أرسلتوا لي مشاكلكم مع القراءة… وخلونا نحلها

Summary

Ema Alshehri responds to viewers’ reading struggles, including distraction, boredom, guilt about abandoning books, post-book slumps, unfamiliar vocabulary, and difficulty remembering what they read. Her overall message is to make reading enjoyable rather than a pressured task, and to keep experimenting until you find what works for you.

Key strategies and tips

• For trouble concentrating:

  • Take a moment to settle yourself and choose a calm setting before reading, especially if something is weighing on your mind.
  • Try reading aloud, perhaps giving characters different voices, to stay engaged and follow the text.
  • Break reading into short, timed sessions—starting with just a minute or two—and take brief movement breaks between them.
  • Put your phone out of reach; checking the time or a notification can easily lead to other distractions.

• For boredom or a book you dislike:

  • Separate being bored by one book from disliking reading altogether. It’s fine to stop a book, switch to another, or move between several.
  • Don’t feel guilty about not finishing a book. You can treat it as something to review or discuss, or simply move on to a book you’re excited about.
  • If reading feels dull, try spending five to fifteen minutes without your phone and practice tolerating boredom. This may make slower, more absorbing activities like reading easier to enjoy.
  • Keep exploring genres; it can take time to find the kinds of books that suit you.

• For a “book hangover” after a great read:

  • Give yourself time to enjoy the book and look up discussions or theories if you want.
  • When you’re ready for another book, try a different genre rather than one that invites direct comparison with the book you just loved.

• For difficult vocabulary:

  • An e-reader with a built-in dictionary lets you check a word with a tap, without reaching for your phone and its distractions.

• For remembering and engaging with books:

  • Read actively and critically rather than rushing just to finish.
  • Write notes, collect quotes, or review the book after finishing. Reading platforms such as Goodreads or Fable can also help you revisit your thoughts.
  • Discuss the book in a book club or explain its ideas to someone else.
  • Don’t worry about retaining every fact. Readers may remember how a book made them feel and how it affected their views.

• For slow reading or pressure to read more:

  • Prioritize the quality of your reading experience over hitting a book-count target.
  • If you want to build speed, try listening to an audiobook while following along in the text. Adjust the playback speed to what feels manageable.
  • Take breaks when needed and avoid turning reading into a source of stress.

Presenter and sources

• Presenter: Ema Alshehri
• Sources discussed: Viewers’ reading-problem submissions on Instagram and the presenter’s personal experience.
• Reading tools mentioned: Kindle, Kobo, Goodreads, Fable, and audiobooks.