A strange realization hit me as I pulled out my hardcover copy of Sally Rooney’s new book, Intermezzo. I noticed that a few people who sat next to me stared for a moment as I turned the page.
When the bell rang for class, I carried my book in hand and walked to my next class. Once again, I noticed a few people looking down at my book and then looking back up at me.
Since when has it become rare to read?
When we first learned to read, we were obsessed with it—at least I was. Reportedly, 70% of 6-8-year-olds enjoy reading, and 46% of 12-17-year-olds enjoy reading. But with that being said, only 15% of high school students (15-17-year-olds) actually read (Scholastic News Room).
A realistic assumption is that many people, especially teenagers, would rather spend time on their phones than read. In fact, according to the Social Recovery Center, digital distractions are the main contributing factor to the nation’s attention span decreasing, from 12 seconds in 2000 to 8 seconds in 2020.
With all this being said, everyone struggles in one way or another to dive into a book and not get distracted. So, here are some bookworm tips to love reading the way that we did as kids.
- Limit Distractions – When we were kids we didn’t have phones (I hope). So, power off that phone, and put it in another room!
- When you first start reading again, pick up an easier book to read, especially one that fits some of your most prominent interests
- Find a cozy reading space! Make sure the room is nice and quiet, maybe put on some fuzzy socks and have a hot drink while you read! Bonus points if you have your pet snuggled up next to you.
- Try to pick up your book to read at least once a day. Whether you read 1 page, or 100, you are exercising your brain and getting adjusted to reading.
- Talk to a friend who also likes reading and discuss your books! When you talk about what you are reading, it sparks your inspiration to pick up your book!
As someone who re-learned how to read in high school, I can say that without a doubt it has helped me in more ways than I would have ever imagined. I read at a much quicker pace in school, and I also feel as though I can comprehend text on a much deeper level than I used to be able to. I even can honestly say that it has improved my writing skills, as well as given me a healthy hobby that exercises my mind!
Reading is an amazing thing that our brains can comprehend, whether it’s Shakespeare or Sally Rooney, you are exercising your mind, and opening yourself to a whole new world. If you made it this far, congratulations, you have read almost 500 words! That’s around two pages of a novel. Not only did you work your brain in reading this, but maybe you are inspired to pick up that book on your nightstand and give it a go!
