How can i retrieve my lost passion for reading?

Question

when i was WAY younger than now, i used to read a lot of books... but now that i'm older, and exposed to the net, and other things... i seem to forget the fun in reading book pages like i used to...
plus the fact that having an online life seems to eat up most of my time too...

i want to be able to read and finish books again, any ideas or tips on how i could regain my reading habit before? or at least, books good enough to stir my interest?

Answer 1

I would say ... now that you're older, don't feel obliged to read "worthy" books, "literary" books, or the older classics. Some of these may be great, but to recapture the fun of reading, go back to the type of books you used to read for F.U.N.

I remember, in my mid to late teens, feeling a need to leave my youth behind and look for more mature reading material - but at times, even the really good books seemed a little dull.

These days, books for younger readers are far more sophisticated in writing style - and it is no longer considered especially strange for a fully grown adult to read so-called "children's books". I'd recommend looking for a popular crossover title (one written primarily for kids but that adults love too) ... like the "Dark Materials" trilogy ... or "Justin Thyme" or "Stoneheart". These are the sort of books I read ALL the time!
http://www.amazon.co.uk/His-Dark-Materials-Gift-Set/dp/0439994799/sr=1-1/qid=1165016573/ref=sr_1_1/203-9915083-6090310?ie=UTF8&s=books
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Justin-Thyme-Tartan-Panama-Oxridge/dp/0955357004/ref=pd_ecc_rvi_1/203-9915083-6090310
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Stoneheart-Charlie-Fletcher/dp/034091162X/ref=pd_sim_b_2/203-9915083-6090310

Answer 2

Many things can distract you from reading. The internet is fun. And sometimes it is easier to stay online doing something...such as Yahoo Answers, or email, or watching YouTube, whatever...and forget that books are equally fun and enjoyable. It may be your interests have changed. You may have to work a little harder to find your comfort zone again. First of all, I would recommend that you choose your own books. Reading something just because it's popular or a "bestseller" doesn't mean that it will keep you turning pages. Browse. Just because you start a book doesn't mean you have to finish it. I would give it longer than one chapter, but less than three. (although I don't often take my own advice.) When you find something you're interested in, I'm sure you won't have any trouble finishing the book.

Some of my recent favorites:
Looking for Alaska by John Green
King Dork by Frank Portman

And my all-time favorite book:
Ender's Game by Orson Scott Card

Answer 3

This sounds like an oversimplification but have your eyes checked. When I lost interest in reading, it was because I needed new glasses. Second suggestion: Cultivate new friends who are interested in discussing what you've read. Your enjoyment increases tenfold. The great thing about a book is being able to pick it up and set it down when you feel like it. As for finding a really good book, I read the book review sections, and enjoy the teasers sent out by Borders.

Answer 4

Some years ago I too began to lose my interest in reading unlike you I could not blame the Internet as it was not really available at the time,Having been an avid reader who easily filled any spare time with a book I now found time very difficult to fill ,a friend persuaded me to join an English literature class ,it was a great success and completely revived my interest in reading by opening my mind to the vast range of really wonderful books that I had not read "and to me most amazingly" the world of poets and poetry which has given me endless pleasure since

Answer 5

Not sure what types of books you like to read, but I love reading Anne Rice's work. I lost my passion for reading after college because there were times I felt like that was all I ever did and it was rarely for pleasure. Anne Rice is the one author that I can really start reading a book by and not put it down. Her descriptions are wonderful and she really draws you into the story.

Answer 6

Ya gotta love Bill! He had a great answer. I, too, would go back and read a fav book from years ago. I would try to dedicate an hour a day to reading...one hour...and when I found that the one hour turned into more, well, you get the picture, right? Just do it..procrastinating never solved anything. Good Luck!

Answer 7

Simple,Go to your local library and once you see and smell the books again,you'll want to read every book in there.Check out those on subjects that you were interested in before you stopped reading.It's like reading a mystery, "who done it",you never forget the excitement you felt as you get closer to the end.Bring back that excitement you felt..open a book!

Answer 8

Look no further! Get thee to the fascinating compilation of literature at The Roll & Shuffle, http://pokerpulse.com/news/viewforum.php?f=12, which features excerpts of selections from some of the best stuff worldwide. Find a short piece you can sink your teeth into, then then borrow the book from the library for a bigger slice. Feel free to ask the editor for further details about any of the publications listed there. Write to [e-mail], who will freely divulge any plot that mystifies.

Answer 9

You should go to the bookstore and take some time to look over what they have. I was the same way you were. However, find a genre you are really interested in, and because of that, you will probably start reading more in that section. Start with that.

Answer 10

Try joining a book club! You tend to read since there is a deadline and it's fun to share what you think about a book with others (interactivity at the end of the...ahem...reading rainbow!).