Advice on a reading slump
@LovesEverybody (1876)
November 3, 2023 1:39pm CST
For any of you who recognize me, they know I love to read.
But that has one problem, periodically for the last few years, I have been getting into months-long reading slumps. In the middle of the year I did great with reading then the slump started
I am in one of them now. I have not even picked up a book in November. I am having a hard time picking up a book.
I still go to the library but don't end up reading the books. Correction, I read one of the books from the last time I went and it took me two weeks to almost read the one book. It was "Let it Crow! Let it Crow! Let it Crow" by Donna Andrews and it was awful! But it took me until the last 96 pages when I finally decided it was taking me so long to read because I didn't like it at all. I quit it with 96 pages left.
I am having a hard time finding books I like.
if you've been in one, What do you do to get over your reading slump? Or what has somebody you know done and had success, if you were never in one yourself? Any ideas you can think of would be greatly appreciated.
17 people like this
19 responses
@spiderdust (14741)
• San Jose, California
5 Nov
Do you enjoy audiobooks? Sometimes I just need to change the format of the book in order to consume more books.
3 people like this
@LovesEverybody (1876)
•
6 Nov
Very good advice and I plan to start listening to one. I used to listen to them a lot but for some reason, I stopped. Not sure why. I think I may download a Christmas audiobook from the library
I think that I will read more books if I have a format change. I read a lot of books whenever I listened to audiobooks during meals ane household chores
2 people like this
@DaddyEvil (137142)
• United States
3 Nov
I'm sorry that's happening to you. I don't know how to get out of a reading slump or I'd share the secret with you. 
2 people like this
@LovesEverybody (1876)
•
4 Nov
That is okay. I may hop on over to a search engine later and do some research about it, They have to have something about it.
Do you still read a book a day? In late spring / early summer, i was reading some books in a day. I read many Sweet Valley High books I read through Kindle Unlimited in a day they took me back to a time from my high school and college years when these books were first published.
Have a great evening!
2 people like this
@DaddyEvil (137142)
• United States
4 Nov
@LovesEverybody I hope you find something that works for you.
Yes, I'm still reading about a book a day. I'm re-reading some of my favorites right now.
You have a good evening/night.
2 people like this
@LovesEverybody (1876)
•
6 Nov
@DaddyEvil I did some research about reading slumos which made me want to read again. I didn't have a lot of time to read today, however, I did read about 40-50 pages of a cozy mystery on my Kindle and a few pages of a physical library book. I didn't have much time for the physical book but it was from 'The Cat Who" series by Lilian Jackson Braun and I laughed so much that I had a great time!
Are you enjoying your time rereading your favorites?
Have a great evening!
2 people like this
@just4him (307027)
• Green Bay, Wisconsin
5 Nov
@LovesEverybody Yes, you do. I'm glad I could help.
2 people like this
@LovesEverybody (1876)
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6 Nov
@just4him I started the friendships with books again and read about 40-50 pages Sunday morning! I enjoyed reading the book which is something I haven't done in a long time.
2 people like this
@LovesEverybody (1876)
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4 Nov
I like that idea. I had borrowed several books from the library that i once found very enjoyable and couldn't pick it up being in a slump. I will try one tonight.
I like how you compared books to friends and making new ones. Except when I am in a slump, books have always been my friends. I need to start the friendships again
2 people like this
@JESSY3236 (18953)
• United States
7 Nov
Right now I have been listening to audiobooks. Last week I finished Trinity Sight by Jennifer Givhan. It was so good. Right now I'm listening to Jubilee by Jennifer Givhan. It's a weird book that has finally gotten good.
2 people like this
@JESSY3236 (18953)
• United States
8 Nov
@LovesEverybody She is a poet, but she wrote three novels. The latest she wrote is called River Woman River Demon. It's has Mexican magic in it. Trinity Sight is about a woman who goes into a portal of a different dimension and it has a lot of Native American Indian folklore in it. Jubilee is about a woman who overcomes. I don't know if it has any magic in it yet.
1 person likes this
@LovesEverybody (1876)
•
8 Nov
I have been thinking of listening to audiobooks again. I used to listen to quite a few of them when I was getting my meals ready and eating those meals. I am not sure why but I quit listening to them. I may borrow a Christmas one from the library.
