I Don’t Like to Read. What Can I Do?

Sometimes reading can be difficult, whether you’re reading a book for fun or tackling a novel assigned by your teacher. There are various factors that can make reading a challenging task, such as:

• “Fuzzy head” syndrome. Sometimes there just doesn’t seem to be enough space in your brain to process the information you’re reading. Perhaps you’re worried about other things, such as an abundance of schoolwork and due dates. Other times, you may be going through a stressful event and your brain can’t make room for anything else.

• Lack of time. At any given moment, you’re likely managing multiple tasks simultaneously. In addition to a demanding academic schedule, homework assignments, and other school projects, you might be balancing a part-time job or dedicating time to a team or other extracurricular activity.

• Screen time. Yes, there is an argument that can be made that some social media consumption does involve reading. But spending hours of your week checking your social media will definitely leave you less room to read a book.

• Reading disorder. If you have a reading disorder, such as dyslexia, then reading will be harder for you. Try some of these tips:

  • Take breaks often. Use this bookmark to mark your spot.

  • Use sticky notes to jot down important ideas, difficult vocabulary, or questions you may have.

  • Use a graphic organizer to help keep track of characters, events, ideas, etc.

  • Ask your teacher for extra time for reading assignments.

  • Use assistive technology. You may benefit from using specialized reading software such as WordQ. Reading from a screen, however, can be hard on your eyes. There are apps that can help by allowing you to adjust the font size and screen brightness, as well as track your progress.

There is no universal moment when everyone starts to like reading. It can happen early on, perhaps in elementary school, or it might take until adulthood. Regardless of when you develop an appreciation for reading, cultivating an interest in reading requires some effort and a bit of inspiration. Here are some helpful tips:

• Take an online reading quiz to see what types of stories or book genres you might enjoy.

• Search online bookshops and go to the library to discover new books. Read their descriptions and reviews.

• Find a book series or an author that you love, and stick with them. Then, use your online sleuthing abilities to find similar types of books.

• Talk to an avid reader and get their advice.

Gone are the days when being a reader meant you needed to have a physical novel in hand. Nowadays, there is a wide array of reading material available to cater to diverse interests, making it possible for everyone to find something they enjoy, including the most reluctant readers. Other reading options include:

• Comics and graphic novels

• Graphic novel adaptations of classic books

• Magazines and online articles on topics of interest

• Short stories and novellas

• Poetry collections

• Play scripts

• Interactive fiction and text-based adventure games

• Audio books and podcasts

• Zines and self-published magazines

• Online forums

Reading, much like any other pursuit, can have its ups and downs. There are times when it’s especially appealing, like when you’re snug by a warm fire or unwinding by a serene lake. Keep in mind that your reading tastes are bound to shift and transform with the changing seasons, your age, and your current mood. If you’re feeling bored with a particular genre at the moment, maybe it’s time to explore a different one or vary your reading material. It’s natural for the passion for reading to wane and wax.

Another suggestion is to challenge yourself to push through a book that you don’t particularly enjoy or know anything about. What’s interesting about this approach is the internal dialogue and debate it can spark within you, fostering some truly valuable reading habits. You might find the storyline too predictable, the dialogue unrealistic, or the plot uninspired or too similar to another book. However, by analyzing why you dislike the book, you are taking steps towards improving your critical thinking skills and developing your personal reading preferences.

If this sounds like you, perhaps it’s time to consider a different perspective. A quick browse on various social media platforms will reveal that many teens love talking about books. Why not explore some BookTubers or take a look at the BookTok community? You might stumble upon a new book that grabs your attention and won’t let you put it down!