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MuseumGhost
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Default Dec 31, 2021 at 04:54 PM
  #21
Here's a p.s.: Finding support forums was an almost instant boon to me. It helped me in several ways, one of them being improving my ability to focus while reading. As I continued on, I could tell that gentle cognitive exercise was helping a great deal.

Wishing you all the best, as well as answers for you!
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Default Jan 03, 2022 at 11:27 AM
  #22
Have you tried collections of short stories? It’s something to dip in and out of and generally less complex plot.

I had readers block a long time and although a little better I still have times I can’t concentrate as well. I think little bits of reading are better than none. In my case I think technology use has affected my ability to stick with a plain old book.
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Book Jan 03, 2022 at 12:25 PM
  #23
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Originally Posted by Discombobulated View Post
Have you tried collections of short stories? It’s something to dip in and out of and generally less complex plot.

I had readers block a long time and although a little better I still have times I can’t concentrate as well. I think little bits of reading are better than none. In my case I think technology use has affected my ability to stick with a plain old book.
I agree with this idea. A collection of short stories or a novelette could be less overwhelming and not a full-length novel. If you like crime fiction, James Patterson's "Bookshots" series of novelettes might appeal to you. They are about 120 pages or less. I've read a lot of them, and I could read them in one sitting but I broke it up into an hour at a time. They are very fast-paced and action/suspense packed.

Novelettes are longer than short stories but still quite short compared to a novella or novel!

Certain genres might help. I've sort of gotten my concentration back by reading fantasy/horror/sci-fi. They take me into another world, which I need since this world is going insane and is very scary to me now.

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Default Jan 04, 2022 at 02:29 PM
  #24
Mindfulness and meditation can help hone our attention spans, if that might be something that interests you to try?

I like Discombobulated's idea of reading short stories.


I'll add, consider taking a trip to your local library and just peruse the stacks. Sometimes that's motivating to me. I get excited seeing the books and then I want to read.
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Book Jan 04, 2022 at 02:37 PM
  #25
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Originally Posted by WovenGalaxy View Post
I like Discombobulated's idea of reading short stories.

I'll add, consider taking a trip to your local library and just peruse the stacks. Sometimes that's motivating to me. I get excited seeing the books and then I want to read.
And I seconded that idea.

Browsing the stacks is good too, as I've found some good stuff that way. Sometimes the library has lists of books that are popular now, but that doesn't mean it's for everyone.

My library system has cut down to just 50% capacity (due to COVID, till the end of January) but I'm so glad they are OPEN so I can have face to face contact with staff. It isn't busy anyway, so it won't affect my going inside to get my books or use the computer.

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Default Jan 04, 2022 at 08:50 PM
  #26
Edgar A. Poe?
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Book Jan 05, 2022 at 01:38 PM
  #27
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Edgar A. Poe?
Good choice, if you like macabre/horror! I've read some of his stuff and they made horror movies or episodes of Night Gallery/Twilight Zone out of them!

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Default Jan 10, 2022 at 08:14 AM
  #28
what about an RPG (role playing game) video game where a story unfolds in the same way as a book but you're more involved in the action? - by selecting to talk with characters and find out information and work out where the story is going next?
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Default Jan 10, 2022 at 09:31 AM
  #29
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what about an RPG (role playing game) video game where a story unfolds in the same way as a book but you're more involved in the action? - by selecting to talk with characters and find out information and work out where the story is going next?
That sounds like fun, @InkyTinks! I don't have a computer, so I don't do video games. But I plan on getting a laptop when covid is done. And now I look forward to a video game like you describe. I feel happy about this. So nice to have something to look forward to.

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Default Jan 10, 2022 at 03:03 PM
  #30
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That sounds like fun, @InkyTinks! I don't have a computer, so I don't do video games. But I plan on getting a laptop when covid is done. And now I look forward to a video game like you describe. I feel happy about this. So nice to have something to look forward to.

Can also get a console pre-owned doesn't have to be a computer.Try ebay often they will come with some games.


I watch youtube videos on the games so I can see what I might like before buying.


if you go on YT and type in '' best RPG for 2021' you can see reviews on what games are out there already. ..or 2022 if you want to know what's coming out later this year.


