Reading books shapes your thinking. Books take you to imaginative worlds, let you crawl in the skin of the most intriguing characters. Books change and shape our lives.
Titles that have been read by millions for hundreds of years still inspire. And move us. Books make us forget the world around us. Spend 15 minutes a day reading and you’ll expose yourself to over a million words yearly.
Reading books reduces stress, increases your knowledge, helps you concentrate, sharpens articulate thoughts, enhances your problem solving abilities, boosts analytical skills, and makes you a better writer.
But most of all, reading is fun. Which is why reading can be addictive too. Immersed in a fictional world, emotionally involved in the protagonist’s life we forget our posture.
Unknowingly your neck hurts. Your fingers cramp up from holding the book. Squinted eyes can cause headaches or wrinkles.
Unintentionally, you’re lying in an unnatural position while turning yet another page to find out if Chinaski will finally get kicked out of the bar.
So how can you make reading easier and more fun?
In order to make reading almost effortless and fun we can fix certain issues that tend to occur when reading.
- For instance, an uncomfortable or unhealthy posture during reading can be improved with pillows, book holders and other items.
- Limited vision can be improved with lights, magnifiers and other (low vision) reading aids.
- Organization such as making notes, either mental or physical (on paper or an electronic device) can be streamlined with certain gadgets and apps.
- Attention span can be improved with help of noise canceling headphones and various other gadgets.
- Reading can both wreck your sleep and help you soundly fall asleep. Certain reading accessories can help optimize your sleep.
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Reading accessories to maintain good posture while reading
Reading gifts that will enhance one’s vision
Want to organize your book sharing, note making and studying efforts?
Improve your attention span while reading?
These 27 reading accessories support your reading. They make you see better, help you find a more relaxed position, some even hold your coffee cup for you. Let’s hit this list to see which gizmo will be your new partner in reading crime (figuratively of course, no crime in reading).
Gadgets to improve your reading posture
1. Nap massaging bed rest
Want a luxurious and functional reading space that you can take wherever you want to go? The Nap Massaging Bed Rest is the ultimate reading gadget. It is perfect for the bookworm who loves a little a ridiculous amount of pampering with their reading. After all, you deserve it. Reading is good for you so why not make it as pleasurable as possible?
The Nap Massaging Bed Rest is portable, massages you, shines a light on your book, holds your coffee, and allows you to store your reading materials for an optimal reading experience.
Like the idea of getting a massage while reading but don’t fancy this particular device? Here’s an overview of different types of massagers on the market today.
2. Lying down glasses – read (or watch TV) while laying down
Who doesn’t know the feeling? You’re tired AF but you really want to read some more in your book before dozing off. You just don’t have the energy to sit up nor for lying face down.
Thank goddess (Seshat -goddess of reading, among other things-) there’s Lazy Readers. Prism glasses that allow you to read while lying down.
Also called lying supine, it’s my fave reading position because it’s relaxing as heck. It allows you to fully let go and fully emerge into the book’s story line.
No more straining your neck to be able to see the words on the pages. Great little gadget for those with limited mobility, too. Or as a gift idea for someone who needs to relax.
Hit the link to learn more about these Lie Down Reading Glasses.
3. Wedge reading pillow for reading in bed, on the beach, at the pool
Book lovers enjoy reading in comfortable spaces like their living room couches, but their books should get the same treatment. Just so your hands and neck can relax too.
Wedge this reading pillow at the corner of your couch to create a nesting place for your book so you can take a nap and not lose your page! No more neck pain or shoulder strain. Works for tablets, Kindles, phones, too.
Order on Amazon.
4. Deckchair book rest, e-reader and tablet holder for reading at the table
Our everyday lives sitting at a desk are full of bad posture and strain. Don’t let your reading do the same to you. This chair is not for you, it’s for your book. No more strain or cramped fingers.
Anyway, a Bookchair allows you to easily read your book at an even eye level instead of craning your neck to read it laying on the table. Also great for those with arthritis in their hands or anyone who, for other reasons, can’t hold a book in their hands for prolonged periods of time. Available here.
Want more advice about how you can reduce the negative effects of sitting all day without sitting less? Well, hit the link because we’ve got you covered.
5. Thumb Thing book page holder and bookmark
Ever relaxed on the beach with a book? Likely you held the book in front of your face with your thumb to block the sun from your eyes.
A few minutes later your thumb gets tired and the book smacks you in the face.
Prevent this scenario from happening by using the ThumbThing Book page Holder Bookmark, a one-handed reading gadget that keeps all your book pages open while you read.
Grab one here.
6. LED Sensor bookmark night light lamp
Love to snuggle in bed with a good book? Hate having to reach for the bedside lamp switch to turn off the light when you’re just dozing off?
