App Store

Google Play

{{seriesTitle}} - The book series

Details page - Device banner - 894x1036

Step into an infinite world of stories

Listen and read

Lynda Hudson

Does your child become frustrated by their dyslexia? Do you wish you could find a way to help them cope with the condition and become calmer and more confident in their abilities?
If so, this could be the solution that you are looking for. Designed for older children and teenagers, this hypnotherapy session uses powerful visualisation techniques to help your child discover a room within their mind full of their positive beliefs and opinions. They are empowered to scrub mistaken messages and negative thoughts from the walls, re-painting them with colours of confidence and positive messages. By acting out the guidance in their imagination, your child will find themself much more able to cope when faced with difficulty in the real world. 
A second track offers specific suggestions for listening, focus, organisation of thinking, planning and getting down to work, various study and spelling strategies, and for managing time.
Expert hypnotherapist and former teacher Lynda Hudson’s gentle voice calms and reassures as she enables your child to cope with their dyslexia in a safe, positive and natural way. The language and topics are carefully chosen to appeal to children within the suggested age range. Daily listening is encouraged for maximum benefit, with occasional refreshers suggested once change has occurred to maintain the positive outcomes.
Lynda’s approach is based on many years as a clinical hypnotherapist and she has helped thousands of people across the world with her recordings. As the author of two widely-acclaimed books on hypnotherapy for both adults and children alike, you can be sure that your child’s healing is in the safest hands. For the best results your child should listen to this recording in a calm and quiet environment and never while you are driving. Your child’s skills and ability will develop with practice, so repeated listening is the key to success.

Andrews UK Limited

Unlock Your Life

Manage Your Dyslexia: Organise Your Thinking and Learning

Have you suffered from a traumatic experience in your life? And do you find that even now you suffer from flashbacks or panic attacks? Would you like to regain your confidence and control in a safe, natural way?

If so, this could be the ideal solution for you. This two-part recording is designed specifically to help victims of trauma take back control, enabling you to cope far more readily when a flashback occurs. Additionally, you will learn valuable techniques allowing you to control the images seen in a flashback, helping reduce the impact on your everyday life.

Expert hypnotherapist Lynda Hudson has helped a great many people who suffer from flashbacks, both in her clinical role and as a former director of a society looking after victims of trauma. In the first track Lynda teaches you some simple yet effective breathing techniques designed to help you relax and feel more in control. The second longer track focuses on reducing the impact of flashbacks, enabling you to reduce the effect of mental images, stay in the present, accept suggestions for peace and calm, and replace negative emotions with a more positive and optimistic outlook. 

Lynda’s approach is based on many years as a clinical hypnotherapist and she has helped thousands of people across the world with her recordings. As the author of two widely-acclaimed books on hypnotherapy for both adults and children alike, you can be sure that your healing is in the safest hands. For the best results you should listen to this recording in a calm and quiet environment and never while driving. Your skills and ability will develop with practice, so repeated listening is the key to success.

Andrews UK

Post Trauma Flashbacks: Get them under control

This is a self-help gentle hypnotherapy recording for young children from around five to nine years old who suffer from either vocal or motor tics, or both. It aims to help them:
- Breathe in relaxing, happy colour
- Breathe out any worries or sad feelings
- See their brain's control room and find the remote control
- Learn how to quieten unwanted sounds
- Learn how to still unwanted movements
- Build confidence and self esteem
Gentle and relaxing, this audiobook helps your child release a build-up of tension and feel calmer and may help them feel more in control of sounds and movements. Tics vary in severity; transient tics in young people very often disappear quickly and easily with use of the recording, while long standing- chronic tics may take longer or, in some cases, not respond to the approach. Even in these cases however there is usually an improvement in feelings of a calm, relaxed and confident mind set.
Research shows that when a person first acts out each positive step in their imagination, it dramatically increases the likelihood of their success in the real world. This recording contains powerful suggestions for boosting confidence and self-esteem. The language and topics used are carefully crafted to appeal to listeners of all suitable ages.
Lynda Hudson's gentle, well-modulated, English voice calms, re-assures and encourages. A clinical hypnotherapist and former teacher, Lynda has worked with many children and has helped them overcome numerous problems. Her work has been widely featured in the press and she has appeared on both TV and radio.

