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Books/book club

When do you read?

(109 Posts)
Doodledog Tue 31-Mar-26 20:26:06

As in, what time of day, or when you are doing other things?

I used to read a lot. I always had a book on the go - sometimes two - but these days I struggle to finish one. I read poetry (but even then, not as much as I used to), but can’t seem to concentrate on a novel. I’ve tried audiobooks, but my mind wanders when I listen, and I often find the narrators irritating.

I used to read on the bus on my way to work and back, but I don’t do that anymore, so I lost both the routine and the 90 mins or so a day. I’m not a fan of reading in bed, but maybe I should start forcing myself to make that a routine.

I know I would enjoy it if I could get back into the swing of it. I miss reading.

Has anyone else ever lost their reading mojo, and if so, how did you get it back, please? Or for those who do read regularly, when do you do it?

Jess20 Fri 03-Apr-26 21:10:39

Yes, I stopped reading for pleasure when I did a lot of reading and writing large documents at work. I started again after leaving that job. I also stopped reading after developing cataracts, and after getting them removed it took a couple of years to get back into it - I did craft stuff instead. I have now got back to reading again, I have a kindle which means I can enlarge the print and alter the brightness, which really helps.

TillyTrotter Fri 03-Apr-26 22:32:53

A joy of retirement is being able to slot reading into daytime not just last thing at night.
My favourite time is sitting in the sun with prescription sunglasses on l, diving into my current read.

Mollygo Sat 04-Apr-26 09:05:54

Sorry you’ve lost your reading mojo Doodledog. I did when Mum died, maybe because I associated it with the long drives to be with her or the hours sitting by her bed, just holding her hand while she slept.
I started again just rereading old favourites. Three I remember The Plague and I by Betty MacDonald and Morning Glory by LaVyrle Spencer then endless Jonathan Kellerman books seemed to get me reading again.
On the way to work, I read my Kindle now I’m using the bus. It’s amazing how many students are reading on the way to or from uni-mostly real books.
Other times? At breakfast, or lunch if I’m on my own. Definitely at bedtime. A new book is great, but if not, rereading a familiar book is as good as a sleeping tablet.
I like audio books and I still listen to them on long journeys or when I’m walking the dog or doing housework.
Hope you start enjoying reading again.

Skallywag Sat 04-Apr-26 12:47:51

I wish I could listen to audio books. I just can’t concentrate on them. And getting the right narrators voice can be crucial too. Since scrolling I’ve lost the ability to read. Sad.

jeapurs54 Sat 04-Apr-26 12:57:05

I love reading, enjoy Mysteries, Thrillers, Horror. But recently found that some books have very small print and as I am not as young as used to be I find it difficult reading these in the evening. I mainly read at night before settling down to bed. I sometimes read in the afternoon if nothing much good on TV and my husband enjoys his programmes so I can indulge in my book. I Have a list of favourite authors, but also get swayed to others at times, when browsing Amazon.

Millie22 Sat 04-Apr-26 14:09:35

I read every night in bed before I go to sleep.

Currently reading The Other Bennett Sister on my new colour Kindle.

bookaddict Sat 04-Apr-26 15:31:20

I read every chance I get especially when other half is monopolising the tv in the evening! Kindle books are my favourites, latest are The Belle Fields and sequel Ashes of Roses by Lora Adams and Brother to the Ox written a long times ago by Fred Kitchen. I also enjoy poetry and found Say Kangaroo by Five Sisters really was unique and I readily travelled back to my childhood! I certainly escape life's probs when 'page turning'!😀

Washerwoman Thu 09-Apr-26 21:25:32

I read every morning in the bath with a cup of coffee. It's my treat.And as I volunteer at a library I'm reading more now than I've ever done
I used to read in bed at night but increasingly found it hard to stay awake and concentrate. So mornings work best for me.Plus the odd afternoon if I have a quiet day which isn't too often.