Reading slump

[litskispeciality]

I've been in a major reading slump this year. For context, I read a record 30 books last year (average around 22), and so far this year I've completed 5 and have 2 less than 50% read (for each book). I've put down a couple of books/DNF which is rare for me. I've listened and/or read along with (the paper/e-copy) audio books when I can, but my library app (Libby) doesn't have a great selection for the books I want to read or it's a long wait. I have plenty on hold, plenty on my shelves at home, even live less than 10 mins from a beautiful library..but I can't get motivated to read after work or on the weekends. Just looking for tips if you have any to get out of the slump, and or recommends of books you've found help get you out of said slump.

I also tried setting a reading goal, and to read so many pages a day, which great last year...but this year it just stresses me out so I let it go. I follow the "days read" on the Kindle app too, but that only "counts" if you read a Kindle brand e-book, and sometimes I have paper only, or a book on another platform. 

I felt a little justified talking to another avid reader that like everything "coming out of the pandemic" we either don't have as much time, or focus or what. I'm hoping that is part of it. DH has said the same thing, that he can't get motivated, and he's found a lot of luck in reading series to keep him hooked.

Thanks!

[TR]

Maybe just let yourself not read. Do you actually miss it? Or do you just feel like you should be reading more?

[TR]

I mean, the fastest way for me to NOT do something is to set myself a hard goal to do it lol

[okla]

May 3, 2023 16:45:40 GMT -5 TR said:

Maybe just let yourself not read. Do you actually miss it? Or do you just feel like you should be reading more?

I agree. I usually read a lot, but also go through phases where I just don’t read at all. I don’t track any metrics or even count how many books I’m reading in a year because I read to relieve stress, not create more for myself.

If you don’t feel like reading, that’s fine. Eventually you likely will again.

[nsl]

Anytime I DNF (or am tempted to DNF) a book it puts me into a reading slump. And I'm a librarian! Finding a book I can't put down usually pulls me out, but there have been whole months when I think all I read was the news, Twitter, and book reviews. That's totally fine! Like others have said you'll get back into reading when you're ready and/or when you find the right book.

[joy]

I love to read. I haven’t read much (maybe one book a year) since I had my kid six years ago. My bandwidth just can’t hold all the stories in my head (work, kid, kid school, TV shows, etc). I feel burnt out.

I assume the desire will come back. Or it will be replaced with another hobby that I enjoy. Both outcomes are okay.

[cleo29]

I love finding a good series. I read all of the Ruth Galloway books by Elly Griffiths. Sometimes, I just need to mix it up. Try something that I would not normally read. I like finding things in the Kindle unlimited because at least it not me wasting money on a book that was meh.

[meanie]

I listen to a lot of books because idk when I would have time otherwise. When I am in a slump I switch genres, reading short romantic comedy type books usually does the trick until I am ready to return to my usual.

But reading should be for your enjoyment, so if it's not working right now just take a break.

[k3am]

I go through phases. I generally read 50-75 books a year, if you include rereads, but I don't have a goal, really.

What type of stuff do you like to read? WHY do you like to read? Once I acknowledged WHY I like reading, and focused on WHAT I like reading, the reading just comes. I don't watch much TV, so reading fills that entertainment gap. Once I stopped reading what I felt like I should be reading and started focusing exclusively on what I enjoyed reading, a lot of roadblocks fell away.

I read exclusively e-books, and that has helped. Reading paper books, people would be curious what it is I'm reading, and honestly? It was nothing I wanted to share or talk about. I do try to read something more substantial every so often, but I have a hard time getting sucked in, ut it's nice to have 1-2 of those books going so that if someone asks (seems to come up at the dog park randomly), I can mention something less embarassing than YA or fantasy. (I'd rather recommend And the World Played Chess by Dugoni than Kitty and the Midnight Hour to a casual aquaintence - even though I enjoyed both)

I'm in a book drought right now and have been going back to the begining of series that I've enjoyed over the years and revisiting them.

[mcsangel2]

Me too! Last year I read 50, which I've only hit one other year, normally I average closer to 40. I've read 10 so far this year and am in the middle of 2 more.

I've found there are a couple of reasons for that. First, if you just plain get out of the habit because you spent months doing something else instead of reading (more streaming maybe, for me I discovered podcasts in the last year), it messes with your short term concentration. Second, you have a bunch of books in a row that are just meh and you aren't invested in finishing.

I think the only way to get through that (if it's important to you, as it is to me), is to power through so you get used to reading regularly again. And maybe the best way to do that is to reread a couple of books that you absolutely loved.

I spend a LOT of time on Goodreads managing my to read list and looking at my stats and stuff. I really strive for at least 30 a year (which didn't happen in 2019 because I discovered a new fandom and spent the year reading fanfiction). I get it.

