Well I would give much of the Photoreading and derivative systems a little more dignity than calling them 'gimmicks'?

They are well thought out and bear out over years of use with many thousands of people. So I would say anyone can employ them with confidence.

Brute force is needful in acquiring any new habit.
With that I would collect a reading library on one subject of keen interest.
Third I would press on till I could muster up a 'keen interest' on any subject.

Kind regards!