Is there a trick to enjoy reading books?

[Evelisse]

I have never been much of a book reader for fun, and it's something I would like to change. I'm not sure if it is something that has to be picked up at a young age or what, but I just find a hard time picking up a book and reading, to learn something or just for entertainment.

I'm not sure if because I really enjoy drawing, painting, well art overall, if my brain is stuck on needing visuals. Now I'm a huge movie fan, and enjoy the occasional comic book from time to time (more so when I was younger).

So to the readers out there, is there a trick to it, or have I just not found the right kinds of books? I mean you'd think based on the movies, shows and comics I like, I'd enjoy fantasy, sci-fi, or mystery. But so far nothing is clicking.
Anyone have this problem or have any advice?

[Ace of Knaves]

I'm not a massive reader, but I find that I can become engrossed with a book pretty easily if it's something i'm interested in. I'm not one of them people who can just pick up any old book and get into it, I usually pick books that I know i'd be interested in. So I dunno, have a look at the blurbs of some fantasy or mystery books, if you like the sound of them just give em a go. You never know, you could get really into them.

[November Rain]

I do think you have to throw yourself into it and probably read a good 80 pages straight off the bat and submerge yourself into the material


clear some time in your schedule and dive right in.

[[A]]

Is there a trick to enjoy reading books?
Yes. The book must be good.

[[A]]

Is there a trick to enjoy reading books?
Yes. The book must be good.

[CConn]

I think part of it is simply adjusting to reading, and reading a lot.

I used to read constantly, but once I started reading comics (which, obviously, move MUCH faster than a novel), I couldn't finish a book to save my life just because my attention span had adjusted to comics.

That's probably you're problem. You're attention span is so set on 2-hour movie, 30-minute TV show that it just naturally doesn't like a 10+ hour book.

[Eggyman]

Yes. The book must be good.

:lmao:

[Kieser1]

Try to find similarities between yourself and the main character in the book. Whether it be personal traits or similarities between your lives, or other things. I find that I always enjoy reading books in which I can relate to the character in some way.

Hope that helps.

[Sava]

You just havent found the right book, try a small (300 or 400 pages) book first, one in your fav genre.

[Captain_BluTac]

I have never been much of a book reader for fun, and it's something I would like to change. I'm not sure if it is something that has to be picked up at a young age or what, but I just find a hard time picking up a book and reading, to learn something or just for entertainment.

I'm not sure if because I really enjoy drawing, painting, well art overall, if my brain is stuck on needing visuals. Now I'm a huge movie fan, and enjoy the occasional comic book from time to time (more so when I was younger).

So to the readers out there, is there a trick to it, or have I just not found the right kinds of books? I mean you'd think based on the movies, shows and comics I like, I'd enjoy fantasy, sci-fi, or mystery. But so far nothing is clicking.
Anyone have this problem or have any advice?

First of all there's the obvious thing of only read things your interested in, the next thing don't try reading on a bus or anywhere like that, I see people doing it, but I think if you're anything like me you would get distracted to easily, and then finally set up your reading area (lounge bedroom wherever you can be comfy and alone) so you don't have your TV/radio/computer turned on then try reading there, maybe have a bit of background music or whatever, in short set up somewhere you can be comfortable and not distracted lol.

[The Lizard]

I'm not sure if because I really enjoy drawing, painting, well art overall, if my brain is stuck on needing visuals. Now I'm a huge movie fan, and enjoy the occasional comic book from time to time (more so when I was younger).

Actually, the fact that you enjoy creating art and visual media should help you in your reading instead of holding you back.

Reading a (well-written) book creates wonderful images of the characters and events vividly in your mind. Even better, it's a different visualization for everyone, since we all think differently. To pick a simple example, part of the popularity of the Harry Potter books results from the clear, endearing images of the characters that author JK Rowling creates via her writing style. Despite various flaws in that writing style (and there are more than a few), the characters and environments have became treasured by many readers due to how their images were vividly formed by the descriptive text.

Reading a book is sort of an opportunity to "play director". You're reading the script and interpreting it visually in your own mind's style. Hope that helps.


On a more personal note however --- you might perhaps be ADD. That makes it hard for a lot of people to read books all the way through.

[Eggyman]

Actually, the fact that you enjoy creating art and visual media should help you in your reading instead of holding you back.