[TR]

I mean, this is why I've never joined a book club or done a book challenge even though it's my main hobby. I don't want to even a little bit be told what to read and when or be forced to talk about it. And I do keep track, but it's just for me and I don't set goals.

[annieh22]

When I don’t feel like reading, I go back and reread a book that I really enjoyed. Rereading books I loved (or just liked, made me laugh, made me happy for whatever reason) seems to help. It brings me back to a reason I love it.

And sometimes it’s nice to reread just for pleasure. I can skim and not really focus, plus I know the outcome so it’s guaranteed enjoyment (no disappointing endings).

[smock]

Sometimes when I'm in a reading slump, I need to step back and ask myself what I feel like reading. Am I burned out on thrillers/suspense but I'd like to dig into a juicy mystery? Did a beautiful literary fiction book that slowed down my reading pace leave me wanting a YA book I can finish in a day? If you read in multiple genres, switching things up can often break a slump. I also like the idea of rereading a favorite book.

Instead of setting a daily page goal or trying to read every day, maybe you can find a time of day when you like to read. I read every night before bed, so even on busy days, I make time for reading. It sounds like you're putting a lot of pressure on yourself, so maybe switch things up and read a graphic novel or a play.

[mrsslocombe]

My slumps usually happen because I've read too many "just OK" books in a row. And even reading books people swear they couldn't put down most of the time I'm like...eh...it's fine.

Usually if I re-read one of my favorites it sort of re-sets my brain.

[wildrice]

When this has happened to be before, it's usually because I'm stuck in a genre that I'm getting board with or I'm reading too many books because I think I should (like non-fiction or some best sellers that I don't end up getting into). I'm not great at putting down a book that I've started unless I really hate it, but sometimes that makes it hard to get excited to pick up my Kindle.

I disagree with the "just take a break" advice - for me, it's always something I can get back into if I just push through. And I value reading more than a lot of other things I'd end up doing instead - scrolling my phone, watching crap TV, etc. It would be one thing if I replaced it with a different valuable hobby but I think it's good for my brain to be doing something more challenging. That said, I don't think you have to set aside a ton of time for it if you aren't into it - I usually read from 10-30 minutes before bed each night and often that's the only time I read.

[TR]

May 3, 2023 17:48:08 GMT -5 annieh22 said:

When I don’t feel like reading, I go back and reread a book that I really enjoyed. Rereading books I loved (or just liked, made me laugh, made me happy for whatever reason) seems to help. It brings me back to a reason I love it.

And sometimes it’s nice to reread just for pleasure. I can skim and not really focus, plus I know the outcome so it’s guaranteed enjoyment (no disappointing endings).

I LOVE rereading books. I always buy my favorites at the end of each year. Last year I realized that since joining the library, I wasn’t rereading books anymore because I always had new books at hand. So I purposefully paused my library holds and only reread some of my favorites for the month of July (my birthday month) and it was so great. I decided I’m going to do that every year.

[jinkies]

I'm just here to commiserate. I am a huge reader but didn't particularly like the last two books I read, and ended up doing an audible trial so that I could just listen to it and get through it.

I have two books on my nightstand that have been sitting there for over 6 weeks and I just can't get myself excited.

I like the recommendation above to maybe switch genres. I honestly usually prefer nonfiction but have been reading mostly fiction and think I'm just over it. There is a memoir I've been wanting to read for a while but have been waiting to finish my backlog. Maybe I'll just skip straight to the one I'm most interested in.

[tacokick]

I agree that a goal might not be it. I read a lot but don’t like to think of it as an assignment.

I would try a different genre or read an easier book like YA. Or try some childhood favorites. I re-read a bunch of Mary Downing Hahn books a few years ago and it was fun.

Are there any other library systems you can join? I have a card from the city and the surrounding county and that really maximizes the books I can get, one has a different budget and priorities than the other.

[litskispeciality]

Thanks all!

I really like to read, and have a LOT of books I want to read. I was so good last year staying off of social media to read, or picking up an e-book while I waited in line or somewhere else etc.. I just can't seem to fight the temptation these last few month. Sad part is too my e-books are down because my eyes hurt from being on a computer all day, but I'll lurk on a thread here for half an hour with the TV going.

I have a really hard time putting down books, but certain think a big part is just too many ok, or bad books this year. I can't recommend one I've read. On the other hand I can't get psyched to pick up a new book. I borrowed one twice from the library in March, then April. Kept it so long I got fines. Never once picked it up. I may buy it on Kindle as it's not on Libby, but I hate buying e-books, even with Amazon credits.

