Summarize:

You can skim while you read too!  Reading avidly can sometimes mean that you find any way to make things easier for yourself.  Read the first few pages of the first chapter rather than reading the summary on the back of the book. This way you get a better understanding of the author’s writing style. You may find yourself in the middle of a book you really enjoy, but has taken a dry turn.  Read topic sentences and final paragraphs so that you get the general idea.  Read quickly until you reach a part that holds your interest. You might like the feel of having an actual book in your hands and turning real pages. If you don’t like carrying around and keeping track of too many things, you may like the convenience of using an e-reader device.  If you use productivity apps on a tablet, you will probably like the convenience of e-books. Downloading your books mean that you have many books in one place.  If you already carry a tablet, you won’t have to carry a book as well. If you prefer to go to the library and browse actual books, and enjoy the feeling of turning pages, you probably want to stick to real books. Having books around, whether electronic or real, to browse and choose from will inspire you to read.  Use your library. Take advantage of the fact that you can check out multiple books and return them if nothing grabs you. If there are books that you have that you’ve been meaning to read, leave them out! They will serve as a reminder, and you are more likely to pick them up if you are looking for something to do. Purchase books for your tablet online or check out an eBook from your local library. You don’t want to waste time reading something that isn’t for you, and struggling through a book just to get it done might derail your efforts to become an avid reader altogether.  Gather a few possibilities and read the first chapter or two of each one, then choose the one that grabs you.  If you feel stuck or bored, try something different! Just because you like biographies doesn’t mean you wouldn’t enjoy some light fiction with a little less substance. It might just provide the break you need to go back to the weightier stuff later.  Use the fifty page rule. If you’ve started a book and don’t like it, you might still feel weird about stopping cold.  Fifty pages is usually enough of the book to figure out whether or not it’s worth it for you to keep reading.  If it seems like a chore, don’t do it.  There are plenty of books out there for you to enjoy. A reading log is a good way to look back on what you’ve read and to keep track of things that you want to read.  A log can be a list on your phone, a Pinterest board, or a physical notebook.  Just make sure that it’s something that you’re likely to keep around or remember. Keep an ongoing list of what you’ve read: a simple list of titles and author’s names.  If you particularly liked a book, mark it.  Also keep a list of recommendations and things that you want to read. If you’re the note-taking type, keep summaries and memorable quotes in the notebook as well.  This will provide you with concrete examples of your progress and remind you of the knowledge and information that your reading has given you.
Skim before reading. Read in different formats. Keep multiple books around. Move on if you’re having a hard time. Start a reading log.