These past few months I’ve come back to reading novels for the first time, really, since I was a kid. I just read them an alternative to scrolling, though, so I don’t really pay much attention. When I sit down to watch a film, I try to make sure my mind is clear, my environment is undistracting, and I try to watch observantly and engage on multiple levels. Not always easy to maintain that level of attention even for a 1.5-3h movie, to try to do so for a novel seems unreasonable. I’ve felt mostly indifferent about the novels I’ve been reading during this streak. I had one moment where I felt moved but I can’t really speak eloquently as to why or how. I have too many goals that matter infinitely more to me to make becoming a more refined conscientious fiction reader a goal, but I’m curious by-the-by how other (more experienced?) people approaach their reading.
I wouldn’t say I’m an experienced reader, however I’ve been in a similar predicament trying to get back into reading.
On my iPhone I set up a focus mode that promotes reading during hours I’m typically at home with free time. What I’ve done is set a large reading widget front and center on the page with reading companion apps underneath with all of my social media/video apps are out of sight.
As for goals, I don’t really make any until I’ve had a couple books finished otherwise I force myself into finishing rather than concentrating on the material.