getting into reading

[elvislives2012]

I used to read a fair amount but then got lost in a haze of child rearing (2 in 2 years, breast feeding for 3 1/2 years) so have spent a large amount of time feeling tired. Now my youngest is coming up to two im finally feeling I may be able to get some of me back again and I used to love reading.
I joined the library and hired out a book but have ended up spending a fortune in fines because I'm just not getting round to reading it. How do you get back in the HABIT of reading iyswim? Any tips?
For reference BC (before children) I read:
The odyssey
Maggie Ofarrel
Crime novels
My favourite book is Rebecca
I like classic literature too (crime and punishment, Anna karenina)
Any tips would be welcome

Do you have a Kindle? Or do you just borrow books from the library? My only tip really is to have a book with you at all times. If you have 10 mins waiting time anywhere read your book, take it with you to the cafe, read while you're cooking, in the bath, before bed, instead of MNing. So many little moments in the day add up to a couple of hours.

And have a read through the 50 Book thread for loads of ideas for what to read :)

Thank you that's a good idea. I rarely have ten minutes but I need to take them out with me!! Do u recommend a kindle?

It certainly makes reading more convenient, not having to make room for a big paperback. But, having said that, I tend to swap between kindle and book. I just have the basic kindle which is now quite old, and an early version Kindle Fire which I use more as a tablet.

I mentioned this to my mum and she recommended short stories which seems a good idea. She's also leant me this

Try to read a little bit every day. Maybe read something which isn't too demanding just yet. Perhaps another Daphne du Maurier, or one of the shorter classics? That way, it doesn't matter if you don't remember everything.

I didn't read a lot when my DDs were tiny but I did try to read at least something every day. It does get easier as they get older.

I use the library constantly and signed up with the e mail service they provide which means that I get an e mail 2 days before the books are due to be renewed. I can renew on line and also reserve on line. Fantastic service and saved me a fortune!

I was in similar situation as you. Youngest turned two at the end of last year and I've really made an effort to get back into my old reading habits now I'm getting more sleep (well, sometimes!) I found sleep deprivation just knocked my ability to concentrate for six.

I have a Kindle and a Kindle app on the IPad (though if I had a lit screen kindle as opposed to an old one I wouldn't use this as much.)

I read on the app in the dark while sitting up with kids waiting for them to sleep, or up in the night for any reason. My youngest still naps and oldest at school so I am quite selfish about using that time for reading and not jobs all the time, as usually too tired in the evenings. I'm also trying to get to bed a bit earlier so I get half an hour then.

Agree with always having something on you in case you get the chance. If my dd falls asleep when we're out, docs appointment if I'm on my own.

Also when I take my kids to the library I always make sure I pick up something for myself as well, reserve and collect if I don't have a chance to browse.

My mental health has been so much better since I've got my reading back, it is so worth it, and becomes second nature again after a couple of weeks.

Sorry that was long! In my defence I'm reading War and Peace, and seem to have forgotten how to keep things short