Just one more chapter

That’s the hardest thing about reading. Well, other than reading a book that is slow starting and hard to get into.

“Just one more chapter”.

But I have housework to do.

“Just one more chapter”.

But this bath is getting cold and I really need to get out.

“Just one more chapter”.

I really have to get back to work.

“Just one more chapter”.

I really should have gone to sleep half an hour ago.


Not only is it the hardest thing about reading but it’s also the thing I love about reading. 

Getting so lost in a book that you need to read some more. You need to know what is going to happen next. 


I hang up some washing to dry (god I can’t wait for the summer so I can hang it up outside), put a white wash load on, have a hoover, and take the rubbish outside to the bins. 

I’ve earnt myself another chapter.

Chores then reward.

That’s what motivates me.

Especially when that reward is a chapter (or two if I am feeling rebellious) of a book I am really struggling to put down.

Putting in the page I’m up to on Goodreads to see the percentage of the way through the book I am. 

That also feels like motivation, and a reward. 

However, can also sometimes make me not want to just read a chapter, but to then hit a certain percentage.

“I’m almost at 50%, I might as well keep going”.


After these chapters I’ll do my ironing.

Chore then reward.

Then hoover upstairs.

Chore then reward.

I could do enough housework that I get to finish the book!

CHORES THEN REWARDS!!


I love getting lost in a book. 

It’s just me and the words on the pages.

Just me and the author.

Just me and the characters.

It’s similar to watching a tv series and getting to the end of an episode and wanting to just watch one more episode.

Except with a book, you don’t read it with someone else, in the same way you might watch a tv series with someone else.

There’s no one to talk to about what you’ve just read. No one to say “What you do think is going to happen next?” 

And I like that.

I like that this comfort is just mine. 

The anticipation is just mine.

The questions, predictions, feelings, thoughts, all of it. Is just mine.

Not influenced by someone else.


I need to go and do my ironing.

Then I can enjoy more of my reward.

Just one more chapter.