This week’s
discussion centres on reading slumps. Just to pander to my logical side, I’m
going to start with a definition: a reading slump is when you look at your TBR
pile… and instead of feeling like Belle in a library, you just can't be bothered.
This either means that you 1) read less, or that 2) the reading you do is a
chore.
Now at
times, I do read less – but that’s usually because I’m binge-watching a TV
show, incredibly involved a roleplaying game, or watching a lot of
theatre. I worked out a long time ago that I need stories to function, and I
don’t really mind where I get them from. Occasionally I’ll forgo reading
because I’m busy hiking/ travelling/ board gaming/ hanging out with friends,
but that never lasts very long; I always need to recharge with a book
eventually. But that’s not a slump. I’m still excited about reading – I just
happen to be waiting a little longer between books.
I think
slumps happen when you’re trying to read on schedule. You feel like you have to
read, but nothing really appeals. This is partly about the books you have in
your TBR pile, of course, but also about relaxation – maybe you’ve just been
reading too much and want to take a break. I'm guessing this can be stressful if you’re a
book blogger with a regular posting schedule. (Especially if you’re one of
those machines that plough through 3+ books a week! Honestly, guys, I don’t
know how you do it.) Personally, I try to switch genres first – fantasy for
historical fiction, historical fiction for sci-fi, sci-fi for contemporary,
contemporary for whatever. But if that doesn’t work, I take a break until I
feel excited again... because ultimately, I know who I'm reading for.
What about
you?
I don't know if I ever get slumps. Part of that is because I can't afford to have slumps, there is always a big tower of books waiting to be read! But even though that can be seen as "reading on a schedule" I don't know if I mind. Yes, there's my huge TBR but almost everything on it is something I feel worth getting excited about, so I'm never not looking forward to starting my next read. If that makes sense.
ReplyDelete~Mogsy
It does! And there are so many good books out there... I think maybe having a big TBR pile helps though? So you can always find the right book somewhere.
DeleteMy version of a reading slump features not so much an unwillingness to read (to me, reading stands right next to breathing) but a difficulty in finding the *right* book. It usually happens after I've read a particularly good book: after I've finished it, every new book I pick up, no matter how good it is, feels... inadequate, somehow.
ReplyDeleteLuckily for me, my TBR pile is so crowded that something always comes out to... break the evil spell!
Oh, and I hear you about those people who read 3 or more books a week! There are times when I wonder if they have not found some time-dilation device that lengthens their days - and their free time - beyond human norm... It's the only explanation I can find! :-)
Well if they have a timey-wimey device, I want one too!!
DeleteAlthough I actually finished three books this week, feeling very proud. But that was mostly because I was on holiday and my VPN was down (so I only had very intermittent access to the internet!).
I have said it before, I will say it again,I don't really have slumps because I refuse to read to a schedule. I will grab something from the library even if I have a pile of arcs waiting if that is the book that sounds better. It works very well for me.
ReplyDeleteVery sensible of you!
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