Hi everyone! I love the idea of reading, but every time I sit down with a book, I end up back on my phone after 5 minutes. I'm looking for a book that is fast-paced, easy to read, and will actually keep me hooked from page one. No 'classics' or heavy literature yet—just something fun. What got you back into reading?
by AcceptableSlide5244
15 Comments
“Margo’s Got Money Troubles” by Rufi Thorpe was a fun one that I would recommend if you’re looking for a light but entertaining read!
Jurassic Park got me reading again after years of not. I had seen the movie countless times before and finally picked it up. I couldn’t put it down!
Perhaps start with a goal of reading 30mins per day. No doomscrolling during that time. Leave your phone in another room. Build the habit.
I don’t have a book suggestion, but I do have an idea that can get you reading. Buy a phone jail/lock box with a timer. Dedicate an hour (or so) of reading time daily, and lock your phone up during that time. Without the screen it will be a lot easier to get into the book. (Lock up your TV remotes while you’re at it)
Ilona Andrews Innkeeper Chronicles –A magic Inn, space werewolves and vampires, a lot of really unique aliens, mystery, romance, action, a fun and humorous series
You can download the Kindle app on your phone or tablet and scroll to read that way. Doesn’t break the scrolling habit, but it’s better than scrolling TikTok mindlessly.
Start by reading about what strongly interests you. That will probably work best.
You should start with excellent children’s books. I recommend Hatchet by Gary Paulson. A boy is stranded in the Canadian wilderness and has to figure out how to survive. Great story for all ages.
When I am too scrolly to read, I put blockers on my phone. Forest and Freedom are both good. I still pick up my phone but the screen is there as a reminder.
War cross by Marie lu started my reading
No Exit by Taylor Adams
The Housemaid by Freida McFadden
I’ve recently discovered Agatha Christie short stories compilations. They’re short and sweet with an interesting twist – you’d definitely make it to the end of each short story, then can choose whether to read the next one today or dip in on another day.
As someone who was a voracious reader and then got addicted to scrolling, as you say, my best advice is not a specific book, but putting in place things to stop your scrolling and then replace the scrolling with a book instead. So, I put time limits on apps on my phone and browser. I removed social media from my phone or logged out of it and made it purposely hard to log in. I went through social media an unsubscribed from stuff that I felt was unhealthy or drawing me in too much. I put the kindle app on my laptop and my phone so instead of scrolling I can just open my book where ever. I subscribed to a couple newsletters that I really enjoy and read every week, etc. Just very intentionally setting up roadblocks and picking things to replace scrolling, and then working on being mindful and choosing to do those things instead of scrolling. I went from six books to over sixty in a year doing this.
Good luck.
Why not just scroll on reddit and read what captures your attention/interest?
A Simple Plan by Scott Smith
When I was in a reading slump, The Princess Bride got me out of it. Other books that I couldn’t put down included Pillars of the Earth which is fairly long, but each chapter is relatively short. Lonesome Dove is long but is also addictive. The Bus Driver Who Wanted to Be God by Etgar Keret is a collection of short stories no more than a few pages. The Sisters Brothers is another great book.