Finding Time to Read When Life is Busy
Life is extra busy nowadays. Between work, family, side hustles, and endless responsibilities, reading can feel like a luxury reserved for those with more free time. But for me, books are more than just pastimes—they are lifelines. They help me think, reflect, and even recharge after long days.
The question is: Where do I get the time to read?
The truth is, I don’t always have hours to spare. Instead, I steal moments—while walking home (though I once saw someone on social media warn about using phones in public spaces, and I agree: safety first!), during my lunch break, or just before bed when the house is quiet. Even ten minutes a day can carry me through chapters over time. And every small moment adds up.
This September, I managed to immerse myself in a mix of books—some heartbreaking, some inspiring, some deeply practical. Here are my September books of the month, and why I think they might speak to you, too.
1. A Father’s Story by Lionel Dahmer
What does it mean to be a father when your child commits unthinkable crimes? Lionel Dahmer’s memoir wrestles with this impossible question. His son Jeffrey was accused of molestation, murder, and even cannibalism. For any parent, such news is devastating. Yet Lionel’s story is not just about shock—it’s about the complex, painful, and unwavering love of a father who could not give up on his son, no matter how many times he was horrified by his actions.
This book made me pause and reflect on family ties, the burden of shame, and the kind of endurance love sometimes demands. It’s not an easy read, but it’s an honest one.
👉 Get A Father’s Story on Amazon
2. The Guardians by John Grisham
I have always been drawn to stories of justice and injustice, and John Grisham never disappoints. The Guardians is based on the real-life story of Joe Bryan, a man who spent 33 years in prison for allegedly killing his wife—on evidence so flimsy it should never have gone to trial.
What struck me most was how the justice system can destroy lives, even when the truth eventually comes out. Joe Bryan’s freedom didn’t come with full exoneration; the stain of wrongful conviction lingered.
For anyone interested in how fragile justice can be, this book is both enraging and enlightening. It also reminded me that advocacy matters—sometimes one voice speaking up can make the difference.
👉 Get The Guardians on Amazon
3. Atomic Habits by James Clear
This one has been on many bestseller lists for a reason. James Clear reminds us that the secret to big change lies not in one grand decision but in the small, repeated habits we practice daily. Whether it’s losing weight, saving money, or seeking financial freedom, tiny habits accumulate into powerful transformations.
One of my biggest takeaways? Never underestimate the power of compound growth. Just as money multiplies with interest, small daily choices compound over time to create big results.
Whenever I feel overwhelmed, this book helps me remember that consistency is more important than perfection.
👉 Get Atomic Habits on Amazon
4. Event Planning: The Ultimate Guide by Judy Allen
I’m currently reading this one as I prepare for my first-ever event. Planning anything new can feel overwhelming—the logistics, budgeting, and pressure to succeed. Judy Allen breaks it down step by step, offering practical guidance that helps diffuse the fear of the unknown.
As someone learning the ropes of event planning, this book is like having a mentor walk me through the process. I’m discovering that preparation, knowledge, and structure are the best antidotes to anxiety.
👉 Get Event Planning: The Ultimate Guide on Amazon (affiliate link)
5. Why You Act the Way You Do by Tim LaHaye
Though not a new read, this book has stayed with me for years. Tim LaHaye’s exploration of personality and temperament opened my eyes to self-awareness. For a long time, I struggled with self-judgment—wondering why I reacted a certain way or felt “different” from others. This book helped me understand my temperament and see both my strengths and weaknesses more clearly.
What I love most about it is how it frees you from the trap of comparison. Once you know why you act the way you do, you can extend grace to yourself and even to others. It’s a reminder that growth starts with self-understanding.
👉 Get Why You Act the Way You Do on Amazon (affiliate link)
Why Reading Still Matters
Books have a way of slowing life down and bringing perspective, even in the busiest seasons. Each of these books taught me something different: about love that endures, justice that fails, habits that shape us, fears we can overcome, and the personalities that make us who we are.
If you’ve been telling yourself you’re too busy to read, I want to encourage you: start small. Ten minutes before bed. A few pages during lunch. Even one chapter a week is better than none.
And if you’d like to explore more reflections on growth and resilience, you can check out my earlier posts:
Thinking of starting a community library? A great place to begin is with the Little Free Library guide. It provides step-by-step instructions on how to set up a small neighborhood book-sharing library—from choosing the right location to stocking books and keeping the library active. Even a tiny shelf can spark a culture of reading and sharing in your community.
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So, which of my September books of the month would you pick up first? 📚
👉 Grab your copy through the links above, or share what you’re currently reading this month.
👉 Better still, challenge yourself to read just one book this September—you’ll be surprised at how much clarity, inspiration, or courage you gain from a few pages each day.
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