Tics: Control Sounds and Movements

Does your child suffer from negative, self-doubting beliefs? Do you wish they could find a way to feel more positive and rid themselves of their anxiety?
If so, this could be the solution that you are looking for. Designed for children from around ten to fifteen years old, this hypnotherapy session uses powerful visualisation techniques to help your child relax and breathe away their anxiety, perceiving their mind as a mental computer where they can delete negative self-doubting beliefs. 
Expert hypnotherapist Lynda Hudson’s gentle voice calms and reassures as she guides your child to overcome their negative feelings in a safe and natural way. Daily listening is encouraged for maximum benefit, with occasional refreshers suggested once change has occurred to maintain the positive outcomes.
Lynda’s approach is based on many years as a clinical hypnotherapist and she has helped thousands of people across the world with her recordings. As the author of two widely-acclaimed books on hypnotherapy for both adults and children alike, you can be sure that your child’s healing is in the safest hands. For the best results your child should listen to this recording in a calm and quiet environment and never while you are driving. Your child’s skills and ability will develop with practice, so repeated listening is the key to success.

Confidence: Believe in Yourself

Have you suffered from a traumatic experience in your life? And do you find that even now you can suddenly become edgy and anxious, hyper-sensitive and unable to control your emotions? Would you like to regain your control in a safe, natural way?

If so, this could be the ideal solution for you. This two-part recording is designed specifically to help victims of trauma take back control, enabling you to cope far more readily when a hyperarousal episode occurs. 

Expert hypnotherapist Lynda Hudson has helped a great many people who suffer from the condition, both in her clinical role and as a former director of a society looking after victims of trauma. In the first track Lynda teaches you some simple yet effective breathing techniques designed to help you calm the jumpy ‘startle response’. The second longer track focuses on reducing the impact of a hyperarousal attack, teaching you how to use the powerful tool of visualisation to calm your edginess and hyper-alertness. You will learn how to absorb messages of calm, control, safety and trust, becoming more resilient and at ease with the world around you.

Lynda’s approach is based on many years as a clinical hypnotherapist and she has helped thousands of people across the world with her recordings. As the author of two widely-acclaimed books on hypnotherapy for both adults and children alike, you can be sure that your healing is in the safest hands. For the best results you should listen to this recording in a calm and quiet environment and never while driving. Your skills and ability will develop with practice, so repeated listening is the key to success.

Post Trauma Hyperarousal: Control edginess and jumpiness

Do you find that the thought of taking your driving test makes you worry or panic? Do you have the skills and ability to pass the test, but lack the confidence to perform at your best? Do you wish there was a safe and natural way to calm your nerves, both on the day of your test and in the time leading up to it?
If so, this could be the solution you are looking for. The Unlock Your Life series has been specially created by expert hypnotherapist Lynda Hudson for people just like you. This self-hypnosis recording contains powerful suggestions to help you relax deeply and feel calm and confidence in both your mind and body. You will learn how to create positive associations of confidence with the words ‘test’ and ‘examiner’, allowing you to let go of the nerves you previously suffered from when thinking about the day. With repeated listening you will develop a sense of powerful concentration as you drive, enabling you to perform optimally come test time.
Lynda’s approach is based on many years as a clinical hypnotherapist and she has helped thousands of people across the world with her recordings. As the author of two widely-acclaimed books for professionals on hypnotherapy for both adults and children alike, you can be sure that your well-being is in the safest of hands. For the best results you should listen to this recording in a calm and quiet environment and never while driving. Your skills and ability will develop with practice, so repeated listening is the key to success.

Beat Driving Test Nerves: Stay calm and confident at the wheel!

