I've been having a hard time getting back to reading again and I don't how I haven't thought about trying with short stories like these. I don't know the author but from what you described seems like it's really worth the reading. I'll definitely give it a try.
Also, the idea of your gf choosing the book for you is actually great, that way you can be fully surprised with the lecture. I'll try to get some to choose books for me, it can be fun
Definitely get a collection of short stories to read. Light ones that are about a page or two in length at the most. It'll help a lot since it won't take too much time or energy to read. And you can take them with you almost anywhere. A story or two and then put it down again. It'll help build that attention and interest.