Seven Fun Ways Back Into Reading
Hello,
As a Reading Ambassador for Ireland Reads I’ve been thinking about how many of us were readers in the past but may need help to get back into it. Of course Ireland Reads Day is the perfect excuse but here are seven ways to have fun along the way. I hope they help.
Remember When Reading Was This Much Fun?
Read a Book You Used to LOVE
Most of us have a book we adored when we were younger. Perhaps you made your parent read it over and over at bedtime, or it made a huge impression on you. Mine was “The Hobbit” by JRR Tolkien (long story, coming soon to another blog). Have you read it recently? It will be easy to read as you already know the ending plus you are likely to have a different perspective now.
The Book vs. Movie Game
I must give credit for this one to my son, who created it, aged 12, to while away the time on long hikes. Players take turns to choose two titles – one book, one movie. Then everybody debates which was better. Adapt as you wish. We usually pick two in the same genre as comparing “Anne of Green Gables” to a gruesome thriller feels odd, but it might work for you. Ideally played with people who share a TV/cinema with you regularly so you know what they’ve read/watched. For example, “Skullduggery Pleasant” book series vs. “Hunger Games” movies – discuss!
Lucky Dip
Ask a reader friend to pick a book for you (or ask a bookseller/librarian) based on what they know you already enjoy, or simply a book they adore and want to share with the world. No excuses, go read it. Friends will only recommend something good. Plus you get to chat about it later, and perhaps return the favour.
Join a Book Club
They may not be meeting in person at the moment but they’re still out there. I’m a long-time member of the Rick O’Shea Book Club (ROSBC to its friends) on Facebook and he’s a Reading Ambassador too. With 35,000 members there’s always somebody about who has loved/hated the book you’re reading or who can recommend which one to read next. He nominated two books each month to read and there’s discussion afterwards but I’ve only managed this once!
Many libraries and bookshops also run bookclubs (online currently) or start your own.
Parent-Child Readalongs
If your child is under ten you may be reading the same book anyhow at bedtime. If not, have you considered reading the same book as them? This has the side benefit of encouraging your child to keep reading, but it will also introduce you to new authors (I found Derek Landy and Robin Stevens this way) and it’s likely your child will want to discuss the book with you and anything that fosters communication is good. Note, this also works when the child is an adult. I often read the same thrillers as my Dad when he was in his seventies and we had great book chats together.
Try an Audiobook
You can still borrow these from your local library, even during restrictions. Personally audiobooks put me to sleep, but others swear by them and they do enable you to #Squeezeinaread while driving/walking/queuing etc. Perfect if you have any sight or reading issues and many are narrated by wonderful actors.
A Friendly Book Swap Circle
Reading may be a solitary pursuit but it doesn’t have to be lonely. Setup a book swap with one or more friends (or family). Each lends one book (one they love) to the next person on the circle. Set a time frame (a month sounds good) and then the books move onto the next person. You’re sharing a story you loved and probably reading some amazing books. This can be done via post, or if you’re near enough, via drop on the doorstep (if raining, wrap the book!). You can phone/email/zoom later to chat about the books. Please ensure the beloved books return to the lenders at the end of the cycle.
Now that you know how to get back into reading the next step is to pledge to join in on Ireland Reads day, the 25th of February and to choose a book. Perhaps encourage a friend or loved one to join in too?
Until next time happy reading, writing, and wordfooling,
Grace (@Wordfoolery)