I think I am over my reading slump. I finished a book from the Baby-Sitters Club series and am reading another book from the series
I never heard of Jennifer Givhan. what genre does she write?
1 person likes this
@LovesEverybody (1876)
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8 Nov
@JESSY3236 did you like the first two? Did you read them then in a paper book or on audiobook?
I have to look into these books as I think I might like Mexican Magic and Native American Indian Folklore.. I am interested in learning more about the subjects
1 person likes this
@RubyHawk (99423)
• Atlanta, Georgia
13 Nov
The only thing I can think is to find a really interesting book. I’m having a hard time finding books I like. The one I’m reading now is slightly interesting but I’ve just started and it could get more interesting. It’s The Mountain Wild by Sarah Stewart Taylor.
1 person likes this
@RubyHawk (99423)
• Atlanta, Georgia
19 Nov
@LovesEverybody I really enjoyed reading it with all its twists and turns. I haven’t found as many interesting books as I usually do. I’ve started a few and laid them aside, just not good reading.
1 person likes this
@LovesEverybody (1876)
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13 Nov
like you I am having a hard time finding a good book. I used to love every book I read, but now I find myself abandoning many of the adult books I try to read. I have been reading The Baby-Sitters Club books and Sweet Valley High books which are middle-grade and young adult and enjoyngt them more.
I looked up The Mountain Wild and my library has it so may borrow it as it takes place in Dublin a locale where I love books to be set
1 person likes this
@LovesEverybody (1876)
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19 Nov
@RubyHawk I love books with a lot of twists and turns. The last kind I read like that was a psychological thriller called "Don't Let Her Stay" by Nicola Sanders. There must have been a few twists and turns but I forget to count them. It wasn't Pulitzer Prize-worthy but still good
I have been having a hard time finding interesting books too. Wednesday, I stopped reading a Christmas book by Susan Mallery, my favorite author, and yesterday I gave up a Thanksgiving book as it was too dirty and I didn't appreciate the language
1 person likes this
@MarieCoyle (28969)
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3 Nov
Hi, Jennifer!! How are you doing? Haven’t seen you here in ages. Hope you’re doing well.
I am a huge reader as you know. I’ve never had a reading slump but I know others have. I don’t know the solution except I think I would be searching for books on topics that I like? I love history, and historical fiction as well, so I usually pick stories with that in mind. I hope you can find your way out of your slump!
1 person likes this
@MarieCoyle (28969)
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6 Nov
@LovesEverybody
Jennifer, for several years, every time I browsed for new books, it was all about the Holocaust--I read several, and I reached a point of saturation, so much evil and heartache I could not read any more of them.
I really enjoy older books as well, that dive deep into history. I like books about when America was settled, and the pioneers were trying to get established. Books of treks west, the Oregon Trail, and so forth as well. All part of our history regardless, and very real stories, not made up.
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@LovesEverybody (1876)
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6 Nov
@MarieCoyle I can totally see where you are coming from with not being able to read any more Holocaust books. They are full of evil and hatred. It makes one wonder how somebody can have so much hatred towards such innocent people.
Truthfully, I, too, will probably never read another Holocaust novel.
I decided that I would stop reading books that could cause me to be in the least bit upset.
I think some books I was reading were upsetting me and causing me not to want to read.
1 person likes this
@LovesEverybody (1876)
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4 Nov
Hi Marie! I am doing fine! I went away for a while, but I am back for as long as I can be here!
I do remember you are a huge reader! Until about a couple of years ago I never had problems reading and had no slumps either. But in the last couple of years, I started to have on and off again slumps
I like books about Food, both Nonfiction and fiction such as when somebody opens a restaurant or bakery or anything else about cooking. Maybe I can put something like books about food or something specific to food in a search engine and see what books they mention.
