I’m almost 30 years old and I started reading more books a few years ago after making some dramatic lifestyle changes that were long overdue. My problem is that I’ve tried to dig into several books that seem to be universally loved by people here and elsewhere and I often feel like I am too dumb to appreciate many of them.
It’s not that I read these books and don’t enjoy them, I just feel like I truly don’t understand what’s happening in so many stories. Then I get even more discouraged when I see conversations surrounding books that I actually like and realize that they are looked down upon for being too simplistic or unoriginal.
I don’t want this to be one of those self-loathing posts where folks fish for sympathy in the comments, I’m really just wondering if any of you have improved your reading comprehension skills in adulthood and how did you do it?
by settledownbuddy
8 Comments
Over the past few months I’ve been heavily getting back into reading. I found that reading slower, mouthing along as I read, and underlining/annotating as I go has helped me get to a deeper level. Also, rereading helps a lot. So for instance, if I read something that really resonates with me, or feels important, I’ll mark it, and then the next time I pick up the book the next day, I’ll revisit those moments I had marked not only to freshen up on the plot, but just to enjoy the writing again. So no need to reread every single word again, but go back and enjoy reading your favorite parts again.
first off, fuck anyone who looks down on other books or the people who like them. that’s pretentious garbage.
just keep reading. read what you like. try books that are challenging. some you won’t like and won’t finish. others you will. it’s up to you. over time you’ll learn more about the types of books you like. also, reading is like exercise; you’re stretching a muscle. just keep at it.
and try to relax, not judge yourself, and just enjoy the ride.
Maybe try taking notes as you read
Try audiobooks
I always felt a similar way. It wasn’t until a few years ago I discovered that I could listen to a book’s audiobook while following along with the physical copy of the book. Reading this way has helped me pay closer attention to what I’m reading, and I feel like has improved my reading comprehension.
Please don’t read for anyone else. Read for yourself. Read books you enjoy and you’re doing it right.
There are no “dumb” or “smart” books. Just books that make you feel something. That’s all the matters.
Honestly reading books that “simplistic” or “unoriginal” is how I got back into reading. I found genres I liked and slowly worked my way back to reading “classics” and then to expanding to new genres. Just keep reading and find what you like.
I think this is two fold.
Firstly, keep reading lots of books, anything that catches your eye – books you understand well, ones that seem like they might be going over your head a bit, any genre/style that appeals to you. The more you read the better I think you’ll find you become at appreciating different books for their strengths and weaknesses, and your overall comprehension is likely to improve.
Secondly, when you read a book you enjoy but don’t necessarily feel you ‘get’ seek out reviews/discussions/analysis/critiques of it. I imagine plowing through some books that are classic school required readings will be an easy way to find a lot of info about picking them apart and understanding what they’re trying to show, with texts that likely aren’t overly complex. Hearing other people’s ideas about books, seeing themes/techniques dissected and explained etc will teach you to pick these things out for yourself and develop your ability to read into books more and apply it to whatever you read.
Hopefully this helps. There will always be smarter people or ideas that may never occur to you that others see, but I think you can get pretty good just with practice – both of reading and analysis.