Hi everyone! I am 25 and was brought up in a very strict environment concerning books. If they were not classical or challenged me I was not encouraged to read them at all. It also does not help that I was slow at picking up reading. I have severe ADHD possible dyslexia and I was homeschooled by a very religious parent. So with all this mixed together, my relationship with reading from the start has been rough. The first book I remember reading in its entirety was kidnapped by Robert Louis Stevenson when I was 8. I reread it so many times. I actually got in trouble from my mom if she caught me reading it. She said it" was no longer impressive so I had to move on to something else". Anyway to move on from that far too long background I have tried reading multiple genres and I just can't find something that's sticks. I start reading. I enjoy it and then I put it down and I never pick it up again for some reason even if I genuinely enjoyed it. I'm worried that since my favorites were always ones that I was congratulated on reading at such a young age that I've developed this idea that if I read something that isn't a classicalish type of literature, it's the equivalent to junk food for my brain. Which is complete BS that I was taught growing up and for some reason will not leave my head. I'm even more worried that I've been programmed to believe that if there is no challenge there's no point to read. Don't get me wrong I want to fall in love with reading again. I just don't know how to at this point. I am also sorry for the very long post and if it feels too dumpy. But I feel like everyone is bonding together with a genuine love for reading that I'll just never have. I would genuinely appreciate any advice anyone has. Anything at all.
by Username11111111117
6 Comments
Maybe you’d like short stories. They are a special genre unto themselves in my opinion.
I mean this with sincerity and without judgment. I think you would benefit from therapy in addition to some enjoyable books. Your relationship to reading for pleasure has been hijacked by your upbringing. I really hope that you are able to find joy from reading. In the meantime, I am going to recommend the His Dark Materials series by Phillip Pullman. Do not be put off by the fact that Pullman writes for younger readers; these books are widely read by adults. As a bonus, Pullman offers interesting critique on religion in this series. Best of luck to you.
First of all, I am sorry. I am a short list of my favorites or important books. Here is a link. Mostly nonfiction, they are the best stories because they have real characters. I listened to audiobooks through Libby with a participating Library and library card. It is free and I can do other things when I listen. I don’t have a learning disability but I am a slow reader with an audible learning style. I typically do 40-60 audiobooks a year. Lots of variety on my list.
https://photos.app.goo.gl/C7A2K6ixojFAqwCC9
You need to work on deprogramming those ideas. Just start reading what you enjoy (even if it’s what you used to read as a child). I re-read my old faves Howl’s Moving Castle and The Little Prince all the time as an adult.
I also have ADHD. I went through a phase where I would also not finish books even if I was enjoying them. Some of us (ADHDers) find it easier to listen to audiobooks and do other things while listening. My mind tends to wander, but it might work for you. Forget about challenges for right now and look for something that you will find compelling and enjoyable. Easier said than done, I know. Maybe try reading novellas or short story collections. What do you like in other forms of media? Pay attention to those interests. Also, try setting aside time each day for just reading. Maybe at the same time of day if you can manage it. Mine is before bed. That really helped me. That and just starting with a few minutes at the time or a particular page count I wanted to get through. It is super hard for me to form “habits”, but this is one thing that stuck for me. I am always trying to trick my brain into things.
Oh, I also let myself mood read. I might have several books going at once and I will hop between them. It seems to keep my brain from jumping ship. Having a library card is great because I can test out different books through Libby and see what my mood is telling me. If it is not grabbing me, I just let the book go and try something else.