You mentioned loving books on history and historical fiction, have you ever read "The Alice Network" by Kate Quinn or "The Tattooist of Auschwitz?" I forget who wrote this but it still had me in tears. I read those when I wasn't going into slumps. I very easily cry during books but given the subject, I think most people cry when they read. Even with tears, i thought both were excellent books
1 person likes this
@Tina30219 (81536)
• Onaway, Michigan
13 Nov
I was wondering where you have been how you doing? Sorry
To hear you are in a reading funk I hope you get out of it soon. I am reading Christmas themed books now til end of December
1 person likes this
@Tina30219 (81536)
• Onaway, Michigan
13 Nov
@LovesEverybody You will get there maybe you need to change where you read at maybe go to the library and sit and read or even a restaurant some place change of scenery.
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@LovesEverybody (1876)
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13 Nov
I am doing somewhat better! I am trying to get out of this reading slump. I may have a couple of books waiting for me at the library that are Christmas-themed
I managed to finish one Kindle book that was Christmas-themed on Sunday
@LovesEverybody (1876)
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13 Nov
@Tina30219 Could I change the room I read in my house instead? I only get 15-20 minutes at the library and I pick out books and my peer takes me so I have to talk to her about the problems she is working on with me.
However, I always read at my desk in my room. I will try another room in my house.
thank you so much for the advice!
@ShyBear88 (59290)
• Sterling, Virginia
3 Nov
To get over a reading slump or even a writer's block I turn to music. Take a break maybe I'll listen to something different or read trying to read a book outside of my norm this way it spices it up and my brain doesn't get restless over the same type of book style.
Currently I'm reading 2 books and writing 1 out of 5 of the books for this coming year.
1 person likes this
@ShyBear88 (59290)
• Sterling, Virginia
3 Nov
@LovesEverybody Nope I don't listen to music while I read but I do sometimes when I'm writing if I'm trying to get a vibe right it helps.
What I do to keep myself from going back into a slump is I do a wheel of fate. So I pick books I know I will probably like, then books close to the same type but outside of it. So I like paranormal adult romance. So I'll have to find some dark romance, a romcom romance, maybe even a more contemporary romance. This way it's always mixed up. I also read some of my author friends' books which are all in different types of romance writing so it helps too.
The book I'm reading right now is a retelling or Little Red ridding hood and it is paranormal since there is magic and fated mates. I'm reading this just because I wanted to read the other books from this author is more therapeutic because it is a dark humiliation romance with a college secret society. (not my normal read). I've learned I need dark romance to mix things up because I didn't know I needed it as part of life.
2 people like this
@LovesEverybody (1876)
•
4 Nov
@ShyBear88 is a wheel of fate something on the website or do you make it up yourself?
I think I get it. do you mean to take your favorite genre and read similar, I know what that means, but I am sorry I am not sure what you mean by outside it.
i am not sure what my absolute favorite type of book is. would that make it hard to do a wheel of fate with it?
1 person likes this
@LovesEverybody (1876)
•
3 Nov
do you listen to music while you read? I will try that. I will try reading a book outside my norm. do you go back to your normal type of books you read after you get out of your slump?
I will try to find a book on my shelves that is different before I go to the library next week.
Thank you so much for your advice!
@RebeccasFarm (86831)
• United States
3 Nov
I am one of those who cannot concentrate to read.
I am sorry now that is happening for the time being to you, but surely this will pass.
I think I might be able to read a book if I would get offline
Welcome back Lovely Jennifer..so good to see you here.
Welcome back Lovely Jennifer..so good to see you here.1 person likes this
@RebeccasFarm (86831)
• United States
5 Nov
@LovesEverybody Yes it is so great to see you too Jennifer..was wondering about you in fact I am sure someone here was asking after you too.
Yes, well we have to be online to get to myLot right?
Magazines can be fun to read or even just look at.
I love the photos.
Magazines can be fun to read or even just look at.
I love the photos.1 person likes this
@LovesEverybody (1876)
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4 Nov
I am having a hard time concentrating, too. But I got two magazines in the mail today. One is Thanksgiving and one is Christmas. I am trying a book and a magazine tonight. I haven't read a magazine in a long time
I am online too much and was watching too many YouTube videos and now myLot!
Thank you! It is great to see you again and to renew friendships with special people like you
1 person likes this
@LovesEverybody (1876)
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6 Nov
@RebeccasFarm Thank you for telling me about somebody else thinking about me! That made my evening!
Yes, to get to mylot we have to be online and myLot is a wonderful place!
