Q&A for How to Get Into Reading a Book

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How do I read a boring book?

Christopher Taylor, PhD
English Professor
Christopher Taylor is an Adjunct Assistant Professor of English at Austin Community College in Texas. He received his PhD in English Literature and Medieval Studies from the University of Texas at Austin in 2014.

Christopher Taylor, PhD

English Professor

Expert Answer

Read in a quiet place so you can focus on the book. Try to pick a time when you aren't sleepy and when your head is relatively free of distractions.

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How do I force myself to read a book?

Christopher Taylor, PhD
English Professor
Christopher Taylor is an Adjunct Assistant Professor of English at Austin Community College in Texas. He received his PhD in English Literature and Medieval Studies from the University of Texas at Austin in 2014.

Christopher Taylor, PhD

English Professor

Expert Answer

It's difficult to "force" yourself to read a book, but hopefully identifying topics and genres that interest you will make reading more enjoyable.

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Which books should I start reading?

Christopher Taylor, PhD
English Professor
Christopher Taylor is an Adjunct Assistant Professor of English at Austin Community College in Texas. He received his PhD in English Literature and Medieval Studies from the University of Texas at Austin in 2014.

Christopher Taylor, PhD

English Professor

Expert Answer

The best books to start reading are books on topics that interest you. When you read things about things that you find compelling, it will likely make reading easier and give you some momentum for that next book.

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What book should I read as a beginner?

Christopher Taylor, PhD
English Professor
Christopher Taylor is an Adjunct Assistant Professor of English at Austin Community College in Texas. He received his PhD in English Literature and Medieval Studies from the University of Texas at Austin in 2014.

Christopher Taylor, PhD

English Professor

Expert Answer

If you are just beginning to read, first identify topics you want to learn more about. Head to a library or do some internet searching to find short stories or articles on that topic and gradually build up to longer and more complex texts.

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What is the best book to read for beginners?

Christopher Taylor, PhD
English Professor
Christopher Taylor is an Adjunct Assistant Professor of English at Austin Community College in Texas. He received his PhD in English Literature and Medieval Studies from the University of Texas at Austin in 2014.

Christopher Taylor, PhD

English Professor

Expert Answer

If you are a beginner at reading and looking for books that are easy to read but beautifully written, here are three books you might enjoy: Paolo Coehlo's The Alchemist, Sandra Cisneros' The House on Mango Street, and Harper Lee's To Kill a Mockingbird.

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What do I do if I simply do not have time to read?

Community Answer

Listen to audio books. You can do something else at the same time, such as cooking dinner or traveling to work.

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Question

Can reading make me more intelligent?

Community Answer

Yes, it can. You will be forced to learn new words as you encounter them, and you will increase your knowledge by running into new topics. Also, the more you read, the more examples of good writing you'll have.

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Is it necessary to read a book?

Community Answer

If you're in school, you will probably have to read some books. In your free time, it's not necessary, but it is ideal to read a book at least once in a while. It can teach you things, expand your vocabulary, exercise your imagination, and help you understand other people/perspectives better. And it's just fun if you get into it.

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Must you read aloud or soft?

Community Answer

It depends on how you comprehend. If you understand more that way, read aloud when you can.

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Any time I try to read, I fall asleep, and whenever I force myself to read, I don't understand anything. What can I do?

Mimi_Millie

Community Answer

Try reading easier books; you may be reading books that above your level. Also find recommended books that are on a topic you enjoy reading about.

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Will reading help with memorization?

Community Answer

Not necessarily.

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Question

What if I am still in school and for summer they ask me to read a certain book and I take too long and it's boring?

Community Answer

You could try researching the theme of the book, e.g. The Great Barrier Reef. If it is a fiction book you could read the back of the book or skim through the pages to sum up the book. That way if your teacher asks you a question about it you have your summary of it. You can also do that with a non-fiction book. Or break it up into very small pieces. Read 10 pages a day, for example, that way you get through it in small, less boring pieces.

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How can I find the right book?

Evil Cat

Community Answer

Figure out what genre you enjoy (fantasy, thriller, horror, sci-fi, etc) and pick out the most popular books from there. Some turn out to be as good as they say they are, others, not so much, but you'll never find out what you like without experimentation.

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Question

I’ve been reading books by an author for a while now, and I am trying to find different authors to read. However, the ones I’m finding are not grabbing my attention. What should I do?

Victoria

Top Answerer

Do some research online for authors similar to the one you liked, and try reading books by them. You can also ask a librarian for recommendations of similar authors, or a family member or friend who has also enjoyed reading books by that author.

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