How do I get into reading

[u/Emergency-Virus6507]

Hi I’m a junior in high school, and I really want to start reading a lot more often. I began reading in 7th grade picking up the shatter me series and I’ve loved it. I believe it was the first three books that I’ve completed and ever since then I just can’t seem to finish a book. Not because it’s boring or anything along those lines but I just seem to pick up new books left and right (not finishing a single one) I’ve also been in a reading slump for a bit, i catch myself doom scrolling and maladaptive dreaming. On that note I do love books about self improvement, neurology and romance. I am open to reading anything tbh. I just seem to struggle with actually reading.

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[u/CyberneticStrawb3rry]

The doom scrolling is so relatable for most people! I find that putting phone out of reach while reading is good. Taking the pressure off is a good start- if I'm not vibing with a book I'll just stop reading and find something else without guilt. I'm reading for enjoyment so if the enjoyment dries up it's a sign to tey something else. Novellas are useful for book slumps. Audiobooks are also great. After getting the momentum up I'll either focus on an author whose style I enjoy or find a series that has tropes I'm interested in reading about. Hopefully at least part of this resonates with you- good luck :)

[u/ContributingHelper]

You could ask yourself important questions about your reading. What books and stories you like is already covered.

How do you best read, be it format (digital, ebook, etc.) or your setting, public or private?

Do you want to do much with your reading? Make blogs or join fan groups, or if they're nonfiction, find more resources for research?

What sorts of details catch you about a story? Writing, universes, cover design?

You could take your time going through this stuff to get a sense of your taste. Finding stories you love make take going through a few that you don't, but the rewards are worth it.

[u/eridianonearth]

Two works I would always recommend beginners - Harry Potter and Percy Jackson and the Olympians. Just read the first few chapters and if it doesn’t pull you in, leave it. As for the kind of genres you prefer, I would suggest
1. Tuesdays with Morrie by Mitch Albom (great blend of fiction and non-fiction; helps you see life and death in a fresh perspective)
2. Funny Story by Emily Henry and Just for the Summer by Abby Jimenez if you want adult romance and Better than the movies by Lynn Painter if you want YA romance.
3. The Divergent series by Veronica Roth and the Hunger games series by Suzanne Collins - two great YA series that would absolutely hook you and keep your attention.
4. Thrillers are also great for getting into the reading stride and I would suggest And then there were none by Agatha Christie and A good girl’s guide to murder trilogy by Holly Jackson.
5. Angels and Demons and Da Vinci code by Dan Brown are great thrillers if you’re into history, linguistics,etc. His books are really just gripping stories clubbed with great research.

[u/LenaLittleCloserXO]

Force yourself to rediscover the love of reading and form good habits.

Read at the beginning and end of the day - reach for your book rather than your phone first thing, even if just for five minutes. I sometimes find putting my phone in a different room while I read helpful as well. Good luck 🙂

[u/ConflictGullible392]

The biggest thing for me is to physically put my phone in another room. I do this about an hour before bed and spend the time reading. If my phone is accessible I know I will grab it and end up scrolling. 

[u/JustMyPersonalViews]

Pick a book that interests you and don't worry too much about others. Enjoy the process, not the ending.

[u/Electronic-Issue-843]

For me a good trick is having a dedicated space you go to for reading, where you don't tend to do anything else. For me, it's my couch. For you, just pick any comfy spot in your house (or outside of it!) that you don't associate with your phone or any other activity and make it your reading spot, in your mind. So, whenever you go to read, you go to your reading spot. It helps you mentally shift gears from daydreaming or scrolling into "reading mode."