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

[Fleetheart]

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....

When this has happened to me I switched to reading short stories or poetry instead and that helped a lot.
There are always audio books if all else fails.

I won't be much use because I rarely read, but I think it is now because I'd rather browse the net. Haven't even brought a mag or newspaper for years.

I’m exactly like this. I read an amazing book called Digital Minimalism in January. Basically I get back into reading (and love it) when I ruthlessly remove social media. Not doing well at the mo due to being glued to the news etc but it was amazing when it worked!! Discovering that feeling of a book you can’t put down - so joyful!!

Agree with book club - Male a pledge to yourself to read the monthly book, whatever happens. It pushes you outside your comfort zone and helps you explore new genres. And you read a book a month at least!

I have the answer - audiobooks. I was a voracious reader when younger but my work is all about reading documents and I don’t want to do it in my spare time. Audiobooks mean I can read, do other things at the same time and not fall asleep.

I nearly started a thread about this too but I've forced myself to read. Mine is a mixture of stress and not being able to relax, and also the phone unfortunately. I found An easy to read book which has really helped.
I bloody love books and reading!

My phone zaps the time that I'd previously use to sit with my head in a book, either that or my DCs, if they see me sitting quietly with a hot drink they'll use this time to bombard me about, well, anything!
So I've switched to audiobooks.

I pop my earphones in and listen while I'm walking to and from work (before coronavirus)
While I've been at home, I have been listening while I'm doing mundane household tasks and chores.
That way I can still easily enjoy the books I don't get to read.

Yes absolutely! I have an MA in English and was a secondary English teacher for 10 years before kids. I do tutoring part time but reading? Nope! Not a hope. In 16 years I can count the books I’ve read on one hand; just no time with 3 children to read fuck all. I am always busy working, tired, stressed, teaching my own kids and now piddling peri menopausal. I end up watching old episodes of Red Dwarf with my teenagers rather than reading the Dickens by my bed. I have given up ! I start to focus and after one page I’ve lost interest. How sad is that? I’ve seriously lost my mojo so OP you’re definitely not alone!

Oh god yes. I try - I have three on the go at the moment - but I just don't have the attention span. Like the OP I was an avid reader from early childhood, never seen without a book in my hand.

I listen to audio books when cooking or doing housework. But I find sitting down to read a book really hard. I often don't manage to finish them.

I'm starting to think perimenopause is to blame.

Massively reduced concentration span, short-term memory shot so the small time available to read I end up re-reading the same bit, because I've forgotten it...

A job that involves reading all day on a screen

And yes, smartphones coinciding with all that hasn't helped. No advice but sympathise.

Joining a book club really got me back into the swing of it

I lost my concentration with changes in hormones.....as hrt kicked in I’ve rediscovered my concentration, focus and memory function. Could be hormone related or one of the many symptoms of perimenopause. Worth bearing in mind.

I've been setting aside an hour a day during lockdown to read. I found that I was just wasting my time mindlessly looking at my phone. It seems to be working.

I am also torn between books and kindles. My kindle is easy to use but there isn't that sense of achievement as you physically move through the pages of a real book.

[Tattie] completely agree with hormones! Me completely for about 2 years. Just couldn’t focus and so easily lost interest.

I also started to use my local library again after a break of probably 20odd years and in last 2 years have used it more than I ever did before. I also downloaded ‘goodreads’ to track read/want to read books and lurk on the ‘what we’re reading ‘ thread on MN.

I became like this then I started listening to books on Audible. Has been great as I can carry on with other things but still get a book going. Have been through alot the last few weeks. Still like to see the written word but reading makes me so sleepy just lately x

I think it is the internet and mobile phones. No doubt about it. I used to be an avid reader. Now I really struggle to concentrate and have to break off to check my phone. Phones are like crack cocaine sadly. I wish I had never got a smart phone.

I think it's too much social media consumption. Your brain works differently and social media activates the reward centres in a way reading does not plus doesn't require so much concentration. I think the only thing to do is drop social media and on line information consumption completely for a while. I feel like my brain is becoming lazy and I hate the idea of that.

Definitely try audiobooks. I was same - big reader in my youth but not in the last few years. Audiobooks/Audible have been brilliant and literally lifesaving in the last few years.

I listen when I'm walking, driving, doing housework or DIY. I can't just sit & listen to a book.

As a child I read heaps and heaps of books. I fell out of love with them through the arduous and painful teenage English curriculum . Nowadays my mental health problems mean I can't concentrate on fiction and I haven't read anything fo r years probably. I might read a book if I was on holidayalone with no internet, and would probably enjoy it. But otherwise I am happy to just read stuff online like mumsnet, I don't beat myself up about it!

I went through this but thought it was my change in prescription glasses so switched to audible , wonderful , I've got my reading mojo back

It’s good to hear it’s not just me. I think it is a combination of internet and a different life since having kids. I need a nice easy book to get me back in- what’s a good page turner? Any recommendations?

I’m the same. It’s so frustrating. Wish I could get back into reading but I simply can’t 😢

I don't understand why, since I started working in a library I've read fewer books than ever before. I suppose it could be that having a partner who doesn't facilitate quiet time to read might also explain it... With my exDH I used to enjoy a lot of quiet uninterrupted time and he didn't need total darkness to fall asleep so I could read in bed. Oh, those were the days!