Do you still get lost in books?

[Krakken]

I feel like since I've had kids, I haven't been able to get absorbed in a book anymore. Not sure if it's screen time, as I have relied on it too much, or just having to be in 'alert' mode all the time in case a child needs me.

I miss that escape. I love fantasy so it's proper escapism into a different world but all I've managed to struggle through are those page turner thriller types. Which are good but I'm want to be in far off worlds again.

My youngest is 11 now so I don't have to be as switched on anymore but I still can't can't get absorbed anymore.

Will I get that back or is this how it is now?

I can totally relate - I have definitely gone through phases like this! What has helped for me is reading new themes in a new place e.g book a cheap nearby holiday place with a fireplace or something or go and stay with family and bring 2 books for each of the family members with the goal of finishing a book each. If you are frustrated with fantasy at the moment maybe try a poular autobiography or modern fiction book as a new starting point.

When you get back try and find a local book club to force you to do some reading outside of your usual tastes - your tastes just might have changed for the moment but I find they always cycle around again. Good luck OP!

Check out the "what we're reading" forum. I haven't read in ages but this year I set myself the target to read 50 books, there's a thread for others who are attempting the same. I've gotten so many good suggestions from that thread and others in that forum section.

I think it's about finding a time really - I found reading at bedtime was good and when I went to work I read on my commute, although obviously only an answer if you have a public transport commute.

It’s your choice, ultimately. I also have an 11 year old and have never stopped reading a lot, and with total absorption.

It's all about finding an author and a story which speak to you.

I have found mine a few months ago and am now reading my way through the many, many books produced by this particular author, set in their very particular world.

I was getting tired of the same fantasy stereotypes being dragged out in every book I read before that, but this one approaches magic systems in a completely novel (for me) way while also maintaining good character development and interesting plotlines, so every book in this collection so far has gripped me.

This one was suggested by a friend - perhaps you can get a few suggestions, too?

Get a kindle or an e reader
I used to be so against them, was very "oh no I like proper paper books"
But having a kindle has allowed me to get back into that escape into another world feeling you describe
No clunky books to hold or lump around, it's all one one device, not connected to anything else so no notifications popping up

Bit late maybe but could I ask which author?

I have found it's screen time that's the real killer. I still used to read loads of books when DS was little, but now I'm always reaching for the iPad first.

This year I am prioritising books again and can still get lost in them, but sometimes it is a bit of battle between book and internet.

I didn’t until I discovered Robin Hobb. I get lost in her books.

It's definitely the phone for me. I'm an addict with a minute attention span. There used to be no point speaking to me if I was reading a good book.

Since I’ve had a smart phone I read less and less.

I feel sad about it, but seem unable to help it…… I’m now listening to audio books to stop me looking at my phone, which seems to be helping. I’m hoping it’s a bridge……
Years ago, sitting on the sofa as I am now, I’d be reading a few pages, but here I am on my phone……

I've always read a lot, all my life & I have thousands of books..
But in recent years I've found my reading dwindling dreadfully. And my concentration ruined by my bloody phone. I'd pick up a book & within minutes I'd find myself reaching for my phone

I decided I'd had enough so I've been training myself off doing that.

I jumped in the deep end & set myself a challenge of reading a classic that I've always wanted to & I joined a book club. Best thing I ever did

I'm about a year in now. Some days I still find myself battling with the impulse to spend hours doom scrolling but I've also successfully read some v complex books & really enjoyed the book club discussions.

There is literally nothing like the joy of a brilliant challenging book to stretch the brain.

Brandon Sanderson. His world set in the Cosmere.

Thanks =)