Some admit that the last time they picked up a book was at school, because they were forced to read by their parents and literature teachers, thereby discouraged all desire. This is quite sad, because reading not only entertains, but also develops the brain and improves memory. How to start reading books?
Pros of reading
No, it's not just nerds or those who don't have hobbies who read! It is worth moving away from stereotypes and looking at how exactly reading helps:
- Develops imagination. It's one thing to watch Harry Potter, but it's quite another to read J.K. Rowling's books. Completely unique images may be drawn in your head, maybe Draco Malfoy will seem like a nice guy to you. Reading, you "pump" your imagination and fantasy: build images, think about how the novel will end, how the characters could act. This is useful because in life you will also be able to look for ways to solve problems. For example, the writer Neil Gaiman first visited China only in 2007. At that time, a conference on fantasy and science fiction was held there — until that moment, such literature was basically banned in China. Gaiman asked the official why the government changed its decision, and it turned out that the Chinese for a long time only copied other people's inventions, did not create something of their own. Then they decided to understand how large companies (Apple, Microsoft, and others) manage to constantly release new products. It turned out to be simple: the most advanced employees of these companies were fond of science fiction as children!
- Enriches vocabulary. Vocabulary can be active (the words you use) and passive (when you understand the meaning of words, but rarely pronounce them). Reading books, you will find interesting figures of speech and words, and you will be able to glean new information from footnotes and notes.
- Broadens your horizons. Reading historical literature, you can imagine how our ancestors lived in Europe, and you can learn even more useful knowledge from science pop.
- Improves concentration. Many people are used to watching TV shows and playing games, so at first it will be difficult to focus on the book, but over time you will get used to it and understand that reading is very interesting - and it has become easier to complete tasks that require concentration.
- Improves literacy. This is especially true for those who have a well-developed visual memory! A person reads and memorizes how to spell a word. Commas are more difficult, but reading aloud helps to train literacy.
In addition to the above advantages, there is another one: you will become an interesting conversationalist! You will be able to understand references in films, understand quotes and jokes that are associated with book characters, in general, it will be interesting to listen to you.
Starting to read
The main thing is to choose the right book, and later you will get involved. There are a few tips for this:
- It is not necessary to read the classics. Adults can go to a bookstore, read book blogs or listen to the recommendations of friends to buy exactly what they are interested in. Science buffs, for example, might like Nobel laureate Richard Feynman's autobiography, "You're Kidding, Mr. Feynman." For those who want to establish communication and find new acquaintances, it will be useful to read Thomas Armstrong's book "You Can Do More Than You Think". Well, or take a closer look at the books on the topics that interest you!
- Read the biographies of writers. Sometimes, after reading the biography of the author, you may be interested in his works. For example, Kharms wrote books for children, but he did not like them (unlike dogs, to which he gave bizarre names, for example, "Brandenburg Concert").
- Read everywhere and anytime! Owls like to read before bed, and larks like to read in the morning, at breakfast, or on the bus. It is worth developing the habit of opening a book everywhere and whenever you have a minute of free time. Well, you don't have to carry a physical volume with you - you can listen to audiobooks as well.
- Find a comfortable place to read. All book lovers have their own corner where they settle down with a book and spend sweet hours there. It can be an armchair in the kitchen or a bed in the bedroom – turn off your computer and phone, turn off the TV and enjoy reading.
- Start with poems and aphorisms. If you can't concentrate on a book, then try, for example, to read a small collection of poems and aphorisms. Often there is more meaning in a poem than in a whole book!
- Watch film adaptations. It is always interesting what kind of film based on the book turned out. Watch a movie, and then read the work or do the opposite, and then discuss your impressions with someone close to you;
- Start a reader's diary. Teachers at school asked us to do this, and the same can be done now. Write there your reasoning about the books that you have read, give a rating, your assumptions, how otherwise the novel could end. If you want to share your opinion about what you read with someone, you can start a blog and publish your reviews.
- Discuss what you read. The easiest way is to go to a book club. There are quite a few of them in all cities, in addition, there are online clubs where participants discuss what they read virtually. Ask relatives, and friends about books: what they like to read, what they think about the actions of the main character. Maybe you will be able to interest someone in reading.
Do not force yourself to read, gradually develop a love for books.
If it is still very difficult to read
It's normal when a book "doesn't work" and you read it slowly, while being distracted by everything. Here's what you can do if you still feel like reading isn't your thing:
- The book is very complex, it is difficult to master it. This problem is especially often faced by those who read historical literature, where, for example, English and French words are mixed with conventional Old language. Of course, you don't want to read such a work, it's very difficult. But there is a way out: listen to the audiobook and read it at the same time! This way, you will understand what you need to focus on, where to pause, what you have written will become much clearer to you;
- It is impossible to concentrate. Many people are distracted by the phone or some other stimuli when they read. It's all about the lack of concentration. To fix this, set a timer and read non-stop for a certain amount of time. Gradually, the time can be increased.
If you don't like a book, you can put it down at any time and start reading something else. Do not force yourself, because nothing good can come out under the onslaught! Just find your author, set aside time, disconnect from gadgets and enjoy the work.
