Reading

alternate

I alternate between fiction and non-fiction.
If you 'alternate' between two things or ideas then you change between them.  You go from one to the other and back again.  Notice the following:

1. My son alternates between wanting to be an astronaut and a fireman.
   
2. She alternates between being really happy and really sad.
   

affair

The book is about a women who has been having an affair.

If you are married or have a partner and you have a romantic relationship with a different person then you have 'an affair.'  Notice the following:

1. Even though she had an affair years ago they are still married now.
   
2. They got a divorce after she discovered he was having an affair.
   

find time

When do you find time to read?

To 'find time' to do something is to have time to do it even though you are very busy and it is difficult to have the time.  Notice the following:

1. I don't know how she does it, but she always finds time to cook a healthy dinner for her family.
   
2. Do you ever find time to exercise now?
   

commute

I read on the train while I'm commuting to work.

Your 'commute' to work is the travel to work, like on a bus, on a train or in a car.  Notice the following:

1. How long is your commute?
   
2. The commute to my new job is much longer than it was to my old job.
   

hard to pick

It's hard to pick a favorite author.

If something is 'hard to pick' it is difficult to decide or choose.  In the example, there are many good authors so it is difficult to pick a favorite one.  Notice the following:

1. It is always hard for her to pick what to wear on a first date.
   
2. It's hard to pick my favorite fruit because I really like them all.