Will getting a kindle make me read more...?

[IfCanCanICan]

I used to read so much, a book a week easily. Then I had DC. And lack of time, energy, focus, etc. etc. has led to me reading a lot less regularly. I also rarely finish the books that I start these days.

I think being peri menopausal doesn't help. Brain fog and terrible memory means if I don't pick up my book for a few days, I've forgotten what's going on. So I'm less inclined to continue with that book. My shelves are full of started but unfinished books.

But, I somehow manage to read stuff on my phone no problem. I might start on a news article...or a Mumsnet thread...and then find myself down a rabbit hole. And can spend the whole evening doing that. So why can't I read a book?

Is it that it's easier to pick up a phone than a book? That I always have my phone close by? Or is it more that my attention span is shot so articles are easier to manage?

Has anyone else found themselves in this position? Would a kindle help do you think? Or kindle app on my phone. Or maybe I'm just not a reader any more...

Probably not, in the circumstances you’ve described.

When I bought my kindle I had a job that involved travelling to numerous appointments and hanging around for the next appointment so it made it easier to carry a book around with me via the kindle.

Similarly now if I’m grabbing a coffee I normally have the kindle in my bag and will read a few chapters whilst taking a break. Same with any travelling (if I’m not driving), my tendency is to use it as an opportunity to grab a few chapters in my book.

It’s not any easier to grab a book than grab a kindle; it is a lot less heavy to carry around a kindle with multiple books available.

Have you thought about talking books? I rejoined the library during lockdown and have access to digital content on my phone including loans for talking books. I use these a lot now - driving into work, sick a pair of headphones on and go for a walk - might be easier to concentrate on listening rather than reading?

Thanks Witch. Now you've said all that, it's reminded me that I used to have a 45 minute commute in my pre-DC days. So I always read during that. At home too, but that commuting time meant I was able to get fully immersed in a book and I rarely get that amount of time/peace at home these days. I have my own business now, and work from home. Maybe I need to take a long bus ride every day. 😄

I've tried audio books whilst dog walking, but find my mind wanders or I'm distracted. I live in a very friendly city, everyone stops for a chat! I haven't tried them in the house. I listen to podcasts, not always with my full attention though...maybe an audio book that's well read might keep my attention. You know what, I'm going to give one a go now whilst doing some tidying. Thanks!

No o don't think it's the same - having a quick check on mn and getting sucked in is not the same as picking up a book.
I have had a kindle forever - memories of my husband taking five fat novels on holiday when I only managed to read an article in an old Vogue and I vowed I'd read at least a chapter a night. Getting a kindle just meant no need to carry books around, I can order a new book and have it in seconds, I can read without turning the light on. If these things help get you reading go for it. But mostly you have to give yourself permission to tune everything out and do it.

@IfCanCanICan know exactly what you mean!

I used to commute on public transport and devoured books. Since changing to driving (and hybrid working), it’s a lot less.

I also find I read a lot more in the summer as I enjoy sitting outside, so will take myself off after dinner and find a spot of sun.

It took me a while to get audiobooks working for me but now I find they are a god send.

No, I don't think it will help. It's about habits. Phones are addictive and draw your attention. Little snippets of information and clickbait don't require the concentration that a book does. The only thing that will get you reading books again is asserting your willpower to set your phone aside and pick up a book instead, but once it becomes habit it will be easy!

I'm as much of a phone addict as the next person during the day or evening when I'mnot working or busy, but I have always, always read in bed before going to sleep, since I was a child (I'm 51 now) and never stopped doing this. I switch my phone off at bed time and read for at least 20 mins.

I fear you're both right mondaytosunday and Fairislefandango.

I don't think I can blame my son (and all-consuming parenthood) any more...he's 9 now... Although I think you're right mondaytosunday, that there is an element of giving myself permission. I feel like if my son is occupied I should be working on my business, and that can often include evenings after he's in bed too.

But yeah, it's probably the phone addiction I need to tackle. I used to be like you Fairislefandango, and I miss it. Right, that's it, I just need to work harder at it!

Witch - it's the only downside to homeworking in my view! I had audible playing whilst I was doing some tidying. Took barely any of it in...sigh...

So - must try harder, rather than buy a kindle. Cheaper at least.

I used to be like you Fairislefandango, and I miss it. Right, that's it, I just need to work harder at it!