Are you currently undertaking or due a course of chemotherapy? Are you finding the experience difficult on an emotional level? Do you wish there was a way to relax in the lead up to (and during) your treatment, and so reducing both physical pain and mental stress?
If so, this could be the solution you are looking for. The Unlock Your Life series has been specially created by expert hypnotherapist Lynda Hudson for people just like you. This self-hypnosis recording is designed specifically to support women who are facing or already undergoing chemotherapy for breast cancer. It will help you cope with both the mental and physical side effects of your treatment through the use of simple-to-learn breathing techniques, visualisations and a cognitive approach to pain relief.
Through the powerful use of visualisation, you will imagine yourself in a healing sanctuary where you experience calm and comfort. There you will discover or reaffirm your inner strengths, building confidence, resilience and a sense of optimism. You will picture yourself using a healing light to minimise your discomfort, and see how your own body’s natural healing forces help you to cope with real-world pain. Importantly, you will listen to uplifting, supportive and positive affirmations as Lynda speaks directly to you.
You can listen to this audiobook in different ways and at different times; you can use it in the lead up to your treatment to accustom yourself to drifting into this pleasant relaxed state so it becomes an automatic response just when you need it most. You will almost certainly want to use it after each treatment to help you cope in the best possible way with any unwanted side effects. You can then listen again during the breaks between treatments as a mental, physical and emotional boost to your immune system and over all well-being.
Lynda’s approach is based on many years as a clinical hypnotherapist and she has helped thousands of people across the world with her recordings. As the author of two widely-acclaimed books for professionals on hypnotherapy for both adults and children alike, you can be sure that your healing and well-being is in the safest of hands. For the best results you should listen to this recording in a calm and quiet environment and never while driving. Your skills and ability will develop with practice, so repeated listening is the key to success.

Breast Cancer: Your Support Through Chemotherapy

Does your child have difficulty sleeping? Do they become tired during the day because they have had a restless night? Do you wish you could help them to feel calm and reassured, and drift off to sleep peacefully at bedtime?
If so, this could be the solution that you are looking for. Designed for children aged eight years and above, this hypnotherapy session uses powerful visualisation techniques to help your child relax and to paint away worrying thoughts into a passing cloud. Normal night-time noises that may have previously kept them awake such as gurgling radiators or creaky stairs are re-framed with a safe and positive twist.
Expert hypnotherapist Lynda Hudson’s gentle voice calms and reassures as she enables your child to overcome their rest and sleep problems in a natural way. The language and topics are carefully chosen to appeal to children within the suggested age range. The recording should be listened in addition to rather than as a replacement for their normal bedtime routine, and regular listening is the key to success.
Lynda’s approach is based on many years as a clinical hypnotherapist and she has helped thousands of people across the world with her recordings. As the author of two widely-acclaimed books on hypnotherapy for both adults and children alike, you can be sure that your child’s healing is in the safest hands. For the best results your child should listen to this recording in a calm and quiet environment and never while you are driving. Your child’s skills and ability will develop with practice, so repeated listening is the key to success.

Rest and Sleep: Gently Relax at Bedtime

Does your child still suck their thumb or their fingers? Is this a habit you would like them to overcome? Do you want to see them with a new-found confidence, feeling more grown-up and proud of themselves?

If so, this could be the solution that you are looking for. Designed for children aged around four to nine years old, this hypnotherapy session uses powerful visualisation techniques to help your child find alternative sources of comfort, losing the need to suck their thumb and reducing the risk of requiring dental correction at a later date.
Expert hypnotherapist Lynda Hudson’s gentle voice calms and reassures as she enables your child to overcome their habit using tried and trusted psychological techniques. The language and topics are carefully chosen to appeal to children within the suggested age range. 
Lynda’s approach is based on many years as a clinical hypnotherapist and she has helped thousands of people across the world with her recordings. As the author of two widely-acclaimed books on hypnotherapy for both adults and children alike, you can be sure that your child’s healing is in the safest hands. For the best results your child should listen to this recording in a calm and quiet environment and never while you are driving. Your child’s skills and ability will develop with practice, so repeated listening is the key to success.

Stop Sucking Your Thumb: Stop Sucking Your Fingers

Is your child a victim of bullying? Do they seem badly affected by the cruel and hurtful words or actions of others? Do you wish there was a way to help them release their negative feelings, becoming calmer and more confident about coping with such behaviour?

If so, this self-hypnosis session for older children and teenagers could be the solution you are looking for. The recording is designed to help re-build self-esteem and give the listener important emotional support.

Experienced hypnotherapist Lynda Hudson’s gentle voice calms and relaxes as she uses the powerful method of visualisation to help your child imagine their mind as a kind of computer that can store their beliefs and opinions. With expert guidance they will learn techniques to delete negative ‘programs’ and replace them with powerful suggestions for finding inner strength and recognising their positive qualities and achievements. 

