The last book I read through was when I was a child/young teen and it was a Goosebumps book. I've attempted to read books more recently about IPs that have caught my attention elsewhere, such as Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell, Discworld and Jack Reacher as I've enjoyed the games and shows.
I just couldn't get in to them, and I'm not sure if it's due to my aphantasia or if I'm just picking the wrong books. How do you choose what book you want to read?
by dewmzdeigh
9 Comments
Hello! I have good luck with audio. I listen at a faster rate, usually 1.5 or 2 and it keeps my attention better.
Edit to add. Sometimes I can’t listen because I don’t like the reader’s voice or style.
With regard to the aphantasia… have you tried audiobooks? Maybe stuff thats fast-paced and punchy… like Project Hail Mary, The Martian?
I started reading in my 20s and I picked up Harry Potter for first time, sometimes starting with young adult books can be helpful. If aphantasia is a problem, try audiobooks! I listen whenever I go for walks and I love it.
Short stories compilations are nice for reading. Audiobooks are also good.
perhaps try audio?
I chose one of my favorite movies The shining. Got sucked in and then went on to the sequel Doctor Sleep (this movie was also amazing). It helps that Stephen king is an excellent story teller. Now I’m like 15 books deep into my new reading interest
Aphantasia (for those of you, like me, who had to google it: it’s the inability to visualize mental images). I would suggest shorter books. The ones you described are heavy on exposition and long.
Agatha Christie tends to be short and interesting. Bc it’s murder mystery, a lot of it is “told” instead of shown. You’re usually told to do the opposite when writing.
If you want something more contemporary, try graphic novels or manga, as they come with visuals ready for you.
Good luck!!
The way I broke my longest reading slump was to pick a random book and read it as fast as I could. After a while, my mind started grasping what was happening and by the end I was not only engaged with the story, but had gained the habit of reading regularly.
By picking one up and turning to the page that has a 1 on it sonewhere