Slow Reader? Here’s Why (And What Actually Helps)
May, 20 2025
Ever find yourself slogging through a book while everyone else seems to fly through page after page? You’re not alone. Some people just naturally read slower—and believe it or not, it’s way more normal than you think. The idea that fast reading equals smart reading is pure myth. In fact, some of the sharpest folks I know—my wife Anita included—enjoy lingering over each chapter, soaking in the details.
Here’s the thing: slow reading doesn’t mean you’re less intelligent or that you’re missing out. Sometimes, it’s your brain wanting to process every word and really get the story. Maybe you’re a visualizer who plays out every scene, or you’re trying to remember every fact for future pub quizzes. Distractions also tag along, from phone pings to a growling stomach—life gets loud, and your book’s pace slows down.
If you’ve ever felt annoyed because you’re the last one to return a library book, relax. Let’s break down what’s really going on with slow reading and, if you ever feel the urge, some easy ways to turn up the speed—without losing the fun of reading.
- Why Does Reading Feel Slow?
- Myths and Surprising Truths about Slow Readers
- Everyday Factors Slowing You Down
- Easy Hacks to Read Faster (If You Want To)
- Choosing the Right Books for Your Pace
Why Does Reading Feel Slow?
If you’ve ever sat with a novel and felt like everyone else is lapping you, you’re probably wondering what’s really behind that slow crawl. The first thing to know: slow reader doesn’t mean bad reader. It just means your brain might be working a little differently, or maybe your daily routine throws some roadblocks your way.
Reading is a complex thing for your brain. While your eyes scan the words, your mind decodes meaning, remembers past details, and even hears the characters’ voices. According to research from the University of Massachusetts, the average adult reads about 200–300 words per minute. If you’re below that range, it’s still fine—especially if you remember more or enjoy books deeper.
| Reading Speed (Adults) | Words per Minute |
|---|---|
| Average | 200–300 |
| College Students | 250–350 |
| Fast Readers | 400+ |
But why do some people read slower? Here are a few totally legit reasons:
- Comprehension over speed: You might prefer understanding every single word and idea, instead of just racing to the end.
- Inner subvocalization: That’s the voice in your head that ‘reads aloud’ as you read. It can slow you down but helps with remembering details.
- Tricky text: If the book uses advanced language, switching timelines, or lots of new facts, it’s normal to slow down.
- Distractions: Phones, noisy places, or multitasking make your focus jump—and your page count go nowhere.
- Personal quirks: Some people process written info better in small bites. Honestly, a packed day or tired eyes can change your reading pace too.
The bottom line? Reading isn’t a race. Enjoying what you read, however fast or slow, is what counts.
Myths and Surprising Truths about Slow Readers
There’s a weird belief floating around that slow readers must be bad at reading. Not true. In reality, some people read slowly because they’re thinking hard about what they’re reading, not because they’re having trouble. Let’s rip through some common myths and stack them up against the facts.
- Myth: Only kids or people struggling with reading go slow.
Truth: Tons of top-performing students and adults are slow readers. Some university professors even admit they lose hours re-reading dense chapters just to savor the details. - Myth: Fast readers are smarter or understand more.
Truth: Speed has nothing to do with intelligence. In fact, some studies show slow readers remember more and end up with better long-term recall. - Myth: Audiobooks make you a lazy or slower reader.
Truth: It’s actually the opposite—listening to audiobooks has been shown to boost vocabulary and reading interest. Sometimes, it even helps you get through tough books you’d never touch in print.
Still not convinced? Check out these real numbers from a few credible sources in the table below:
| Group | Average Reading Speed (Words Per Minute) | Comprehension Rate (%) |
|---|---|---|
| Average Adult (U.S.) | 200-300 | 60 |
| College Students | 250-350 | 65 |
| "Fast Readers" | 400+ | 50 |
The numbers show it’s not about who reads faster—it's about who walks away actually remembering the story. People with slower reading speeds often keep more details. In my case, I could tell you the plot twist in a book I read six months ago, while my friends who whizz through novels might already forget the main character’s name.
If you enjoy reading slowly, don’t let anyone push you to go faster. The goal isn’t speed—it’s making the most of every word. At the end of the day, being a strong slow reader can be an advantage.
Everyday Factors Slowing You Down
Most "slow readers" aren’t born that way—your day-to-day environment and habits can throw serious shade on your reading speed. Let’s get real about what actually drags you down when you sit down with a book.
Distractions are probably the top culprit. If your phone’s blowing up or the TV is mumbling in the background, it’s nearly impossible to stay in the zone. A survey by Pew Research found that 28% of people say they struggle to focus on books because of smartphone alerts or social media.
Lack of sleep or feeling tired? That’s another big issue. Your brain works a lot slower when you’ve had four hours of shuteye. The National Sleep Foundation says cutting your sleep short by even an hour or two can cause your attention and memory to take a nosedive—exactly what you don’t want when reading dense chapters.
