I usually read approximately two books a week and while I’ve started no less than five books recently, I can’t seem to get into any of them (with the exception of a fantastic audiobook and even that has been a slow go for me) or finish even one. As a matter of fact, I haven’t finished a book in over two weeks! It’s not the books, they are just fine. This is all me.
While I can pinpoint a few reasons why I’m haven’t been reading lately (doing more summer activities with the kids, getting the house ready for the new baby, being distracted from reading by the Olympics), I feel my enthusiasm for reading waning right now which is scary because reading is how I relax, unwind and get away from it all.
I have a stack of library books, review books and books that I bought sitting here staring at me begging to be read. My books have never had to beg before :-). Since I know that most of you are voracious readers, I wanted to know if you have ever felt this way. If you have, how did you get over the blah reading feeling? Leave me a comment, I appreciate any advice I can get!
12 comments:
I've been in an emotional funk which is seriously affecting how much I read so I know somewhat how you're feeling. I think you'll either just have to set books aside until one clicks for you or maybe try Lisa's advice. Picking up a book that has an interesting premise but isn't normally your sort of thing can really kickstart your reading again.
This has happened to me a couple times. I absolutely love to read but sometimes when I read too much(6 books in one week) I get burned out on them. I thinks sometimes it just takes a small break to get you back to reading.
Oh, girl. This hits me every once in a while. I think I've had this happen to me like twice this year, which really killed my Goodreads challenge. But I've been catching up recently...until I got hooked on rewatching "Lost" via Netflix and I don't want to read anymore. lol
I think you've just got to ride it out. Also, find books that you're just desperate to read. Forget what's next in line - which of them do you just WANT to read? I also found it helped if I read books that I knew beforehand that I was going to like, books by authors I already trusted or the next in a series or something.
Hoo boy, am I ever guilty of being in a reading slump! Sometimes, things just prevent us from giving attention over to the books we want to read. I fear that sometimes the whole reviewing process becomes more like a job, but reading is supposed to be fun! Heck, I do it for work as a librarian so I know what to get for our collection.
Slumps might be our brain's way of saying "Take a break" from this particular genre or perhaps it's more about finding time to read for just fun and not reviewing. I've actually been doing more of that recently because when I don't feel the pressure of reviewing, I tend to enjoy more of my books.
Hopefully, this slump will pass and you shall be reading again soon. :) Perhaps you could start out with an anthology on your TBR list? That way you aren't invested in a novel but rather a collection of various short stories.
It sounds like the stress of feeling like you HAVE to read is causing you to not want to read.
So return those library books, take a few deep breaths, watch some mindless TV, and let the right book call to you, when you're ready. :)
Try reading an old favorite or two, and don't let the books staring at stress you out. Easier said than done, I know, but reading is supposed to be fun!
It happens to everyone. Seriously, for two months I read like 6 books though previously I read a book every two days. What helped me get over my slump was that I pressured myself into reading. There was so many things I had to do, so I just took a step back and decided this would be a hobby, not a job. I don't think anyone should feel guilty for not reading. I try to stay away from that kind of attitude and focus on the present, which helps me.
I have TOTALLY been there. For me it usually happens after I finish an amazing book or series. Nothing else can live up to it. I promise you'll get out of your funk SOON!
I'm the total opposite of you, I am constantly in reading slumps. One of the things I do is find the book that sparks my interest and then after that it's smooth rolling.
I think it will be okay and you will get out of the slump. You can't let it get you down.
Thank you for the awesome advice! You guys are so great and it's comforting to know that fellow avid readers have reading slumps often. I guess I was overdue for one. Alright, I'm taking back the library books and ignoring my other books in favor of something from an author I am already crazy about AND something a little different than I'm used to reading (maybe a short story?). Hopefully, I will be back to my normal reading self by next week.
Totally! My attention span is so short in the summer...
This happened to me last year and it actually lasted a really long time. It was the first time that it had happened to me as well. But honestly I got out of the slump when I stopped worrying about it. I had given up on it after trying book after book and not really caring. I found that worrying about my reading slump was keeping me in it. I only realized this after it was over. I say enjoy all the things that have you distracted from reading and you'll be running back to your books in no time.
Post a Comment