The reading situation in the country remains worrying. According to the latest study by the Colombian Book Chamber, Colombians read an average of 3.5 books a year, which represents an increase of almost one book compared to 2017, when the average was 2.7 copies.
Although the number has increased, it is still low compared to other Latin American countries, such as Chile and Argentina, where the annual average is five books.
Although the reading habit has improved in recent years in Colombia, the World Bank has pointed out that, in the current reality, it is more necessary than ever to encourage this habit. According to the international organization, in a labor market that is constantly changing due to technological advances, It is crucial that professionals develop soft skills such as critical thinking, leadership, resilience and change management, which are developed mainly through reading.
Along these lines, the Bukz bookstore launched Guru by Bukz, a reading training program designed to encourage the habit of reading at least one book a month. This monthly model is aimed at both individuals and companies, and offers a selection of books in areas such as business, self-improvement, philosophy and leadership, recommended by prominent entrepreneurs and writers.
“Every month, subscribers receive a box containing a book, accompanied by a magazine with and provided by the guru or expert who recommended the book,” explains Esteban Restrepo, CEO and co-founder of Bukz.
Tips for reading a book a month
Restrepo shares three tips for reading a book a month:
- Set clear goals: Define how many pages you should read daily to finish a book in a month. For example, if a book has 300 pages, reading 10 pages a day can help you reach your goal.
- Create a reading plan: Dividing the book into weekly or daily sections can help you keep on track and avoid feeling overwhelmed.
- Dedicate a specific time: Setting aside a specific time of day to read, such as before bed or during lunch, makes it easier to form a reading routine.
- Finding a suitable space: Choosing a quiet and comfortable place to read improves concentration and makes reading more enjoyable.
- Use bookmarks: Using a bookmark helps you track your progress and return to your reading without losing continuity.
- Practice active reading: Taking notes, underlining or marking important passages not only helps you remember the content better, but also makes reading more interactive.
- Participate in reading clubs:Joining a book club can provide a sense of community and extra motivation to meet your monthly goal.