Lynda’s approach is based on many years as a clinical hypnotherapist and she has helped thousands of people across the world with her recordings. As the author of two widely-acclaimed books on hypnotherapy for both adults and children alike, you can be sure that your child’s healing is in the safest hands. For the best results your child should listen to this recording in a calm and quiet environment and never while you are driving. Your child’s skills and ability will develop with practice, so repeated listening is the key to success.

Don't Let the Bullies Get You Down: Stay Resilient

Are you currently suffering from depression, or do you have a history of the condition? Do you struggle with a low mood and negative thoughts? Do you wish there was a safe and natural way to let go of these unwanted feelings and develop a sense of positivity?
If so, this could be the solution you are looking for. The Unlock Your Life series has been specially created by expert hypnotherapist Lynda Hudson for people just like you. This self-hypnosis recording is designed to help you release any tensions and persistent negative thoughts, increasing your confidence and ultimately enabling you to see things from a new and more optimistic perspective. You will be guided in the use of powerful breathing techniques that will help you relax into a comfortable and more contented state where you will learn how to quieten or silence your negative inner voice, shifting your focus from inwards to outward. Ultimately, with repeated listening, you should be able to call on a calm, contented and more optimistic state whenever you need it the most.
Lynda’s approach is based on many years as a clinical hypnotherapist and she has helped thousands of people across the world with her recordings. As the author of two widely-acclaimed books for professionals on hypnotherapy for both adults and children alike, you can be sure that your well-being is in the safest of hands. For the best results you should listen to this recording in a calm and quiet environment and never while driving. Your skills and ability will develop with practice, so repeated listening is the key to success.

Come Up From Depression: Lift Your Spirits

Are there things about your life that you would like to change? Do you believe in the power of the mind? Are you keen to learn the powerful technique of self-hypnosis?
If so, this could be the solution you are looking for. The Unlock Your Life series has been specially created by expert hypnotherapist Lynda Hudson for people just like you. This recording is designed to help you unlock the power of your own mind as you learn how to use self-hypnosis to achieve suggestions and goals of your own choosing.
Firstly you are taught an easy-to-use breathing technique that will calm and relax, helping you achieve a comfortable state where you will be receptive to Lynda’s positive suggestions. You will then be guided through the process for using your own suggestions, and how to use the meditative state you are in to achieve any personal, professional and social goals that you yourself set. You will visualise yourself being confident in everyday life, ensuring that the positivity you feel whilst under self-hypnosis is carried through into the real world.
You should think very carefully about the goals you want to achieve and if you really want them, as the powerful techniques you will learn in this special session can truly transform your life.
Lynda’s approach is based on many years as a clinical hypnotherapist and she has helped thousands of people across the world with her recordings. As the author of two widely-acclaimed books on hypnotherapy for both adults and children alike, you can be sure that your self-improvement is in the safest hands. For the best results you should listen to this recording in a calm and quiet environment and never while driving. Your skills and ability will develop with practice, so repeated listening is the key to success.

Learn Self Hypnosis: Discover the power within

Are you troubled by chronic pain? Do you find yourself becoming stressed when trying to deal with your pain, or find yourself suffering from a low mood which only makes it harder to cope with? Do you wish there was a safe and natural way to release your tension and win the mental fight against your pain?
If so, this could be the solution you are looking for. The Unlock Your Life series has been specially created by expert hypnotherapist Lynda Hudson for people just like you. This recording is intended to help adults who suffer from chronic pain, whether it has existed for many years or is a recent problem.
First, you will be taught an effective and easy-to-master breathing technique that will help you reach a state of relaxation, where your inner mind is most receptive to thoughts and suggestions. Then you will be guided by Lynda in the use of mental techniques designed to help you cope with your chronic pain condition.
The brain plays a huge part in the perception of individual pain so learning a very simple visualisation-technique to let go of anxiety and worries is very helpful. Also learning and practising how to use a particular simple trigger with your fingers can bring back positive memories and feelings which can reduce levels of stress and tension too. You will find that you can shift your continual concentration on the negative on to something more positive. With practice even something as simple as changing mentally perceived colours of sensations into something more calming can give you a greater sense of personal control and lessen the level of discomfort. It can help you creatively alter your previous perception of sensations as ‘unbearably painful and beyond your control’ into something considerably more tolerable.
Lynda’s approach is based on many years as a clinical hypnotherapist and she has helped thousands of people across the world with her recordings. As the author of two widely-acclaimed books for professionals on hypnotherapy for both adults and children alike, you can be sure that your well-being is in the safest of hands. For the best results you should listen to this recording in a calm and quiet environment and never while driving. Your skills and ability will develop with practice, so repeated listening is the key to success.

