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A few tips:
1. Read with a pencil in hand. I find it easier to focus on paper books over ebooks, and I like to take notes and write my thoughts in the margins as I read. Helps me engage with the text.
2. Pick subject matters that you’re interested in, not what you think you “should” be reading. From sci-fi to self-help, there’s a lot out there. Check out Goodreads for recos!
3. Start with bite-sized options. I love David Sedaris because his books are collections of essays. Each essay is pretty short, so you can read it and feel like you accomplished something without finishing the whole book, which takes time. (also because he’s a great writer)
I don't know if this works for you but you may try out "deep work" techniques. Especially the "tomato"-technique could be helpful. Google it for more info. But the idea is to break down your reading into small pieces. And then set a specific time (say 10 Minutes) to focus only on this. Then you take a break. And then go for another session. The 'tomato" is the timer.
I think it’s called the pomodoro technique, names after a pomodoro timer that looks like a tomato.
Also, don’t be afraid to start with young adult fiction or something just flat out “easy to read.” After a long book drought, I will usually try to cram down a John Greene or Harry Potter or something I can read faster than usual. Also, stop watching TV for a week or two. Let your brain adjust to the speed and pace of reading. Give your reading a routine, like right before bed (instead of your phone) even if just for ten minutes. Finally, don’t shame yourself for not reading.
Consider changing your diet and finding out if it exacerbates your ADHD. Also, start a consistent meditation practice twice a day for 20 min.
Agree with the pencil thing! Underlining helps me a lot. Also agree with making sure it’s something you’re really into. Take breaks and use a fidget tool. Try short stories to start. Writing is great, and you don’t have to focus as long. Raymond Carver is great. Stephen King, J.D. Salinger has a great book of short stories!
I’m ADHD and dyslexic so reading is very hard for me. Comics and graphic novels help me a lot and make reading fun! So maybe try some of those (DM for recos)
Also I have to read in certain places. By the pool, on the subway, or at a certain cafes. Having a dedicated spaces helps me get in the “time to read” zone.
Also don’t time yourself, take the pressure off, you want to enjoy reading. When your done your done and if you read 10 pages or 2 that’s really great!! :)
Two Lines Press have great books that are pocket sized and not overwhelmingly large to read. Agree that notes and a pencil in hand helps.
I’m not sure if anyone is still keeping up with this but I just wanted to share something that has really helped me lately. I’m not sure if it’s already been mentioned somewhere else but I recently tried buying a book that is also available as an audiobook and what I do is I read the book myself as I listen to the audio book. I know it’s a bit of a waste since you pay for two things but it has really helped me zone in or rather it forces me to. I thought of reading out loud but the sheer awkwardness distracts me. So ya there’s that. Hope it’s worth something to someone
Find a book about something you really care about
Good headphones, and YouTube premium or audio books from my library Libby app.
Yes, CW1’s #2 was what I was going to add...start closer in with subjects (or authors) you already know you love, then venture out a bit into subjects you THINK you might love or want to know more about, etc....then you might be ready for a subject you didn’t think you’d give a shit about in a million years. It’s how I somehow ended up reading a historical bio on the building of the Brooklyn Bridge. Am I into architecture or bridges? No. But I love David McCullough bios...
I recommend The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings narrated by Rob Inglis. My absolute favorite audiobooks.