this post was submitted on 24 Jun 2023
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Need help learning how to read books again (lemmy.ml)
submitted 1 year ago* (last edited 1 year ago) by AceLucario@lemmy.ml to c/books@lemmy.ml
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I used to be an avid reader, but years of high school and depression completely ruined that. I haven't been able to complete a novel since senior year six years ago. It's frustrating to me and I want to know how I can overcome my lack of focus and anxiety. I've heard I'm not alone when it comes to this sort of thing at least.

E: I wasn't expecting so many replies. Thank you, all of you, for the ideas.

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[–] emma@beehaw.org 2 points 1 year ago

I get stuck because of physical health reasons. My three things I try to kickstart it again are:

  1. dark mode on my tablet, can make a huge difference for me
  2. reading free page turner crap I get from the online ebook store (in dark mode of course)
  3. reading novels I already know the general plot of

The built in reader on my tablet keeps track of time read. It's set at five minutes, so I try to at least get to that target with the free page turner crap.

Reading fluff for five minutes is easier than taking on something substantial. And if it doesn't happen on that day, that's ok, I can always try again later.

This is what works for me. There will be something which works for you, so try and keep trying until you find it. If something doesn't work for you, that's ok. You'll find one that does.

(Have you tried short stories? Easier to complete than a novel.)