Yes... but at the same time probably beware of viewing it as a chore you have to work harder at . Do it if you actually want to, rather than because you feel you ought to. Maybe start with a book that would be a bit self-indulgent or a guilty pleasure, rather than something off-puttingly worthy!

Interesting that you find it hard to absorb audiobooks and podcasts even when you're in the house. Do you listen on headphones? I find that helps you focus more than listening on speakers. I listen to audiobooks, but only in foreign languages (I'm a language teacher). In English I prefer to read myself.

Now that is a very good point, Fairislefandango! I have enough chores in my day. 😄

I do occasionally wonder why I don't just accept that I rarely read any more...and leave it at that...

No, I don't use headphones in the house, I either play through Alexa or my phone if I'm moving around the house. Headphones might help, I'll give them a try. I think my attention span is the issue though. With podcasts, at least, it generally doesn't matter if I lose attention for a bit, whereas it does with novels.

I've always resisted a kindle but after downloading the Chalet School books from a dropbox link on MN, I found myself getting into reading on my phone. Dh got me a Kindle for Christmas as a result and I've read 5 books since then. It has definitely replaced some of my phone scrolling times and I've found it easier to pick up and put down without losing my place like I do with a book.

I used to be a prolific reader but it dropped right off after I had kids. I got diagnosed with adhd a while ago and realised that I hyper focused on books, mainly reading them in one sitting which wasn't compatible with kids In that respect, being able to return immediately to the place I left off has been a big bonus. I also find it easier to just read a chapter than I do with a book. So for me it's worked well.

Yes. Or some AirPods and audible. I normally have one read and one listen

I got a kindle as a present last Christmas and didn’t use til the summer hols when i read 10 books; I do love it now. I use audible as well but I tend to prefer non fiction on audible fsr. The kindle makes it easy and could be a good way to reduce your phone usage in the new year? I am converted anyway! Hope it works out!

I find headphones make a big difference. If I'm listening on speakers, I tend to tune in and out, as I would if listening to the radio , whereas with headphones it feels more immersive and shuts out distractions, even if I'm doing chores etc at the same time.

The only way I consistently read is if I do it before I go to sleep. I always tell myself just one chapter so it doesn't seem so daunting.

However I usually go on to read between 3 and 5. I usually do a book every 10 days or so. But I do like fairly long books.

Just try setting aside 15 mins a day, either when you wake up or before bed seems to work best for me.

Oh, this is really interesting Bob. We sound similar. I used to have what I called Book Days pre-DC), where I'd just stay home and read a book in day. I am generally a bit all-or-nothing. And whilst I don't think I do have ADHD, my son has recently been diagnosed, and that's made me look at a few of my personality traits differently.

I have the kindle app on my phone. I've used it before for business books that I wanted to remember certain things from and liked that I could take screenshots of pages so I could refer back to them easily. I'll try using it again with a novel. Thanks for your thoughts!

Thanks Danny and Fairisle, yes will try headphones with audible sometime.

I think I'm probably the same as you Sue in that non fiction will work better for me on audible. Thanks for sharing your experience of getting a kindle. Hopeful!

This week I've started reading The Thursday Murder Club (for the third time...as in 3rd time started but never got very far). Might get it on kindle and see if having it easily accessible on my phone helps.

Yeah I imagine this will help. I'll try the kindle app on my phone, reading a book instead of just scrolling through my phone at bed time.

Good non fic on audible includes Fall about murdoch. I listen as I do chores

You could download the kindle app on your phone to see if you would use it before buying a kindle.

Great plan!!

I read more on a Kindle because it fits in my hand bag, but a book doesn’t. So read more out and about

Yes, I put the kindle app back on my phone yesterday and downloaded the book I'm currently reading to try that for a while. I read in bed last night instead of phone scrolling. Yay me. 😆

I think the Kindle app can depend on your phone, my current phone seems to lovely to read on , so I have gone through quite a few books on that...I tend to read none fiction on my phone and can get through quite a bit while waiting in the car for DC etc

I have an actual kindle that I use before I go to sleep and for fiction. I read a lot more with now, I am contemplating the Kindle Oasis as it's a bit larger.

I think you need to read in bed and leave the phone out of the bedroom. This has worked for me. I read roughly a book a fortnight last year after doing that.

"I've always resisted a kindle but after downloading the Chalet School books from a dropbox link on MN, I found myself getting into reading on my phone"

Do you still have the link? Does it still work?

I got one to use on holiday - haven't used it since. However, I've still got the box it came in so when I get the chance I'll put it on ebay.