My strategy is first watch a clip with several games so get an idea of the graphics etc..if something catches my eye I type in 'name of game' walkthrough to get more detailed information on it

There's adventure styles, murder mystery style games like the old Broken Sword point and click adventures, ones where you can summon and fight mythical monsters, then more chill out games like farming sims with romance and characters you can marry in game...who you choose and decisions you make will change where the story goes.
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Default Jan 10, 2022 at 03:11 PM
  #31
Thank you very much, @InkyTinks! So very interesting & helpful!

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Book Jan 12, 2022 at 03:45 PM
  #32
I accidentally deleted this thread from my subscriptions since not proficient with a smartphone. It’s easy to click the wrong thing cause the screen is so tiny. Glad I found it again.

What I do is go easy on myself. If I can only read a few pages or even paragraphs, I stop. Ideally I finish a chapter but sometimes they are too long even if I feel okay. Then I’ll try to find a good stopping point.

Even reading isn’t the joy it used to be as Covid is in the back of my mind.

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I Can't Read Anymore

Hmmm....looks like some good tips in here.


I Can't Read Anymore

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Default Jan 14, 2022 at 12:43 AM
  #33
I glanced through the comments, so not sure if this had been asked. Have you had any major changes happen in your life? A new situation that can add more stress & depression can make it difficult to focus. I had treatment for stage 4 uterine cancer. I'm now in maintenance. I've noticed more & more I have trouble keeping my attention on much of anything. If I'm fortunate, I might get 15 mins before my mind wanders. Posting is a struggle these days. It takes longer to gather my thoughts. Is it reading or other things you've noticed trouble with as well? I'm used to having a strong, sharp mind, so it's concerning. I have an appt on Wed. I'll mention it then. I hope you find out what is causing this & are able to find ways to manage.

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Default Jan 17, 2022 at 05:01 PM
  #34
OMG!! ME, TOO!!! I always read and I would see the story in my head like a movie. Now my mind wanders and I have to keep going back to the same paragraph over and over....I don't know WHAT is wrong with me. I quit y job last year when we paid off some big things, and it seems that I am LESS able to relax. Also, my eating is Out.... Of...... Control......

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Default Jan 17, 2022 at 08:00 PM
  #35
Anxiety can definitely affect concentration. I have had times in my life when my anxiety was overwhelming and I could not focus enough to read.
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Heart Jan 17, 2022 at 08:20 PM
  #36
I feel the same way! And it hurts quite a lot sometimes. But we are the world!

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Default Jan 18, 2022 at 12:30 PM
  #37
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OMG!! ME, TOO!!! I always read and I would see the story in my head like a movie.
Reading IS like a movie in my head too, I can imagine the characters the way I want. I Can't Read Anymore Screen adaptations can be good if they stick close to the book and have the right cast.I Can't Read Anymore

But there’s no pleasing everyone when it comes to casting. So there’s nothing like your imagination.I Can't Read Anymore

I’m reading The Magicians by Lev Grossman. A series was made years ago which I didn’t see. I looked up the cast and don’t like some of the choices! They don’t have the right “look”.

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I Can't Read Anymore

Hmmm....looks like some good tips in here.


I Can't Read Anymore

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Default Jan 18, 2022 at 02:25 PM
  #38
Absolutely! Imagination & movies of the mind!

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Default Jan 18, 2022 at 02:38 PM
  #39
Case in point: I’ve read some of the Jack Reacher books by Lee Child. Tom Cruise was cast as Reacher! I think he’s a GREAT actor but NOT “Reacher” material!

Child approved the casting choice….

I picture Reacher like this guy at the gym, just much taller! He’s got the right build and look.I Can't Read AnymoreI Can't Read Anymore

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Default Jan 22, 2022 at 06:52 PM
  #40
I have not been able to read since 1984. The book not the year. I read it in October and I have not picked up a book since. That book scared the **** out of me. Although I was recovering from major surgery. So I may have been a bit loopy and out of it anyways.

But I read 1984, and Skleteton Crew and Desperation both by Stephen King one after the other and yeah, I've been too freaked out to read anything after those 3.

I've been trying to get up the nerve for awhile to go back to Stephen King. Maybe I'll go to the library in the morning.

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