Every Day I Read: 53 Ways to Get Closer to Books by Hwang Bo-Reum

Every Day I Read is, at its heart, a book for readers written by a reader. It’s warm, introspective, and sincere collection of essays on 53 ways to get closer to books.

Synopsis

From the internationally bestselling author of Welcome to the Hyunam-dong Bookshop comes a warm and reflective collection of essays inviting us to reflect on our relationship with reading.

Why do we read? What is it that we hope to take away from the intimate, personal experience of reading for pleasure?

Rarely do we ask these profound, expansive questions of ourselves and of our relationship to the joy of reading. In each of the essays in Every Day I Read, Hwang Bo-reum contemplates what living a life immersed in reading means. She goes beyond the usual questions of what to read and how often, exploring the relationship between reading and writing, when to turn to a bestseller vs. browse the corners of a bookstore, the value of reading outside of your favorite genre, falling in love with book characters, and more.

Every Day I Read provides many quiet moments for introspection and reflection, encouraging book-lovers to explore what reading means to each of us. While this is a book about books, at its heart is an attitude to life, one outside capitalism and climbing the corporate ladder. Lifelong and new readers will take away something from it, including a treasure trove of book recommendations blended seamlessly within.

Review

Every Day I Read is a delightful and thought-provoking collection of essays that, as the title promises, explores 53 ways to get closer to books. But don’t expect a guide or a checklist on how to read more. This isn’t a “how-to” manual, it’s a love letter to reading itself, told through moments of the author’s life, her reflections, and her conversations with fellow readers and writers.

Each essay feels like sitting across from the author in a cozy café, listening to her talk about her lifelong relationship with books- when author began reading, the stories that shaped life, the phases when life pulled author away from reading, and how author eventually found her way back. She shares how reading grounded her during difficult times, how her approach to books evolved with age, and how her understanding of literature deepened over the years.

The essays touch on many aspects of being a reader- reading to savor instead of rushing, valuing understanding over speed, it’s okay if book you’re reading isn’t working for you, expanding one’s reading horizons, and not worrying about remembering every detail of what we read as long as it leaves a mark. Author also reflects on reviews and opinions, reminding readers that while they can help us choose what to pick up next, they shouldn’t dictate our choices entirely.’

Each of the 53 chapters is short and self-contained, which makes this book perfect for dipping in and out of. You can open it to any chapter and find something relatable, comforting, or quietly motivating.

Throughout the book, author references Korean literature, nonfiction, Western classics like Hemingway and Orwell, and even contemporary fiction. The quotes and excerpts she includes add richness and perspective, though readers unfamiliar with Korean works may not always grasp the full depth of those references. For me, that was the one small drawback.

While I enjoyed the glimpses into Korean literary culture, I sometimes wished for a little more context or explanation. The Western references felt more familiar and therefore more resonant. I also didn’t quite agree with author’s take on e-books, I don’t agree that e-book readers can’t/don’t read as deeply as physical book readers and I think many modern readers might feel the same. However, disagreements like that only add to the charm of a book that’s meant to start a conversation, not end one.

Despite that, this collection is pure comfort for any book lover. It’s filled with reflections that remind us why we fell in love with reading in the first place. There’s something quietly inspiring about how she describes books as companions through every stage of life- sources of wisdom, solace, and joy.

Overall, Every Day I Read is, at its heart, a book for readers written by a reader. It’s warm, introspective, and sincere, the kind of book that nudges you to pull your favorite novel off the shelf or finally start that one you’ve been meaning to read for ages. Whether you’re a lifelong bookworm or someone rediscovering the magic of reading, this collection will speak to you in its gentle, thoughtful voice.

Book Links

Goodreads | Amazon.in | Amazon.com | Amazon.co.uk

Have you read this or any  book by the same author?
What was the last book that reminded you why you love reading?

Just in case you missed,,,

• Every Day I Read: 53 Ways to Get Closer to Books by Hwang Bo-Reum
• If It Makes You Happy by Julie Olivia – cozy autumn romance
• Play nice by Rachel Harrison – dark and atmospheric horror

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