Relieve Your Pain

Do you feel uncomfortable in group situations? Do you find yourself fearful of being in the company of other people? Do you wish there was a safe and natural way to overcome your social anxiety?
If so, this could be the solution you are looking for. The Unlock Your Life series has been specially created by expert hypnotherapist Lynda Hudson for people just like you. This recording is designed to help adults who are experiencing social anxiety at any level.
You will be taught an effective and easy-to-master breathing exercise that will calm and relax you into a comfortable and receptive state. Once there, you will be guided to imagine yourself clearing out a room containing your thoughts and feelings, some of them formed long ago ; there you will picture yourself getting rid of any possible misplaced, harmful and negative beliefs. You will learn how to feel calm, comfortable and more composed around other people, accepting that you are more than good enough and learning to appreciate your own positive qualities. Through the powerful technique of self-hypnosis, you will begin a process of letting go of thoughts and feelings that that have been holding you back in the ‘real world’. With practice and regular listening, you will be far better placed to cope with social situations, allowing the ‘real you’ to shine through when you converse with positivity and confidence. You have the power to overcome your social anxiety.
Lynda’s approach is based on many years as a clinical hypnotherapist and she has helped thousands of people across the world with her recordings. As the author of two widely-acclaimed books for professionals on hypnotherapy for both adults and children alike, you can be sure that your well-being is in the safest of hands. For the best results you should listen to this recording in a calm and quiet environment and never while driving. Your skills and ability will develop with practice, so repeated listening is the key to success.

Relieve Social Anxiety

Do you have a problem saying ‘no’ to people? Do you find yourself taking on tasks that you wish you hadn’t? Do you wish you had the power to change the way you deal with situations like these?
If so, this could be the solution you are looking for. The Unlock Your Life series has been specially created by expert hypnotherapist Lynda Hudson for people just like you. This recording is designed to help you become more assertive and able to express your feelings without confrontation or negativity.
Firstly you will learn a powerful technique to relax and enjoy drifting into a hypnotic state. Lynda will then guide you in recognising your own worth and your right to express your needs and wishes. Through the affirmation of positive statements you will understand at the deepest level that you deserve self-respect. You will receive encouragement to stop putting yourself last, and will discover your ‘inner no’. By mentally rehearsing scenarios in the hypnotic state, you will be much more able to implement your desire to say ‘no’ when appropriate in the real world. Regular listening will be the key to your success.
Lynda’s approach is based on many years as a clinical hypnotherapist and she has helped thousands of people across the world with her recordings. As the author of two widely-acclaimed books for professionals on hypnotherapy for both adults and children alike, you can be sure that your self-improvement is in the safest of hands. For the best results you should listen to this recording in a calm and quiet environment and never while driving. Your skills and ability will develop with practice, so repeated listening is the key to success.

Learn to Say 'No' Without Feeling Guilty

Do you find yourself thinking negative thoughts? Does your pessimistic outlook often get you or other people down? Do you wish there was a safe and natural way to change your way of thinking?
If so, this could be the solution you are looking for. The Unlock Your Life series has been specially created by expert hypnotherapist Lynda Hudson for people just like you. This recording is designed to help you change your thought process, empowering you with a much more positive mindset.
Firstly, you will be guided to relax and enjoy drifting into a hypnotic state where you are particularly receptive to positive suggestions. Lynda reassures you that you really do have the power to change and she explains to the inner, ‘negative-thinking’ part of your mind how to accept a new protective role and employ strategies to empower you. 
You will learn strategies that will help you cope better with everyday life, ensuring you see things from a far more positive perspective. With repeated listening you will approach situations positively, comfortably and with confidence.
Lynda’s approach is based on many years as a clinical hypnotherapist and she has helped thousands of people across the world with her recordings. As the author of two widely-acclaimed books for professionals on hypnotherapy for both adults and children alike, you can be sure that your self-improvement is in the safest of hands. For the best results you should listen to this recording in a calm and quiet environment and never while driving. Your skills and ability will develop with practice, so repeated listening is the key to success.

