Ask HN: How to regain the ability to read with focus and learn

Re:Ask HN: How to regain the ability to read with focus and ... by LeonardoTolstoy on Sunday June 22, 2025 @11:08AM (#44347510)

I faced a similar thing at one point. The thing that fixed it for me was going back to fiction. Started with a fantasy series. Did a little sci-fi. Did some easy classics (e.g. Dracula). Eventually that joy of reading, long focused reading, and effortless comprehension all came back. Just took practice.

Much like advice for writer's block being often "just write!". The same goes for reading. Start with something easy breezy and eventually it'll all start flowing again IMO.

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Re:Ask HN: How to regain the ability to read with focus and ... by trcf22 on Sunday June 22, 2025 @12:00PM (#44347974)

Yes! Just find any page-turner like The Name of the wind and have fun!

Or a nice biography on someone you find interesting.

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Re:Ask HN: How to regain the ability to read with focus and ... by mystickphoenix on Monday June 23, 2025 @12:28PM (#44357419)

Also, don't be afraid to revisit your favorite fiction and/or try young-adult fiction. IMO what you read matters less than building a habit or routine of reading.

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Re:Ask HN: How to regain the ability to read with focus and ... by p0d on Monday June 23, 2025 @02:02PM (#44358392)

Agreed. I have discovered at 53 that teenage fiction is my happy reading place. Impossible Creatures was my favourite read last year and currently reading the Eragon series. 30;years in IT has resulted in me scanning rather than reading.

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Re:Ask HN: How to regain the ability to read with focus and ... by bravesoul2 on Wednesday June 25, 2025 @11:40PM (#44383993)

HHGTG it is then!

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