There. I said it.
Does it feel good to get that off my chest? I don’t know. I don’t think so? But it’s out there now, and there’s nothing I can do about it. I mean, I could just delete this post …
Sigh. The infamous reading slump.
It seems to be going around around. The Orang-utan Librarian recently discussed why it’s OK to take a breaks … and, a few days before that, Eustea posted a really wonderful reminder that reading (and blogging) is a hobby for most of us. Heck, even GoodReads featured a story on how to restore your love for reading.
Maybe we’re coming off the high of a new year, and the late winter blues are starting to kick in. Maybe we’re all just overwhelmed with work and “real life”. Maybe we’re tired of being constantly reminded of how the Georgia Flu, Jr is definitely happening.
Maybe it doesn’t really matter.
All I know is that for the past three weeks, I have been absolutely struggling to sit down and focus on a book. I’ve even stopped listening to audiobooks on my walk to/from work … because even though I waited 12 weeks for The Water Dancer, I really don’t care.
And, here’s the kicker: I don’t care that I don’t care.
There’s a ton of lists out there that provide readers with tips on how to overcome a book slump. And, some of them — like this one on Bustle — gives some pretty creative and concrete tips:
#2 – Reorganize your bookshelf. It’s true that physical clutter can also clog up your mind, so go through your shelves and reorganize. Make a rainbow, put them in alphabetical order, group them by publisher. It doesn’t really matter how you do it, but going through all of your books will remind you of what you have on your physical TBR, and maybe reinvigorate your excitement for reading them.
#9. Pick Up A Graphic Novel Or Comic. The great thing about graphic novels and comics is that they are usually short, easily digestible, and don’t feel like traditional reading. Because of that they’re perfect to pick up during a slump.
But, lists Ike this assume that I want to read. At this moment, the thought of picking up a book just makes me feel “meh”. Actually, worse then “meh”. I am craving stories, adventure, and escape; but the thought of reading feels almost aversive.
It’s OK. It’s just a sign that my priorities have shifted.
There’s a lot going on right now, and I’m thankful for every opportunity. My postdoc has been nothing short of amazing, but … boy, is the cup is running empty.
Things will settle eventually. My book slump will pass with time — possibly when my copy of House of Earth and Blood arrives.
In the meantime, I’m going to take a deep breath, prep some T10Ts, and binge The Office.
The Geeky Jock 