Reading a (well-written) book creates wonderful images of the characters and events vividly in your mind. Even better, it's a different visualization for everyone, since we all think differently. To pick a simple example, part of the popularity of the Harry Potter books results from the clear, endearing images of the characters that author JK Rowling creates via her writing style. Despite various flaws in that writing style (and there are more than a few), the characters and environments have became treasured by many readers due to how their images were vividly formed by the descriptive text.

Reading a book is sort of an opportunity to "play director". You're reading the script and interpreting it visually in your own mind's style. Hope that helps.


On a more personal note however --- you might perhaps be ADD. That makes it hard for a lot of people to read books all the way through.


Absolutely. There's been times where I've read a good book and months later was sure that I'd seen the film because I could remember visual elements from scenes in my mind.

[Colossal Spoons]

I think a lot of the boring books they made us read in school have turned a lot of people(myself included) away from reading. Even today, I have NO idea what the point of reading like 90% of the crap I did in grade/high school was. I'm plenty cultured now, I have a decent vocabulary, and I can mingle and jingle with a ritzy crowd if I have to.

I've gotten back into reading b/c of books like Harry Potter, Left Behind, and lots of autobiographies.

[The Lizard]

I've gotten back into reading b/c of books like Harry Potter, Left Behind, and lots of autobiographies.

I don't know why, but I was very surprised at this. :huh:

[black_dust]

I find the best way to enjoy a book is wait until the film comes out

[Franklin Richards]

Put a George Carlin book in the bathroom. They aren't narratives and contain small stories and jokes. That way you can start a reading habit. After a few months on the toilet you might even pick up a regular book.

Good Carlin book is "When Will Jesus Bring the Pork Chops?".


:thing: :doom: :thing:

[Bnightwing]

I read comics ,or those books in science fiction of books a million that DC and Marvel makes they are good ones in my option.

[Yurka]

When I was younger I despised books and wouldn't touch one if my life depended on it, now, I love to read. I don't think there is a "trick", just a different mind-set that, in my case, came when I entered my "mature" years.

[Evelisse]

]I think a lot of the boring books they made us read in school have turned a lot of people[/B](myself included) away from reading. Even today, I have NO idea what the point of reading like 90% of the crap I did in grade/high school was. I'm plenty cultured now, I have a decent vocabulary, and I can mingle and jingle with a ritzy crowd if I have to.

I've gotten back into reading b/c of books like Harry Potter, Left Behind, and lots of autobiographies.

I have to agree with that, there aren't to many times that come to mind during school where I felt better after reading a book forced on us like Moby Dick.

[Captain Planet!]

Well, yes there is a trick to it. You have to read it and enjoy it.

[jaguarr]

Yes. You need reading comprehension skills, an imagination and an attention-span. :up:

jag

[AlteredEgo]

mushrooms :wow:

[Colossal Spoons]

I don't know why, but I was very surprised at this. :huh:

Haha, I was hesitant at first b/c I was terrified of apocalyptic things but I love it. Still need to finish the last one though :up:

I have to agree with that, there aren't to many times that come to mind during school where I felt better after reading a book forced on us like Moby Dick.

The book I enjoyed reading the most...or at all, in high school was Catcher in The Rye.

[AndThePickles]

I think a lot of the boring books they made us read in school have turned a lot of people(myself included) away from reading. Even today, I have NO idea what the point of reading like 90% of the crap I did in grade/high school was. I'm plenty cultured now, I have a decent vocabulary, and I can mingle and jingle with a ritzy crowd if I have to.

I've gotten back into reading b/c of books like Harry Potter, Left Behind, and lots of autobiographies.

Schools have to choose a set curriculum, so that's why it's usually old classics and such. The point is to teach students how to read and comprehend, period. It's an important part of developing your thinking and writing skills. As much as I hated some of the books, I fully believe it was essential to my education.

Teehee, I totally got you back into reading :oldrazz: I'll never forget your "I'll never read those dumb Harry Potter books" days.

To the original poster: Aside from the advice already given, unfortunately, I do think that people who didn't read much when they were young DO have a problem getting as "into" books. Each generation seems to read less and watch tv more, and the toll it takes on attention spans is simply awful. You may want to start off with reading the book version that one of your favorite movies was based off of so you KNOW you'll like the actual story. Like anything, reading can take some practice/getting used to.

