Have you ever sat down with a book, read the first page, and then realized you have no idea what you just read?
You’re not alone. I thought I was the only one.
I love books. I write books. But if I sit down to read a physical book, my brain immediately starts making a list. Did I switch the laundry? I need to call so-and-so. The dogs need to go out. I should answer those emails. What’s for dinner? Before I know it, I’ve read the same page three times and still couldn’t tell you what happened.
If you’ve ever wondered, “Why can’t I concentrate when I read anymore?” or thought, “I can’t focus on books like I used to,” you’re in good company. Life gets busy, and sometimes our minds just don’t slow down enough to enjoy a book the way we once did.
For a while, I felt guilty about that. Writers are supposed to read, right? Readers are supposed to curl up in a chair with a cup of coffee and disappear into a story. At least that’s the picture we often have in our minds.
The problem is, that’s not my life.
I don’t sit still very well. If I’m sitting, I start thinking about the ten things I should be doing instead. The dishes, the laundry, the dogs, the grocery list, or whatever project is waiting for me. My body may be in the chair, but my mind is everywhere else.
Then I discovered audiobooks.
Now, before anyone starts the debate, yes, I absolutely believe audiobooks count as reading. Stories have been told aloud for thousands of years. Listening to a book and reading a book both allow you to experience the characters, the suspense, the humor, and all the emotions that make stories special.
For me, audiobooks opened the door back to reading.
I listen while I’m driving. I listen while cleaning the house. I listen while folding laundry, walking the dogs, or tackling those endless chores that somehow multiply overnight. Instead of trying to carve out extra hours in the day, I simply bring stories along with me.
And I know I’m not alone. More and more people are turning to audiobooks because they think, “I don’t have time to read anymore.” But maybe that’s not really true. Maybe you just haven’t found the way that works for you.
If you’re wondering how to get back into reading, don’t worry about doing it the “right” way. There isn’t one. Maybe you’ll read on a Kindle. Maybe you’ll enjoy paperbacks. Maybe you’ll become an audiobook fanatic like me.
The important thing isn’t how you consume stories. The important thing is that you enjoy them.
Some days, I still pick up a physical book. And some days, I read that first page three times before admitting defeat and turning on Audible instead. That’s okay. I’m still experiencing stories. I’m still discovering new characters and places. I’m still laughing, holding my breath, and staying up later than I intended because I need to know what happens next.
So if you’ve found yourself saying, “I can’t focus on books anymore,” or “Why can’t I concentrate when I read?” give yourself some grace.
You may not have fallen out of love with books.
You may simply have discovered a different way to enjoy them.
And if you’re looking for a way to get back into reading, try an audiobook. You can listen while driving, cleaning, gardening, or walking the dog. You might just discover that the stories you thought you’d left behind have been waiting for you all along.
How about you? Do you prefer physical books, e-books, or audiobooks? And have you ever caught yourself reading the same page over and over? I’d love to hear your answer!
