Anyone experienced this?

[Feckinlego]

I can't concentrate on a book. Since childhood I've never ever not had a book on the go, I don't know what I'd do without reading. Last few weeks I'm still reading but only have a very faint grasp of what's going on with the plot. A few different genres so I don't think it's the books, I think it's me. Maybe I need to change to a new genre? I dunno, but I can't go on like this. First world problems I know but it's really bothering me! Any insights or words of wisdom?

do you need new glasses?

It happened to me for two years. Mental Health.

I started back by forcing myself to read for 30 mins a day, until there was no forcing.

I ended up breaking my record for books read that year.

Joining MN 50 Book Challenge really helped.

I'm in a bit of a funk at the moment and only audio is working for me. Have you tried audiobooks?

No glasses are not the problem because I use kindle. And it could well be mental health, although I feel fine maybe I'm just distracted by life. And I'm bored by the books so keep falling asleep so it's a vicious circle. Audiibooks are great for walking but not so much at night. Sigh! Hopefully it won't last.

Are you peri-menopausal by any chance? Could be a brain fog type thing if you are.

Is it your phone?
im awful with mine, so distracted
but that aside 2024 has not seen any really good reads for me

I’ve been the same for a few years due to my mental heath.

I had this when I was stressed. The only way round it was to read less & less 'demanding' books. I read some fairly meaningless chic-lit for a while. Hopefully, I'm reading slightly more interesting books now!

Have you tried re-reading old favourites so less to concentrate on? I always revisit Agatha Christie books at times like this.

All your suggestions are correct, yes to perimenopausal, yes to stress (I think). And nothing has really grabbed me this year! But I'm loathe to ask for recommendations because I don't want to 'waste' a good book while I feel this way.

Do you go online a lot? I find it difficult to concentrate now and I know it's because I'll be checking my phone all the time. Maybe put your phone in another room for half an hour and focus on reading for that half hour. If you panic at the thought of that, then you can see your problem.

I find it hard to concentrate on a book nowadays, except on (rare) train journeys.

Yes, I was always an avid reader but have given up on numerous books part way through in recent years. Then I read a couple of really gripping, well written books. I think my problem was lack of personal recommendation (my mum always recommended such great books to me). I discovered Kate Morton recently and am really enjoying her books.

Reread some favourites and see if the effect is the same?

I go in phases, there are times when I seem to 'go off' reading and not enjoy books and others when I can't get enough. I put it down to good and bad reads, but maybe it's a state of mind?

I switch between audible and paper books it helps as often I walk and listen

Don’t feel guilty if you don’t like a book and decide not to finish it.

I read in bed. Sometimes I manage ten minutes, other times a lot longer.

Perhaps read a few trashy chick flicks, rather than a more noble book.

Yes I’ve had this since having my daughter, who is now 2! I blame phones too though, spend too much time scrolling. I’ve found that sometimes re-reading an old favourite helps, or something like an exciting thriller?

I can't concentrate on reading if I'm full of worries so I agree with the suggestion of choosing more lighter books that don't have loads of characters and complicated stories

It's not just you, a lot of people have taken a real hit to their attention span. I think constant scrolling on phones is one cause and is the reason a lot of younger people are going back to non-smart phones.

I am happy (but not proud) to say that I am a bit addicted to mindless internet scrolling and it has been quite an effort to do a digital detox, as is proved by the fact that I'm posting here instead of reading my book!

I have read a lot more this year, and I do find it much easier to really get into books now I've gone back to reading more actual books, and am reading less on the Kindle.

I would try and find some books that are short and real page turners, perhaps go back to old favourites rather than new novels. I find quite a few are very overhyped and don't really make good reading. I'm reading a Barbara Vine that I hadn't come across before and it's doing the trick nicely.

Yes I know the feeling. Do you have Amazon prime? If so there are quite a few books free with prime. Some pretty good for example Girl A is free at the moment. If you go to Kindle ebooks there's a whole section on Prime Reading, tonnes of books. (This is different to the paid for kindle unlimited).

I sometimes turn to thrillers when this happens to me.

I'm the same, it's because I'm addicted to my phone.

Yes, I've noticed this over the last few months! I'm 48 and perimenopausal so wonder if it's this. I'm always having to re-read the last couple of pages when I pick my book up.

Have you considered the possibility that the problem isn't your choice of genres but your choice of authors?

I'd say perimenopause has a lot to do with it. Used you be a really avid reader with a touch of hyperfocus?

HRT and an eye test sound like they might both help OP

I’m a big reader and a stressful few years including a major bereavement and job changes not of my volition have upset the mental equilibrium I seem to need to be able to concentrate. But I’m also guilty of excess phone/tablet scrolling (with MN addiction not helping 🫣)