If you follow my personal social media accounts, you're guaranteed to see a similar emoji icon because I read A LOT! I get asked all of the time: How do you read so many books, so fast and read books all the time? This question is often followed by their confession of:
I try to read, but I always fall asleep after the first page or two and never pick the book back up again. Well, in order to read often, there's that one verb, you can't escape .........READ.
If you find yourself even reading the Bible starting at Genesis as so many of us have started there, read the first three scriptures, probably the King James version of the Bible at that, and said.... "I QUIT, LORD I'LL JUST STICK TO PRAYING". You're not alone. It took me to discover that there were other translations to the Bible such as the New International Version (NIV), Amplified (which gives detailed synonyms for scriptures) and the Message Bible. After all, I don't talk saying, "Thus, sayeth the Lord", so why would I read a book that is basically foreign to me. Now don't get me wrong, I'll pull out that gigantic King Version Bible when I need to refer to one of those, good 'ol big momma quoting scriptures to deposit in my spirit. The key to reading, to me is balance.
I don't always read the Bible, I read a variety of books from fiction, non-fiction, inspirational, educational, business-related and now that I'm in the social work field working with youth, I find myself reading more fictional books to "escape" the world of talking to youth all day. Can you imagine the type of conversations I encounter? Interesting, I tell you. I've been expanding my selection of reading genres of fictional stories to novels about women in slavery. Not sure how I arrived there but I enjoy it nonetheless. I'll read a fictional book if the majority of my work is done, I have free time to relax, NO KIDS (even mine) are near me and I need to enjoy someone else fictional life. I'll read inspirational books when I need to feel my spirit because so much of me is given away to help other people so my spiritual tank is always in need of a fill up.
So now, the moment you've been waiting on and one of the reasons why you clicked on this link, my tips to keep you from falling asleep after reading one page in a book:
1.) TURN THAT PHONE OFF!
You will get all cozy in that reading spot of your choice and that Facebook notification will sound off on that phone and you must check out who's checking you out, immediately..... DON'T DO IT!!! Checking one notification will turn into many that will make hours go by and you haven't read nothing at all.
2.) READ IN A SPOT THAT'S COMFORTABLE BUT NOT TOO COMFORTABLE
If you already know that you're gonna fall asleep reading, don't read lying in bed or under dim lights or candles that set the, it's time for bed, not reading mood. Instead, read in a place that doesn't get utilized in the house/apartment often and sitting up straight. If you're like me, grab that glass of wine, tea or coffee and really get into the novel and set a reading mood. I don't advise drinking red wine because it's usually bitter and will make you sleepy quick! I always fix me a light snack to enjoy in my reading spot as well. Who wants to be hungry while reading? The snack is in reaching distance and you can enjoy the reading selection better if the atmosphere is set before you open the book or click on the eBooks. Don't read 10 minutes before bedtime or right after you wake up in the morning. Allow enough time to pass so that you aren't positioning yourself to fall asleep quickly, reading.
3.) STOP READING BOOKS YOU KNOW YOU'RE NOT GONNA BE INTERESTED IN
If you like fictional novels like me, why would you be reading informational books on how to be tech savy? Sure, sometimes we need to read alternative books at times for something in particular that we need to learn more of. But on your book shelf, the books should reflect your reading genres of interest.
4.) TO HAVE MUSIC OR NOT TO HAVE MUSIC? THAT IS THE QUESTION.....
I personally don't read well with music playing unless it's instrumental. I don't advise playing music because it can be a distraction if your favorite song plays and you get crunk and distracted from your reading. Or that sad love song that reminds you of that could've, would've, should've, ex comes on, it's a wrap on reading after that song. You'll get emotional probably and forget what's going on in the book. I'll let you be the judge of that some people comprehend reading well with music playing in the background.
5.) BECOME BFF'S WITH "DICTIONARY.COM" OR "DEFINE" FOR E-BOOKS
When you don't understand a word as you read, pause and look it up. It helps you understand what you're reading and it only takes a few seconds to do. e-Books are great because you can highlight the word you want defined and type notes inside the book. For paperback book readers, highlight and write it in the book. If you are reading and don't understand a word it can throw your comprehension off for awhile in a book.
6.) NO SPEED READING .... COMPREHEND WHAT YOU'RE READING
It takes me one to two days to read a book on average. I have kids, school, work, social life, etc but I make time throughout my day to READ. I don't speed read and at the end can't tell you nothing about the book I just read. Instead, I take my time, reread certain sections for more clarity if I feel like I missed something and if I can't implement steps 1-5 above, I just wait until there's a better time to read.
7.) IT SHOULD NOT TAKE YOU ONE YEAR TO READ ONE BOOK
If this is you, reread steps 1-6...LOL. Seriously, how do you expect to enjoy a book if you only pick it up every three months to read or because the cover is HAUTE ladies, it looks good on the dining room table or on the stand in the bathroom for those times spent in there. If you do the aforementioned, it's hard to remember what you read last in the book, which frustrates you and you put that book down for another three months....shame on you!
8.) BOOK CLUBS ARE AWESOME
Book clubs are awesome to join. It keeps you engaged with the novel as well as getting other perspectives from other readers who are also reading the book. Most books have discussion questions at the end (which are usually great by the way) to start your own book club and a template to open up discussions on your social media sites. I always post what books I'm currently reading, quotes or passages that stick out to me while reading and always give a S/O (shout out) to the author.
9.) SUPPORT YOUR FAVORITE AUTHOR(S)
Once you find out what genre(s) you enjoy, you'll soon find out who books you enjoy. I always read books by the following authors:
Bishop T.D. Jakes
Joyce Meyer
Jodi Picoult
Pearl Cleage
Kimberla Lawson Roby
Mary Monroe *my favorite fictional author*
Alice Walker
Michele Andrea Bowen
Hill Harper
There are plenty more but those authors are my top favorite. When I can, I go to their book signings, pre-order their books, if my money is funny, I'll check their books out at the library. Whatever it takes, I support the products (books/authors) I love and enjoy. I'll never forget the day my idle, Joyce Meyer followed me on twitter and either her or her rep, interacts with me all the time via Twitter as well as Kimberla Lawson Roby. Authors are people too and they enjoy when readers post or help promote their books.
10.) LIKE NIKE, JUST DO IT!!!!!
If you want to read more, READ MORE. Reading takes an amount of time and discipline out of your day. If you follow these small adjustments and tips, I promise your reading experience will be much better than ever before.
Let me know how these tips have helped you and please feel free to post a comment to share other helpful tips you have found for readers.
