Today, many people read not for pleasure. There are many reasons behind this. Some people believe that reading takes extra time and effort. Some people have never enjoyed reading since school and never imagined doing it for pleasure. Others have never been in a situation where they developed a love of reading. However, reading can enhance your life experience. Whatever your purpose of reading, whether you do it often or just for school or work, there are ways to make reading more enjoyable. George R. R. Martin, author of the Game of Thrones book series, once wrote, “A reader lives a thousand times before he dies… One who has never read lives only once”.
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Method 1 of 3: Finding the Right Reading Material
Step 1. Think about why you want to read
People read for many reasons. Before picking up a book, think about what you want to gain by reading it. Some people like to read books that teach new skills, from computer programming languages to hunting or camping skills. Others like stories, whether fiction or biographical, that take them to another time, world, or situation. First, think about what you want to get out of reading.
You may learn to like reading if the activity connects you with something that has meaning to you. If reading is just a chore, or something you're "forced" to enjoy, reading probably won't make much of an impact
Step 2. Decide what you want to read
Once you know your purpose for reading, whether it's for learning, for entertainment, or something completely different, you can narrow down the types of books based on those answers. For example, if you just want an entertaining story, it can be difficult to narrow your choices between poetry, literature, popular fiction, memoirs, and other types of writing because they can all provide an entertaining story.
- Try doing an internet search for popular books in the area you have chosen. That way, you'll get a list of options and can start from there.
- Consult a local librarian. Librarians are usually happy to recommend books to read. Once you know what you're “looking for” from your reading, ask the librarian for input on books that fit your needs.
- Talk to the sales clerk at your local bookstore. Most people who work in bookstores love to read and enjoy books. They can be a great source of information. Chatting with someone who loves to read might just spark your own interest!
Step 3. Consider what genres will be your favorite
Once you've determined the type of writing you're interested in, you can narrow down your reading options even further by considering the genre you're interested in. For example, if you decide you want to read about popular fiction, you can choose between horror, science fiction, history, fantasy, romance, mystery, or a more realistic book with a more realistic approach to characters and backgrounds.
As another example, if you decide you want to read a nonfiction history book, consider the time period and subject that interests you the most. A book about D-Day in Normandy during World War II will definitely provide a different reading experience than a book about the political intrigues of the Roman senators during the reign of Julius Caesar
Step 4. Read several books from the genre to find authors that match your taste
Even within the same genre, certain writers' styles may not work for you because of the way they express ideas. This may be due to several factors such as the timing of the book, storytelling style, point of view, or a number of other reasons. If you've defined a genre that interests you, but you don't like books in that genre, try to investigate why.
For example, if you decide to read a historical novel, old novels like Bumi Manusia or Para Priyayi will be more difficult to read than novels by Ayu Utami or Laksmi Pamuntjak
Step 5. Make connections between reading and other interests
You may be very interested in social or other issues. Look for books that deal with issues raised from something that interests you or that bring the issue into a broader context.
Remember that you can't just read books. You can also search for print or online magazines, blogs, and other places to find reading material
Step 6. Close the book you don't like
Sometimes people feel compelled to read a book to the last page even though they don't like it. If you have to struggle to finish a 300-page novel that you don't like, it will actually generate resistance to reading instead of fostering a love for the activity. Many books feel slow at first because you have to develop the background and characters involved in the story, but if the book doesn't get you hooked on 50-75 pages, there's no harm in closing the book and taking another book.
Step 7. Remember that reading is very personal
Reading is not a competition. Reading is a very personal and very subjective activity. There's no need to feel guilty if you don't like the award-winning novel that everyone is talking about. You also don't have to be embarrassed if you fall in love with other books that might be considered “nutty”, such as comics or romance novels. Read what you enjoy, and don't compare yourself to others.
Method 2 of 3: Develop a Reading Routine You Love
Step 1. Create or find a good reading environment
Find a quiet, bright, and comfortable place. You can even create a reading alcove in the room. If you are constantly distracted while reading a book, it will be difficult for you to concentrate, and no one likes to read the same paragraph over and over again. For some people finding the right reading environment is as important as finding the right book.
- Sometimes, while reading a person can experience discomfort due to light sensitivity and then cause headaches. Avoid high-contrast printed text, glossy paper, and neon lights.
- You don't always have to read at home. Why not try reading at your local coffee shop, cafe, or bar.
Step 2. Set a time to read
Try to set aside time to read every day. It doesn't matter if you can initially only spend ten minutes during your lunch break, twenty minutes on the bus, and fifteen minutes before bedtime because that adds up to a total of forty-five minutes that day reading.
You can even turn this activity into a little game with yourself. Set aside time to read every day and reward yourself if you do. Over time you will find that reading itself is a gift
Step 3. Carry books with you wherever you go
You never know when you'll get a little extra time to read. Sitting in the waiting room, being on public transportation, waiting for friends at the restaurant, etc. is a situation where people tend to take out their phones and send text messages or check Facebook. By keeping books in your bag, you can help develop your love of reading.
