Right now, I am in a reader’s slump. Or maybe if writers have writers block readers could have readers’ block. Either way that is me.
It started around the time I moved. I had several books I needed to read, and a couple of the deadlines changed dramatically. I had agreed to read a few books knowing I was moving. Two changed the date one by a few months the other with a similar issue. I ended up starting each book after the first one’s deadline passed. But all currently parked.
People say moving is one of the biggest stresses and I can understand that. Last time the landlord caused a lot of stress but the move itself went well. This time the Landlord was really relaxed but it was other stresses. I had to pack up a room of their goods. Which I thought were being collected before I moved not after. This meant I had little room to store my own goods. I had to downsize and felt I needed to clean up the garden. All things that took time and stress. In my mind if I didn’t get the garden looking good and clean windows, cupboards, carpets etc I could be in trouble. It put extra stress which led to exhaustion. I knew the house was way better than when I arrived, but I still thought I had to do so much more.
The move itself didn’t go to plan dates changed which stressed me and the cats. I was worried about Libby, and she was scared but it was Henry who didn’t cope. He disappeared after two weeks. Then when found 5 weeks later in the old neighbourhood he was so stressed that no one slept. This led to me being too tired to read and getting sick. Henry has now gone back four times in all and is living with a lovely couple he as adopted.
Every time I would try to read, I would reread the same pages and couldn’t move forward. Thankfully, I was able to read a short novella which led to a couple other books. But I now have 5 books started and not finished. Right now, I want to read but at the same time don’t want to.
People will say just read but it isn’t that simple. I try but I don’t have the motivation to read right now. Eventually I will and have decided it’s ok. The more pressure the more I struggle so right now I am enjoying a break and catching up on some tv shows.
Do others have readers slumps? What do you do to get over them? I am sure I will get back to reading but at least one or two of the books may not be read.
I look forward to suggestions. This year I am only agreeing to read books where I know for sure what date the book is releasing and that I will have ample time to read the book.
I can’t say I’ve had that problem, but then I don’t read books to review anymore, so I don’t have reading deadlines.
I read for pleasure and to check the occasional book for my work in a school library.
There are times when I run out of books in my TBR pile or am not quite in the mood for what is still there, but at those times I generally grab a favourite from my shelf and read that instead.
a few of the books I didn’t finish I didn’t get to review. but just enjoying doing other things for a bit I guess. I do plan to read but its probably nice having a break.
I’ve reached a sort of slump from time to time, when I just don’t enjoy the books I’m reading. Normally a favourite can help. Being okay with not finishing a book. Kindle Unlimited allowed me to return a book I didn’t end up liking. Borrowing something from my library. Asking my library to get a book I might like. Allowing myself to ‘skim read.’ It’s funny. I can actually enjoy a book more if I don’t read every line sometimes. Not sure why, but it works sometimes.
But also, learning how to separate my business side from my pleasure reading side. When I can learn how to just read for pleasure again, that helps.
Hope you find what works for you, and I’m sorry Henry didn’t take the move with you. That would have been very stressful to have him disappear and then decided to adopt another family in the old neighbourhood.
I do miss Henry but I know he’s very happy. I went to see him but he wasn’t out yesterday I may go tomorrow cos I want a cuddle and want to take his cat bed (I still have about 3 here no one is using.
I have had slumps before and I went a few years not reading at one stage. but in the past 10 years have had times of not reading due to pain and being just to tired.
Did you get to see him the second time around?
I had another thought. I allowed myself to pick a really short book. And I don’t just mean a novella, I mean really short. More like a novelette or a short story, but something with chapters so it still felt like a book. Then I could read the whole thing from start to finish and still have that sense of accomplishment when I finished. For some reason that helped.
For example, these two come to mind:
https://www.amazon.com.au/ebook/dp/B08W9LTWDC
https://www.amazon.com.au/ebook/dp/B0846XK954
Yes on Saturday I got lots and lots of cuddles. he was happy to see me but he loves where he is.
I ended up reading a review copy of a book and couldn’t put it down. It was just want I needed.
Hi Jenny, I’ve experienced reading slumps and I usually switch to easier forms of entertainment – tv series and movies. I’ve also found novellas helpful because I can read them in an afternoon. I learned to DNF books that I lose interest in, and try again later when I’m in the right mood for the story. I will also reread books I’ve enjoyed to pull myself out of a reading slump. Reading new books by authors who I always enjoy reading can also be helpful.