Getting back into reading

[Michelle]

Lately I haven't felt like reading much and every time I try I barely get through a chapter before I put the book down. I've tried starting a few different books. I really want to want to read. I know some of you have been in this position.

Any suggestions? How do you all get back into reading?

[bookaddict]

I would suggest the Philippa Gregory Tudor books. I love them! When I get in this type of mood I need one amazing book to make me want to read again.

[zeldafitzgerald]

Are you in the mood to re-read anything? Sometimes I just don't feel like something new. I think about things I love the most, and what I'm in the mood for. A lot of times I'm in the mood to re-read Harry Potter. Sometimes it's other favorites - favorite memoirs or kid's lit.

November was a rough month for me - I couldn't get into anything. Finally I started a YA trilogy (the Gemma Doyle trilogy) and it was perfect - got me right back into reading a ton. So I guess that's another suggestion - search for something that's very "readable" - not too intellectual or hard to get through. Pick something with an amazing plot that flies by. If you start something thinking it will be that way, and it isn't, put it down and try another.

You could also try adjusting where and when you read. I find that setting aside a specific time in advance, and finding the coziest spot possible, always works. Get yourself some hot cocoa or tea or coffee, or ice cream, or anything that you love. A favorite blanket. A cat for your lap. To me the coziest times to read are dark evenings or gray/rainy weekend days. It always puts me in a reading mood.

I hope this helps!

[whitegold]

I've been going through the same thing lately! I want to read now that school is over and im full of free time. But im having trouble staying interested. Ive picked up a few books, put them back down. Im hoping it passes. Great thread! Im excited to see what people suggest.

[Hazy]

Sometimes the books I have to read for school makes it difficult to want to read anything else. But usually I try something fun and light to get me back into it - reread Harry Potter, or maybe try some Neil Gaiman.

[Isa]

I think we all go through it once in a while. Zelda's suggestion to pick up a light but fun novel to read is a good one, and I'd also suggest buying some good magazines. There's no need to force yourself to read, that'll just slow you down even more! Maybe you can rent a few movies instead until you get the urge to pick up a new novel

[neveralone]

Whenever I don't feel like reading, I go on the computer and research books. I add books to my TBR list. When I realize how many books out there I want to read, I get excited because I need to keep on reading to be able to read all of them!

[Michelle]

thanks everyone. I'm going to try Marley and me and if that doesnt work, harry potter. I'm hoping going home for a week helps too. The warm weather makes it even harder for me. In Michigan, I can curl up in a blanket and read.

[greengirlpenguin]

I am reading Marley and Me now because I am reading Wuthering Heights for school and it is hard for me to read.

I think the picking up a good book always makes you want to read again. That is what I would do!

[Halie]

Read a graphic novel. Not all of them are serious and/or violent -- many are written with for a female audience and could be considered "chick lit" (especially Japanese Shojo, but there are many American-authored ones, too). They go quick and are the illustrations make them fun to read, plus most libraries have a large selection.

[Lu]

I agree with zelda, her suggestion is a good one (and now I really feel like drinking a cup of hot chocolate ;D ). I hope Marley and Me will work and that being in Michigan will help, I often feel cozier reading when it's cold or grey outside.

[neh]

I think Isa's suggestion of a magazine or just watching a good film is also a good starting point, and that often works for me, because more often than not the film will come from a literary source or the magazine may reference some novels and suddenly your interest can be sparked again.