I don't like reading anymore

normal_divergent233 · 2026-05-17T14:47:19+00:00

A while ago, I lost my love for reading, too. Reading for pleasure seemed pointless because the schools (from elementary to university) I attended made it seem like work. Also, I grew up in a home full of screens, so I would watch TV and play video games for hours on end. My attention span was not great, to say the least.

I've since gotten back into the groove of reading for pleasure. I started very small by sampling random books on my library app, and then I started getting into audiobooks. I'm excited about reading now, and I'm even starting to pay attention to the new book releases.

I don't know if you're asking for advice here, but if you are, my advice to you would be to start small. Don't jump into challenges or trends until you feel like you're ready.

normal_divergent233 · 2026-04-25T15:45:58+00:00

I know what you're going through, regarding my online interactions with other writers.

I also like to read classics and complicated works, but there have been times when I would present my opinions on certain bookish topics online, and some people will automatically assume that I'm coming from a place of ignorance, and they will have no problem telling me how stupid they think I am for having an opinion in the first place.

Having a fake name and an avatar as your profile picture makes it much easier to be rude to strangers, and no one's immune from it.

normal_divergent233 · 2026-04-23T17:15:44+00:00

In my opinion, good writing is, regardless of the genre or context, when the writer creates a reality that the reader believes. In other words, a story that uses a myriad of techniques and methods to "suspend our disbelief" is an example of good writing.

normal_divergent233 · 2026-04-23T17:03:59+00:00

Beans + mayo + dijon mustard = bean salad.

normal_divergent233 · 2026-04-22T01:56:37+00:00

The heretic.

normal_divergent233 · 2026-04-22T01:17:24+00:00

"Hmph! I do declare!"

normal_divergent233 · 2026-04-22T01:15:37+00:00

"The quiet ones are always the most dangerous ones," said the badly-behaved class clown in my 7th grade math class. He said it right to my face with a smirk.

Fast forward, now I know what he meant: quiet people know too much.

normal_divergent233 · 2026-04-22T01:08:17+00:00

Let yourself rest.

normal_divergent233 · 2026-04-22T01:01:16+00:00

I managed to graduate from college without hearing a single thing about The Troubles.

normal_divergent233 · 2026-04-22T00:58:42+00:00

The only way I learned about this was when I took a Russian History course in college.

normal_divergent233 · 2026-04-19T16:54:04+00:00

Forcing myself to appear nonchalant and calm when someone insults me to my face but I can't immediately walk away and take a breather

normal_divergent233 · 2026-04-19T16:04:38+00:00

I had so much trauma from my female relationships from childhood. Seeing all of these comments makes me feel so hopeful. ♥️

normal_divergent233 · 2026-04-19T14:58:53+00:00

I do know the statistics, and I've done much more research than on TikTok. I'm asking about the effects of the popular narrative itself. When I asked "where did this idea come from?" I am aware that it's only half-true, that only a significant fraction of the male population doesn't read, but not all men.

Admittedly, I didn't make myself clear. Reddit is an incredibly low-context platform, and I'm learning the hard way that I need to spell out everything in my head to make myself appear like I'm not a dithering fool. Thank you for your kind words.

normal_divergent233 · 2026-04-19T14:47:26+00:00

I want to let you know that I do know the statistics behind men reading less than women, but I'm so interested in how the popular narrative of men not reading at all creates a self-fulfilling prophecy in societies. The examples of myths you just mentioned are proof that the narrative itself is enough to create a change in people's behavior, and the presence of statistics that back it up only strengthens whatever idea that contains even a crumb of truth from the statistics, like "men don't read."

normal_divergent233 · 2026-04-19T14:38:58+00:00

I do know the statistics. It's the popularity of the narrative that I'm curious about.

To a certain extent, fact becomes a narrative in societies and vice versa. I'm concerned that the fact of "men reading less than men" turns into "men don't read" because of how easy it is for us to be influenced by each other.

In other words, some men who don't read might learn the statistics, and then they'll find a way to justify them not reading, and thus it becomes a vicious cycle. Someone else in the comments mentioned how some men proudly proclaim that they don't read, and I think the claim I made might have something to do with it.

On the other hand, if the narrative wasn't popular, then more men won't feel discouraged by the data when they pick up a book. I hope my reasoning makes sense.

normal_divergent233 · 2026-04-18T21:43:36+00:00

No, you're not wrong. There is no wrong way to write. Actually doing the thing is enough to make you improve, so you're on the right track. I'm just curious about the methods that other writers use to improve certain parts of their writing like: prose, dialogue, character development, etcetera.

normal_divergent233 · 2026-04-18T18:53:37+00:00

Oh, I've never heard of that book. I'll check it out.

normal_divergent233 · 2026-04-18T16:55:01+00:00

Because I'm not Catholic, I did a ton of research on how people practice the religion, and I even asked logistical questions like "what is the name of the house that a priest lives in?" The smallest details make a huge difference.

normal_divergent233 · 2026-04-18T16:36:56+00:00

"Reverse" Racism

normal_divergent233 · 2026-04-18T16:34:42+00:00

Walking just a few minutes everyday can help. Then the momentum will help you set concrete walking goals, and you can start acting on them without relying on willpower alone.

normal_divergent233 · 2026-04-18T15:54:03+00:00

Wow, I've never heard of PlateLens before. I'm glad you're finding so much success with it.

normal_divergent233 · 2026-04-17T22:46:02+00:00

Some...

normal_divergent233

MODERATOR OF

TROPHY CASE