What are your tricks to stay focused while reading books?

[Still-alive]

Especially for those who have adhd, what are your tricks to stay focused while reading? I been trying a bunch of stuff.

[Apulu_backagain]

I struggle with non fictions (especially if they're are not poetry or self help) a lot. This book called 'Richest Man in Babylon' is a very thin book and the language is not difficult (some old English is used but it isn't that complex) either but it is just so hard to finish. It's almost like a course book. So I studied it like a course book.

I make notes while reading the books difficult for me to read, maybe even use highlighters and pencil to mark important things in book. That locks me in and also helps me to actually remember the content for longer. This method is also suggested in preface of 'Power of you subconscious mind' book.

Interestingly, I don't have that problem with fiction books even if they are considered a hard read or are very lengthy. Instead I love novel series. But then I don't remember the details of novels for long time too. Making notes alongside really really helps.

[Still-alive]

yes i do take notes with historical books. helps out a lot.

[bobalife]

Team iPhone here, I would put my phone on DND to have that background noise & distraction gone. I must be in the right state of mind and position. Find a comfortable spot in my house or at my fave lake park. Make myself tea or a nice drink with some yummy snackies/desserts. Lightening a candle is calming and a good flavor smell to bring a peace of mind & atmosphere. I want to make sure I can enjoy and have my attention in my book.


It’s okay to have your mind wander and redirect yourself back to your book when needed. Check yourself and refocus. But if there’s too much intrusive thoughts, do you need a break? Switch books or activity? Maybe try again a different day or time?

[Still-alive]

Excellent advice! Thank you! 😊

[msmissydc]

Hm... if its a book for fun I rarely have problems.
Books have lows though and if I am ever not sure if the book gets good I set like 50 pages and stop there. Either it got good at the point, I pick it up again while doing the page thing again or if nothing helps its not a good book. Explaining the chapter to those that have recommended the book also gets some good input for whats ahead in a spoilerfree teaser.
For work I guess general concentration tipps work for me. Physical activity helps me to concentrate.
Get a place without much distraction.

[Massageman]

The best way for me to do it is to a lot a certain period of time- or a certain number of pages/chapters- to reading. After that increment of time or accomplishment, I then have a choice to continue reading if I am really into it, or to do something else.

[7Phoenix7]

I make sure to pick a book that demands my attention lol. Those books that keep me turning pages long after I planned to put the book down.

With other stuff, I choose a time when there are not too may distractions around me.

[purplepoppy]

I can't. I just don't get anything out of reading anything long, I've a limit of a few pages. Non fiction holds my attention longest as long as the author doesn't waffle but as for a novel I just find myself saying get to the point.

[Rei13]

Books are something I hyper focus on. I generally play music in the background and make sure it’s a book I’m interested in.

[queenofcardio]

I will have to remove any diistractions. I have to put away the phone unless I'm leisurely reading.

[beenherebefore]

If the book is really interesting I don't need any tricks. I think the trick is to find a book with an interesting story/topic.

[KrisKris81]

Stop vocalizing and visualize while reading, simultaneously. Include smells, background sounds and textile feeling - a meditation technique.

[SunnyCaliGirl]

I find it sometimes helpful to read with low stimulation music on in background and I also have found it helpful to read small chunks at a time

[douride2]

When I am reading I pretty much block every thing else out.

[White_Stain00]

I don't have any tricks, I just start reading and the rest follows.

[elTAHAwy]

I read aloud and in conversation mode I mean questions like I ask them to someone and so on

[dragoblack]

Use a clear color ruler. Makes it easier to concentrate on 1 line at a time

[ponderingpaul]

Read books you are interested in