Create a Positive Mindset

Do you suffer from painful acid reflux? Are the stresses and strains of everyday life making the problem worse? Are you looking for a natural and effective way to deal with your condition?
If so, this self-help hypnotherapy session could well be the solution you are looking for and is perfect for both adults and teenagers alike. Using safe and natural techniques, expert hypnotherapist Lynda Hudson helps you to relax and release bodily tension, an important step in both addressing a potential cause of your discomfort and in reducing your perception of the pain itself. 
Lynda’s approach is based on many years as a clinical hypnotherapist and she has helped thousands of people across the world with her recordings. As the author of two widely-acclaimed books on hypnotherapy for both adults and children alike, you can be sure that your healing is in the safest hands. For the best results you should listen to this recording in a calm and quiet environment and never while driving. Your skills and ability will develop with practice, so repeated listening is the key to success.

Relieve Acid Reflux Pain: First Way Forward - Unlock Your Life

Are you nervous about speaking in public? Does the thought of everyone in a meeting hanging on your every word bring you out in a cold sweat? Do you wish you had the composure to speak with confidence in all situations?
If so, this could well be the solution you are looking for. Expert hypnotherapist Lynda Hudson has prepared two self-hypnosis sessions designed to help you become a more confident and composed public speaker. The first session gives you a fully relaxing and meditative experience which uses the power of suggestion to train your mind. The second, shorter session can be listened to before a particular event where you may be called on to speak, ensuring that you can go into any scenario armed with calm, confident energy. Powerful conscious and subconscious messages enable you to banish negative feelings and beliefs, with repeated listening reinforcing the positive skills that you learn.
Lynda’s approach is based on many years as a clinical hypnotherapist and she has helped thousands of people across the world with her recordings. As the author of two widely-acclaimed books on hypnotherapy for both adults and children alike, you can be sure that your healing is in the safest hands. For the best results you should listen to this recording in a calm and quiet environment and never while driving. Your skills and ability will develop with practice, so repeated listening is the key to success.

Calm Confident Composed Public Speaking

Do you find yourself so nervous about flying that you avoid travelling? Or do you force yourself to fly despite the experience being difficult or even traumatic? Do you want to find a natural way to ease your fears so you can enjoy travelling to beautiful destinations across the world?
If so, this could well be the solution you are looking for. Expert hypnotherapist Lynda Hudson has produced a self-hypnosis session to help you feel calm and in control both in the lead up to a journey and also on the flight itself. Through powerful suggestions, both conscious and sub-conscious, you will learn to associate positive inner feelings of calm with all the normal routines, sensations and sounds of flying. For example, certain sounds such as the chimes regularly heard on the plane will become positive internal triggers from now on to help you stay relaxed and happy during the entire flight, especially at take-off and landing. For best results Lynda suggests you start listening well in advance!
Lynda’s approach is based on many years as a clinical hypnotherapist and she has helped thousands of people across the world with her recordings. As the author of two widely-acclaimed books on hypnotherapy for both adults and children alike, you can be sure that your healing is in the safest hands. For the best results you should listen to this recording in a calm and quiet environment and never while driving. Your skills and ability will develop with practice, so repeated listening is the key to success.

Flying Without Fear

Does your child have a tendency to be anxious or overly worried? Do you find that they become shy in certain situations, or sometimes find it difficult for their true personalities to shine through? Are you looking for a natural way to help rid them of their worries, and wash away the anxiety they are feeling?

If so, this safe, successful, self-hypnosis session could be exactly what they need. Through the power of suggestion, your child will visualise draining the worry out of their mind and body, replacing it with a feeling of calm and confidence. The session is designed to be repeated often, with every listening both consciously and sub-consciously helping your child to deal with the worries that are burdening them.

This recording is perfect for children at an age where they may not wish to openly discuss their fears and anxieties with you, but would benefit hugely from a release of such feelings. The safe techniques introduced by acclaimed practitioner Lynda Hudson will help your child overcome any worries with the power of their own mind.

Lynda Hudson's gentle, well-modulated, English voice calms, re-assures and encourages. A clinical hypnotherapist of many years standing, Lynda has helped thousands of people overcome a range of problems. Her work has been widely featured in the press and she has appeared on both TV and radio.

Unlock Your Life - The book series

Unlock Your Life - The book series

Unlock Your Life books in order

Listen and read