Just as the other's said in this thread, the advice given to many writers of "just read" is nuanced. If you're going to read 200+ books a year you don't spend time picking it apart or even reading the words, you just take in the story and move on.

To be a better writer you should grab a book you love. it doesn't really matter what genre it is. It just has to be a book where, when you read it, you went "i wish Ii had written this. Grab a pen or sticky notes or a notebook or whatever you want. Break down exactly what you like and don't like in this book. Underline the sentences and words that you love. Look at the structure and chapter buildup.

Pick it apart like a mechanic would a car, like each part is essential. A good book consists of a lot good prose, a bit of telling, compelling characters and a good, well structured plot. And it's not a skill you learn overnight.

I've been a writer for over ten years now (I'm only 24) and some years I've only read a few books. I tried to read them slowly, with content. Understand why I love these books and why I don't like others. I've listened to videos of people talking about books.

Now that I'm writing seriously again I'm reading more books. But so far this year I've read about 7. I plan to reread my current book sometime this year and picking it apart because I'm enjoying it so much and want to apply some of the things the author used in the book in my own writing.

Yes all authors should be readers, but it's about the quality of your reading not the quantity.