ADHD is something a lot of people may deal with, even in small ways. I can attest to that, and it’s important to remember that the stereotype of ADHD being a superhero is inaccurate and can be invalidating to people who are diagnosed. In my own life, ADHD has impacted a lot, from school to my hobbies like reading and gaming. Today, we will explore the unique ways ADHD has impacted my hobby of reading. Please remember that these are my opinions about my ADHD, but let’s get on with it!
What is ADHD and Hyperfixations?
ADHD or attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder is an extremely common disorder, especially among kids, that impacts people’s daily lives in debilitating ways. People with ADHD may suffer from impulsivity, inattention, hyperactivity, and the symptoms can go further than that. Hyperfixations are a part of ADHD where someone focuses on something they enjoy or that brings dopamine, but to a point where that is the only thing their mind can think about, causing inattention and loss of productivity. To learn more about how to cope with ADHD, ADHD 2.0 by Edward M. Hallowell, M.D., et al., is the perfect book to break bad habits and learn new coping strategies.
Everyone’s experiences are unique!
Everyone is different, and it isn’t shocking to see ADHD symptoms in people who aren’t diagnosed with it, because ADHD has a lot of overlapping symptoms with other disorders. Some symptoms have become more popular with the rise of quick dopamine hits from social media. My experiences might not be the same as those of other individuals with ADHD, or they could resonate. On the other hand, people who don’t have ADHD may or may not resonate with what I am saying, too. It is vital to keep an open mind!
How does it impact my way of picking books?
Picking books is an interesting time for me for two reasons: the genre and the cover. When choosing a genre, I rarely stray far from fantasy. Although I’ve read a wide range of genres, primarily contemporary and dystopian, when I was younger, reading Red Queen by Victoria Aveyard introduced me to fantasy, and things changed. That was seven years ago, and I have read mainly fantasy to this day. To preface, I dip my toes in thrillers and dark romances, and read a ton when I was younger, so I still have some variety!
Besides that, book covers are also how I pick out books. If the cover is gorgeous or has sprayed edges, it is coming home with me. I have legitimately bought books solely based on the cover and edges without even reading what they are about, just to add to my collection. Generally, pretty fantasy covers have not done me too wrong. What can I say? The pretty designs, colors, and art catch my eye.
How does it impact my decision to DNF or DNR?
I like to stick by what I know I want, and what I know won’t bore me. Boredom with ADHD can be extremely difficult and can often impact mood, and because of that, I will do anything to avoid it. Books generally need to hook me within the first 20-50 pages. When it comes to not picking up a book to read, I always try to find ones with intense conflict and high stakes. Unfortunately, it means that I may miss out on many good books, but on the other hand, I really enjoy the books I do end up reading. If I could reread my favorite book series, such as Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas, as if I were reading them for the first time, I would.
That doesn’t mean the books I DNF (do not finish) or DNR (do not read) are bad; they must be somewhat excellent if they are popular, but it just isn’t for me. As stated, ADHD has its own bad habits, and because of that, it is essential to try to break away from these. However, just because someone has bad habits doesn’t mean they are bad themselves!
How does it impact my reading?
The way my reading is affected is pretty simple, and it can be viewed as a slight fixation. When I am reading a good book, and I usually read series, it is the only thing I want to do, and the only thing I can think about. There have been times I have brought it to old jobs and school, and I have even woken up early before classes to read it. Once I finish the first book, I try to get the second immediately and continue reading it, and so on. Whether each book is 800 pages or 200, I will continue to read it thoroughly daily, while still trying to maintain my responsibilities and productivity.
When reading Fairydale by Veronica Lancet, I was put in such a slump that I couldn’t pick up another book. I would constantly stop reading it to think about Fairydale and how much I wish there were a continuation. Those times are simultaneously the best and the worst, because sometimes I really want to read something, but my mind is still stuck on the past book!
ADHD is impactful, and these are just a few of the ways that it has affected me and my reading habits. Do we share similar experiences?
Click here to read about more resources to help break ADHD habits.
If you are a fantasy lover like me, check out the team’s favorite fantasy books here!
