- Start with the books that interest you the most (maybe you should actually start with something that is not a recommendation from someone else because that's a lot of pressure! You could go to a bookstore and find a book that makes you excited to read to get you into the habit of reading again.)
- Take it one book at a time. The pile is daunting, so just find the next book that you are excited to read and read that one. We will never be able to read all of the books we want to, but that shouldn't stop us from reading some of them.
- If you hate the book, stop reading it. Again, we will never be able to read all of the books we want to, so don't waste time on books you don't like.
- While you're reading, have a pen or a notebook and look for things that make you feel or think something new, or things you want to share or talk about with your friend. Take notes or underline them. This sounds like it would be more work, but I find that it actually gets my brain into a more active state which makes it easier to focus and makes me feel excited and curious about what I'm reading.
- You can also try making it into a ritual. Light a candle when you read, or play some soothing music in the background or make yourself a little pillow fort or a specific cozy beverage to drink while you read. Or you could read in a bubble bath or something else that makes you happy. Then you will be reading with intention. And it's fun and cute! If possible, put your phone in a drawer or on do not disturb, for obvious reasons.
Oct 18, 2024
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Start small. I got back into reading this year by reading a lot of novellas and short story collections. No more than 200 pages long. It really felt like I was having to rewire my brain because I’d been out of practice with reading. Find a book that intrigues you (if you want to read graphic novels read graphic novels! you’ll get to your friend’s recs in time) and carry it with you everywhere you go. Then (and I know this sounds ridiculous) you just have to actively choose to read the book. I have to be like “ok we’re putting the phone away now and we are going to read 10 pages” sometimes I read more and sometimes I hit my quota and ditch the book for the day. I made a goodreads and you can set a reading goal challenge (which I’m now behind on) and that’s kinda fun.
Oct 20, 2024
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As someone who just got back into reading in the last couple of years, I totally understand the frustration of having free time, a shelf full of good books and yet somehow you’re never finishing them or even picking those sweeties up! Here are some tips that helped me be a better reader:
1. Get a Goodreads account and add your friends! While the app itself is pretty clunky, i still love it for getting back into reading because it lets you set goals for yourself, find new reads and more importantly see what your friends are reading (This last one helps me stay accountable, I don’t want my book nerd friends to catch me slacking). I also love being able to write reviews of the books I’ve read.
2. Instead of watching tv or scrolling before bed, read for at least 15 minutes every night. I’ve found this goal to be helpful because it’s attainable, plus reading before bed helps me unplug and sleep better.
3. Start small with shorter or simpler books before building your way back up to longer ones. This was crucial for me coming off of a heavy scrolling/tik tok era when my attention span was especially shot.
4d ago
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when I was getting back into reading more regularly, I started with novellas and short stories because it felt less overwhelming. even now, if I get out of the groove of reading, I find something short that will motivate me and get me back into reading my main book
another thing Ive done is invested in an e-reader because an issue I had was keeping focus because of a screen time issue and I was able to satisfy that part of my brain itching for my phone but making it more productive lol. not sure if that's something you're experiencing but it was my biggest issue I had to work around at first
the last thing that helps me is setting up the right vibe to read. in the last few months, Ive been reading a lot of Russian literature so I put on my playlist of older russian and soviet music, maybe light a candle, whatever Im feeling, and just let myself get into it. obviously not a necessity but I always like some quiet music in the background while I read
also seeing this ask made me remember I need to read before bed tonight so thanks for that lmao
Top Recs from @beatrix
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“Wanna be friends?” is an underutilized tactic in adulthood. Kindergarteners know what’s up.
Jul 9, 2024
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This is a type of walk I do almost every day. Walk in one direction until you hit a stoplight. Then immediately turn and walk in the new direction until you hit a stoplight and repeat until you get back home.
Mar 18, 2024
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I’m that open minded bitch
Aug 10, 2024