“Reading for fun” isn’t a common practice for high school graduates in Palestine, where interest in reading typically centers on high school exam results. How might ER improve students’ attitudes about reading and shape their identity as readers? Over one semester, to supplement intensive reading from an instructor, students at an intensive English program practiced in-class speed reading (Nation, 2020) and regular self-guided ER through the Oxford Bookworms series, as well as free digital ER resources (Newsela, Ello, and English Through Story). Results suggest that consistent ER routines may have changed students’ perceptions about reading, heightened their awareness of their own progress, and stronger self-identity as “readers.” This is remarkable given a setting where unpredictable interruptions are the norm. This session and discussion will give the results of a reading inventory survey, lessons learned, tips for implementing ER, and its proposed expansion beyond the setting. The audience will contribute valuable feedback!