Use the LED Sensor Bookmark Night Light Lamp. It’s a great addition to your bedtime routine because you can read just before placing your book down while gently drifting off to dreamland.
Ready to upgrade your nightstand? Head to Miniinthebox and order yours.
Book reading aids that enhance your reading vision
7. Hands-free neck reading light
Experts generally recommend to avoid too bright light when reading at night. Also blue light isn’t favorable as it interferes with your natural sleep pattern. The USB-rechargable Vekkia emits neither. Nonetheless, at its lowest setting the light it emits is still bright enough to read.
This neck-worn reading light with its multiple brightness settings can ensure you’ll be enjoying the 450 – 1600 lumens light intensity required for reading (the older you get, the more light you’ll need to read).
It’ll be a great companion during cold, dark winter days snuggled up in your favorite chair. Or for shadow-free reading while camping, as a passenger in a car, during air travel, as a crafting light, or virtually any place where sufficient ambient light isn’t available.
8. Wide horizontal handheld magnifier with light
The amount of light your eyes need to read increases by 1 percent a year. At 10 years old, you can read by hardly any light, say about 40 watts. Once you’re 60, you need around 100 watts which translates to at least 1600 lumens.
The MagniPros 3X magnifier emits up to 600 Lumen “making it the brightest handheld magnifying glass on the market”. Even though it has a handle for hovering the magnifier over the page it can easily be layed flat on the page. Since it’s a fairly light-weight device it makes a useful assistive device for elderly too.
9. EyeCard Reader
The name is a bit deceptive, but the eyeCard Reader is a nose clamp viewing gadget that allows a book reader to read small print without the extra hassle of having to hold it steady.
This is a good gadget for those who don’t want to strain their eyes, but enjoy reading nonetheless. Stop squinting and squeezing to make sense of those way too little letters. Fits your wallet and your nose perfectly. Update 2020: as far as we know this product isn’t available anymore.
10. Reading glasses with lights in the frame
Reading glasses and book lamp in one, this illuminating gadget hits two birds with one stone allowing readers to clearly see text in darker circumstances. This is ideal for reading in bed so as not to disturb your partner with fumbling around for an extra clip-on lamp for your book.
Morover, these illuminating reading glasses also offer a safe way to read a map in the car without troubling the driver’s sight.
I have used similar reading glasses myself from the Dollar Store and found the light they emitted to be too weak to read comfortably for my taste. But then again, these were a cheap knock off version of the ones listed here.
11. Reading lamp and bookmark in one
This clip-on reading lamp bookmark illuminates your pages and is perfect for those that easily lose their reading gadgets. Keep your spot in your book by leaving this reading lamp bookmark inside so that you can easily pick it back up and flip on the switch to continue reading while not disturbing others.
This cute little gizmo puts your pages and you in the spotlight. Warning, it may make your peers jealous. It’s got three temperature settings; white, warm and mixed. Brightness can be adjusted.
Critical note: the brightness on the lowest setting may still be too bright for your partner to be undisturbed in bed. If you suspect that might be an issue the aforementioned neck light could be a better option as its light shines only on the smallest area and is easily directed.
Grab yours onAmazon.
12. Night-Owl LED clip-on glasses light
This clip-on reading light for glasses attaches to your reading or regular glasses so that you nearly perfect control of where the light shines on your book or during the performance of your profession or hobby. It’s ultra light-weight yet still emits sufficiently bright light for reading (even in the dark).
The Nachteule (German for night owl) is a fine piece of German engineering that won various design awards. It offers an affordable alternative to much more costly loupes lights.
13. Slide out aspheric magnifier light
Magnify and light your books and maps with the Carson MiniBrite pocket magnifier. This is perfect for the reader on the go, especially for ones that love to travel and need light in unexpected situations.
For the camper, road tripper, and world traveler this portable magnifier allows you to pull it at a moment’s notice so that when you need to read you have light and the magnification you need to enjoy the experience.
14. OrCam Read handheld smart camera device that reads text to you
If your vision is impaired, reading can be difficult or even impossible. It’s a bummer for bookworms who prefer written books over audio books. But not just that, it’s quite a real life problem because we’re dependent on reading all the time.
From restaurant menus and display boards, to street and traffic signs, to text on our smartphones, to door signs, to store fronts. The great thing is that the OrCam Read AI assistive reader, reads it all for you. Simply and discretely listen to the spoken text via an ear peace.
Its intuitive design, tactile buttons, voice command feature and more makes it a breeze to use. It’s fast, accurate, doesn’t need an internet connection to work making it a great tool for anyone who has difficulties reading whether it’s at home, the job, school, or in public spaces.
Reads printed and digital text, even in dim lighting situations. Charges overnight. Check it out here.
