askchapo

I read I think 8 or 10 books last year. When I think of myself as a teen, thats pretty low. Actually even in the 2010s I would read more, even in the shower lol. People used to just read more, on the bus, before bed, just cause and that helped everyone else read cause it was like a passive reminder. Smartphones weren't a thing yet either and didnt demand your attention, although by the 2010s I guess they were. I found out the amount I read is "high." I dont feel like it! Im remembering and comparing to what average people were like 20 years ago.

Here's what I do: I read shorter books like 150 to 250 pages is my sweet spot, some fiction and some non-fiction. I am ruthless about not finishing a book and putting it down if I dont like it. I used to skip passages if theyre boring but obviously Id confuse myself and have to reread later, so maybe dont do that lol.

For you though it sounds like you need to read more for class, and that I think is just gonna be a little boring and compete for your attention and its just gonna be like a muscle you have to learn to work out. Its assigned reading, what can you do. You might benefit from a reading group to be honest, it helps make it an obligation that you read before the group and talking about what you've read with other people will help you engage with it more.

I would say maybe pick up something shorter in a genre or subject matter you find interesting. I liked Chuck Klostermans book of essays (some are very bad but whatever) for breezy reading. I like Philip K Dick as an author. Pick something you find interesting. And then read it when you have time! This will sometimes mean not scrolling or video gaming, and its just about building it as a habit. So sometimes its gonna be hard to sit and read for an hour and sometimes easier, and setbacks or okay so long as the trend is more reading. You will also have to read for school and theres not much you can do about making it exciting or whatever, you do just have to do it - try the pomodoro technique where you read for a minimum of 15 minutes and then continue or switch tasks, and try to build up that 15 minutes to longer and longer. And get a study group or reading group to help you! You take classes and lectures with others, youre all in the same boat, ask around your class or any clubs youre in.