Hi!
I have a reading slump. I used to read like five-six books a month or even more if time allowed me but recently I hit the wall. I got totally stuck on one of Kristin Hannah's books (sorry!), I finished it but it was a struggle and I hit a slump since then. What can I do? Can you recommend something else, something to break the terrible slump? Should I get out of my comfort zone and try to read something totally different than I used to? How do you deal with the reading slump?
I feel your pain! I know the feeling well. The way I get past that wall is switching to short stories. There's something about nice quick reads that helps me get over my slump.
I can relate too. We probably each have to find our own path out, but rereading an old favourite has worked for me. Its pleasant but not very demanding. I also try to give myself some space, rather than force it.
You mention making yourself finish a book you didnt enjoy. I used to do that too, but Ive decided that its better to move on. If youre reading for pleasure, theres no sin in giving up on a book thats become a grind.
Good luck!
Is there a new(er) book out by an author you know you enjoy?
Quote Pompom
Hi!
I have a reading slump. I used to read like five-six books a month or even more if time allowed me but recently I hit the wall. I got totally stuck on one of Kristin Hannah's books (sorry!), I finished it but it was a struggle and I hit a slump since then. What can I do? Can you recommend something else, something to break the terrible slump? Should I get out of my comfort zone and try to read something totally different than I used to? How do you deal with the reading slump?
I will often read a few short stories, or reread a couple of old favorite books. That usually gets me going again. Or pick up a couple of magazines in a topic you're interested in, and read those for a few days. It's not a race, man. Just relax and enjoy things. You'll get back around to reading again at your own pace. I mean, it's not like there's a rule that you must read 6 books every month, right?
I can relate to that too but in a different way. I can get so enthralled with a book that nothing else seems to strike my fancy. It takes a bit to get interested in something else as I don't believe anything else will suffice.
Which Kristin Hannah book? Nightingale was one of her books I found enthralling. It was hard to put down. I didn't have to slog through it.
When in a reading slump, I find it helps to find a book you want to read that's an easy read and not too long.
Another possible solution is to try an audiobook.
Why do you need to get out of it? If you don't feel like reading, don't read.
When I feel like reading but can't settle down to anything in particular, I'll use search to narrow the available books to a subset that I might want to read and then use the
Find Random Book option on the main menu of my Calibre Companion app and read a chapter of whatever book pops up. If I don't feel like continuing that book I'll pick another random book until I settle on a book I do want to read. On particularly restless days where I want to feel like I've finished something, I'll stick to anthologies.
This can also be done with the
Pick a random book option in the Calibre Library menu.
Quote Catlady
Why do you need to get out of it? If you don't feel like reading, don't read.
This! Maybe you just need a break. Nothing wrong with that.