Falling Back in Love with Books as an Adult
Have you ever lost a part of yourself and wondered if you’d ever get it back? For me, it was my love of reading.
As a kid, books were my safe haven. I’d devour stories, traveling to places I’d never been and meeting characters who felt like friends. But somewhere along the way—maybe in high school, maybe in the chaos of motherhood—I lost that spark. Does that sound familiar?
A few years ago, I picked up a book, and suddenly, it was like finding an old friend. I’ve been hooked ever since. Here’s what I’ve learned about reading as an adult with ADHD.
Life is Hard. Books Are an Excellent Escape.
Fiction and memoirs/biographies are so great to get me out of my head and to remind me that I’m not the only person who faces difficulties. Reading stories is still a great way to see things from different perspectives.
One of the books I read recently is The Dictionary of Lost Words. It’s the story of a girl who grows up amongst the people who edit the dictionary, and it opened my eyes to the importance of the words we use. The evolution of language impacts so many aspects of our lives, and I had never stopped to consider this. It has made me more aware of the “new” terms that young people use in new ways. While I don’t adopt them immediately, I am aware that these changes have always happened and that they make a difference in the way teens see and experience the world. The book specifically calls out the way that women’s experiences are minimized by the usage of words in society.
The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo was a fun read and was a reminder that things are not always as they seem. Lessons in Chemistry is a powerful story of love and a reminder of the important work that women have done across time, almost always in the shadows.
Each of the books I list below is one that I thoroughly enjoyed and helped me to see the world in new or different ways. Story is important in developing a worldview, and this is just as important for me in my late 50s as it was as a child.
Learning About the World Through Story:
The Secrets of the Little Greek Taverna by Erin Palmisano: While I’m “stuck” in my little world, doing the things I’m doing and going through the things I’m going through, this book reminded me of the adventure that awaits out there in the big wide world. Plus - a little magic!
The Dictionary of Lost Words by Pip Williams
Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus
Yellow Wife by Sadeqa Johnson: While not a happy read, learning about the hard truths of our American past and particularly the practices involved with enslaved people is important. I kept waiting for the story to take a happy turn and (spoiler alert!) it really doesn’t. So many people have lived really hard lives, and this is still true today, even in places where we think things are “good.”
The Personal Librarian by Marie Benedict: I loved this book so much! I don’t want to give anything away with it, but trust me, if you enjoy a good story, you will love this one.
Snapdragon by Kat Leyh: This is a graphic novel and includes magic and seeing people differently than our first impressions.
Sula by Toni Morrison: She is hands down one of the most powerful authors I’ve ever read. If you haven’t experienced Toni’s writing, find something of hers and dive in. Know that it will be thought-provoking and will challenge you, but it will be so worth it.
The Woman Next Door by Yewande Omotoso: This one is from a South African author, and it’s truly delightful while also dealing with difficult cultural challenges.
There There by Tommy Orange: This is a modern-day story of a Native American living in Oakland. Honestly, I just had no idea. Another one that helped me learn about Native American issues and that I would also recommend is The Absolutely True Story of a Part-Time Indian by Sherman Alexie.
Just for Fun:
Starter Villain by John Scalzi: My brother recommended this book to me, and I’ll admit I wasn’t so sure. Much to my surprise, it was a fun ride and completely ridiculous (I think - but who knows with the way technology is progressing!). It was exactly what I needed.
The Seven Year Slip by Ashley Poston: This book was also really fun. It includes time travel and love, and if you’re looking for an escape from your real world, this is a great one. It’s set in New York City, so bonus points in my opinion.
Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin: Because it’s about game designers, I wasn’t sure this would resonate with me, but I loved it so much. It’s ultimately about people and the arc of various people’s lives and how their choices impact them.
Mary Jane by Jessica Anya Blau: Mary Jane is a teenager of the 70s living in a conservative home. One summer, she does some babysitting for a new family in the neighborhood, and her eyes are opened to all kinds of new things. (I wish some of my babysitting gigs had turned out like that!)
The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid
Reading has become my favorite way to escape, to learn, and to reconnect with myself. If you’ve fallen out of love with books, I hope this inspires you to pick one up again. You never know—you might just find an old friend waiting for you.
Listening to Audiobooks is Real Reading.
Many of us with ADHD struggle with traditional reading. Sitting down, focusing, and keeping track of words on a page can feel overwhelming. That’s why audiobooks have been a game changer for me. Whether I’m driving, cooking, or taking a walk, I can immerse myself in a story. It removes the pressure of staring at a page and allows my brain to engage with the material in a way that works for me.
At first, I felt like I was "cheating," but I’ve come to realize that the magic of a book isn’t in how you consume it; it’s in how it makes you feel. Some of my favorite books came alive in my ears, and I wouldn’t trade that experience for anything.
There’s So Much to Learn.
Books don’t just tell stories—they teach us about the world. Even fiction has a way of opening our minds and making us think differently. I’ve read books that have shifted my perspective on history, culture, and even how I approach my own life. When I finish a book that expands my understanding of the world, I feel like I’ve gained something valuable.
Learning Never Stops
There’s so much to learn from books, whether it’s about ADHD or any other topic. Over the past few years, I’ve found incredible books that have expanded my understanding, given me new tools, and even shifted my mindset. Some of my favorites include:
How to ADHD by Jessica McCabe
Atomic Habits by James Clear
Let Them by Mel Robbins
The Way of Integrity by Martha Beck
Beyond Anxiety by Martha Beck
ADHD is Awesome by Penn Holderness
Grief is for People by Sloan Crosley
Think Like a Monk by Jay Shetty
Buy Yourself the Fcking Lilies* by Tara Schuster
Wintering by Katherine May
Breathe: The New Science of a Lost Art by James Nestor
Mindfulness and Self-Compassion for Teen ADHD by Mark Bertin
What Would Frida Do? by Arianna Davis
What Unites Us by Dan Rather
The Girls Who Went Away by Ann Fessler
The Short Bus: A Journey Beyond Normal by Jonathan Mooney
She Has Her Mother’s Laugh by Carl Zimmer
Audiobooks Are Real Books
I’ve realized that reading in any format is valuable. Audiobooks, ebooks, and physical books all have their place, and different formats work for different books. Sometimes, I listen to an audiobook and then decide I need a hard copy to highlight and reference later. There is no “right” way to read—only what works best for you.
One game-changing realization I had about audiobooks (and other audio content) is the ability to speed them up. I used to think that, because I have some auditory processing difficulties, this wouldn’t work for me. But I was wrong. In fact, speeding up audiobooks, podcasts, and videos has helped me focus better. I suspect that my brain processes information faster than typical speech, making slower-paced content harder to follow. If you’ve never tried increasing the speed, I encourage you to give it a shot—you might be surprised at how well it works for you.
Find What Works for You
However you choose to read—whether through physical books, audiobooks, or ebooks—what matters most is that you enjoy the experience. Maybe you loved reading as a child but lost the spark, or maybe reading was always a struggle. Either way, it’s never too late to find joy in books again. They have the power to expand our minds, transport us to different worlds, and help us grow into the people we want to become.
Have you rekindled your love for reading, or are you just starting out? I’d love to hear about your favorite books—or help you find your next great read!