Quote:
Originally Posted by latepaul
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It usually seems OK but rarely more than that. (I call it the 7/10 problem as it's the most common rating I tend to give books)
I've tried over the last few years to really push myself to read. I've tried reading different genres. I've tried just picking stuff that seems fun. I've set reading goals. I've tried lots of things. And don't get me wrong I've read some good books and enjoyed them OK. I've read a few really good books. But at the end of the day, I'm more likely to reach for the TV remote than my ereader and I'm more likely to reach for my PC than that.
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I guess one thing to ask yourself, given the 7/10 rating you mention as common for books -- ask yourself honestly, at the end of day, after you have reached for the TV remote or your PC -- what quality rating do you give an evening (or whatever) spent with the TV or PC? Higher than 7/10? Or just easier?
Quote:
Originally Posted by latepaul
And I'm nervous admitting that because it seems like people see that as a moral failing but it's just where I'm at. I'd like to be a more engaged reader. I still get excited by the idea of books. I didn't set out to change but it seems I have. The problem is everything I've tried to reverse the trend seems to make it feel like a chore.
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Well, I certainly wouldn't see it as any kind of moral failing. Perhaps, rather than pushing or challenging yourself to read (which can make it a chore), just give yourself permission to read (it is too easy to see it as a luxury of time we can't afford), permission to disconnect (from the news, from online life, from current events and information for information's sake), permission to escape (from the usual). Further, make sure to give yourself permission to *not* enjoy a book (regardless of its critical acclaim) and to put it down and move on (our egos can make that harder than it sounds).
At the end of the day, it's the end of *your* day -- read, write, TV, the corner pub (with moderation), walk in the park, PC, yoga (with moderation) ...