I blame phones. It’s so easy to get the quick distraction of chat, games, videos, etc., while reading takes a different level of focus. I am a lifelong passionate reader but even so I sometimes battle distraction. If that’s the case the things that work best for me are putting the phone in another room, turned off, and finding a book—on whatever topic—that I’m really passionate about, as opposed to one I just feel i should read.

I love reading and went through a patch where i hardly read. This has picked up this year.

I read on my kindle mostly, as it was a strain for my eyes. It also means that i can take my book with me everywhere i go. I now reach less for my phone and more for my kindle.

I also do not mind what is going on around me, but especially like to read before bed.

What are you reading now?

As much as I enjoy touching the pages of a book, I had to switch into Kindle to make it easier to take my books with me anywhere. I find that accessibility is one way for me to carve out time to read.

I’m currently reading : 1 fiction, 1 non fiction and one textbook.

I am in the same boat, It is so easy to let reading slip quietly away when other things are happening in life. admittedly it has been longer than a year me. I have been forcing myself to read this year though. It has been hit and miss.

I have taken to carrying my ebook reader with me everywhere I go so its not out of sight out of mind.

I dont need to be alone when I read, I always used to read on the bus going to and from work. I do like some nice ambient music playing in the background though.

I spend far to much time on my phone, I find now when I go out to eat alone I take my book and leave my phone face down or in my pocket and engage with my book only.

Not saying that's perfect, developing a specific routine for yourself where electronics are ignored and books are engaged is what helps me

Personally, I read without music. These days i read more mysteries and thrillers and SF; stuff that keeps me turning the pages.

One thing that's really changed my reading habits is getting a Kindle and connecting up with Libby. Libby is an app that allows you to check e-books out of your public library from the convenience of your own home (libraries pay more to lend e-books but still lend for free). Also, most libraries are now members of lending consortia, so you're borrowing from a much larger set of lenders than just your local branch.

I can not read books with few exceptions.

I can read with others in the room, music on etc. I can get engaged in the story generally

My world makes my head too busy to concentrate. I have 6 books Im reading atm. Some fiction, some non fiction, some reference. I do feel bad but also dont because I read 2 to 3 books a week from 11-25. I should read more, but my brain cant take in.

I found a playlist called library music. It doesn't interfere when I read with it on in my earbuds.
I prefer to be alone reading but when I can't be alone which is basically everyday because I share my bedroom with other people. I just put on the music and get into my own head and read.

Another trick I am currently using I'm listening to a book in audio while reading it. It's a cool way to stay focused. The audio version came with it's own music so it's a mix of everything.

I read PDFs only on my phone since I can't hold a real book in my hands. I also read in bed so I'm fully relaxed also because it's easier and I do it with my bipap on my face. It's sort of a ritual.

I'm on my 6th book since May this last summer.

I do need silence, although there can be some muffled sounds in the background. And I have become more fastidious about the font size. Reading literature is essential to me, I had stopped for some years as I was so busy but re-establishing that habit has made me feel whole again.