Stress piles on too. Your mind keeps spinning about bills, work stuff, or what’s for dinner. You end up reading the same line five times. According to a slow reader study from the University of Sussex, stress can lower your reading comprehension by up to 15%.
Reading method matters more than most folks guess. If you stop to check every word you’re unsure about, or if you hike back to re-read sentences constantly (that’s called “regression”), your progress crawls. Some readers do this out of habit, thinking it helps, but often it just slows things down.
Here’s a rundown of how these everyday things can affect your reading speed and comprehension:
| Factor | Impact on Reading Speed | Impact on Comprehension |
|---|---|---|
| Smartphone distractions | Slower | Lower |
| Lack of sleep | Slower | Lower |
| Stress | Slower | Lower |
| Regression (rereading) | Much slower | Same or slightly higher (sometimes) |
| Reading tough or boring books | Slower | Varies |
Some people just prefer physical books, but if the lighting’s bad, or the print is tiny, your eyes have to work overtime. Ever spent five minutes hunting for where you left off because your bookmark fell out? That’s another real-world reason your pace drags.
So, before blaming yourself, check what’s going on around you first. A few small changes—like better lighting, putting your phone in the other room, or finding a comfy chair—can help a lot more than you think.
Easy Hacks to Read Faster (If You Want To)
Speeding up isn’t about rushing; it’s about getting rid of what slows you down. Plenty of people feel stuck at the same pace for years. Good news? Most of the time, you can change that with some tiny tweaks that actually work.
- Slow reader? Try tracking your place with your finger or a pen. It isn’t just for kids—studies from the University of Massachusetts show it can help adults read up to 34% faster and keep focus when your mind starts drifting.
- Practice reading in chunks, not word-by-word. Your eyes love patterns. Instead of seeing each word, try reading groups of three to five. It feels weird at first, but it gets smoother fast.
- Cut out sub-vocalization—that inner voice saying every single word. You don’t have to stop it completely (seriously, some people never do), but being aware of it helps. Hum or tap your foot while you read to break the habit.
- Set a timer. Give yourself ten minutes and tally your pages. Gamifying it pushes your brain to stay on track, and you’ll spot small progress almost instantly.
- Pick the right spot. Obvious, but true: reading in a noisy kitchen or with your phone lighting up every two seconds is a recipe for going nowhere fast. Find a quiet corner, maybe with a basic lamp—simple, distraction-free.
Check out how these simple hacks can add up, based on real numbers from literacy organizations:
| Reading Factor | Typical Benefit | Potential Pages/Hour (+30%) |
|---|---|---|
| Finger Tracking | Up to 34% speed boost | 39 -> 52 |
| Chunk Reading | 20-30% faster processing | 39 -> 50 |
| Reducing Sub-Vocalization | Varies—up to 15% boost | 39 -> 45 |
This means if you normally read 39 pages an hour, just adding one or two tricks could get you to 45 or even 52 pages—without losing what’s on the page. Don’t forget, none of these mean you have to read faster forever. The best part: you get to choose your pace every time.
Choosing the Right Books for Your Pace
Picking the right book makes all the difference for slow readers. Some books are just meant to be savored slowly. Take 'The Goldfinch' by Donna Tartt—it's 800+ pages, full of dense storytelling and detail. Not exactly the type to breeze through in a weekend. On the flip side, a thriller from Lee Child or short, snappy essays might flow faster, keeping you glued without feeling bogged down.
If your reading speed feels sluggish, start with books that match how you like to read. Do you enjoy character-driven stories or fast action? Heavy, classic literature like 'War and Peace' or philosophy books can be challenging for any pace, while graphic novels or YA fiction might feel quicker and lighter.
- slow reader? Try shorter books or novellas. There's no rule saying that reading has to be an endurance sport.
- Choose topics that fascinate you—curiosity naturally keeps momentum.
- Books broken into short chapters give you frequent stopping points, so you don’t waste energy finding your place again.
- Some publishing houses, like Penguin Books, even rate reading levels or give age recommendations—handy if time is tight or focus comes and goes.
Here’s a quick look at how book genres typically stack up when it comes to reading speed:
| Book Genre | Average Words per Page | Avg. Pages read/hour (adult reader) |
|---|---|---|
| Young Adult | 200-225 | 40-50 |
| Thriller/Mystery | 225-250 | 35-45 |
| Literary Fiction | 275-300 | 20-30 |
| Science Nonfiction | 325-350 | 15-20 |
| Graphic Novels | Varies (often lower) | 60-80 |
If you want some easy wins, dip into genres known for shorter lengths and engaging plots. No harm in checking page counts or even skimming the first chapter before committing. Remember, there’s no trophy for finishing the longest book. Go where your interests and pace meet.