"Practice makes perfect," the saying goes, and that is particularly true for becoming a better reader. The more you read, the better you'll become at it. The more often you're exposed to words, the more familiar they will become. Instead of just listening to your MP3 player on the bus or train commuting to and from work, or twiddling your thumbs waiting for the pasta to finish boiling, read.
Broadening your reading will help you become a better reader. Join a library if you already haven't and borrow books on a wide variety of subjects. Read novels, the newspaper, comic books, poems, nonfiction books, recipes, the back of DVD covers and anything else you can get your hands on. Words are used differently in different genres, and reading a wide selection of books increases not only your knowledge, but also your vocabulary.
Select a book about a subject that interests you. If you love cooking, read about new recipes; if you love suspense films, choose a murder mystery novel; and if your child is struggling at school but loves superheroes, buy him a comic book. It is important to enjoy what you're reading. Your love or interest for the subject matter will drive you to read more.
To determine if the book is at the right level for you, read the first page and count how many words you don't understand. If there are ten or more unfamiliar words, choose a different book. Struggling through a book isn't enjoyable and will be disheartening. Have a dictionary handy for words that you don't understand or write them down and look them up later. Use a ruler, your finger or a bookmark to help keep your eyes on the right line.