For the longest time, probably between the ages 15-35, I went without reading almost anything- least of all actually finishing a book. It’s not that I hated reading or didn’t see the point in it, quite the opposite. I always wanted to be able to get into the hobby, but always bounced off. I just struggled to make an effort, and the times I did, I would read a 800+ page epic thinking that was a good way for me to breach into it (it never was). It wasn’t until I started off small, with short stories like HG Wells’ time machine and The Hobbit and completing them did I realise reading stamina is a big deal. It became a joy rather than one of those things I feel like I should do because it’s mentally healthier than TV. I started reading all sorts of genres and found things I never would have thought I’d like. I started reading non fiction books about pre-history, space, 1800s history, biographies, books about grief etc. I went from feeling so mentally crushed, especially after the unexpected passing of my husband, to a more patient, healthy and at peace mindset and I think reading had a lot to do with that.
by ExpensiveCookie8550
3 Comments
This is inspirational, bravo! Thanks for sharing.
P.S. Sorry for the passing of your husband.
I was talking about books in a community relatively soon after finishing/buying a fancy copy of War and Peace and there was a guy who latched onto the idea of making that his entry point into reading again. It didn’t work out very well. It really is a great book with some great imagery when you’re ready for it, but it’s not a good way to build a habit of reading.
The habit is the most important thing. Because shorter books are shorter, they pay off sooner. You don’t have to battle through 100 (or several hundred) pages of setting the stage to start to be rewarded for your effort. I love longer formats, but in my opinion you have to build up to them.
I’m so sorry for the loss of your husband.
Finding comfort in reading is great, its a healthy habit you can hold onto. I’ve been a reader since I was a child & it has helped me through a lot of stuff like insomnia (its good to have something to do while not sleeping), loneliness & boredom.