If there is any profession that is built on the assumption that its practitioners constantly put aside time to stay up to date it is every profession that is even remotly connected to engineering.

Maybe many software devs don't view themselves as engineers, but engineers can be held liable if their work doesn't live up to the current technological standards.

I would say, regardless of what you do, sometimes you have to take some time for introspection, unless you plan to live with the consequences of not doing it. And reading books is part of that.

If your employer is smart they consider that. If you are smart you also consider that.

Option 1: Have a good employer, who values learning and having highly qualified developers.

Option 2: In lack of option 1, I am afraid one will have to spend ones free time on it.

Option 3: Take a "sabattical" or whatever it is called.

Option 4: Quit job and find an option 1 employer.

Easy: Stop reading HN until you finish the book.

If you really care about learning, carve out time from your daily routine and progress little by little in chunks.

8 hours free assumming you work 1/3 and sleep the other.