tl;dr version: I can read basic books and understand very simple textbooks, but nothing beyond that, and I want to be better. Doesn't matter to me if the book is fiction, non-fiction, educational, etc. I just want to be better.
Longer version:
I have historically never been a "reader". I read some books when I was a kid but that's it. So historically, reading really hasn't been my "thing".
About a month ago, I really got into reading. I have read two books so far: "Flowers for Algernon" (amazing book!) and "Rosemary's Baby" (well written, but not my style). Both books are about my level of reading.
But I want to expand my ability to enjoy other types of books too! I want to read classics, and be able to read every type of written material for both subjects I am familiar with and subjects I am. I want to be able to infer meaning and context based on what I read, via my reading comprehension skills.
I really want to be able to gain knowledge in many different domains.
Any suggestions or directions to go in? I'm open to all suggestions!
Thank you!
by Fabulous-Sweet-3172
3 Comments
I wonder if you’d like to start with some classics that are often taught at the middle-school level. They start to introduce things like symbolism, metaphor, and context without using overly complex language, which may be a good way to build your reading muscles. The first one that comes to my mind is “The Giver,” by Lois Lowry. It’s a great book!
Congratulation on your goal.
Books written before WWII frequently have longer sentences and use words that most people don’t use today. If you read on a kindle, you can tap the word on the screen for a definition that explains the meaning of the word.
If you share with us what kind of tv series or movies or video games you prefer, you will get better targeted suggestions of fiction books to read.
If you share with us what topics you are curious about, you will get better suggestions for nonfiction.
If you want some older novels, The Woman in White by Wilkie Collins. Collins is sometimes credited with inventing the detective/thriller/mystery genre. His writing is surprisingly accessible even though it was published in 1860. And, at least for me, The Woman in White was an extremely fun mystery novel that kept me guessing.