Contrary to popular belief, reading for fun isn't lame and can easily become enjoyable. Don't be naive anymore, bookstores everywhere are suffering because of your absence... entertain them and forget about staying literate solely from Twitter and Spark Notes. Instead, get lost in another world with your nose in a book with these 10 tips:
1. Start with a movie that you love.
If you're not a big reader or not one at all, start with a favorite movie of yours that's based off of a book and read that. It'll help you assimilate into the ~culture~ of reading. You'll probably find that reading books that happened to be made into movies is interesting and could become something you do often.
2. Don't go too hard.
Start with shorter books that cover topics that interest you. You don't have to read the biggest book that Barnes & Nobles carries to get started. "Go big or go home" doesn't apply here. Starting with online articles or the newspaper isn't something to be ashamed of.
3. Ask your family and friends.
Talk to people that already read a lot. Ask them about their favorite book or genre, and try it out! Don't let books with topics you're not familiar with scare you... that's the point.
4. Walk around a bookstore.
Even perusing book stores is an excellent way to get your feet wet! Don't walk in with the belief that you have to find something though. Reading the back of books to get ideas on what interests you can be therapeutic. Bookstores are relaxing— take it all in.
5. Try staying off of your phone for one hour.
Stay off of your phone for a good chunk of time and see how you feel after (it'll be a good feeling, I promise). Imagine filling that time away from your phone with a book the next time, you'll realize how much more productive you feel.
6. Check out a list of award winning books.
Looking for something popular? Try looking up a list of authors with a large following and many awarded novels. Many people you know have probably read at least a book or two from that list, so ask them about your choice and converse with them about what you're reading.
7. Try different platforms!
If you're not the type to pick up a paper book, buy a Kindle or download a book online. Although this isn't my favorite option, it's the same concept.
8. Be confident in changing your mind.
Don't like what you're reading after a few chapters? Make your first experience with avid reading a good one! Put a bookmark in it and move on to something that catches your eye a bit more. You can always pick it back up down the road.
9. Find a series!
Do you like a Netflix series? Well, guess what? Books can be just like that (or better)! You'll finish one and realize there's a sequel. Try "Harry Potter," "Twilight," "Divergent," or even a nonfiction series. A series will always keep you wanting to find out what happens next.
10. Find a quiet place.
Whether it's inside or outside, you'll need a quiet space where you'll feel calm and comfortable. Distractions will opt you want to put your book down and do something else or not pay attention to the words on the page... avoid that.
