5 Tips to Overcome “Readers’ Block”

Remember the scene in Beauty and the Beast, when the Beast gives Belle an entire libary of books? Well, this meme describes me well.

Anyway, a bit off topic, however, I know some people who look at that and cringe because they are thinking, “I can barely read the books that are required, let alone an entire library of books!” Well, this post is here to help you. While I can not force you to like reading, here are some tips that will help you at least get through your required books, and maybe even encourage you to read a book or two for fun.

Reading gives us someplace to go when we have to stay where we are.

Mason Cooley

Tip #1: Do not read every single word.

Yes, you read that right…I said do not read every single word. I am a definate book worm, however, if I scrutinize each and every word on each and every page, even a great book will lose my attention span fast. I read in a way that I call speed-read. I read very fast, and the way I do is by skimming over the pages. Now don’t get me wrong, i still read the whole book, and if you were to ask me questions about the book after I finish it, I know without a doubt I would be able to answer them. However, what is the point of taking precious minutes from your life that you will never get back to read every word when you can get the whole book twice as fast “from the air”. Reading every single word takes forever, and I don’t even like reading abook when i do that. A lot of times when I am reading a really good book, I will go back and read small sections of the book over again to make sure I didn’t skip anything. While this is not neccasary, if you are speed-reading I do encourage you to do that. I also have noticed that when I take a while to read a book and read every word, I tend to forget what I have read and find myself day-dreaming.

You know you’ve read a good book when you turn the last page and feel a little as if you have lost a friend.

Paul Sweeney

Tip #2: Take breaks.

If it is a really good book, I tend to read a book in one sitting. However, even if this is your reading style as well, I suggest that you take a break between books. go outside, play a game with family, chat with your friends. There have been times where I have read so many books in a certain time period that I am done reading for a little bit. I read too much too fast that I lose my interest. That being said, I have never decided that I didn’t like reading, I just have to get my nose out of my books for a second and go enjoy life outside of my reading world. Readers and anti-readers alike need breaks and time to enjoy the life God has given them.

That’s the thing about books. They let you travel without moving your feet.

Jhumpa Lahiri

Tip #3: Don’t talk to yourself.

I have caught myself many times on a more boring book, thinking about other things. This is often a result of slow-reading. However, there are always books (such as buisness and information) that require a slower-read in order to grasp all the facts. In that case I am forced to read slower, and as a result catch myself day-dreaming. When I am reading a book such as a business one that requires my whole attention, I have noticed that when I take a break every so often when reading, my attention stays on the book and the content better. I don’t catch my self lost in thought as often.

Reading is a conversation. All books talk. But a good book listens as well.

Mark Haddon

Tip #4: Talk to people about what you read.

All book worms enjoy talking about there books. Ask any bookworm about their favorite book and you might just get a whole on lecture. I am no different. I have probably bored my family hundreds of times by my long speels on books. However, I must give them credit, because they never fail to listen to me patiently. That being said, my point is that when I talk about a book and share what I have read with other people, it make me want to read the next book, or read another book, even more. If you have the chance you should definately talk to a person who has also read the book, because that is high heaven. When a person has read a book and I get to talk to them about it, the book comes to life, and they point out things that I never may have caught while reading the book. Several points of view are always better. As the saying goes, “Two eyes are better than one”. And that is definately true in reading.

No two persons ever read the same book.

Edmund Wilson

Tip #5: Try Audiobooks

I know some people who do not like reading a book, but they will listen to an audiobook. If you are some one who doesnt like reading, I encourage you to try listening to an audio book. My dad is a very slow reader, and he has a hard time just sitting down to read something. However, he has been able to listen to many audiobooks, because he can listen to them on his way to work, or while working on a weekened project. Many people prefer audiobooks because they can be doing something while listening. I personally prefer a physical book, but I have listened to many audiobooks. In fact a few of my very favorite books I first listened to (The Chance by Karen Kingsbury, The Magnolia Story by Chip and Joanna Gaines) on audio. I definately recomend audiobooks if you do not like sitting down and reading.

A reader lives a thousand lives before he dies.

George R. R. Martin

Do you struggle with reading? Do you prefer audiobooks or physical books? Do you have any reading tips? What are some of your favorite book quotes? Add to this list in the comments below!

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