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!

@gingerhills

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.

I enjoyed little fires too, that kept me hooked.

I think I might be a lost cause / I just couldn't finish American Dirt

I'm the same since having kids as well. I was an avid reader but since having my eldest 4 years ago, I've tried reading one book but couldn't continue as my brain was mush.

I am the same.

I blame social media, Internet, and even the Kindle app.

If I switched back to paper books and got rid of the kindle =Twitter = even Mumsnet I might fet more reading done.

@YouWereGr8InLittleMenstruators Audible is mo good either. Unless I give it my full attention (even ironing distracts me) I lose what's going on. And the books are expensive.

*no good

I read everything I could get my hands on, until I had to spend my time providing for my kids.

Audible lets me 'read' while I'm doing other stuff as well.

You can also get audio books from the library - and even from libraries outside your area.