Terms of UseHow to Focus on a Book Explore this Article parts 1 Setting Up Your Reading Experience 2 Prepping Your Body and Mind for Reading 3 Ramping Up Your Enthusiasm about a Book Other Sections Expert Q&A Related Articles References Co-authored by Jake Adams
Last Updated: November 8, 2025 References
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This article was co-authored by Jake Adams. Jake Adams is an academic tutor and the owner of Simplifi EDU, a Santa Monica, California based online tutoring business offering learning resources and online tutors for academic subjects K-College, SAT & ACT prep, and college admissions applications. With over 14 years of professional tutoring experience, Jake is dedicated to providing his clients the very best online tutoring experience and access to a network of excellent undergraduate and graduate-level tutors from top colleges all over the nation. Jake holds a BS in International Business and Marketing from Pepperdine University. There are 8 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been viewed 27,848 times.
Reading requires a level of concentration that is not always easy to attain. You can improve your focus by finding a good place to read, energizing your body and mind, and bolstering your enthusiasm about the book itself. Committing to the act of reading will allow you to enjoy your book to the fullest.
Steps
Part 1 Part 1 of 3:
Setting Up Your Reading Experience
1 Block out noise. Make sure that your surroundings are quiet. Studies have shown that background noise may decrease higher brain function, impairing learning and memory.[1]XResearch source To focus on your book, find quiet by whatever means necessary- try looking for a secluded spot, wearing earplugs, or reading late at night when most people are sleeping.
2 Distance yourself from your phone. Studies have shown that smartphones are a great distraction, and that the absence of one when completing a task can make you more than 25% more productive. When you are reading, leave your phone in another room, or tucked away in your pocket or book bag to avoid looking at it. If you are not anticipating any urgent calls or messages, try turning it off altogether.
The same principle applies for television. Having it on in the background is likely to disrupt your focus.[2]XResearch source
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3 Find your zen place. Everyone has their own ideal working space, where they can concentrate, relax and be productive. If you already know where you feel best, make a point of setting up there to read. If not, try some of these options for relaxed and focused reading:
Library
A basement, attic, or other quiet room at home
A quiet park
A bookstore
A quiet café or restaurant
4 Reserve reading time. Make space for reading in your busy schedule to avoid worrying about other responsibilities, chores, and activities during that time. Choose a point during the day when you will not be needed by family, friends, or colleagues; if possible, let them know that you will be out of touch during that period. Taking time for yourself- for reading, or anything else you might want to do- is important for psychological and physical health. If your schedule allows, make this reading time a regular weekly, or even daily, event.
Be flexible with your reading time. It's okay to read at a different time if you feel like reading. Alternatively, if something gets in the way of your reading time, you can always catch up at another point.
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Part 2 Part 2 of 3:
Prepping Your Body and Mind for Reading
1 Do some pre-reading exercise. It has been shown that 30-40 minutes of vigorous aerobic activity can greatly improve cognitive clarity.[3]XResearch source Before picking up a book to read, try going for a run, brisk walk, or bike ride to clear your mind and improve concentration. Consider bringing a book along with you for these types of workouts so that you can read whenever you need a rest.
2 Have a healthy snack. Healthy foods can raise energy levels, and thus improve your ability to concentrate throughout the day. Snacks should contain fibre-rich carbohydrates or Omega-3 fats, which can also support memory and concentration. Try stocking up on some of these snacks for your reading time:
Nuts
Fruit
Oatmeal
Pumpkin seeds
Peanut butter
Anything with whole grains
3 Get more sleep. Studies have shown that getting a sufficient amount of sleep is key for good concentration and memory.[4]XResearch source Sleepiness can slow down thought processes, increase irritability, and disrupt learning, thereby interfering with your ability to focus on a book. Try to get between 7-9 hours of sleep a night, as is recommended for most adults.[5]XResearch source Advertisement
Part 3 Part 3 of 3:
Ramping Up Your Enthusiasm about a Book
1 Read some reviews of the book. Book reviews provide a brief summary, evaluation, and assessment of a book.[6]XResearch source Look up online reviews of the book you're reading to spark your enthusiasm about it; if the reviews are bad, read the book with the intention of finding positive aspects that surpass the reviewer's opinion. [[Image:Focus on a Book Step 8.jpg|center]
Try not to read reviews that reveal key plot points or which give away the ending of the book. These spoilers may make you less excited to read the book.
