Theres nothing like the magic of getting lost in a good book.
First off, theres no shame in losing your bibliophilic gusto at some point.
And experts know how to make it as fun and easy as possible.
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Here are their best tips on how to reignite your passion for reading.
Choose books youll actually look forward to reading.
Sounds obviousbut a lot of us have judgy ideas about what books we should bereading, Schinsky says.
But heres the thing: Nobody worth your time should be judging your reading choices.
Steinbeck isnt morally superior to faerie smut.
And the more engaging youpersonallyfind the read, the easier it will be to rekindle that zest.
That will lead you to the next book that you enjoy readingand the next one, Koven-Matasy says.
Thats how youre going to build a habit.
Try a new genre (or an old favorite).
If youre not even surewhatyoud actually like reading, Koven-Matasy recommends venturing into a fresh genre.
Maybe you have an untapped passion for crime capers or magical realism.
it’s possible for you to also look to your taste in movies and TV for inspiration.
If you like romance movies, try aromance novel.
If you like action movies, try a thriller, Koven-Matasy says.
Meanwhile, her Formula 1fan husband is into novels about fictional race car drivers.
(YA fantasy, anybody?)
Or look for a modern take on an old favorite.
Were in a golden age of retellings, Koven-Matasy says.
Start with breezy reads.
I really gotta stress, try reading a short book first, says Koven-Matasy.
You wouldnt stroll into the gym for thefirst time in six monthsand go straight for the 200-pound barbell.
Or books with short chapters.
If your attention span feels ridiculously short these days, books broken up into smaller chunks are ideal.
Think fast-paced novels, short story collections, and essay collections.
Quick chapters also make it easier to fit in little doses of reading here and there.
Plus, brief collections are great for sampling a bunch of stuff and finding a new writer you love.
She recommends MacMillans yearlyBest Americanseries, which compile everything from food writing to mystery and suspense.
Give yourself permission to DNF.
Nothing makes reading more unappetizing than forcing yourself to finish a book you just cant get into.
Give yourself permission to, like, DNF with reckless abandon, Schinsky says.
There is no reason in our limited lifetime to force yourself to slog through a book youre not enjoying.
Of course, some booksdotake a minute to hook you.
Schinsky suggests about 50 pages or 10% in.
Classic book clubs are awesome.
Are you there yet?
Create (or seek out) special vibes for reading time.
It starts to feel like something that you could look forward to, Schinsky says.
Switch from physical books to e-books (or vice versa).
Consider which medium supports you better right now, Koven-Matasy says.
On the other hand, many people find physical books better for focusing.
We all associate screens with so many distractions, Koven-Matasy explains.
Like,let me check my email really quickly, let me check my Facebook notifications.
Some people find a dedicated e-reader is a nice in-between, Koven-Matasy adds.
Put your phone on a time-out.
Its much easier to get lost in another world when the infinite scroll isnt competing for your attention.
(Here are more ideasfor unhooking from your phone.)
Dont count out audiobooks.
Some argue that absorbing a story via your headphones doesnt count as much as skimming through the written words.
Its just as valid, Schinsky adds.
Not to mention, the convenience factor is hard to beat.
And the narration can be amazingly immersive.
Take advantage of your local public library.
I find that really mentally freeing, Koven-Matasy says.
Because once you get on a reading roll again, it might be hard to stop.
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