Need better reading tips 🤔
Hi everyone, I suck at reading, I always have, I haven’t read a book since high school but wanted to get back into it after talking to some book loving friends.
I want to enjoy book, but it’s just so physically and mentally exhausting getting through an single chapter, even on things I find interesting.
I am abysmally slow at reading, it took me about two months to read the first lord of the ring book where as my friends all read it in a day and a half.
Am I reading incorrectly? When I read I read each and every word one at a time and even then I have to sometimes go back a regular re read a paragraph because I didn’t understand what happened or I got distracted imagining the scene in my head and didn’t fully comprehend what happened.
My lack of ability to read properly really hurts my self esteem and makes me feel stupid. I don’t understand how I can read every word and still not get what happened or get confused.
How can an adult who’s not read for over a decade learn to read again?
Reading can be daunting, especially if you haven't picked up a book in years. Many people face challenges like slow reading speed and difficulty in comprehension. To rekindle your love for reading, start with materials that genuinely interest you. Consider choosing shorter books or articles to slowly build your stamina. Setting a daily reading goal can also help; even 10-15 minutes can accumulate over time. Another helpful tip is to practice skimming: familiarize yourself with the text by reading headings, subheadings, and any highlighted sections before diving into the full text. This can enhance comprehension by giving you a context for detail. Also, try to minimize distractions in your environment, as focus is crucial for understanding what you read. You might also explore reading aloud or using audiobooks in tandem with text. This technique leverages auditory learning and can boost your understanding by reinforcing what you hear and see. Additionally, participating in reading groups or discussions can provide motivation and deepen your insights. Remember, reading is a skill that improves with practice, so don't be too hard on yourself—everyone has their own pace!
Start with some novellas, maybe even some younger books as well to train your brain and imagination. Join a book club or get a friend to read the same book where you can have discussions about it. Start small a few pages at a time. Re-read them if need be.