If you have an e-reader, you can take the entire library with you wherever you go. The options are endless
Step 4. Make a reading list
Whether you're writing it down in your pocket book, in a memo on your phone, or elsewhere, try to make a reading list of books you've heard of and want to read. Remembering the title and author is quite difficult and not being able to remember it while in a bookstore or library can be frustrating. By having a list, you will always remember what books sound interesting.
If you're at the library or bookstore and see a book that piques your interest, snap the cover with your phone's camera. That way, you can remember it later
Step 5. Track down an author or series you like
When you find an author whose writing style you like, try to track down his other books. Even if the plot or subject of a book by the same author doesn't always hit your heart, liking a certain writing style can lead to a love for books you never imagined. Try to find other books by authors that you really enjoy reading.
Step 6. Be social by reading
Look for a book club or reading group that specializes in the types of books you enjoy. Reading may be a more likely activity to do alone than watching a movie or TV show, but it doesn't have to be that way. Talking about books can be just as fun as talking about any other medium.
Finding local reading groups isn't always easy, so don't forget to look for reading communities on the internet too
Step 7. Try an audiobook
Sometimes school, work, or other assignments don't give you enough time to read the way you want. In this situation, try listening to audiobooks so you can still meet your allotted time for reading. Listening to a book read aloud will still keep you engaged and engaged with reading during periods that don't allow you to read directly from the book.
Step 8. Visit your local library
There are libraries run by government agencies and other organizations, and you can read as many books as you want for free (provided you remember to return or renew your book loan on time).
Public libraries may provide loan e-books (electronic books), so you can read them from home
Step 9. Visit a bookstore
A bookstore, whether it's a large bookstore with ubiquitous branches or a more private secondhand bookstore can also be a great place to browse if you prefer to have your own books. Sometimes you just need to be surrounded by bookshelves to ignite your desire to pick some new books
Method 3 of 3: Helping Children Learn to Love Reading
Step 1. Give a choice
One of the reasons why many students and young people dislike reading is that they feel that the activity is always “mandatory”, and never given as an option. If you can give them reading options that take their interests into account, they are more likely to learn to like reading.
- Giving choices about how to read can also help. For example, reading in class during class time may be helpful for some students, while others choose to read alone in their room to concentrate.
- Giving choices about what to read can help young children understand that reading is not always an uninteresting or boring activity. In addition to classic books, provide reading options such as magazines and comics.
Step 2. Provide an environment that encourages interest in reading
If there are not many books or other reading material at home, it will be more difficult for the child to see reading as a fun activity that he can do even in his spare time. Keep interesting and fun books in your home.
- Let your child watch you read so he can imitate it. If your child sees that you enjoy reading an interesting book, he may be moved to pick up his own.
- Try reading with your family. Creating a positive connection between reading and family fun can help reduce stress on your child so they don't feel pressured to read.
- Create a “reading room”, whether in the classroom or at home. It should be free from other distractions, and should be a small, quiet and pleasant place where children can enjoy reading.
- Use books as gifts. Tell your child that you are going to take him to the bookstore to buy some new books as a reward for a job he did or a good grade in school. Help your child to see that reading can be fun and fulfilling.
Step 3. Get creative
There's no reason that the story should end once the last page closes. Encourage young people to engage in creative reading activities.
- For example, you could encourage students or your own children to put a scene they read from a book into a picture.
- Reading aloud in the voice of a humorous character can create drama while reading.
- Ask questions about how children feel about reading.
- Encourage them to think about what will happen next in the story, or ask them to write their own version of the continuation of the story.
- Have them create a movie poster highlighting what they think is the most important element of the book.
Step 4. Show support and encouragement
One of the reasons children feel uncomfortable with reading is the fear that they may not understand what they are reading or that they will give the “wrong” answer. show support and encouragement to these young readers.
- Never tell a young reader that their opinion or interpretation is “wrong”. Instead, ask the child how he came to that thought. This step will help your child express how he formed the idea and will help teach him how to hone his reading skills.
- If a young reader tells you that he is having trouble understanding what he is reading, be patient. Don't make your child feel stupid or stupid for not "understanding" the material they are reading. Instead, ask questions to find out which part is confusing him, and guide your child to get sharper skills.
- Accept every comment, even if it sounds “wrong” or inaccurate, as a valuable contribution. Keep in mind that for young or inexperienced readers expressing an opinion can be daunting. If his opinion is inaccurate or needs to be corrected, ask further questions about it rather than dismissing it outright.
Tips
- Many people decide not to like reading because their experience of reading books at school is boring. Keep in mind that schools often want to determine what students should read, and the books that are required reading represent all the types of reading material available.
- Read a book with a friend so you can discuss it later.
- Try reading plays. Most people think of Shakespeare right away, but you can actually read all kinds of plays. Reading drama will be a different reading experience and can be enjoyed by many people.
- For some, reading the author's background can help. If you like books by a particular author, try to find information about the author's background. This will help you make reading more fun and enjoyable. It will also help you to know more information about the author, how the book was born and many other things.
- Once you find your favorite book, make sure you read a different book every now and then. You never know when you will find a new favorite read.
- Ask for advice from people you know have the same tastes as you.
- Remember not to limit yourself to books alone. Don't forget that there are many magazines, newspapers, websites, and so on that might become your favorite read.
