I can truly relate to your experience of losing the joy and passion for reading that once defined you. It’s incredibly frustrating when something that once brought so much joy and fulfillment suddenly feels like a burden or something you can’t quite get back into. You’re not alone in this, though. Many of us have gone through periods where life’s distractions, responsibilities, and even the digital world seem to steal away our ability to focus on and enjoy the things we used to love—like reading.

Your journey from being an avid bookworm who devoured books to struggling with attention and time speaks to the challenges that many of us face as we grow older and life becomes more complex. Social media, endless notifications, and the general busyness of life certainly don't help. It’s easy to become overwhelmed with responsibilities, and reading often becomes a casualty of that overload.

One important thing to remember is that reading is still a part of you. You haven’t lost that connection to books forever. It might take time, but you can regain that love for reading. Starting with something familiar, like Americanah by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, is a great way to ease back into the habit. Sometimes, reading something light or revisiting old favorites can reignite that spark. Don't pressure yourself into trying to finish it all at once—let it unfold naturally.

Another idea might be to explore short stories or essays to rebuild your reading stamina. They require less time commitment and might help ease your mind back into the flow of reading. Audiobooks could also be a fun alternative to get you back into stories when your schedule feels packed.

I also encourage you to be kind to yourself. Don’t stress over not reading like you used to, because life changes, and our habits and abilities evolve with it. The important thing is that you’re still searching for that connection, and that’s a great start. You’ve still got that long list of books to read, and someday soon, you’ll dive into them with enthusiasm again.