2 Reward yourself for reading. If you're having trouble concentrating on a book, offer yourself rewards for finishing chapters, or the entire book. To make this reward system effective, ensure that rewards are realistic, immediate, and specific; your motivation will falter if you can't follow through with the reward, or if it is too vague or far in the future to inspire you.
Give yourself breaks after reading certain sections. This will help make reading feel less monotonous and help you regain your focus.
Smaller rewards (for finishing chapters or sections of a book) could include an indulgent snack, or watching an episode of a favorite television show.
Larger rewards (for getting through an entire book) could include an extravagant purchase, a gourmet supper, or a trip to the movies.
3 Switch up your reading style. Consider switching how you approach the book in order to revive your interest in reading. If old school books are not your thing, try reading on a digital device. Alternatively, try reading out loud; it has been shown that doing so may help readers retain information better by creating a distinctive memory of what was said.[7]XResearch source Something as simple as switching from a paperback book to a hardcover book might also increase your enthusiasm about reading.
4 Reflect on each chapter or section as you read it. To help your memory and concentration, use reflective strategies to increase your understanding of the book. After each chapter or section, pause to think about what the book said, what is currently happening, and what you think might happen.[8]X Expert Source Jake AdamsAcademic Tutor & Test Prep SpecialistExpert Interview
Writing a reflection is a great way to maintain interest. Summarize the section and record your current thoughts, feelings, and opinions regarding the text.
Discussing the book can also help. Join a reading group, visit an online forum, or call a friend. You can share your thoughts or debate issues about book.
Write down any questions you have about the book. As you read, try answering these answers or see if you can come up with answers when you finish the book.
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Expert Q&A
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Question How can I focus better when I'm a fast reader? Jake Adams Academic Tutor Jake Adams is an academic tutor and the owner of Simplifi EDU, a Santa Monica, California based online tutoring business offering learning resources and online tutors for academic subjects K-College, SAT & ACT prep, and college admissions applications. With over 14 years of professional tutoring experience, Jake is dedicated to providing his clients the very best online tutoring experience and access to a network of excellent undergraduate and graduate-level tutors from top colleges all over the nation. Jake holds a BS in International Business and Marketing from Pepperdine University. Jake Adams Academic Tutor Expert Answer If you normally find yourself speeding through what you're reading without really understanding it, try slowing down. Reading at a more comfortable pace will help you comprehend the book better. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 0 Helpful 3
Question How can I understand while reading? Riley Meredith Community Answer Read a page or so, then mentally review the paragraph and what it was about. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 1 Helpful 8
Question It's Thursday, and my book report is due next week! How do I keep track on track with reading my book? Community Answer Make a schedule and allot certain chapters for each day, planning to finish the book's last chapter several days before your report is due. Write a summary every day about what you read to make the report easier -- keep the summaries and look at the plot changes throughout the book. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 2 Helpful 8
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Co-authored by: Jake Adams Academic Tutor This article was co-authored by Jake Adams. Jake Adams is an academic tutor and the owner of Simplifi EDU, a Santa Monica, California based online tutoring business offering learning resources and online tutors for academic subjects K-College, SAT & ACT prep, and college admissions applications. With over 14 years of professional tutoring experience, Jake is dedicated to providing his clients the very best online tutoring experience and access to a network of excellent undergraduate and graduate-level tutors from top colleges all over the nation. Jake holds a BS in International Business and Marketing from Pepperdine University. This article has been viewed 27,848 times. 7 votes - 83% Co-authors: 15Updated: November 8, 2025 Views: 27,848
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Co-authored by: Jake Adams Academic Tutor This article was co-authored by Jake Adams. Jake Adams is an academic tutor and the owner of Simplifi EDU, a Santa Monica, California based online tutoring business offering learning resources and online tutors for academic subjects K-College, SAT & ACT prep, and college admissions applications. With over 14 years of professional tutoring experience, Jake is dedicated to providing his clients the very best online tutoring experience and access to a network of excellent undergraduate and graduate-level tutors from top colleges all over the nation. Jake holds a BS in International Business and Marketing from Pepperdine University. This article has been viewed 27,848 times. 7 votes - 83% Co-authors: 15 Updated: November 8, 2025 Views: 27,848 
wikiHow Newsletter You're all set! Helpful how-tos delivered toyour inbox every week! Sign me up! By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy. 
