e-reader

7 Steps to Reading Like a Pro on Kindle

I used to think that reading wasn’t for me. At school, I would be assigned a book, and give up after a few chapters. This even led to a belief that learning wasn’t for me.

But then I learned to read like a pro. Not speed reading or reading 100 books a year, but reading strategically, retaining what I learn, and actually enjoying the process.

Over the last five years, I have developed a seven-step method to read like a pro on Kindle, which has completely changed my life.

In today’s newsletter, I’m going to tell you about each step, so that by the end, you’ll have a complete system you can start using today.

Step 1: Build a Pro Reading Routine 📆

Building a pro reading routine is about building reading into your day without thinking.

I have three reading windows in my day: 30 minutes with breakfast, 30 minutes at lunch, and if I can, a bit before bed.

By having three windows to read every day, I almost always get at least one session in. It’s not about being perfect, just giving yourself multiple opportunities.

Think about windows in your day when you can latch reading onto existing routines.

The routine isn't about reading for hours every day. It's about showing up consistently, even if it's just for ten minutes. That's what pros do.

Step 2: Read Anywhere, Anytime 🗺️

This is where the Kindle app becomes your secret weapon.

I will always use my Kindle Paperwhite or Scribe for longer reading sessions. But if I’m ever caught waiting without my Kindle devices, I can use the Kindle app on my phone.

This turns waiting time into an opportunity to read, even for just a few minutes.

These aren’t big reading sessions, but over time, these small pockets can add up to entire books.

So if you haven't already, download the Kindle app on your phone. You'll be surprised by how many little pockets of reading time you find throughout the day.

Step 3: The Three-Book Rotation System 📚

I always have three books on the go: one biography, one non-fiction, and one fiction.

This recognises that your brain may crave different reading experiences at different points, so you have three varying genres to pick from.

Right now, I'm reading Leonardo da Vinci by Walter Isaacson, which is my biography. 1984 by George Orwell, which is my fiction. And Atomic Habits by James Clear is my non-fiction.

This rotation system keeps reading fresh, and prevents me from falling into a reading slump.

Step 4: Use Kindle Features Like a Pro 🤓

Reading like a pro on Kindle means utilising its features, so it’s like having a reading assistant. There are four features I use every day:

Highlights & Notes: Actively engage with your books by highlighting and making notes, which you can refer to later.
Vocabulary Builder: Every word you select for a definition is saved, allowing you to review it in the future.
X-Ray & Page Flip: Never forget who a character is with X-ray, and jump between pages to check information quickly with page flip.
Reading Insights: Access your reading streak and stats at amazon.com/kindle/reading/insights

These features exist to elevate your reading experience. Use them as much as you can.

Step 5: Track Your Reading 📈

This year, my goal is to read three books a month, or 36 books for the year.

Now, that might sound ambitious to some people, or not ambitious enough to others. But here's the thing: I didn't start there. Eight years ago I started with a goal of one book a month. Then I bumped it to two. This year, I'm going for three.

Tracking your reading progress helps to build consistency with your reading, so you’re not just relying on motivation.

The goal isn't to read the most books or be the fastest. It's to make reading a regular, enjoyable part of your life. The tracking is just there to keep you on course.

Step 6: Quit Bad Books Without Guilt ❌

This is one of the most important steps that I have learned.

Pro readers know that their time is valuable, so you can’t waste time on books that you aren’t enjoying.

I make my decision within 100 pages of a new book. If I’m not enjoying it by 100 pages, then I stop reading and move on to something else.

If you are someone who feels guilty about stopping a book, consider that you can always try again at a later point. Stopping a book doesn’t have to be definite. I have done this with a handful of books, and had a completely different reaction when I returned to the books at a later point in my life.

Reading doesn’t have to be a solo activity.

In my family, we've got a bit of an informal book club going. My sister recommended The Housemaid to me. I read it, loved it, and told my dad about it. He read it, and now we've all been talking about the series, which adds another enjoyable element to the reading process.

Pro readers don’t just consume books, they discuss them, share them and get more value by talking about what they’ve learned.

So, reach out to a friend or family member. Ask them what they're reading. Recommend something to them. It's such a simple thing, but it makes a huge difference.

Closing Thoughts 💭

Reading like a pro isn’t about reading the most books or even reading the fastest. It’s about getting the most value from your reading time, enjoying the process and remembering what you learn.

These seven steps have completely changed my reading life, and I think they'll do the same for you.

What are your reading goals for 2026? Let me know by contacting me at Hello@charliesamways.com.

I’d love to hear your experiences reading and using e-readers, so please reach out to share your thoughts.

You can check out the video all about this topic on my YouTube channel below:

If you’re passionate about self-improvement, reading or want to discuss the subject of e-ink technology, I’d love to hear from you. So please drop me a message.

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