i read 5 books in 5 days | AMA

This describes my life so accurately. Still impressed you aced the challenge! Some questions: Now you've done your science, how do you think you'll incorporate reading books (non-work related!) back into your life? Also, I think you're spot on when you talk about how important it is to discover/re-discover your 'why' when it comes to reading - what's your 'why'?

This video was pure brilliance!

Cats are the purrfect distraction. I know why my reading slowed/stopped - needing cataract surgery at a young (for cataracts) age and the...unnecessarily dramatic glasses BS that followed. Also having the available brain space to *start*, but mostly the eyes. Audiobooks help a lot, but also reading on my computer monitor since it's the only way I can sit in one place in a fairly static position for long enough comfortably enough to do physical reading. Stupid reading glasses and their very narrow bands of focal length.

I too grieve the loss of my childhood voraciousness… Reminds me of the time in the third grade when I misunderstood an assignment and through I had to read a whole book per day. And somehow I did it, until my mom pointed out that couldn't be right. Nowadays, though, my issue is not with the joy of reading (depends on the book, but it's there) or with finding the time or the habit (I set aside some time before going to sleep every night…well, almost) but with speed. I'm *such* a slow reader. On average, despite my nightly reading habit, I go through less than one book per month, which means I can never actually *get* to all the books I want to read. I'm intrigued by the idea of simultaneously listening to the audiobook. I will definitely give that a try. Do you have any other tips for improving reading speed?

First of all, great video AS ALWAYS. I like that you liked Hank Green's Carl Blue book. Also, cute cat, great cat, amazing cat, 10/10. I did have some questions: 1. I personally don't struggle much with the reading part as much as focusing and actually understanding the words, sometimes I just get to the middle of the page and have no idea what just happened, usually happens with fiction, do you had any issues like that, and if so, how did you approach them? 2. Have you tried power reading one of those "books you must read" which not coincidentally at all are usually classics with really obscure english and convoluted plots? Do you think these methods would apply? 3. Does petting cat count as multitasking?

Ok but I got to know, did you get the "Why Fish Don't Exist" recommended by John Green?

Such a cute kitty! I couldn't even finish watching before having to stop and right this. And you thought you had a screen problem. lol

I'm sure if I tried this challenge I would be you on day 3, getting itchy at not being able to look at my phone! I'm an average, not super fast, reader, so sometimes I get frustrated at how long it takes (especially with nonfiction) and look at my phone instead. But maybe that means I just need to retrain my habits towards longer reading sessions. It also helps when I switch between my favorite genres (YA fantasy, historical fiction, mystery/thriller). What are your favorite fiction or non-fiction genres?

Oof this video struck me right in my former-voracious-reader feels. Similarly, I don't really quite enjoy "adult" fiction yet. Often times, if I'm really in a rut where I haven't read anything at all in a while, I'll go back and read some YA that I really enjoyed as a teenager, to get myself back into the rhythm of reading. Do you feel like this challenge would have been easier or harder if you had reread books you enjoyed when you were younger? Assuming, of course, that you're a person who enjoys rereading books! Loved the video!

Another fantastic video! I noted you underlining in pencil when reading the non-fiction books - what's your go-to note taking strategy? How do you get that information to really stick in your mind?