Reduce the person's anxiety about reading a book. Discuss with her why she avoids the particular book you want her to read or books in general. If she is struggling with literacy, help her work through these issues to improve her reading skills. If she has a difficult time concentrating, offer solutions such as reading a chapter a day. Increase her interest in the book by showing how reading has enriched your life. If she does not like a particular book, work to dispel any misconceptions about the book.
Refrain from criticizing the person. If he does not want to read a book, understand his situation without making premature judgments. Instead of contributing to his avoidance of books or a particular book, focus on positive reinforcement. Generate interest in a book by discussing the plot. Set milestones or create a challenge for him. Reward him for accomplishing each step.
Familiarize thher with reading. If she has difficulty reading, set a time to read to her. Make reading enjoyable by reading at the park. Encourage her to imagine the settings, identify with the characters and learn from the themes. Doing this can help her gradually love reading and start reading on her own.
Purchase books as a gift. Choose a book that will inspire and interest him. If he's is a rebel, he may appreciate political books that have been banned by the government or libraries. An Associated Press-Ipsos poll discovered that men prefer nonfiction and Southerners read more religious and romance novels than people in other regions. "Publishers Weekly" reports that out all the fiction genres, mystery and suspense were the most popular at 19 percent. Find out type of books would appeal to your friend.
Create social events around reading. Invite people to form a book club. For an interesting twist, invite the author of the book to the meeting. Encourage members to bring their favorite meal for a delicious potluck. When it is time to pick another book, invite the group to help you browse books at the bookstore for the next meeting.
Set life goals that she can accomplish with the help of reading. If she struggles with reading, set a goal in the near future for her to read at libraries and tutor children with literacy issues. Reading will become an activity that is larger than herself, a social justice issue and a method to help others. Perhaps she wants to learn finance, improve her health or write her own book. Help her develop self improvement goals from reading books about these topics.