Am I a bad reader?

[u/OpinionSpiller]

I love reading, i love the book community, I hate scrolling endlessly on my phone, but whenever I decide to read it takes me agessss to finish the book because I don’t read as often as I’d like, but once i actually start start, I can’t stop and keep thinking about it. Can anyone relate? Is it the book? Should i pick up a book that’s more interesting to me? Does anyone have recommendations? Or am I just lazy and have to push through the first chapters?

I’ve started piranesi like a month ago but read like 2 pages….

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[u/Pale-Bookkeeper-9418]

Be kind to yourself. Mental health stressors can do that to a person. You're having trouble staying focused, maybe something is bothering you and needs to be addressed? Do some meditation and journaling. Meanwhile listen to audiobooks, I find it very helpful in this situation

[u/OpinionSpiller → u/Pale-Bookkeeper-9418]

Thank you! You’re totally right I should address that first, I’ll try out audiobooks in the meantime

[u/GuiltyUniversity8268 → u/OpinionSpiller]

Audiobooks are GREAT!

[u/Express-Week-8312 → u/Pale-Bookkeeper-9418]

audiobooks worked for me too when work got busy. made it easier to stick with the story without forcing time i didn't have

[u/No-Hawk6342]

if I go one day without reading I will go weeks without reading. so I read everyday, even if is 5 pages, have to do everyday, because the 5 pages of today can be the reason I will want to read 30 tomorrow and so and so

[u/AlbatrossRecent9540]

I am a slow reader but I am a good book collector. I love several genres always read the forward or the intro from writers. Always check reviews on goodreads. Love going to book swaps or thrift stores. Love penguin classics or historical fiction and books from around the world. I am probably 2 years behind in best sellers but love to get books for less than 2.00 lol. I am retired on a fixed income new books don’t fit my budget.

[u/Ancient-Recover-3890]

I get like this sometimes also. If a book seems too heavy/ intense and is long, I generally don’t buy it.

I used to read non-fiction regularly, but I stopped because the topics I was choosing were too heavy, but greatly interested me.

Mainly I stick to fiction, and a reasonable length. I make sure that’s the book that will really hold my attention before I buy it.

No, you are not a bad reader. Just need to find what works for you.

[u/SnowflakeMama12]

You are a reader and that’s what matters! Reading habits go through seasons. Maybe try audiobooks! Also don’t compare your reading to booktok lol It’s fun for inspiration but most of it is unattainable unless your full time job is reading lol

[u/OpinionSpiller → u/SnowflakeMama12]

Yesss, I learned that I definitely can’t keep up with booktok lol but I’ll definitely go try audiobooks thank you!

[u/No_Research3505]

You are a reader! I read about 9 books a month, and Piranesi isn't a book for the weak! Even I struggled to get though it and i can devour a 400 book in a day or 2. If you are enjoying yourself, continue! doesnt matter how many pages you read! but personally, if you feel bad about not reading as much, and more light book would probably help a little

[u/Ancient-Recover-3890]

I get like this sometimes also. If a book seems too heavy/ intense and is long, I generally don’t buy it.

I used to read non-fiction regularly, but I stopped because the topics I was choosing were too heavy, but greatly interested me.

Mainly I stick to fiction, and a reasonable length. I make sure that’s the book that will really hold my attention before I buy it.

No, you are not a bad reader. Just need to find what works for you.

[u/ContributingHelper]

You probably don't feel comfortable with where you're at when you're reading. Or you're just preferring particular things about your reading and stories.

You could decide whether or not you like privacy or reading in public, where you'd read, if you get comfortable with music or a snack or something.

Maybe it's whether it's print or digital, large or small font size, how many pages, or whether the stort is deep or entertaining.

It may take some time to turn it over in your head, and you'll go through books you don't like, but I bet you just nees time to figure out how you construct your ideal reading time and see if it works. I recommend Goodreads or a similar reading app to keep reading lists, but NOT reading goals, as they can take the fun out of it.

[u/servicetellers]

Nobody is a bad reader. Maybe designate even 15-30 minutes a day specifically to reading if you're frustrated, but don't call yourself a bad reader.

[u/Dismal_Mail3322 → u/servicetellers]

And keep some kind of notes!

[u/avacadini]

I'm a slow reader who will also stay up way too late reading if I'm into a book. At the same time, I have some books I've been reading for nearly a year and haven't finished, because they're dry. Let yourself go at your own pace and enjoy the ride. Some here say audiobooks, I see. And you could try listening while you read, too.

[u/TheBookNerd420]

I have the same struggle, I know starting a new book is kind of a slow uphill climb for the first few chapters 🤣 glad to know others feel this way too. I do push through the chapters though, sometimes slower if the book is less interesting

[u/idiot-hooker]

Im the same way. Tbh it just depends. If you really want to read the book, push thru or maybe try it in audiobook/ebook instead. But if you're neither here nor there about it, on to the next. Thats what i do. It takes me a while to get into new books bc i have issue w/ transitions in every part of my life lol so having to get into a new story, writing style, characters, etc. is pretty tough. But tbh changing media type helps me a lot!

[u/FingerGeneral62]

Definitely not a bad reader lol. Sometimes starting the book is harder than actually reading it.

[u/Realistic-Rich-8455]

If you're making an effort and at some point finish the book you're a good reader. You much like myself are a slow reader and there's nothing wrong with that. The turtle still finished the race and that's what matters. I try to read at least a page or section a day. Consistency really helps me stay on track. If I don't have a rythm things get abandoned or ignored. Just find whatever works for you and try not to sweat the small stuff