The book bloggers of the worldwide web would have us think that reading anything under 50 books a year is not really trying. However, in reality, the reading habits of even the keenest bookworm can fluctuate like the value of the pound. I know mine certainly do.
Whether it’s minimal time, a lack of good books, or the urge to scroll through that glowing screen in the palm of your hand, reading habits can slump for all kinds of reasons. I personally struggled to find a way back to books after finishing my arts degree. Pushing through a mountain of literary criticism every day cleanly severed the link between reading and enjoyment.
If you need some encouragement to pick up a paperback, here are some things that helped me:
Routinely does it: Slotting some reading time into your daily life can make it feel less of a chore. Pre-bedtime is one popular occasion, as is the morning/evening commute. My favourite time to sit down with a book is just after I get home from work, when my eyes are shattered from spreadsheets and crave anything other than a screen.
Join the club: In spite of their associations with retirees, book clubs can be a great way to get reading. They come in various formats; libraries or bookshops may be able to offer suggestions. Mine, run by the local Waterstones, meets once a month. We discuss a book we’ve all read, followed by a general chat about other works and then a vote on the book for next time. When we’ve all hated the book of the month, I’m amused to see a few copies of it pop up in local charity shops!
Start small: Finishing a book, any book, comes with a small rush of achievement, so don’t put yourself down for starting with something small and easily digestible. Just a collection of short stories might be what you need to reignite your enthusiasm for reading.
To conclude, here are some recommendations I regularly offer to reluctant readers:
The Woman In Black (Susan Hill): A short yet powerful tale about a town devastated by a ghostly apparition. I’ve read this on crowded trains and still felt shivers down my spine. It’s a fabulous example of just how stirring the written word can be.
Our House (Louise Candlish): A woman returns home to find a happy couple moving in to her house, which she hasn’t sold. An intriguing mystery that involves email and social media to create a rich, multi-layered story.
The Understudy (David Nicholls): A comedy about the calamitous life of an actor whose career is less red-carpet glamour and more background extra. ‘The Understudy’ is laugh-out-loud funny (trust me, I’ve had a few strange looks reading it in public).
