Tell me why I should be a reader (and how to become one)

I don't think there should be any judgement around reading. I have know some perfectly lovely/bright/interesting non-readers. Reading has been a part of my life from a young age, so I cannot imagine not having a book or two on the go. I love how reading can transport you to a places, times or even dimensions! It is great for giving you a perspective on other people maybe from totallly different backgrounds - considering things from their point of view/climbing into their skin to walk around in it.

@Happierwithouthim makes a good point about joining book clubs. It would help you see what people get out of books and it's social. My friend was in the same boat as you so she started a book club a few years ago, she's still not an avid reader, but reads a handful of books a year, now knows what genre she enjoys and made friends. Mind you you have to find the right fit if that's possible - I tried out three hoping to pick one, but ended up sticking with two very different book clubs just because the groups were so lovely. The third group took reading and books very seriously (anything funny or light was frowned upon) which was not for me.

I think starting with what you know is a good shout by @Luckydog7. Also what do you like watching on film or TV? You will probably have similar tastes in books. MN is good at giving suggestions. But don't start with anything heavy or a huge tome as that will probably completely put you off!

There's nothing shameful or wrong about not being a reader. If you don't enjoy it don't do it.

I found as I got older (I'm mid 30s) my tastes have narrowed and I'm less tolerant of stories with my personal red flags.

There's nothing wrong with not being a reader btw. Dh never reads anything but online articles and forums. No one should judge you for it.

Saying that, if you DO want to get into it. Can you identify what you enjoyed in previous books? Genre, character archetype, mystery, flowery prose Vs immediate action etc.

I struggle to read anything but fantasy now, a genre we've been really spoiled by recently. Even then I told my eyes at the tropes (dragons, fire balls) unless exquisitely written.

Perhaps a good route in for you would be to revisit some stories you enjoyed before or even your childhood? Perhaps reading more younger fiction would be more accessible? Harry potter, narnia? I read watership down every few years because it was read to me as a child.

I joined a book club about 1.5 years ago, it's great to meet & chat with people who have nothing to do with my regular life about a common interest.

It's less screen time it's relaxing it uses your brain while you think about what's going to happen rather than tv which just presents it to you