I need to put down one of my current reads "How to survive your own murder" for the second time as I just can't get in to it. I'm hard on myself that I should have blown through it because it's a 300 page YA book, but then I keep going back to it just to finish it. This like others mentioned was recommended by someone else, which tends to not be as great for me. For example I found Daisy Jones super slow.

I also like to read e-books in bed, and find audiobooks help me sleep. Even if it's 10mins a day it's a nice wind down.

I try to keep tao books of different genres going to boost my reading, but then lose the plot of one or confuse the two of their a little closer in plot.

Finally, another issue is fear I won't finish in time. "Mad Honey" keeps coming up on my Libby hold, but I defer because Jodi Picolt while a great writer, writes too much/too long of stories. I feel pressure that I won't finish in time, even with 21 days fo read, so I skip it. I guess I could try and find another way to finish if the loan expires.

I might try a re-read, or a true crime novel about a crime like Ann Rule or her daughter wrote. Only bummer is I tend to have a hard time finding them in e-book, and end up on paper which I don't read in bed.

[al dente]

First, reading Elin Hildebrand got me out of my reading slump. They're all quick beach read type books, but well written and interesting.
Another thing is I force myself to sit down and read for 20 minutes everyday vs scrolling my phone or watching TV. I know reading is what I WANT to do, just for whatever reason I don't choose it. So setting the timer and just doing it helps.
And I am really quick to DNF a book with no shame (well I usually give it like 100 pages, but after that if I'm not thinking about the next chance I get to read I'm done). There's so many books, and I can always go back to one if I want. But why force myself through a book that I'm not enjoying when the whole purpose is to enjoy the activity.

[tarajane]

Best thing to get me out of a slump is an easy, quick read. Usually a mystery

[mcsangel2]

May 3, 2023 18:24:16 GMT -5 TR said:

May 3, 2023 17:48:08 GMT -5 annieh22 said:

 So I purposefully paused my library holds and only reread some of my favorites for the month of July (my birthday month) and it was so great. I decided I’m going to do that every year.

I tell myself every year that I'm going to do this (I keep a "want to re-read" list on my Goodreads account), and, every year I don't because I have 80-100 other books I want to read waiting. I don't want my to-read list to outlive me if I can help it! But, well, my birthday is next week and here I am again saying I really should try something else new on my long list just so I can check it off.

Reading is my main hobby and Goodreads has totally transformed that for me (especially in being able to find books I'm really interested in reading, that absolutely never would have happened without GR and their algorithm) and I love it. But gone are the days (decades really) where I had favorite books that I reread over and over again. It's an extremely small number that have been reread since I joined in 2008.

[7costanza]

I had a bad reading slump in 2020, I DNF so many books and felt just ok about a bunch more. What helped me was not being afraid to give up on a book very quickly, like sometimes on the first page, if I wasn’t enjoying it. Eventually I found one I couldn’t put down and that helped build momentum to finding more I enjoyed.

[luckystar2]

I go through phases. Sometimes I just have to accept I’m not in the mood. Sometimes it’s just I don’t want to read at all or maybe it’s the particular genre. I feel less in slumps when I allow myself to DNF books. If I’m not feeling it I put it aside. Sometimes I’ve done this and gone back to the book when I was in the mood and have finished and enjoyed it.

Sometimes switching up genres helps. I like thrillers though so trying to find something really fast paced helps.

What genres do you like?

[mrsukyankee]

I pretty much didn't read hardly at all for two years in the pandemic. I just couldn't get into it. I let it be what it was and didn't pressure myself. And then something clicked (probably a bunch of new books coming in by some of my fav authors) and I began to read again. Give yourself a break and maybe you'll find that love again.

[rupertpenny]

Are you reading on a Kindle or on something backlit? I have a lot of screen-related eye strain but my Kindle Paperwhite does not strain my eyes like my computer or phone.

About a month or two ago I was having difficulty reading and found myself going to social media more instead. I was reading mostly non-fiction and literary fiction, both of which I love, but realized I needed to switch it up and read books that were more plot-driven for a while. I started with Emily Henry's recent rom-coms and it did the trick. I also like to get into a good mystery series to kind of reset my reading.

[gardengal]

If you're reading on backlit device, I hightly recommend inverting colors & enlarging print. It's slightly more annoying having to turn the page more often but, IME, both those things together greatly reduce eye strain.

Maybe try short stories? That way you can easily pick up & put down. I don't have great recs; I'm currently reading some Hercule Poirot short stories when I feel like reading a little something before bed. What you've read/have on your list doesn't align with mystery, though. I also read fan fiction & many of those stories are also shorter.

But also? Sometimes you just need a break. I read...obsessively. Sometimes it almost feels like a compulsion. Even so, I still go through periods when I cannot fathom picking up a book & instead get lost in a good show.

