That’s a valid reason too. It can teach discipline and patience.

6. To Find Yourself in the Story

Sometimes a book hits different because it reflects something personal—your culture, your struggles, your dreams.

You might enjoy:

• Diverse authors
• Stories with characters like you
• Books that speak to your current stage of life

Final Thought

It doesn’t matter what your reason is—just that you have one. That reason gives your reading purpose. It helps you choose better books and enjoy them more deeply.

So next time you pick up a classic (or any book), ask yourself:
Why am I reading this?
Write your answer inside the cover, like that guy did. It might change everything.

And if you’re not sure yet, don’t stress. Here at Inspanet, we’re always exploring the joy of reading. Come for the classics, stay for the stories, and maybe—just maybe—discover your own reason along the way.