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Original poster

Can’t read books any more - anyone else had this?

51 replies

Fleetheart · 21/04/2020 21:27

I used to be an avid reader; it’s what I did in my spare time. I did a level English; even worked in publishing for 10 years. Since I had my children nearly 20 years ago I can count the number of books I’ve read on one hand. I would really love to read again.

Has anyone else had this? Come out the other side? I can’t seem to concentrate now. I don’t know why....

OP posts:
SelfIsolatingBeforeItWasCool · 21/04/2020 21:42

Try changing up genres. When this happens to me (I call it Reader's Block) I pick up something completely different to what I usually read. Kindles (or Kindle apps) are good for this because you can try a sample or buy books very cheaply.

ILiveInSalemsLot · 21/04/2020 21:44

I get this from time to time and pick up some easy page turners and that helps me get back into it.
Things like Girl on the train worked for me.

LilacTree1 · 21/04/2020 21:46

Are you sure it’s not the current situation?

I’m a voracious reader but find it very hard now, same as when dad was dying. Just couldn’t concentrate at all.

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EdersonsSmileyTattoo · 21/04/2020 21:48

Yes! I know exactly what you mean, and I think @SelfIsolatingBeforeItWasCool is bang on.

I usually read Martina Cole type stuff and and struggling badly to concentrate on any book in that genre.

I’ve a few books outside of that genre on my list so I’ll give those a try first now.

Frankiefree · 21/04/2020 21:48

I’ve got this. I used to be a bookworm but since I’ve had my DC I’ve just lost my concentration. I think having an iPhone and iPad doesn’t help as I don’t seem to have a long concentration span any more.

The only time I read a book is when I’m on holiday, so once a year I’ll read 1 or 2 books in a week. Wish I could switch my brain into that gear at home!

plunkplunkfizz · 21/04/2020 21:50

I’m the same. Used to get through a book or two each week (I travel a lot for work). I’ve not read more than two books in the past 18 months. I think my phone is shortening my attention span.

plunkplunkfizz · 21/04/2020 21:50

I also get this with magazine articles. My mind wanders with all but the shortest ones and I prefer listicles.

UponTheBlueGuitar · 21/04/2020 21:53

Just be bloodyminded about limiting your mindless internet scrolling time. It really is that simple.

Life is so short and every week that passes marks another book or two we will never get to read.

FoolsAssassin · 21/04/2020 21:55

Same problem here, reading with interest.

PaquitaVariation · 21/04/2020 21:57

Yes, exactly the same. Never without a book before I had children. In the 16 years since I’ve probably only finished one every couple of years. I just can’t concentrate for long enough. It’s so frustrating.

Sunshine1235 · 21/04/2020 21:57

I think smart phones have a lot to answer for, my attention span is so short now and I’m sure my phone is to blame. Small children in the mix don’t help either

LilacTree1 · 21/04/2020 21:59

Sunshine I think we’ve got to take responsibility for that, though.

TabbyStar · 21/04/2020 22:01

Yes, since my DF died a few months ago I struggle to read much. I'm hoping it will pass eventually. I can manage crime-type books if they are reasonably gentle but I used to read a lot of non-fiction and now I read a few pages then lose interest. I also get distracted by phone but it's not just that.

LittleMissEngineer · 21/04/2020 22:01

This reply has been withdrawn

This has been withdrawn by MNHQ at the poster's request.

DartmoorChef · 21/04/2020 22:02

Ive been likr this for the last few years.

I was an avid reader as a child right through til my mid 40s yet for some reason I now find it so difficult to finish or even get into a book.

Titsywoo · 21/04/2020 22:02

Yes. I recently started reading an old favourite that I haven't read for ages to get myself back into it. The internet has ruined book reading for me but I'm trying to get myself back on track. I think it is easier right now as normally I flit between social media, mumsnet and news sites and since I'm sick of reading about corona I'd rather read a book!

DartmoorChef · 21/04/2020 22:03

I think its because i spend way too much time on my phone too

Therollockingrogue · 21/04/2020 22:03

Agree with others.
Pick something filthy and scandalous to get you back on track. Bit of Jilly sorts us all out.

islandislandisland · 21/04/2020 22:05

Yes, struggling with this. I blame my phone use. If I do start reading I'll be back on my phone looking at Facebook or Mumsnet within 5 minutes, it's like a compulsion. It's sad because I used to adore reading and when I do get into it my mental health is much better.

ViveLEntenteCordiale · 21/04/2020 22:06

I'm the same. No kids but I used to work in publishing too!

I'm blaming a few things... health isn't great, getting longer sighted with age so books and even magazines are physically harder to read, and yes it's so much easier to go online. I'm really disappointed in myself. I do listen to audiobooks though which is a good way of accessing the books I feel I'm missing out on.

StCharlotte · 21/04/2020 22:12

I used to commute and would read at least one if not two books a week. Then we bought a pub type business and were working 7 days a week and I didn't read for years. Now I tend to go in fits and starts. Over the Easter weekend I read three novels so I think you can come back from it.

I annoy myself with how much time I spend on my phone when I could be reading.

Itstheprinciple · 21/04/2020 22:16

Agree since DC (13 years ago) I've never read the same. I hate being disturbed from a book so I only ever want to read when I know I will be undisturbed for a long period which rarely happens these days. Agree my phone eats my time and attention. It's easy to dip in and out of short internet articles or social media so I don't mind bring disturbed then. I have been trying to set aside time to read during lock down and deliberately not taking my phone in the bath and taking a book instead, that seems to be working.

Boireannachlaidir · 21/04/2020 22:17

It's really common OP I know what you mean and I think it can be a number of things ranging from our diminishing attention spans (smart phones/binge watching tv/social media) all the way through to stress/anxiety/depression. I don't know the answer other than to carve out some time for yourself and choose books that are not hard going to get you back into it. You don't have to dumb down just choose something short and enjoyable rather than serious.

EineReiseDurchDieZeit · 21/04/2020 22:22

Yes I had this and it lasted nearly 2 years. In the end it was my NY resolution to force myself to read for an hour a day. It paid off and I've read loads since Jan

Mine was anxiety/stress/depression related, couldn't focus/couldn't settle.

Sunshine1235 · 21/04/2020 22:22

Of course @LilacTree1 I didn’t mean to imply it was out of our hands. Just that the invention of smart phones and therefore information at our finger tips has had an impact on concentration levels.

I am not abdicating responsibility though and am actively trying to use my phone less and read more (she says on Mumsnet)

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