I’m in a reading slump.
I’ve been in it for a few weeks now. I keep picking books up and only reading a few chapters or even a few pages before putting it back down again. Books I thought I’d probably enjoy. It’s making reading slow going because I’m spending time reading books then putting them down and having to start another. All the joy has gone.
Today I found this great video about reading slumps, with some good ideas on how to survive and recover from them.
Do you ever find yourself in a reading slump and if so, how do you manage to get out of it?
Margot Kinberg says
This is a really interesting topic, Rebecca. I think we all go through reading slumps at times, either because life gets in the way, or because of a disappointing read, or for some other reason. For what it’s worth, you’re absolutely not alone. When I’ve gotten into a reading slump, I look for good short stories. They take less time, you feel less obligated to persevere, since they’re short stories, and of course, some are outstanding. I also sometimes find it helps to read something completely different to what I usually read. I don’t think anything works always, for everyone, but those things help me.
Pamela Croft says
I usually get reading slumps after I’ve discovered an author I really like and read a series of books by that author (such as the Girl with the Dragon Tattoo series). Then nothing I pick up seems to be interesting enough for me to read right through the book. I’ve found I only get reading voraciously again after I’ve changed genre for a while (like by reading some historical romances (Elizabeth Edmondson’s are light and fun). Or you could always try my ‘Chill Spring of Fear’!
Jacqui Murray says
I must admit I’ve never had a reading slump. Odd considering how many books I read in a week.
MarinaSofia says
Ah, shame you feel like that, hope you find your mojo again!
I have to admit I don’t suffer from a reading slump, possibly because I’m always trying to find more time to read – and am resentful when I don’t manage to read.
I agree with the genre slump, though – mixing up types of books is essential! I do sometimes get fed up with crime fiction, even, or existential angst or whatever…
Prashant C. Trikannad says
Rebecca, I have been going through a reading slump for the past four months. I don’t let it bother me. I read whenever I feel like it, though I hope to start reading soon.
Rachel Hall says
Hi Rebecca,
My reading slumps have all coincided when I have had alot of issues in my head, buzzing around, especially periods of long term sickness and mental health problems. I simply could not concentrate at these times and could not really put my mind to anything, even watching TV or reading a newspaper.
One of my worst periods was when I was an in patient at a mental health facility. Constant door slamming and noise, no privacy or times simply being quiet – the TV was always blaring etc. My Mum came and visited me and have me a cosy crime mystery (the first of the Agatha Raisin novels that I read) and it was a riot.. Trivial drivel some might say, but it did the trick.
A week later I came home and I launched straight into my next bit of escapist reading with Martina Cole..
My best advice is to pick up a book that requires no deep level of consideration.. A happy go lucky village tale or some other such trash.. If it helps you might even discover a whole new genre that you love! Well maybe not,
Take care mate,
Love Rachel xx
Gwen says
Eww, I hate reading slumps.
I’ve been getting better at avoiding them, thankfully. I noticed they creep up on me when I’m bouncing between two many books. And every single time I’m pulled out by the YA series. YA is typically fast paced, they’re simple reads, and series pull me through more than the single novel adult SF/F most of my reads are.
I know my sister gets over hers with anthologies though. She likes being able to skip stories that don’t interest her without the pain of putting a whole book aside.
readingwritingandriesling says
Hi Rebecca – I sometimes find after I have read 5 or 6 books in a week I need a day or two break – and then I am back into it. What I think is worse is reading “hangover” when one book is so incredibly good or one that resonates with you, it can spoil the next read that perhaps isn’t quite up to the same level of admiration.
jenanita01 says
It is possibly the chosen books fault. Every now and then the same thing happens to me, but once I find a good book…