During an interview with Interview Magazine, social media influencer Alix Earle, when asked what the last book she read was, responded, “I’ve never read a book. Like maybe Dr. Seuss.” Her casual answer seems to reflect the literacy crisis and reading slump in the US, with a troubling trend away from reading, critical thinking, and imagination in the digital age.
I read nonstop as a child, but in high school, it got harder and harder to find time to read for fun. Now, as an English major, I have plenty of assigned readings, but now I’m returning to reading just for myself, too.
While her comment may have been an exaggeration, you’re not alone. Even an exceptionally successful public figure like Earle can find themselves neglecting their bookshelf. Whether you’re in a reading slump or just haven’t been able to get into reading before, here are five ways to beat the brain rot and finally get back into reading.
- Reread a Childhood Favorite
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If you’ve associated reading with textbooks and to-do lists, it’s time to reframe your mindset. This is just for you. No required pages, time limits, or graded analysis.
For those of us who grew up loving books, try going back to a childhood favorite. There’s no shame in giving Harry Potter, Percy Jackson, or The Hunger Games a reread. With the new season of the Percy Jackson TV show and the latest The Hunger Games movie hitting theatres, it’s perfect time to revisit the magic of these stories.
Pick a book that you’re excited about and put less pressure on yourself. Set small, achievable reading goals that work for your schedule, and make your inner child proud.
- Romanticize It
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Go get a library card, browse local bookstores, and see what stands out to you on the shelf. I recently got a library card for my college area. The process was super quick and easy, and now I have free access to more titles.
Some stores offer blind dates with a book, and any bookstore employee would be happy to talk books and give you recommendations based on your taste. Bringing a friend can turn a bookstore or library run into a side quest. Now you’re one step closer to becoming the thought daughters we all know we can be.
- Swap Scrolling for Turning Pages
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As I type this on my laptop, I’m well aware of the irony. It’s unrealistic to completely set aside our electronics, but doomscrolling and being chronically online is something we all struggle with.
Instead of waking up and immediately reaching for your phone or scrolling for hours before going to sleep, try picking up a physical book for a few minutes. It starts your day right and might help you have a better night’s sleep.
I like to set screen time limits for certain apps or physically put my phone down across the room. Audiobooks and e-books can also be a more engaging use of your screen time.
- Try Something New
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If you feel like you’re not enjoying a good book like you once did, a simple fix might just be trying a genre that you don’t normally read. If you always read fantasy books, try mysteries or historical fiction novels. Don’t be afraid to get out of your comfort zone!
You can also switch up your environment. Instead of reading at a desk, curl up with a good book in bed and make the lighting cozier. Find a place to sit outside and read, especially when that fall weather is just right. Support a local library or cafe and relax with a sweet treat or fun new drink. There are so many ways to shake up your reading habits!
- Find Community
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Be a little performative and look for book recommendations on social media. My personal favorite is Hot Dudes Reading. These specific “Bookstagram” creators interview your favorite celebs about their recent book picks. Hitting the follow button is an easy way to get inspiration for your own reading journey.
You can also find your book-loving community in real life. Choose a book with a friend and read it at the same time so you can obsess over every plot twist.
Try going to a campus or community book club and talk to new people. I’m in a book club reading Madonna in a Fur Coat right now, and it’s been so fun! I probably wouldn’t have chosen this book on my own, but I’m having the best time complaining about bad decisions that the characters make and theorizing about the ending with my group.
I’m a firm believer that books teach us about the world and about how to connect with each other. Readers are often stereotyped as introverts, but reading can be both deeply personal and a fantastic social experience that we share.
In a world full of AI summaries and reels that sometimes take us away from reality, reading reminds us that there’s something beautiful and undeniably human about the written word. Reading reminds us that our stories still matter. You’re already reading this article, so I’d say you’re off to a pretty good start. Here’s to falling in love with books again this fall.
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