A Complete Guide to Reading for Growth vs. Reading for Fun
Remember the first time you tried to read a "serious" book and wondered why it felt so different? I know I do.
While I could breeze through a Sweet Valley High or Danielle Steel novel in one setting, my first go around with some of the classics in high school and college felt like scaling a mental mountain.
Every paragraph demanded my full attention. I'd reach the end of a page only to realize I needed to reread it—not because it was poorly written, but because my “beach reading” brain wasn't equipped for the intellectual workout.
It took me years to understand why. I was trying to read everything the same way, whether it was Nora Roberts or F. Scott Fitzgerald.
Here's the truth. There's no "right" way to read. Both reading for growth and reading for pleasure serve valuable purposes.
But, just like you (probably) wouldn't wear your power suit to the beach or your flip-flops to a board meeting, different types of reading require different approaches.
Whether you're curled up with a thriller or your latest self-development book, you're feeding your mind, albeit in different ways.
Understanding these differences can improve your reading experiences, making both types of reading more enjoyable and effective.
In this post, we'll explore how to recognize, appreciate, and balance both types of reading in your life.
Because let's face it—we need the books that challenge us to grow and the ones that allow us to escape.
What Does “Reading for Growth” Mean?
When you're reading for growth, you have a purpose in mind.
Maybe you keep sticky notes handy or your phone ready to capture critical ideas. You might read more slowly than usual, taking time to understand the presented concepts.
Here's what reading for growth often looks like.
You're reading with a specific goal—to improve your habits, advance your career, or learn something new.
Your pace slows naturally as you process new ideas.
You take notes or highlight important passages.
You pause regularly to think about how to apply what you're learning.
You often discuss the ideas with others to deepen your understanding.
Books like Atomic Habits or Hug Your Customers work best with this approach. They become more valuable when you consider how they apply to your life and work.
What Does “Reading for Fun” Mean?
Reading for fun is exactly what it sounds like. It's reading purely for enjoyment. There's no pressure to learn anything or remember specific details. You're simply spending time with a good book because you want to.
Here's what reading for fun typically looks like.
You read at whatever pace feels natural.
You don't worry about taking notes or remembering specific details.
Reading sessions might go longer because you're caught up in the story.
You choose books based on what interests or entertains you.
You feel refreshed after reading, like you've had a mini-break.
Whether it's a Kate White mystery that keeps you guessing, a funny memoir like Hot and Bothered, or the magical world of Harry Potter, these books serve one purpose—entertainment.
How to Identify Your Current Reading Goals
Sometimes, the hardest part is deciding how to approach a new book. Should you grab your highlighter or just curl up and enjoy? Ask yourself these simple questions before you begin:
What brought this book to your attention? Did someone recommend it for professional development, or did you pick it up because the story caught your eye?
What's your energy level right now? Are you ready to engage with new ideas, or do you need to unwind?
What's your purpose for reading this book? Are you trying to solve a specific problem or are you looking for entertainment?
Here's a quick way to identify which reading approach might work best.
You might read for growth when:
You're facing a specific challenge at work or in life.
You're seeking solutions or strategies for self-improvement.
A mentor or professional colleague recommended the book.
You're researching a topic you want to master.
You feel energized and ready to learn.
You might read for fun when:
You need a break from a demanding day.
The story or topic simply interests you.
You're looking for entertainment or escape.
You want to relax before bed.
You're on vacation or taking some me-time.
There's no wrong choice. Some days, you might have the energy to tackle that business strategy book, while other days are perfect for losing yourself in a good story. The key is matching your reading approach to your current needs and energy level.
Tips for Balancing Growth and Fun Reading in Your Routine
Finding the right balance between reading for growth and reading for fun doesn't happen accidentally. It takes a bit of planning, but it doesn't have to be complicated.
I've found that timing matters. My routine includes a business or personal development book in the morning, a biography or memoir at night, and fiction on the weekends. This pattern works for me because it matches my energy levels throughout the day and week.
Here are some strategies to help you find your own balance.
