Sometimes I feel like reading is this cozy escape everyone else seems to enjoy with ease, but when you live with ADHD, it can feel like running a marathon with shoelaces tied together. I’ve lost count of how many times I started a book only to realize my brain was already planning dinner, replaying yesterday’s awkward moment, or daydreaming about something random.
Still, I didn’t want to give up on reading, so over time, I learned a few tricks that actually helped me finish books and even enjoy the process. If you’re wondering how to read books with ADHD without constantly losing focus, I’m sharing what worked for me in a casual, real-life way.
Why Reading with ADHD Can Feel Tricky
ADHD isn’t just about being “distracted.” For me, it showed up as:
- Racing thoughts mid-page.
- Forgetting what I just read.
- Zoning out and rereading the same line five times.
- Feeling restless if a book took too long to “get good.”
The good news? None of that means you can’t read, it just means the approach might need to be a little different.
Tips That Made Reading Manageable (and Fun)
1. Choose the Right Kind of Book
I used to pressure myself into reading “serious” books, but I quickly learned, fun > fancy. Books that helped me stay engaged:
- Short chapters (so I feel accomplished faster).
- Fast-paced stories or thrillers.
- Non-fiction with bullet points, lists, or visuals.
- Graphic novels or illustrated books.
2. Try Audiobooks
Listening while walking, cleaning, or cooking was a game-changer. With ADHD, movement actually helps me focus, so pairing an audiobook with a walk felt natural and productive.
3. Break Reading into Chunks
Instead of aiming for 50 pages, I started with 5–10 pages. Sometimes I even used a timer (like 15 minutes). Small wins kept me motivated.
4. Use Bookmarks and Notes
ADHD brains love jumping around, so I started leaving sticky notes or highlighting things. Writing down quick thoughts helped me remember the story and feel more “in it.”
5. Make Reading Interactive
Sometimes I read out loud to myself, or even acted out a scene. Sounds silly, but it kept me focused and made the book memorable.
6. Ditch the Guilt
Biggest lesson? It’s totally fine to DNF (did not finish) a book. If I wasn’t feeling it, I moved on. Reading is supposed to be enjoyable, not homework.
Small Hacks That Kept Me on Track
- Body doubling: Reading while someone else studies or reads nearby.
- Background sound: Lo-fi music or white noise kept my brain from wandering too much.
- Mix formats: I’d read a few pages at home and continue with the audiobook in the car.
- Rewards: I let myself grab a snack or scroll after a reading session.
My Final Thoughts
Learning how to read books with ADHD wasn’t about forcing myself into a “perfect reader” mold, it was about experimenting until I found what worked for me. Now, I don’t beat myself up if I take months to finish a book or if I switch formats halfway through.
Reading with ADHD is possible, you just have to play by your own rules.
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