15. Reading light clip
Whether you’re a college student who needs to read while your roommate sleeps in the bunk close by, or a business traveler on a red-eye flight, a clip-on book lamp can help bring a private and very much needed light to your reading.
The Reading Light Clip allows you to read with ease and portability wherever you may be.
16. Tardis Book Light
For the Doctor Who book lover, use this novelty book light to light up your book so that you can read without disturbing others while enjoy having your very own Tardis!
The Tardis Book Light also doesn’t leave any unsightly marks on your book pages so you can go on your own Tardis adventures with no damage to your precious books.
For more info visit ThinkGeek.
17. iKross Clip-On Reading Light for eBook Readers
Much like its cousin, the iKross Clip-On Reading Light for your e-book reader helps you read in poorly lit places or in situations where you’re unable to turn on a light. Imagine you’re camping underneath the stars and because you can’t part from your technology you need to get your night reading in.
The clip-on light helps you do this easily.
18. Tiny Night Reading Book Light
Sometimes clip-on book lights can be clunky and cumbersome. With the Tiny led night reading book light you get the same power of other leading book lights but within a more compact gadget.
This is perfect for bookworms that want a discreet but powerful light to read in whatever type of situation.
19. MuchBuy LightWedge Original Book Light
Very similar to the Lightwedge original book light, the MuchBuy version only lights up the pages of your paperback book so that it doesn’t escape your book pages and bother anyone nearby.
This portable and easy to use book light is good for paperback book fans, as it is used exclusively for that book format.
Available here.
20. LightWedge Original Book Light Ocean
Sometimes you may want to only illuminate the pages of your books, and not the surrounding areas.
For these types of jobs, use the Lightwedge Original Book Light Ocean to clip on to the side of the book to shine light on the pages similar to the look of an ebook reader.
This truly prevents you from shining light towards any other person who may not welcome it.
Reading aids for more effective studying, note making & organizing
21. Kindle Paperwhite
Don’t you ever wish you could carry your entire library with one hand? You can with a Kindle Paperwhite, an ebook reader that allows you to conveniently store your literature on the go. Because it’s so lightweight and easy to handle you will be taking your book(s) with you more often. Hence, more reading opportunities for you.
This e-reader is great for the tech savvy bookworm who wants to be fully immersed in a reading experience without worrying about bending or damaging a book. Great for when you’re moving a lot too. No more having to give away your book collections.
Or when you’re traveling overseas. No more exuberant excess baggage charges because you’re carrying your favorite books, and then some. Store them all in one lightweight gadget. What’s more, delve into the bliss of all those free and very cheap books available. Oh, and it doesn’t emit light either, so you won’t wake up your partner while reading at night.
22. Wireless Page to TV Scanner
For the techie reader with slightly less than hawk eyes, use this gadget to magnify your book pages by up to 70 times!
The Wireless Page to TV Scanner is is perfect for those of us who strain our eyes a little for the simple pleasure of reading.
Strain them no more, as the LED inside the scanner ensures that the text on your TV is crisp and well lit so that you can read with ease. Who says TV can’t be educational?
More info and purchase at Hammacher.
23. Mark-My-Time Digital Bookmark
Parents concerned with timing their children’s reading will find the Mark-My-Time Digital Bookmark handy.
Placing this bookmark in a child’s book can keep him or her motivated to meet required reading times and parents can even set alarms on it. Great for keeping an eye out on their literacy efforts. Because no matter how good your kid’s intentions, video games and browsing the web stay seductive.
24. C-Pen Reader
This nifty little gadget uses optical character recognition to read printed text out aloud. Simply let the portable reading assistant glide over lines of text and it reads out loud in English, Spanish, or French. The text scanning pen can aid those with dyslexia, the retention-challenged, or individuals with impaired vision for whom a magnifier doesn’t suffice.
Another pretty cool feature is that the C-pen can store scanned text and transfer it to a computer, thus making this a great device for those who tend to take notes a lot from printed books. No more having to type in the words yourself. Or, as I find myself doing quite often, writing the notes by hand first, then type them up on my computer.
What’s more, there’s no need to worry about bothering your partner, colleagues, or other library visitors with the audio as you can opt for listening by using the earphone port as well as the built-in speaker.
Reading gadgets that help improve your attention span
25. Noise canceling headphones
Reading is so rewarding but if you’re in a noisy setting the fun can be spoiled quickly. You get sidetracked and annoyed. Noise canceling headphones can considerably help you maintain your focus levels.
There’s 3 different types of noise cancelling headphones: those with active, passive, and adaptive noise cancellation. Passive NC works by simply proving a tight seal around the ear, thus blocking sounds from outside. Adaptive NC is a more sophisticated variant of active NC whereby it adapts the noise cancellation by detecting how loud the interfering noise outside is.