Create reading blocks that match your energy.
Save challenging growth books for when you're most alert.
Keep lighter reads handy for when you need to decompress.
Consider audiobooks for your commute or workout time.
Mix genres strategically.
Pair a challenging business book with an engaging novel.
Try memoirs or biographies as a bridge between growth and fun.
Keep both types of books on your nightstand so you can choose based on your mood.
Avoid reading burnout.
Don't force yourself through a growth book when you're exhausted.
Give yourself permission to put down a "should read" book if it's not serving you.
Take breaks between intense learning materials with lighter reads.
Balance looks different for everyone.
Maybe you prefer to alternate books—one for growth, one for fun.
Perhaps you'd rather focus on professional reading during the workweek and save weekends for pleasure reading.
The key is finding a rhythm that feels natural and sustainable for you.
When Growth Reading Becomes Fun—and Vice Versa
Sometimes, the magic happens when you least expect it.
I picked up The Power of Habit thinking I was in for a slog of scientific research. Instead, I was hooked by the way Target predicts pregnant shoppers before their families know. Or how Febreze went from a marketing failure to a household name.
Sometimes, the line between "serious" reading and "fun" reading gets blurry.
These "bridge books," as I like to call them, are the best. They're the ones that teach you while they entertain you.
Take Malcolm Gladwell's books. You think you're just reading fascinating stories about ketchup or high school basketball, but suddenly, you understand complex psychology concepts without trying.
Or consider The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks. You start reading what feels like a detective story, only to realize you're learning about cell biology, medical ethics, and race relations in America.
Here's what makes a great bridge book:
It pulls you through like a novel.
You keep thinking, "I can't wait to tell someone about this."
You finish it feeling both entertained and smarter.
You actually remember what you learned because it came wrapped in a story.
Some of my favorite bridge books are:
Bad Blood by John Carreyrou (Business thriller meets investigative journalism)
Factfulness by Hans Rosling (Global economics that reads like an optimist's manifesto)
Shoe Dog by Phil Knight (A business memoir that feels like an adventure story)
The Dynasty by Jeff Benedict (Sports history that reveals leadership and organizational excellence principles)
Atomic Habits by James Clear (Self-help that keeps you turning pages)
The beauty of bridge books is that they show us learning doesn't have to feel like work and entertainment can be more than escape. They prove that the best reading often happens when we stop worrying about categories and just let ourselves enjoy the journey.
Final Thoughts On Reading For Growth vs. Reading for Fun
Understanding the difference between reading for growth and reading for fun is just the first step. The real magic happens when you put this knowledge into action. Ready to transform your reading life?
Here's a simple plan to get started today.
Your 5-Step Quick-Start for Better Reading
1. Label Your Current Read
Right now: Write "Growth" or "Fun" on a sticky note.
Stick it on your current book's cover.
Grab the right tool (notebook for growth, just the book for fun).
2. Create Your Reading Spots
Choose one focused spot for growth reading.
Pick one comfy spot for fun reading.
Move your current book to its proper place.
3. Queue Your Next Books
Pick one growth book from your to-read list.
Choose one fun book that excites you.
Put both on hold at your library or download samples now.
4. Set Your Reading Times
Open your calendar app.
Match tomorrow's energy levels with your reading type.
Set one alert for each type of reading.
5. Start Your Book Log
Open your preferred notes app.
Create two simple lists—Growth & Fun.
Add today's book to the correct list.
There's no competition between reading for growth and reading for fun. Both serve valuable purposes in your life. The key is recognizing which approach you need and giving yourself permission to read accordingly.
If you only do one thing:
Before starting your next book, take 30 seconds to decide—Is this a growth or a fun book?
This pause will help you approach the book with the right mindset and maximize your reading time.
What will you read next?
Other Recommended Reads
If you liked Reading for Growth vs. Reading for Fun, you might enjoy:
What Is the PIE Method? A Guide to Selecting Non-Fiction Books
168 Hours: You Have More Time Than You Think (A Book Review)
