TL;DR: I love reading fiction in my native language, but I can’t get myself to enjoy any fiction written in English. Why is that, and how can I start enjoying fiction written in English?
To put into context, I (19M) have grown up speaking Bangla (my native language) and English fluently ever since I can remember. I love reading non-fiction books written in English, and have studied in a curriculum taught in English my entire life. I have read over 200 fictional books in the past 6 years or so, but they are written entirely in my native language (Bangla) and are set in a Bengali setting.
Every time I have tried reading books set in a western setting, I have failed. I just couldn’t get myself to immerse into the story and enjoy no matter how hard I tried. It’s clearly not a language/reading issue since I can read non-fiction books written in English just fine, but I can’t do the same with fiction.
It’s not like I dislike western culture. If anything, I relate more with western ideas, norms, settings, etc. to the point that I’m moving to the US. I also enjoy it when it comes to movies and shows, but that enjoyment doesn’t translate to reading for whatever reason. I have tried various genre’s and authors, but the enjoyment just isn’t there. Why do you think this might be happening, and what should I do to try and enjoy reading more fiction written in English?
by 12yearoldsimulator