Getting into the habit of reading

For many of us, reading can seem intimidating. Many young people shy away from books for many reasons, seemingly finding them too similar to strict textbooks they are taught in schools. However, for those who want to try reading as a hobby but struggle to get into it, there are a few ways to get back on track.         

The primary difficulty most face is to separate themselves from their gadgets and actually pick up a book. Most young people are guilty of looking for instant gratification everywhere, but books normally take time. So, trying to free the mind from social media by physically distancing from the phone, or turning it off for a period of time might actually work.

Despite the negative impact electronics may have on readers, it should be noted that being online does not always imply hindrance to one's reading habit. In recent times, the surge in popularity of eBooks and audiobooks has played a consequential role.

Armin Mizan Arisha Chowdhury, 16, a student in the eighth grade at Maple Leaf International School, says, "Audiobooks have helped me visualise scenarios more clearly, especially when they have different voice actors for each character. Plus, I can get through books much faster this way."

In addition, audiobooks have the potential to be beneficial for those with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Those with ADHD usually have extremely short attention spans, which means that it may be challenging for them to sit down and read.

Photo: Orchid Chakma

As phones and laptops prevail in our current digital age, finding somebody with the same taste in books can prove quite exhausting. Joining a book club or an online reading community can be fruitful in this regard. Platforms like GoodReads, Litsy and LibraryThing all provide secure environments for one to share their thoughts and opinions about what they read and receive the same from others. Finding people who share similar ideas with can help one attain a sense of companionship, which could be a fulfilling experience to have.

Whenever you are travelling, always keep a light book in your carry-on bag, particularly when you expect it to be a long journey. Fill pockets of your time by reading instead of making idle chatter on the train or bus. This can be done during travels within Dhaka as well, with all the horrendous traffic.

A lot of people struggle to find reads to their liking. An effective way to begin your reading experience is to start with something familiar. Your taste in movies and shows will often coincide with your preference of books. For example, if you are a major fan of rom-coms, aim for books with similar plots.

It is also crucial to keep in mind that each person has different preferences when it comes to books. Following trends can thus become increasingly difficult. Just because a certain author is extremely popular on social media, it does not necessarily entail that you will enjoy their works too.

Photo: Orchid Chakma

Fareeha Afreen Rashid, 15, a student in the eighth grade at Maple Leaf International School, shares, "It was difficult to find books that actually piqued my interest instead of simply following what was most sought-after on the internet. I would spend time checking out blurb after blurb on different websites until I found anything intriguing."

Another method of beginning to read can be by setting reading goals. Reading goals allow you to keep track of your advancements. They also offer a sense of achievement whenever you accomplish your goal.

Samiha Zarrin Faruqui, 16, a student in tenth grade at Sunbeams School, found setting reading goals to be advantageous and beneficial. She comments, "I started using reading goals when I was younger. I always made sure to finish a book in less than three days. Whenever I reached my goal, I felt an inner sense of satisfaction."

Design: Abir Hossain

When setting a goal for yourself, aim for something that is practical instead of something that seems more impressive. Setting the bar too high can result in failure to keep up with your expectations, and therefore cause a decline in interest.

A healthy way of setting reading goals is to consider your daily schedule and allocate specific time slots daily. You should also not be disheartened in case you cannot achieve your goals. Just because you started a book does not mean you have to finish it till the end. Forcing yourself to read will only take the fun out of it.

Rubama Amreen is a student of Maple Leaf International School.