MizB over at Should Be Reading asks us:
***So, what do YOU do when you find yourself in a reading slump? How do you get out of it? Do you keep trying different books until you find one that draws you in? Do you just give in to the slump until it passes, and do something other than reading for a time? Do you ask for help? And, if you ask for help, what great (or, not so great) advice have you been given on how to get out of the slump?
I really hate being in a reading slump-it depresses me. I like having a book to go to when everything else is driving me nuts. I do however know the feeling. I’ve been lucky lately that I’ve read some really good books because I find, that most often, a reading slump occurs after I’ve read a really good book and then pick one up that just doesn’t cut it.
Usually I will try picking up something else-and I try to pick something totally different from what I was reading. I find this the best way to get out of the slump. Sometimes I will pick up my knitting or cross stitching for a while to do something different. All the while I’ll have a book on the go, I just won’t be reading as much as normal. In a slump I also find myself having a couple of books on the go and I’ll go back and forth between them where normally if I have a good book that I’m enjoying, I read it till I’m done.
So, what about all of you. What do you do when you hit a reading slump? Let’s see what good ideas are out there for getting out of a slump.
I write essays or legal pieces on copyright.
I’m having a book raffle. It’s an author signed copy! Stop by.
I know I should knock wood as I say this but, I really haven’t had a reading slump that I can remember. I find if I’m reading a book I’m not into all that much, I’ll speed up my reading so I can finish and be done with it. I’ve read 2 books in the past few years that I really should have given up on as they never got better and I was upset I’d wasted time on them. So, I’ve resolved to adhere to a 100 page rule and not read past that mark if I’m not enjoying the book. I agree that having another book going – different from the ‘problem book’ – is helpful.
Lucky you Mary having no reading slumps. There have been times, not many, where-yikes-I just can’t get into any book I pick up. I’m almost down to the 50 page rule. Most of the time I know right off the beginning if I’m going to like a book or not but I do give it at least 50 pages before I say forget it.
Hi, Dar!
Check my blog for an award you’ve received! 🙂
Lezlie
I read an article on “divorcing a book” when things begin to go south. I used to feel guilty if I abandoned a book but after reading that article, I realized that my time is too valuable to waste on a book that I do not care for.
I divorce it and then pick up something else.
just wondering.. so are you done with great expectations?? what do you think of it??:) waiting for your review!:)
When I hit a reading slump I often have to go with the flow and do a few things. Sometimes, I need to take a break from reading and clear my mind. Other times, I need to change what I’m reading and lighten it up and find a really good novel that pulls me in and one that I can’t put down. That helps me a great deal. I also use the 50 or 100 page rule. At times, I just need to put a book down based on my mood. When I go back to it, I often have a different mood and perspective and usually enjoy the book!
Dar, Congrats on the award from Lezlie!!
skyblue-I love that philosophy. I agree that with so many wonderful books to read, you shouldn’t waste time on a bad one. From now I’m going to call it ‘divorcing a book too’.
Ramya, I’m about halfway through Great Expectations. Going to work on it a bit more today. It’s ok. I’m not a lover of classics so it’s a bit hard for me but Pip is such a likeable character.
Bonnie, that’s true. Often times I’ve put down a book because I just couldn’t get into it and went back a while later and it just clicked for me.
It depresses me too. I really try to avoid bad books.
I’ve had a great month but I believe it was last month that I couldn’t seem to find anything that really stood out. When i get into a slump I slow down a little, but I know I’ll eventually find that great book to keep me on going!