School ingrains in us that reading is a chore. It helps to remember that you're not being tested; you're engaging in a pastime that has given people pleasure for centuries. Learning is fun, reading is fun, and immersion in a good book is one of life's greatest joys.
Been reading several old TMNT comics as part of a way to transition back into reading on a regular basis and as I near the end, I’m rediscovering the joy of reading a long series and reaching its conclusion.
I keep hearing that long-form storytelling (whether television or books) is endangered because folks today don't have the attention span, and it worries me.
I agree 100%, but I also wouldn’t be surprised is commercial interests were at play. It would be cheaper to churn out short bits of new content than commit to long-running series
First step is finding a book that you can’t put down, and don’t feel like you should be pigeon-holed into a certain kind of book (could be teen lit, graphic novels, whatever)
I'd start by rereading something I know I really enjoyed back when I was more of a reader. I get through some books via audiobook while playing a game I don't need to hear dialogue for (like exploring in Assassins Creed) to help with building concentration
I really want to start reading books again. I was proofreading news articles for work for years, but now that I'm not doing that, I haven't quite gotten back into reading for fun
I had to go back to books that I knew I would enjoy from cover to cover to get back into the habit.
I've been downsizing my library but I always keep a few books that I know I REALLY enjoy and don't get tired of for times where my brain is tired and I'm sick of whatever I got from the library and I want to remind myself that books are nice.
I came here to say that too! I am fortunate in that I love mystery books so I’ve been reading Agatha Christie recently. They are fun, short (less intimidating to start) and well written. It’s been a good re-entry point for me.
What's really nice, as a way of bringing the joy back, is to slow down ... it's not an assignment & there's no "homework due date!" Just enjoy the LANGUAGE. Luxuriate in it. Wallow in the words. Repeat the best bits to yourself, out loud.
Compulsory reading is an excellent way to put a person off books. Conversely, reading a book under the covers with a torch after lights out is a real thrill.
I got the libby app first, so I could get audio books, which help me re-focus on reading. Now I periodically go physically, and nab things that sound interesting. Sometimes I'll grab a bunch of comics, the "lighter" reading helps with the attention span.
I read a lot more before I had to work 50-60 hrs a week to survive. With stagnant wages ppl are working as much as possible. TIME to read doesn't exist anymore. Along with so many other things they also took from us. Like unions and decent healthcare, and______________.
Audiobooks help me keep up with reading
I stopped reading from my late teens to just a few years ago. The thing that got me reading again was getting a digital library card and listening to downloadable audiobooks. They also have ebooks for various reading devices.
Having free access to thousands of books from the comfort of my home skyrocketed my book count. Borrowing digitally is also great because you never have late fees. The library automatically recalls them at the end of your borrowing period. Join a book club through your library for extra motivation!
And most importantly you need to find what type of books you enjoy.