Help, I want to get my love of reading back!

[shadypines]

I just don't know where to start though. I used to love reading, did English lit 'A' level (albeit a very long time ago) but I hardly read these days. Most of my time is spent on working and being a mum and when I do have some free time I like to take the opportunity for some sewing, which I find relaxing.

If I do pick up a book I usually find someone will interrupt me by talking, putting on music or the TV, I cannot switch off and concentrate like DH can.

I like old fashioned story, about anything really, no in yer face sex but not anything too soppy either. I've even been contemplating reading some childrens' book to get me started again!! Any advice or recommendation gratefully received.

I really enjoyed "big little lies" by lianne Moriarty - and the "Amber Fury" which were both very easy to read.

I'm now reading the girl with all the gifts which is also very engaging and quite different, but only half way through so who knows.

You could join us on the "Modern Classics" thread. (My very modern phone despises c&p unfortunately.) Perhaps a virtual book club might spur you on?

I love A Book of Spells by Sara Maitland (well anything she writes really).
It is a beautiful collection of short stories about women's experiences, somewhat magical, definitely uplifting.

I could have written your OP so watching with interest. I used to be able to read a book a day, but since DD was born 13 months ago I've read nothing. Even now she's in bed at 7 and I have some time to myself I just can't get back into it.

Thank you for all your suggestions, I will look into these. Ah Gottobe you must be pretty shattered though at this stage (mine are 15yr and 12yr and I still get mithered when trying to read...)

I think the problem is having so little time, for me, when I get some time to relax I just want to veg out, I know I need more discipline!

Lianne moriarty popped into my head straight away as a nice way to get back into reading books. I've read what Alice forgot, the husbands secret and the hypnotists love story.

The Rosie Project by Graeme Simsion. That should get you reading again. It's charming and funny and you can't help but cheer the hapless Don on - he is lovely.

There's a sequel too, The Rosie Effect, which I haven't read yet, but will do.

What about an audio book? With them you can drive to work while reading a book, and do housework while reading a book, and sew while reading a book. Yesterday I took down most of the decorations while 'reading' Game of Thrones.

Turn off the tv. I set my alarm earlier to incorporate half an hour reading every am

To get me back into reading after dcs, I went for some thrillers like Into the Darkest Corner and Apple Tree Yard and also Hunger Games.
I also read some more of the fab no.1 Ladies Detective Agency books.
All easy reads.

Here.

I read for about 20 minutes when I get into bed. It feels so luxurious, and it empties my head of all the mundane crap that's normally whiz zing round it before I go to bed.

Just clocked in again and I'm updating myself on all your ideas MNers, many thanks! I used to love audio books too Slubber, ooh Elizabeth that is a great idea but the thought of getting up at 5.30 instead of 6am fills me with horror! I will definitely look into some of these authors eg Lianne Moriarty.

For very light, fairly quick reads to get back into the habit, have a look at Mary Kay Andrews, I've read two and although a bit 'chick lit' they're fun and easy to get into

Give Ali Smith a go. Her writing is simple yet lyrical, so it's very easy, and very pleasant, to read. And she writes about ordinary people facing extraordinary circumstances. If anyone can reignite your passion for reading, it's Ali Smith. Other Stories and Other Stories is a great one to start with. They're short stories, so you can read one a night, just before bed, and find yourself captivated. Though if you'd prefer a novel, try Hotel World, The Accidental, or There But For The.

thank you Costa and Sandra, they sound like good possibilities, I'm taking notes here...

Jojo Moyes books are fabulous stories. Little could have distracted me from "Me Before You".