I always forget I enjoy reading until I do it. I don’t mean reading books for class or textbooks or assignments. I mean reading for fun. I read many kinds of books for fun: fiction, fantasy, dystopian, non-fiction, memoir, historical. And all these books I read for fun have a different feeling than the books I have been assigned to read or feel obligated to read. Which is why I always forget how much enjoyment I can get from reading after I’ve been only reading books that have been put in my hands by instructors. So, I encourage you to set a goal to read a book for fun. Maybe start with twenty minutes a day. Maybe you’ll get hooked. If you need a place to get started here are some of my recommendations.
First, if you’re looking for something fun, something to jump start your reading habit, I suggest going back to a book or a series that you liked in high school or even elementary school. The Harry Potter series never fails me. Neither does The Hunger Games or Percy Jackson series. And each of these books have movies to accompany them which can stand as an incentive to finish the book so you can watch the movie. These three series of books are my comfort books. When I feel stressed or like I need to escape, these are the books I turn to.
If you’re looking for a book to make you feel something, I recommend The Fountains of Silence by Ruta Sepetys. It’s been awhile since I read this book, and I honestly don’t remember much about it, but I remember the feelings it gave me. This book is historical fiction - which is one of my favorite genres, so I may be biased. The little bit of romance, little bit of history, and little bit of secrecy make this book one that will hook you quickly.
Lastly, if you are looking for something non-fiction, I recommend Michelle Obama’s book Becoming. This book isn’t political, it doesn’t matter if you hated Obama or loved him as a president, it is just an interesting perspective of the American Presidency. It also documents some of Michelle and Barack’s lives separately and together. This book gives you a sense of unity, pride, and hope.
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