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1 Block out noise. Make sure that your surroundings are quiet. Studies have shown that background noise may decrease higher brain function, impairing learning and memory.[1] To focus on your book, find quiet by whatever means necessary- try looking for a secluded spot, wearing earplugs, or reading late at night when most people are sleeping. 
2 Distance yourself from your phone. Studies have shown that smartphones are a great distraction, and that the absence of one when completing a task can make you more than 25% more productive. When you are reading, leave your phone in another room, or tucked away in your pocket or book bag to avoid looking at it. If you are not anticipating any urgent calls or messages, try turning it off altogether. 
3 Find your zen place. Everyone has their own ideal working space, where they can concentrate, relax and be productive. If you already know where you feel best, make a point of setting up there to read. If not, try some of these options for relaxed and focused reading: 
4 Reserve reading time. Make space for reading in your busy schedule to avoid worrying about other responsibilities, chores, and activities during that time. Choose a point during the day when you will not be needed by family, friends, or colleagues; if possible, let them know that you will be out of touch during that period. Taking time for yourself- for reading, or anything else you might want to do- is important for psychological and physical health. If your schedule allows, make this reading time a regular weekly, or even daily, event. 
1 Do some pre-reading exercise. It has been shown that 30-40 minutes of vigorous aerobic activity can greatly improve cognitive clarity.[3] Before picking up a book to read, try going for a run, brisk walk, or bike ride to clear your mind and improve concentration. Consider bringing a book along with you for these types of workouts so that you can read whenever you need a rest. 
2 Have a healthy snack. Healthy foods can raise energy levels, and thus improve your ability to concentrate throughout the day. Snacks should contain fibre-rich carbohydrates or Omega-3 fats, which can also support memory and concentration. Try stocking up on some of these snacks for your reading time: 
3 Get more sleep. Studies have shown that getting a sufficient amount of sleep is key for good concentration and memory.[4] Sleepiness can slow down thought processes, increase irritability, and disrupt learning, thereby interfering with your ability to focus on a book. Try to get between 7-9 hours of sleep a night, as is recommended for most adults.[5] Advertisement 
2 Reward yourself for reading. If you're having trouble concentrating on a book, offer yourself rewards for finishing chapters, or the entire book. To make this reward system effective, ensure that rewards are realistic, immediate, and specific; your motivation will falter if you can't follow through with the reward, or if it is too vague or far in the future to inspire you. 
3 Switch up your reading style. Consider switching how you approach the book in order to revive your interest in reading. If old school books are not your thing, try reading on a digital device. Alternatively, try reading out loud; it has been shown that doing so may help readers retain information better by creating a distinctive memory of what was said.[7] Something as simple as switching from a paperback book to a hardcover book might also increase your enthusiasm about reading. 
Jake Adams Academic Tutor Jake Adams is an academic tutor and the owner of Simplifi EDU, a Santa Monica, California based online tutoring business offering learning resources and online tutors for academic subjects K-College, SAT & ACT prep, and college admissions applications. With over 14 years of professional tutoring experience, Jake is dedicated to providing his clients the very best online tutoring experience and access to a network of excellent undergraduate and graduate-level tutors from top colleges all over the nation. Jake holds a BS in International Business and Marketing from Pepperdine University. 
Riley Meredith Community Answer Read a page or so, then mentally review the paragraph and what it was about. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 1 Helpful 8 
Community Answer Make a schedule and allot certain chapters for each day, planning to finish the book's last chapter several days before your report is due. Write a summary every day about what you read to make the report easier -- keep the summaries and look at the plot changes throughout the book. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 2 Helpful 8 
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