[dancingirl21]

I'm a huge reader. It's my number one hobby and I love it. Last year I read 90 books and I want to read more this year. It's my favorite thing and I love getting lost in a good story.

That said, I do go through slumps. Right now I'm in one. I'm reading a book that is fine. Not amazing, nothing I will remember 2 years from now and it's taking me 2 weeks to get through it. Super rare. But instead of beating myself up about it, I'm reading just a few pages a day and moving on to something else.

Maybe take a break for a bit and see if you miss it. Find a good show to watch instead. The books will come back to you at some point, if you want them to.

[litskispeciality]

I enjoy a lot of genres, including YA, whatever Jodi Picolt falls under (fiction and something else I guess?). I like mysteries and thrillers, but the books I have going don't fall in those categories. I read a lot of dark, and graphic stuff, most of it fiction, but some true crime. I'm a sucker for Colleen Hoover, although she is so formulaic so I've given her a break. I've tried historical fiction, but it just doesn't do it for me. I like more modern books set in the 70's 80's and newer. I've read a lot of Taylor Jenkins Reed but then I'm disappointed at the end. Carrie Somebody is on my TBR list, but I'm weary since I haven't been that happy with the 3 or 4 TJR books I've read so far/did I read it wrong since everyone else (I know IRL) LOVED books like Evelyn Hugo and I found it slow.

Other ways I find new books include:
1. A loooong TBR list on Goodreads, probably 200+, but have trouble finding newer additions.
2. My friend started a small FB group to recommend books.
3. I take my time looking around the library hoping a title or cover will catch my fancy.
4. I'm always asking for recommendations, even did at the hair salon a week or two ago. She recommended "The Atlas Six" as I overheard her describing the plot, but she said more than 100 pages in she's not that happy, but wants to find out the ending. She thinks she doesn't like the writing style, but interesting story. Sounds a bit like a Hunger Games survival thing, just less violent.
5. Research upcoming or already made book to screen adaptations but then I hate the movie/show or don't have that streaming service. I guess I could try that again see if something catches my fancy.

Regarding watching TV, I never watched "Friends" and somehow found myself sucked in lately, but it's backfiring that now I want to follow a story line rather than spend 25 minutes reading. Hopefully once the weather is nice in my area I'll start to pick up more books. I looove sitting on the deck, or in a hammock with a good book (and or a glass of wine, lol). Hope to also take a vacation late this year. Beach vacations where I literally do nothing but read, drink and eat are the best for me to bang out a couple of books in a week.

After thinking about this thread I think I need to find a good mystery or thriller again. Honestly I'm not always sure the difference as what I read it someone was murdered, the reader tries to figure out who did it...with a lot of graphic violence along the way. I don't need violence, I just happen to find those books.

"Stay Awake" by Megan Goldin just came up on Libby so I may borrow that. The book I kept checking out but didn't read is called "Self-Made Widow" and I think that will be good to buy and read too. Plot seems like a good mix of fluffy silly, with a murder mystery. H I'll start to look through the April and May threads as I've found a lot of great recs from y'all. It also motivates me to read books just so I can participate in those threads, or the what did you read in X month threads on Book Club because some of the readers are superstars.

[smock]

I'm a big library user, and I've also got a long hold list. Sometimes I'm just not in the mood for a certain book when it's finally available. One other trick I've learned: my library adds new books to the catalog on Tuesdays, so I browse through the new release section on Libby to make sure I don't miss any new books by my favorite authors. It' s a good way to find new books you might not otherwise see!

In the mystery genre, here's some of my favorites:
-A Good Girl's Guide to Murder by Holly Jackson (if you want a fast-paced series where a high schooler tries to solve a local murder as her senior project, but things quickly go off the rails)
-Truly Devious by Maureen Johnson (if you want a super smart high schooler at an academy trying to solve a 1930s cold case that quickly turns hot)
-The Chief Inspector Gamache Series by Louise Penny (if you want a gentle Canadian detective solving murders)
-I Have Some Questions for You by Rebecca Makkai (if you want a true-crime podcast inspired mystery that will make you think about the weird parts of being in high school in the 90s)
-Vera Wong's Unsolicited Advice for Murderers by Jesse Q. Sutanto (also the Dial A for Aunties series! if you want an older amateur sleuth who does a lot of cooking and bossing people around)
-The Golden Spoon by Jessa Maxwell (if you want a Great British Baking Show inspired mystery)
-The Thursday Murder Club Series by Richard Osman (if you want English retirement community cozy mystery vibes)
-The Inheritance Games Series by Jennifer Lynn Barnes (if you want billionaire riddles and mysteries with a YA twist)