[Watson]

To the original poster: I would try picking a book is tied to something you're already interested in. For example if you like Star Wars, there are lots of good extended universe Star Wars novels.

[BlackLantern]

just pick up a book and go....and Watsons suggestion is good, if its something you like, try and find books in that area

[Spider-Who?]

I'm an artist and musician, and I love to read. I don't have that "need for visuals" you claim. It thinks its possible that you are right that the innate love of reading must start at an early age. That is not to say you can't learn to love reading now!

If I find a good enough book (and I have the time) I can finish a 600 or more page book in two days no problem. With that in mind, I tend to always having to run to the library to pick up more.

I do have a suggestion for you:

The author is James Patterson. He's got a series of books based on a character, Alex Cross. The novels are usualy about this detective Cross racing to stop a killer or Terrorist. They are easy to read and the speed and tension is done well - making you want to read more of it. But there's also alot of his personal life, raising his kids, dealing with the death of his wife, his new love being kidnapped and she blaming him for it...lots of different running themes...Also, its written in first person, so you really get to know and relate to Alex Cross. Some of the books are called:

Kiss the Girls
Along Came a Spider (both this and the latter were turned into movies)
Roses Are Red
Violets are Blue
Jack and Jill
London Bridges
Cross
Double Cross

there are more, but these are ones that come to mind.

[C. Lee]

Some people need absolutely no distractions to get into a book....do you have too much other things going on around you as you read?

[chaseter]

I must have complete silence or near silence or I get distracted:o

[C. Lee]

I love listening to music as I read.

[PLAS]

I love reading.
I read in the toilet, commuting, in my bedroom, in class while the class begins, in the living room, while waiting in line

and the secret, well, just read and let your head do the rest

[PLAS]

I love reading.
I read in the toilet, commuting, in my bedroom, in class while the class begins, in the living room, while waiting in line

and the secret, well, just read and let your head do the rest

[amazingfantasy15]

I didn't start reading for fun (well outside of comics) until after college, then started taking the train to work, realized it was boring so started reading, it was a good way to pass the time. Still only read books while on my way to work or during lunch, not at home, unless I'm almost to the end of a book I'm really interested in.

[Sentinel X]

I have never been much of a book reader for fun, and it's something I would like to change. I'm not sure if it is something that has to be picked up at a young age or what, but I just find a hard time picking up a book and reading, to learn something or just for entertainment.

I'm not sure if because I really enjoy drawing, painting, well art overall, if my brain is stuck on needing visuals. Now I'm a huge movie fan, and enjoy the occasional comic book from time to time (more so when I was younger).

So to the readers out there, is there a trick to it, or have I just not found the right kinds of books? I mean you'd think based on the movies, shows and comics I like, I'd enjoy fantasy, sci-fi, or mystery. But so far nothing is clicking.
Anyone have this problem or have any advice?
Yes.

1. Don't force yourself to read. If you don't feel like reading...take your time and pick it up when you feel like doing so
2. Chose a good book.

Thats pretty much it, haha.
But when I read I usually imagine the book (in my mind's eye) as a film...complete with camera shots, score, and all...Im serious :o. I imagine the charecters to be a particular actor and yeah, I guess it helps cause I love movies and I love to read...so maybe you should try that (or maybe everyone tries that...idk)...and I reccomend you go straight to the literature section at your library or bookstore; When I was younger I'd pick up Spider-man and X-men books (but they were TERRIBLE...TERRIBLE!!) so I started reading literature and the stories are SO much better and a lot more fascinating.

And I also listen to music when Im reading...not music with words (to me that is usually a distration) but film scores that fit the book's tone and style...it helps me get into my reading mood a lot faster!

[union_jak]

Absolutely. There's been times where I've read a good book and months later was sure that I'd seen the film because I could remember visual elements from scenes in my mind.
Of course, that only works providing the film has done a good enough adaptation :cwink::oldrazz:

[zanos]

I have never been much of a book reader for fun, and it's something I would like to change. I'm not sure if it is something that has to be picked up at a young age or what, but I just find a hard time picking up a book and reading, to learn something or just for entertainment.

I'm not sure if because I really enjoy drawing, painting, well art overall, if my brain is stuck on needing visuals. Now I'm a huge movie fan, and enjoy the occasional comic book from time to time (more so when I was younger).

