I devoured classic novels as a teenager. In a world of distractions, can I relearn how to read them? The author reflects on losing the ability to read classic novels within a decade, attributing this decline to an environment filled with screens. Inspired by The Guardian’s list of the 100 best novels, they are determined to regain their former reading capacity.

• The author’s ability to read great books has diminished in less than ten years.
• This decline is associated with being surrounded by screens.
• The Guardian’s list of the 100 best novels has inspired the author to try and relearn how to read them.