We’ve all been there: you want to read more, maybe dive into those classic books you’ve always heard about, but somehow... life gets in the way. The books pile up, the reading goals get postponed, and you find yourself wondering where the time went.

But here’s a secret weapon to help make reading a habit you can actually stick to—audiobooks! And not just any audiobooks—free classic audiobooks that you can easily fit into your routine, no matter how busy you are. In this blog, we’ll explore how audiobooks can help you build lasting reading habits, fit literature into your daily life, and finally tackle those classic books you’ve always wanted to read.

1. Start Small with Short Classics

When we set big reading goals, starting with something manageable can make all the difference. Instead of diving straight into a lengthy classic like War and Peace, why not try a short story that you can finish quickly?

Think of titles like The Tell-Tale Heart by Edgar Allan Poe or The Emperor’s New Clothes by Hans Christian Andersen—stories you can enjoy in under an hour. Starting small with free classic audiobooks lets you ease into a habit of listening, one story at a time, while building confidence and momentum.

Tip: Set a goal to listen to one short audiobook per week. Apps like Fabuly, Audible, Chirp, and Spotify offer a selection of shorter classics that are easy to fit into your day and will give you that satisfying feeling of accomplishment.

2. Integrate Audiobooks into Your Daily Routine

One of the main reasons reading goals can feel challenging is time. Audiobooks, however, let you “read” while doing other things, so you’re not adding extra time but enhancing activities you already do.

Try these ideas:

Tip: The Fabuly app allows you to read and listen to the book at the same time! Isn’t that cool?

3. Set Realistic Goals for Classic Reads

It’s easy to get swept up in big reading goals for the new year, but starting with realistic, achievable goals is key. Instead of aiming to read dozens of classics, why not start with just a few?

If you’re interested in Victorian literature, for instance, you could begin with a shorter work like The War Prayer by Mark Twain before diving into longer novels. Setting small goals like these will make the journey enjoyable and sustainable.

Tip: Make a list of three classic books you’d love to explore this year. Choose one shorter audiobook from the list as your “starter classic.” Celebrate each book you complete by choosing the next!

4. Join Reading Challenges

Audiobook challenges are a fun way to stay on track and make your reading goals feel more exciting. Challenges give you a structured way to tackle your reading list, making each completed book feel like an accomplishment. By setting small goals, you’ll find extra motivation and enjoyment as you work through each title.

Tip: Try adding a few titles from a reading list—such as the Read Like Rory Challenge—to your library. Inspired by Gilmore Girls, this list features classic books beloved by Rory Gilmore herself. Start with the one that excites you most and check off each title as you go. It’s a rewarding way to explore timeless literature with a little extra flair!

5. Turn Reading into a Social Activity

Sharing your reading experience with friends or family can make the habit more enjoyable and long-lasting. Fabuly’s wide selection of free classic audiobooks makes it easy to listen together and discuss stories, even if you’re not in the same place.

For example, you might start with a shorter story like The Selfish Giant by Oscar Wilde, listen to it with a friend, and then chat about its themes of kindness and transformation. The read-along feature also allows you to refer back to specific passages, making your discussions more interactive.

Tip: Choose a classic audiobook with a friend and set a date to discuss it once you’re both finished. With Fabuly’s text-view option, you can both reference favorite lines, making the experience feel more like a shared book club.

Free classic audiobooks make it easy to explore timeless literature at your own pace. Whether you’re tackling short stories, trying new genres, or diving into bucket-list classics, audiobooks offer a simple way to create a lasting reading habit.

Happy listening!