Most headphones and earbuds these days have the active noise canceling feature (ANC) but this technology simply doesn’t work optimally in the lower price ranges. Reddit’s r/HeadphoneAdvice recommends Sony headphones as the most affordable headphones with good noise canceling.
Did you know…. that the white noise people commonly use for studying is actually pink noise? Pink noise sounds more pleasant than white noise as it’s more focused on lower frequencies. In other words, the higher frequencies have largely been filtered out.
26. White noise machine for increasing your concentration while reading
As any bookworm knows, distracting background sounds can interfere greatly with your concentration while reading a book. This goes for books you read for fun but especially for school books and other boring matter.
Studies indicate that background music or noise particularly inhibits the reading comprehension of introverts. Research (1) also shows that white noise “improves reading skills and memory”. White noise is supposed to work via a random mixture of sound frequencies, especially so called alpha waves, that work on the brain.
Not only that, white noise is also claimed to make your feel more relaxed as it reduces stress levels. Which in its turn can help you concentrate on your reading.
However, white noise doesn’t seem to work for everyone and in general is best when listened to via headphones. Nonetheless, for some people, who want to read in environments where silence isn’t guaranteed, a (portable) white noise machine can be of help to mask distracting sounds.
Did you know… there’s even a MP3 album titled: “White noise for reading”
Bedtime reading gadgets that’ll improve your sleep
Everybody knows that screen time before bed time can interfere with your sleep. In fact, as some experts warn, the blue light emitted by screens might be killing you.
How?
Because you’re not getting enough sleep and/or your sleep is of poor quality. Which, has been linked to diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and in some cases with a higher risk on certain cancers.
So the best solution would be to avoid using computer, phone, and tablet screens a few hours before going to sleep. Yeah right, that’s what I’m saying, we all know that’s not gonna happen. Waaay too addicted.
So in order to limit the damage to our health it’s best to block artificial blue light as much as possible. This can be done via apps such as F.lux, via physical filters for your tablet or computer screen and by wearing blue light blocking glasses.
27. Blue light blocking reading glasses
Not only do these reading glasses block blue light that’s being emitted from computer screens, tablets and mobile phones as well as fluorescent lights so often found in office buildings.
Thus, they help keep your Circadian rhythm stay intact so you’ll sleep better at night. Because they’re anti glare they also reduce eye fatigue, blurred vision and subsequent headaches. They’re said to protect your eyes too although we’re not sure if these claims are established.
Got the blue light blockers checked off already? Here’s the secret on how to improve your sleep by reading before bed.
This simple bedtime reading trick will make you sleep better at night
Okay, this one is not a gadget that makes reading easier or more fun. It’s a suggestion that might just cure you from your onset insomnia (trouble falling asleep) and as such make you feel more energetic and alert during the day.
Which, in its turn, makes reading easier and more fun. The trick is…
*drumroll….*
….to read speculative fiction (i.e. fantasy and science fiction) before going to sleep.
Yep, that’s right reading escapist fiction, or in other words stories that provide a mental escape from reality by being immersed in far off and distant times and faraway realms.
It works because it helps us relax as the setting is so far away from our world with all its mundane problems. You know, like the bedtime stories your mum read to you when you were a kid. Read more about it here: how reading before bed can improve your sleep.
One more easy and fun reading suggestion…
Try Audible Premium Plus and get up to two free audio books
Do you too think of listening to audio books instead of reading actual books as cheating? Many people tend to do. After all, books are meant to be read, right?
If you’re hardcore like the bookworm writing this you may even feel reading from an e-reader isn’t the real deal. But let’s face it, even though reading in a printed book has the most charm, its digital nieces and nephews (audio books and e-books) each have their own merits.
Whether you read from paper, a digital device or listen to a recorded voice, the essence is that the author’s thoughts are transferred into our minds. You see, audio books are a great addition to old skool reading.
Don’t have time to read? Listen to an audio book. Listening to audio books when walking the dog, commuting, or in the waiting room ensures I get to expose myself to even more stories, knowledge, ideas, and insights that are revealed in the wonderful world of books.
If you’ve never tried it, perhaps now is the moment to do so.
Get yourself, or give as a gift to someone who you hold dear, an Audible (Premium) Plus 30-day free trial and, risk-free, see how you like it.
What do you think of our selection of the latest and greatest reading gadgets?
Got questions? Something you’d like to see here? Other suggestions? What’s the one thing that would make reading easier and more fun for you? Let us know in the comments below!
Sources
Sensory white noise improves reading skills and memory recall in children with reading disability. National Library of Medicine.
Last Updated on September 6, 2022 by Tyler