So to the readers out there, is there a trick to it, or have I just not found the right kinds of books? I mean you'd think based on the movies, shows and comics I like, I'd enjoy fantasy, sci-fi, or mystery. But so far nothing is clicking.
Anyone have this problem or have any advice?


I think the trick is definately finding the right book series and not just one singular book to read. If you find the right series like I have you'll be dying to find out what comes next in book 2 and 3 and so on and before you know it you're a book reader. You might also want to try audio books. That's what I did in the very beginning when I didn't feel it was possible for me to finish a long book. That was 2 months ago. I have since finished nearly 21 books. Previous to this I had only finished 2 during an entire lifetime. I basically hated reading and didn't have the attention span for it. I have fell asleep reading the prologue to an extremely popular book. I still have trouble reading that book. This does happen now and then.

[Addendum]

Find a book that interests you: something you already enjoy or something that you've wanted to learn
Have a good light source: make sure the wattage for the bulb is within the recommended tolerance for the lamp you're using, and that it's beneficial for reading (not too bright or too dim)
Get comfortable: recliner or sofa works.
Have something to drink: Just so you don't doze off if you're too comfortable. Plus, you will get thirsty.

Anything else is up to personal preference.

Just don't be too disappointed if read a fictional book, and the movie adaptation doesn't live up to the one that played out in your mind

[Manic]

Start with short stories. These days, I read a lot of Agatha Christie novels. Back when I was in high school (several of my English teachers literally set aside 10 minutes for "silent reading" on Wednesdays), I started off reading a lot of those one-minute mystery books, where each mystery was only 1-2 pages long. Try finding some sort of anthology book with a bunch of short stories.

The key for me--and I mean the real key--is to construct the characters in my head based on the descriptions given in the story. When I'm reading a book, I know what these characters sound like, and learn to predict some of their reactions. It really helps if you're reading a book with a cast list (plays are good for this).

Oh, and make sure if you're reading a genre, it's not a genre you typically like for visual/auditory reasons. If you like watching certain types of movies mostly because of their special effects and/or soundtracks, then it's best to avoid the books. For example, if you liked Star Wars for the lightsaber fights or actors, then you might find yourself disappointed in any Star Wars books you pick up.

[Manic]

Start with short stories. These days, I read a lot of Agatha Christie novels. Back when I was in high school (several of my English teachers literally set aside 10 minutes for "silent reading" on Wednesdays), I started off reading a lot of those one-minute mystery books, where each mystery was only 1-2 pages long. Try finding some sort of anthology book with a bunch of short stories.

The key for me--and I mean the real key--is to construct the characters in my head based on the descriptions given in the story. When I'm reading a book, I know what these characters sound like, and learn to predict some of their reactions. It really helps if you're reading a book with a cast list (plays are good for this).

Oh, and make sure if you're reading a genre, it's not a genre you typically like for visual/auditory reasons. If you like watching certain types of movies mostly because of their special effects and/or soundtracks, then it's best to avoid the books. For example, if you liked Star Wars for the lightsaber fights or actors, then you might find yourself disappointed in any Star Wars books you pick up.

[GoblinWhirlwind]

I dunno.. I think either you love to read or you don't. I've read ever since I was probably 3 or 4. When all other forms of entertainment don't really get my attention, I read. On average I read about 1-2 novels a week... maybe more of one of those "moods" strike me.

[JewishHobbit]

You can always try to switch up your interests. I use to get annoyed at reading because I liked Fantasy but couldn't get into them anymore. Then I tried to switch it up and read The Notebook by Nicholas Sparks. Turns out that I loved it and ended up reading it's sequel, The Wedding. And that got me into reading more again, fantasy included.

However, something that helped me also is book on tape (cd, whatever). Pop a disc in the car and it just plays. It's easier because you don't necessarilly have to focus on it and it just keeps moving. I found that it's easier to get into if it rushes by the first parts and before I know it I'm pulled into my driveway and just sitting there waiting for a good scene to finish.

I started this with JRR Tolkien's Silmarillion, a book I liked as a kid but coudln't get into these days. I couldn't stop listening to it. Then I tried a book I've never read, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's "The Lost World" and I was even more entertained by that. A few books later I feel naked without a book playing in my car. Next up is something by Terry Prachett.

So either one of those options could be good for you if you want to try it. Library's a good place to get the books on tape if you want to give that a shot.