2025 Reading Challenge discussion

Since there is evidence that reading fiction can increase a person's empathy, and empathy is something that seems to be in short supply these days, wouldn't it be wonderful to get some people who are not big readers to read more? Has anyone been successful in getting someone who doesn't like to read to read more? I don't think that hounding someone about reading works, but what does? Normally I don't care what people do with their own time, but I do think it's important now. Thoughts?

If you know the person well, try to find them a book that suits them - something that deals with topics interesting and meaningful to them, or compatible to their sense of humour. If they enjoyed a certain movie/TV series based on a book and you think the book worth reading, try that. Both have worked for me, especially if people are non-readers due to "school book trauma" ;-)
But then there are people you'll never get to read, not even about their favourite topics. Not even the newspaper. As I have a friend who is that way, I have developed the theory that it is due to a lack of imagination which cannot be cured in adults. Still, I love that friend of mine, despite that ;-p

Maybe suggesting audio books? Some people do love the stories just not the act of reading itself.
But as Auntie Terror says, some people just will never read. Maybe due to lack of imagination. But I also know people who just lack the peace and concentration to be able to focus on a story. Movies are different because of the visual aspect which helps them focus.

Along the lines of Susy’s suggestion, podcasts with stories or serialized novels might help. I love Levar Burton’s podcasts lot. If the people liked Reading Rainbow as a kid, maybe they would like this grownup version

I have a friend who doesn't like to read, and this christmas instead of sending her a box of cookies and a bear I sent her 3 new young adults reads that are new to me and brought a copy for her and for me sometimes we just need company.

My boyfriend of 3 years doesn't like to read, which is frustrating to me as an avid reader and writer. I've tried everything: finding a book he might like, reading out loud to him (cheesy, but I thought it might work!), suggesting audiobooks. I'm thinking of force-feeding him an audiobook on our next long road trip.

But, I guess, some people just don't like to read. I seriously can't fathom why; it boggles me to no end.

Kaylee wrote: "My boyfriend of 3 years doesn't like to read, which is frustrating to me as an avid reader and writer. I've tried everything: finding a book he might like, reading out loud to him (cheesy, but I th..."

Laughs Kaylee I had an ex who hated to read but he supplied my book habit nicely, Is there any video game he loves or sport? Most games now have a book companion that might be the trick just a thought.

I have a book club with a few people that didn't really read much and now they are reading more than before. We keep each other motivated and don't make it too difficult. Books don't have to be super long or difficult, as long as they are interesting to the reader.

Kimberly wrote: "I have a book club with a few people that didn't really read much and now they are reading more than before. We keep each other motivated and don't make it too difficult. Books don't have to be sup..."

That's fantastic I have such an odd shift at work that doing a book club locally is impossible.

Blagica wrote: "Kaylee wrote: "My boyfriend of 3 years doesn't like to read, which is frustrating to me as an avid reader and writer. I've tried everything: finding a book he might like, reading out loud to him (c..."

He's not into gaming, though he does like sports. He really likes nature/wilderness so I suggested Into the Wild and still, nada. He always tries nonfiction and doesn't like it, so I'm trying to come up with a fiction suggestion for him. Any ideas?

Wow! Fiction is always easier i feel like for non readers. What about book adaptations to movies you guys have seen or plan on seeing?

Then his answer is “Why not just see the movie?” or “I already know what’s going to happen because I’ve seen the movie.”
*clutches heart in despair*
Gets me every time haha

Laughs okay back to the drawing board I go. What about DIY books does he like to learn how to do things?

I'm sending my friend short stories he may like and so far he managed to read a few. Short things don't intimidate that much? Also, it's always good to start with something funny. :)

My motto is "If you think you don't like to read, you haven't met the right book yet." There's a book out there for everyone. As a teacher, I have many students who claim they don't like to read (heartbreaking). To encourage them, I have tried the following, with varying levels of success:
- graphic novels
- reading the same book as a friend
- short stories
- humorous books
- scary stories
- novels related to a topic of interest (football, horses, etc)
- shorter novels

I think in some cases when a person does not like to read, it's because the actual process is hard for them. Some people have trouble focusing on the page or keeping track of all the characters/details. If that's the case, I would suggest trying different formats like graphic novels or comics, audiobooks, etc.

*sigh* ....

Let me preface this by saying that I'm going to voice a completely contrary opinion to the one most of you have expressed so far.
First, regarding the studies postulating that fiction increases our capacity for empathy ... well, I simply don't entirely agree.

Secondly, and it needs to be said: Reading is a hobby! Just like fishing or bird-watching or knitting or cooking, or what have you... Reading doesn't need to be the past-time activity of choice for everyone. Acceptance is the key, in my opinion.

If it were me that didn't read, I would be annoyed to no end by a person constantly trying to "encourage" me to read. My husband is not a "reader", not because it's a "hard process" for him or due to a "lack of imagination" or because he simply "hasn't found the right book yet" as some of you have suggested. It is simply because his interests lie elsewhere. And that is 100% acceptable.

I would personally hate it if my husband, a friend or family member tried to "forcefully" get me interested in something that's not an interest for me. Having differing hobbies and interests is what makes us, individuals. It is what makes us... well, us!
Sometimes I just think it's important to respect that, instead of trying to impose your interest and hobbies on others.

That was my little rant on the subject this fine Sunday evening and that's all I'll say on the matter :)

*Edit: I've made a few corrections to the text, not in the sense of content, but in spelling corrections and such I made last night.

Lisa wrote: "Let me preface this by saying that I'm going to voice a completely contrary opinion to the one most of you have expressed so far..."

Interesting! I've actually been thinking about this a lot lately. I'm in a class called Teaching English and we've been talking about how to get students interested in reading/writing if they hate it. But, I started thinking... I don't like history classes, do I? No one is trying to force me to like history (thankfully).

So, maybe I'm trying a little too hard to get my boyfriend to like reading. I just... sigh... books and stuff. They're so good and stuff...!

I teach high school in a Title 1 school where students really struggle with reading, so I try to set aside 20-30 minutes every Friday for them to read something of their choice.

I’ve found reluctant readers will usually gear towards a few things: Graphic novels (because they think pictures will make it easier), books that are funny, short news articles (I’ve found a lot of the male students in my classes who are reluctant readers will read ESPN articles during this time without fighting me), or books that they feel reflect their own lives in some way.

Now I have no illusions that they’re spending time outside my class reading for fun because I got them totally hooked on reading, but at least for those 20-30 minutes, I’ve got them mildly enjoying reading.