i want to read more but i dont like to read?

Question

i just cant focus and the stories never "come alive". i get really bored easily; i end up not following the story. i sometimes read a page or two then stop to think about what i just read and have no clue. so i reread it, and yet again dont follow. so i end up rereading the same page a few times before becoming frustrated with it and giving up.

has anyone else been through this problem?
any ideas how to get that desire to read?

thank you for your time

Answer 1

I don't want to blindly assign labels, but have you been tested for dyslexia or some other problem? Maybe it's just that you're bored with the subject you've chosen to read. I know I get that way if I read philosophy or metaphysical books yet I can read military history with no problems. Do you encounter this with fiction as well as non-fiction? What about starting off with magazine articles? It may not be as "intimidating" as a full-length book. Do you get frustrated because you may be a "slow" reader and it takes you longer than other people to finish a page? I have a relative that is very bright but she is the slowest reader I've ever met. That's just because she didn't read as a kid and is just now developing the reading habit. Her speed and interest in increasing with each book she finishes. Maybe you need to start with a children's or young adult book. You could always read to your kids if you have any, or to nieces and nephews. Basically a good reader becomes that way from practice.

I hope I didn't offend you with the dyslexia remark. I know of instances where people had problems like yours and weren't aware they had this problem. Too many kids fall through the cracks in school, unfortunately, and their problems aren't discovered until later in life. I wish you well and hope you get lots of good advice.

Answer 2

Try reading short stories instead of a whole book. There are many books that are compiled short stories, read one at a time. Also don't be in a hurry to finish a book. Set a goal to read one or two pages at a time, then put the book down and do something different. Come back later, maybe even the next day, and read a little more. This is especially effective if you think about what you read between reading times. Read subject material that is most interesting to you and at a level that is enjoyable.

Answer 3

I experience this from time to time. What I have found over the years is that I need to pick books that really excite me. Then I will read.
For me, I am a more action-oriented person. I'd rather do than read about doing. So picking the right time to read is important as well. Right after coffee or caffeinated soda is definately the wrong time!

If I'm sleepy, I'll wake up in the morning with my face in the book and printer's ink on my face. For me, the best time is after dinner. You have to find out when that time is for you.

Eliminate distractions, turn your phone off, no food or snacks while reading, sit up, not in a recliner, and pick a book that you just can't wait to read. Also, when you find an author you like, read all or most of their books. And the #1 tip: read what you love.

Answer 4

Look, it is good that you want to read, but that's just it, you are going to have to start reading and read beyond two or three pages. If you chose a good book, eventually you will understand and follow the story. If you chose a book that is beyond your comprehension or just not a very good book, you may find yourself reading and reading never understanding a thing.

My recommendation to you is to start with reading some of the classics. There are many many books with a myriad of topics, so you should be able to find a topic that suits your tastes. These books are classics because they are good books. I promise that you can get through it.

If not, I recommend that you talk to someone about your difficulties and determine if you have a learning disability that was never diagnosed. Reading is wonderful, but reading the wrong stuff is painful.

Good luck!

Answer 5

First of all, relax. Quit beating yourself up over something like this. When I was in undergraduate and graduate school, I would read, re-read and read again. I just could not focus on the content at hand. Finally, during my last few semesters in graduate school, I learned to study and read without getting so frustrated. The key is to find the style that works best for you. For example, I hate to read during the day time. I am most productive from 8 p.m. on. Trying to get me to read before this time is counterproductive. I learned the hard way, but I learned.

Find a style that works for you. Hang in there. You will get the knack of it and soon find yourself enjoying what you read.

Give yourself time and patience.

Good luck.

Take care.

Answer 6

Yes, I have this problem. I am 34 years old also. When I was in college, I had a very hard time. At 17, I received a brain injury that effected my eyes. Reading makes me very tired.

Does reading make you tired? It is not uncommon, and don't put yourself down for it. There are many reasons that this might be happening. Check with a specialist if it bothers you, but it's really no big deal unless it affects your thinking.

I try to always read a book, but there is no pressure to finish it.

Answer 7

You sound like you're trying too hard to focus.

You may also be picking the wrong items to read. Try finding some short stories and reading them.

Good short stories can make reading a lot of fun. Go to such classic authors as O Henry for a start. He was the master of the plot twist and his stories are delicious to the mind.

Try to make it fun instead of a chore. You might want to try finding a reading partner.

Answer 8

Very good question! I love that you have the desire to read. If you can find a subject matter or author that you really like, you may find that desire. I find Stephen King's books draw me in very quickly, as do Nelson deMille's.

Good luck and I hope you find the desire you are looking for!

Answer 9

Have you had your eyesight checked? I ask because 3 yrs ago I was having similar issues and found out I was really straining my eyes as I ws far sighted so my eyes were working really hard to read print so I had to read things numerous times to comprehend them. Needless to say I wear reading glasses now whenever I read or work online.

Answer 10

Have you been tested for eye problems? My aunt had a similar problem as a child until she got glasses. She didn't realize things were actually supposed to have edges and not be blurry.

Because she couldn't see it, she couldn't focus on a book long enough to enjoy it, and it was far too difficult to "enjoy" it.