Why We Don't Read? (Почему мы не читаем?)

Americans just don't read literature. But, the question I always want to ask is, "Why don't we read" Are there solutions that we can come up with to reverse the problem and make reading literature a more popular activity Here are a few reasons I've heard people use to explain why they haven't picked up a good book in months (or even years).

Not Enough Time

Take a book with you everywhere.

Take advantage of those precious moments that are often wasted: standing in line, sitting in the waiting room at an appointment, waiting for a passenger (child, friend, or significant other) to join you in a vehicle) etc.

If you don't have enough time to finish a long novel, read a short book instead.

Or read a poem, a story, or some other bit of literature.

It's all about feeding your mind – even if it's only one bit at a time.

Not Enough Money

Find ways to read, without spending a lot of money.

Visit your local used book store.

Read literature on the Internet.

Borrow books from your friends.

Check out books from the library.

There are always ways to find books to read. It just takes some creative thinking sometimes to come up with ways to find books!

Not Enough Experience

The only way to learn what to read is by reading everything you can get your hands on. You'll gradually learn what you enjoy to read, and you'll start to make connections between books.

If you don't know where to start, or you find yourself stuck for what to read somewhere along the way, ask a librarian, a bookseller, a friend, or a teacher.

Find someone who enjoys reading books, and find out what he or she likes to read.

Too Tired

You may also find enjoyment in reading a good book while you're drinking a cup of coffee or tea. The caffeine may help to keep you awake, while you enjoy your reading.

Another idea: You could also try reading at times when you're not tired.

Read on your lunch hour, or in the morning when you first get up.

Or, find a few minutes here or there to sit down with your book.

One other point: the experience of falling asleep while reading a book is not a horrible one. You have the most marvelous dreams as you fall asleep with a good book.

The Multimedia Experience

If you'd really rather be watching the television or a movie, you may enjoy reading the book upon which the movie was based before you see the show.

If you're in the mood for adventure, mystery, or suspense, perhaps you haven't found books that match your tastes.

Too Hard

Reading isn't always easy, but it doesn't have to be hard.

Don't pick up the huge books, if you know that you'll never time the time or energy to finish them.

We read books for many reasons, but you don't have to feel that it's an academic experience (if you don't want it to be).

You can pick of a book and have an unforgettable experience: laugh, cry, or sit on the edge of your seat. A book doesn't have to be difficult to be a great read! Read about "Treasure Island." Join the adventures of "Robinson Crusoe" or "Gulliver's Travels."

It's Not a Habit

Make it a habit. Make a point of reading literature on a regular basis.

It doesn't take much to get into the habit of reading.

Even if you don't enjoy reading books for yourself, why not read a story to your child

Share a poem or a short story with a friend.

It's not difficult to make books and literature a part of your life.