Reading: How to read more?

[Penforhire]

Aside from exciting (to you) reading material, make sure your seating is comfortable, with the reader propped on something (to avoid hand fatigue) and you have plenty of light on your reading surface. I'd say to also cut down on background distractions but a really good book can make the world disappear.

[shanghaichica]

I think having a really good book that you can escape into is the most important thing. When I'm engrossed in a book it doesn't matter too much where I am or how comfortable I am. I like watching TV series too but nothing beats getting lost in a good book.

[pdurrant]

Originally Posted by shanghaichica

I think having a really good book that you can escape into is the most important thing. When I'm engrossed in a book it doesn't matter too much where I am or how comfortable I am. I like watching TV series too but nothing beats getting lost in a good book.

Yes, this is why we read. Not all the books are as good as this, but with the best books you won't notice the time or your surroundings, your attention is wholly on the story.

The only problem with a really good book is reading it in bed. Normally I'll stop and go to sleep after half an hour or so. With a really good book I'll read until I finish it, and then find I only have time for three or four hours of sleep!

[BookCat]

Are you reading for pleasure or as part of a course of some kind? If it's for pleasure, then I agree with the recommendations to try reading fiction instead, especially plot-driven stories with strong characters; a bit like adult YA. On the other hand, if you have to read non-fiction as part of a course, don't do this for long periods, your concentration will naturally wane. Take lots of breaks and vary what you do.

[shanghaichica]

Originally Posted by pdurrant

Yes, this is why we read. Not all the books are as good as this, but with the best books you won't notice the time or your surroundings, your attention is wholly on the story.

The only problem with a really good book is reading it in bed. Normally I'll stop and go to sleep after half an hour or so. With a really good book I'll read until I finish it, and then find I only have time for three or four hours of sleep!

In bed one of two things happen, I'll either read until I finish or read until I fall asleep with the book still open.

It's great when you have that book that you just want to keep on reading until the end. I remember when I was younger I used to read by torchlight under the covers when I was supposed to be sleeping

[pdurrant]

Originally Posted by shanghaichica

It's great when you have that book that you just want to keep on reading until the end.

It is indeed. Of course, being sleep-deprived at work the next day isn't so fun.

[faithbw]

When I'm reading fiction, especially genre fiction like romance, I can get through books pretty quickly. If I'm reading serious non-fiction books, it takes me much longer to finish. That's because, as a previous poster mentioned, I highlight, make notes, check footnotes if the book has them, etc. With fiction, I can read straight through and just enjoy it. Not that I don't enjoy non-fiction. However, with non-fiction, I tend to chew on what I'm reading more.

So if someone wants to really just get into reading for reading sake, reading fiction, especially genre fiction, might help.

ETA: To get some recommendations, a site like Goodreads is useful. Also, your local library might have a subscription to NoveList. This database will allow you to search for books based on genre, author, common characteristics like "strong female characters" and more. Literature Map is also a good site. Here you enter the name of an author you like and the site will give you a cloud like map of similar authors. The closer an author's name, the more similar they are to the original. HTH.

[AndrewH]

The only non-fiction I've ever been able to read is that written like fiction, in a story format. (The Lost City of Z was great). "Regular" non-fiction and biographies? That would bore me to tears.

[HarryT]

Originally Posted by AndrewH

The only non-fiction I've ever been able to read is that written like fiction, in a story format. (The Lost City of Z was great). "Regular" non-fiction and biographies? That would bore me to tears.

I very much enjoy biographies and travel writing. If you think non-fiction is "boring", try one of Bill Bryson's books. I guarantee you'll change your mind.

[4691mls]

The OP started a thread in the reading recommendations forum some time ago and a number of people have responded, but it doesn't appear the OP has revisited that thread -just thought I'd put a reminder here in case the OP forgot about it....

[fjtorres]

Bryson is good.
Several of the "popular science" writers like Michio Kaku, Brian Greene, Lawrence M. Krauss, etc are very good reads, too.
Lots of similar authors in the history and anthropology fields.

It's all a matter of interest. If you're interested in human behavior, Desmond Morris (The Naked Ape, Intimate Behavior) or Nancy Etcoff (Survival of the Prettiest) will grab you. If not, you won't get far with either.

It's the same with the genres; it doesn't matter how good the book or the author may be if the genre/subject/format doesn't strike a chord with you.

[arturg]

Originally Posted by 4691mls

The OP started a thread in the reading recommendations forum some time ago and a number of people have responded, but it doesn't appear the OP has revisited that thread -just thought I'd put a reminder here in case the OP forgot about it....

I probable have forgotten about it but I have a hard time finding the message I wrote

[4691mls]

Originally Posted by arturg

I probable have forgotten about it but I have a hard time finding the message I wrote

I was referring to the OP (Original Poster) in this thread, "ebooknovice", whose thread is still active in the recommendations forum.

If you want to find posts you've made, try clicking on "search" up at the top of the forums, then select "advanced search"; from there, you can search by user name. Under "show results as" (at the bottom left of the advanced search page), click on "posts"; then click "search"

[Vmurph]

I have a different problem. I love to read, but it puts me to SLEEP! It doesn't matter what I'm reading, even thrillers. This has been a problem my whole life. It just relaxes me, I guess.

I've tried everything, even reading in the morning after a full night sleep and a brisk shower and cup of coffee. And still it happens; twenty minutes and I'm zonked out. Any suggestions for THAT?

PS: I've tried audiobooks too. Same problem. Worse, actually.

[arturg]

Originally Posted by Vmurph

I have a different problem. I love to read, but it puts me to SLEEP! It doesn't matter what I'm reading, even thrillers. This has been a problem my whole life. It just relaxes me, I guess.

I've tried everything, even reading in the morning after a full night sleep and a brisk shower and cup of coffee. And still it happens; twenty minutes and I'm zonked out. Any suggestions for THAT?

PS: I've tried audiobooks too. Same problem. Worse, actually.

First question: Do you enjoy reading? I am usually the same way if I have to force myself to read or if the book I am reading is dead boring. Boring stuff makes you sleepy.

If you do like reading as a whole or the book you are reading, perhaps it could be physiological in your case. Wrong posture, stiff shoulder muscles and things like that can make it harder for your brain to access oxygen, thus making you sleepy.