Insert Major Reading Slump Here
Posted 28th June 2011
Category: Chit-Chat Genres: N/A
3 Comments
The days are longer, the weather is nicer, and I have a lot more time to read than I did even just a month ago.
So why am I metaphorically running away from books every time I ask myself what I should do with my free-time and myself answers “you could read?…”
In part I know it’s due to the fact that I’ve been reading a lot of books recently that have been sent to me for review, books I hadn’t heard of before: therefore I’m not getting that satisfaction of feeling I’ve truly achieved something. It also has to do with the fact that a few of the books I’ve said yes to haven’t enamoured me much.
In part it is my own issue with wanting to choose incredible books to read but being put off from it because I know they are going to overwhelm my mind. For example I want to read Shanghai Girls but historical fiction means learning for me, a history-freak, and right now I don’t want to study (that in itself is amazing).
Mostly though, there’s just something missing, and I think that ironically what is missing is the lack of free-time to read. Sounds crazy doesn’t it, but I think the fact that during my university course I knew I couldn’t spend forever reading, meant that I made good choices on books (even if they turned out to be bad) and structured my reading time better. Right now I have a number of things I want and need to do but because there are still a few more months to go before study returns, I’m thinking, “oh, I can do that tomorrow”, which becomes next week and so on.
Where reading’s concerned I’m taking my books incredibly slowly and before I know it June’s over and I’ve read a measly two books with one on the go. Not exactly what I was hoping for.
I know I’ve been doing other things, being social while the sun is around, but I’ve no excuse. This reading slump is of a kind I haven’t experienced so far since I started reviewing in 2009 and, quite frankly, it’s rather scary.
June 28, 2011, 3:13 pm
Sometimes that happens to me. I definitely know that feeling of reading books for review and missing out on the satisfaction and sense of achievement that comes with picking out just the right book for the moment. YA is usually the best for snapping me out of a slump, since it’s quick to read. I have to make sure I pick something extra good, though! I hope you get back to feeling like reading again soon.
Charlie: Thanks for mentioning YA, because thinking about it I realise I’m the same. The general ease of reading that accompanies them with a good plot idea is a big help. But yes, it has to be a good one!
June 28, 2011, 4:19 pm
I’ve been feeling the same way myself. I wish I could offer any helpful tips, but at least you have my complete sympathy.
Charlie: It’s good to know I’m not alone!
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June 28, 2011, 1:07 pm
I frequently go through reading slumps. Sometimes I go for days without reading, or weeks without enjoying anything. Then all of a sudden the perfect book comes along and I get swept back into reading again. I hope you find a book that makes you want to make time for reading again.
Charlie: I started a new book today, and I think it may be the right one, here’s hoping anyway!