I struggle to concentrate but really want to read again

[procrastinationstations]

From a young age, I've loved books. I used to read a book a week. I read all of Virginia Andrew’s over and over, then got into loads of different genres, from crime fiction to chic lit and any kind of biography.

Since having kids (for the last 18 years) I just can't seem to concentrate. I last read a book a year ago - the truants - really gripped me but found the end a little 'meh'.

I read 'about time' by Matt Haig in 2 days on holiday in 2018.

I have bought umpteen books and ebooks recently and just give up on them after a few chapters.

I really need to be gripped. I've just tired 3 different books that we shortlisted for a prize and I just could get into any of them! Would really appreciate some recommendations. Thanks!

I’m exactly the same since kids and kind of gutted to think it could last 18yr! In the past though I’ve found training in meditation really to help my concentration, should take my own advice at the moment. Following for ideas.

I'm the same and can pretty much only manage Agatha Christie's atm

Find something that doesn't require reading from front to back.

Something you can read a short/standalone excerpt or chapter from.

www.goodreads.com/shelf/show/dip-in-and-out

I'd been struggling but I set myself a daily goal to read 15mins every day. It's really worked. I've read 6 books so far this year compared to 2 in the whole of last year. Definitely got to keep going though to make it a habit. And stop plodding on with a book you don't enjoy - it just feels like a chore and once you're back into the habit of reading and love it again then you can tackle some meatier novels.

Switch your phone off. It’s the only thing that works for me.

It depends how old your children are as to how much me time you get to read.

Switching social media off plus the tv will mean all distractions beyond children work and housework are dealt with.

I find once I read a book I like to finish it in a short space of time so other hobbies and interests at home are put on the back burner so I can fully escape into it.

Read out loud.

I think the phone/computer has changed my concentration levels or the way my brain processes rather than the children.
I'm very conscious that something has shifted. Before tech was so dominant, I could when there was a quiet time on holiday when I hadn't read a book for months and months now it's virtually impossible.

Look at this Atomic Habits summary, it gives you key tips on how to build a new habit.

I've just finished this book and top takeaways for me (in regards to reading) are:

• Start by reading just 1 page per day (frequency is the key)
• You can then build this up to a chapter a day, 20 pages a day etc
• Make it easy - Have your book on your pillow, kindle in your bag etc
• Use a habit tracker to track your progress - I don't need this now, but do for other habits like exercise

I've gone from not being a reader for years to reading every day without question. I definitely agree with frequency over long bursts to build the habit.

I recently enjoyed The Appeal by errrmmm . ...

It is all written in emails and texts so everything is in short bursts.

(You have to pretend that no such thing as an email thread exists though which is a bit annoying. )

I've had this recently and found re reading old favourites has helped me get back in the habit of reading as you don't need to concentrate

Have you tried poetry, short stories, or graphic novels? All easier to digest than a full novel. Allocate 15 minutes a day to read, doing it regularly is key. Use the library doyou don't feel guilty about putting aside a book you are not enjoying (or make good use of the 'look inside' feature on Amazon or read the first chapter in a bookshop before buying so you know if it looks good).

Have you tried audible?

I used to read a lot and got out of the habit completely but I recently discovered audible and I love it. I find the distraction from everyday life shite is good for my mental health and I can listen when I'm walking, driving, pottering, cooking etc so it's "easier" than reading a book because you don't have to find the time to sit down and read.

I struggled to read when the kids were young and got round it with compilations of short stories, I still love a short story now but have started with full length novels. The kids are 10/12 so it's often because the kids have commandeered the TV for the Xbox!

I agree with the turn off TV and phone when they're in bed and start a book then.

Try Audible - and link it to kindle ebooks. Then you can start as an audiobook and carry on or swap between audible and kindle - it syncs the page you’re on.

How about trying Matt Haig's Midnight Library? I loved it.

Great ideas here, setting a timer for 10/15 mins, reading just a chapter or a page worked for me.

I struggle to sit and read. Get to a few chapters and give up. I realised a few things.

1. Kindle unlimited ruined my reading. Didn’t get into the book in a chapter I just gave up and downloaded another book.
2. I’m convinced that my phone , social media the constant quickness of videos has ruined my concentration.
3. I prefer audio books. Didn’t realise this till last year. I prefer to be busy and audiobooks are amazing for me. I can get though three books a week.

Though saying that. I have struggled this year to keep my concentration on even audiobooks and have wasted some credits on books I have given up on. Sigh.

Have you tried Matt Haigh's Midnight Library? It is incredibly easy to read - too easy, really. It feels like it was written for 9-year olds. But the ideas in it are so brilliant. As you liked a previous one of his, that might work.

Do you want real page turners or do you want something that really carries a literary/emotional punch? If style and ideas are more important than story, you could read poetry and short stories. I found short stories easier to read when my concentration was shot for years. Poetry too, as it has such a deep, emtional impact but it's usually only one page long.

I have a lot of friends who now only read audio books. They walk the dog or commute with a constant backtrack of Audible and get through so many books that way. That could be a less pressured way to get back into reading.

Thanks for all the replies. I enjoyed Matt Haig's 'How to Stop Time' so I'll try midnight library.

I think I have to be gripped and 'taken away' by a book, rather than just a pleasant, easy read.

All recommendations welcome 🙏

I also loved Midnight Library. It really made me think but is still an easy read.

Would also agree re audio books. They are brilliant for when I’m doing the housework or some other boring task.

@Paranoidandroidmarvin you can get a refund on credits if you really don’t like a book on Audible. They put a stop to it if you take the mickey I believe, but I have done it a couple of times. Go to your purchase history and click on the chosen book, select refund and provide a reason. Credits are usually refunded instantly.

Have you read Where The Crawdads Sing? That's a very easy read but it really transports you to a different place.

The writer I love who I find compulsive easy reading is Celeste Ng. She wrote Little Fires Everywhere, which I found addictive.

@gingerhills the three books I've seen you recommend here are mine too. We should set up a book club 🤣

Have you read American Dirt? Really could not put it down !

I feel the same. American Dirt is gripping from the first page so that’s a good one to start with.

I made the mistake of buying lots of heavy going/intellectual books. I think you need to ease back in with some easy reads and create the habit.

I see others have beaten me to it, but AUDIBLE!
I used to love reading but have no time these days. And if I carve out some time, I can't seem to settle as I know I'm likely to be interrupted at some point.
Now I go through Audible books at a rate of knots and feel much enriched as a result. Recommend wholeheartedly.