Many people enjoy reading as a way to relax and enrich their minds. If you want to start reading for pleasure or to improve your reading skills, these steps can help.

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[edit] Steps

Get a library card and be prepared to spend a lot of time there browsing. Libraries are wonderful places to find a variety of books.
Find a quiet, comfortable place to read so that you aren’t disturbed. Make sure it is somewhere with good lighting where you can relax.
Pick reading material that interests you. Read the backs of books or the inside of the dust jacket for a brief summary of the plot.
Find a book that's comfortable for you to read. Skim the first few pages--if you have trouble understanding what the author's trying to say, you may not enjoy the book.
If you have trouble visualizing the story, pay attention to the introductions of characters and places. Try to see each in your mind. 'Seeing' the story will make it more real to you and easier to remember.
Try to take the book you're reading with you wherever you go.
Return to the library regularly to get new books to read.

[edit] Tips

You may want to read for a certain amount of time (at least 10 minutes) every day.
Don't avoid the children's section! Many books written for children are wonderful novels on their own.
If you do not know the meaning of a word, try using context clues to figure it out. If that doesn't work, then look it up in the dictionary.
Parents can help their children be good readers by reading to them when they are young.

[edit] Warnings

Don't give up if you get frustrated or get a headache. If you aren't used to reading on a regular basis, it will be difficult at first. Stay with it and you will be rewarded.
Don't be upset if you find a book where you can hardly understand any of the words. As you read, your personal vocabulary will increase, but pick another book if there are too many obscure and/or difficult words being used in that one.