I’ve Unlocked a Magical Reading Door in My Brain
I didn’t even know the door existed. But recently, I’ve discovered that my ability to sink deeply into a book and truly enjoy it is a skill—one that can be developed. Here’s what my reading journey has looked like so far, and maybe you’ll see yourself somewhere along the way. If you’re trying to level up your own reading life, hang in there.
Level 1: Making Time for Books
The first step is simply learning to spend time with books. Not because we don’t want to read—but because the chaos of life constantly pulls us in other directions. If distractions are winning, this is the level to focus on: choosing a book over your phone, the TV, or whatever else is shouting for your attention.
Level 2: Bringing Your Brain to the Page
Now that you’ve carved out the time, the next challenge is showing up mentally. You’re sitting in the reading chair, the book is open—but your mind keeps drifting. The goal here is to slow down and really pay attention. Let the words take root.
Level 3: Experiencing the Story Like a Movie
Once you’re engaged, the next level is immersion. Think of how it feels to get lost in a movie—that’s what we’re after here. You’re following the action, feeling the rhythm of the plot, and beginning to connect emotionally with the characters. It’s compelling. But it still gets better.
Level 4: Feeling What the Characters Feel
This is the magical door I’ve unlocked. At this level, you don’t just follow what’s happening—you understand why it matters. You sense what drives the characters, what changes them, and what the story means to them on the inside. This is the kind of depth only books can give us. Authors invite us inside the minds and hearts of their characters in ways no other medium can.
Building a reading habit is a journey. At first, it’s about showing up. Then, it becomes about learning to go deeper and deeper. Eventually, you realize that books offer one of the most immersive forms of entertainment—if you’ve trained your brain to meet them at that depth.
No social media post, movie, game, or app can touch the kind of magic a great book provides.
Until next time, read slowly – take notes – apply the ideas.
-Eddy
Greetings, Mr. Eddie. I needed this re-reminder blog entry, and especially as of late. I state “re-reminder” because at almost seventy-seven years old, I have thought of and done pretty much what you suggested in times past, but seldom put into practice this modus operandi to any degree of consistency. Why? I don’t fully know, except that the dopamine hit (or whatever) that keeps me tethered to non-productive habits has a fairly regular control in my life. Like late last night until 2:00 AM this morning: I started watching some YouTube channels (political and travel related) that I subscribe to that lasted less than an hour and then moved on to YouTube shorts and then, not one, but TWO Netflix movies. Now this morning I woke up with a bad conscience/regret hangover. It would have been sooooo much more beneficial in so many ways had I, instead, continued to read some books that I have started reading. Alas, modern life and my less-than-desirable discipline.
Keep up the good work, and all the best in your continued writing ventures!