I started to read a book again last night so I never got to my magazines, however, I am going to read some of of one of them tonight. It is a Thanksgiving and the pictures of the food look scrumptious!
@LadyDuck (459033)
• Switzerland
4 Nov
@LovesEverybody - It is never good to force ourselves to do something. You end up not appreciating what you are doing. Reading must remain a pleasure, not become an obligation.
1 person likes this
@LovesEverybody (1876)
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4 Nov
@LadyDuck I learned what you said is really true about never being good to forcing ourselves to do things. Taking two weeks to almost finish reading that book and then abandoning it in the last 96 pages was the worst experience I ever had.
From now on I am going to be very particular and whether I finish them and how much of a book i read before abandoning it.
I love the words of wisdom you imparted to me about how reading should be a pleasure and not an obligation! thank you!
1 person likes this
@LovesEverybody (1876)
•
4 Nov
Yes, being unable to continue on with a book has been happening frequently lately. But I have not completed one book this month yet nor have I made any progress in a book. I read some of a book on my Kindle this morning, but I am unsure if I am going to continue it.
Last month I only finished 15 books when I was reading around 20-30 books a month most of this year.
I sometimes forget what the book is about whenever I take a break from a book and I get confused
However, I do like the idea of not forcing myself to continue a book.
Thank you for the advice!
1 person likes this
@Marilynda1225 (79963)
• United States
7 Nov
I love to read yet I go through a reading slump periodically. The last one I just let it ride and figured one day I'd pick up a book and get back into the reading mode again. And, it passed and I'm back to enjoying a good book once again.
One thing I started doing was not feeling obligated to finish a book if I didn't find it interesting enough to hold my attention. I used to force myself to finish a book but then realized that there are millions of books out there and I'm giving up time maybe reading something I'd really enjoy while wasting time struggling through a book I wasn't.
1 person likes this
@LovesEverybody (1876)
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8 Nov
I just let this reading slump ride, too and I am now reading again. I just finished a Baby-Sitters Club book this morning and I am reading another one in the same series
Interesting you should mention not finishing a book. I don't think I like the book I am reading on my Kindle. The way you explained I decided that I may quit reading it. I am going to read a little more of it. I am going to wait for a few more pages then I am going to quit it if I don't like it. I am not reading the books I don't enjoy. anymore.
How long into a book that you don't think you like before you quit reading it
Thank you for the advice about not reading the whole book if I don't like it. Have a Great Day!
@Marilynda1225 (79963)
• United States
8 Nov
@LovesEverybody A Gentleman In Moscow is the book that made me quit reading halfway through. It got so many rave reviews, people were saying how great it was and then my Aunt read it and raved about it. So with all that hype I got it and couldn't get into the story at all. I forced myself to read it and then by halfway I knew I was wasting my time. Maybe it was a good book if so many people recommended it but I didn't like it. From then on now I don't waste time if a book doesn't hold my attention and I'll give it a good 50 or more pages.
I don't read as fast as I used to so anytime I read I don't want to be wasting my time and when I can be reading something I enjoy
I love books that have series.
I'm glad you are out of your slump 
1 person likes this
@LovesEverybody (1876)
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8 Nov
@Marilynda1225 I couldn't get into "A Gentlemen in Moscow" either. I don't remember what it is about anymore, just remember i wondered what everybody liked so much about it.
I am reading "Holiday Romance" by Courtney Walsh. It is confusing as it jumps back and forth but otherwise, it is a pretty good story.
You encouraged me to not finish a book if I am not interested in it.
It depends on the book and whether I read it quickly. It depends on how good the book is and how much time I have to read it.
I am a huge fan of the series. I read a lot of cozy mystery series and romances.
Thank you! I have not had time to read much today but will read before bed
I have not had time to read much today but will read before bed1 person likes this
@sallypup (58089)
• Centralia, Washington
7 Nov
@LovesEverybody I'm doing good enough. I'm glad you are well.
1 person likes this
@CarolDM (203451)
• Nashville, Tennessee
12 Nov
@LovesEverybody You are very welcome. My brain will never take a break it seems.
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@LovesEverybody (1876)
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13 Nov
@CarolDM my brain doesn't take a break as it has been racing for many years. i downloaded an audiobook last night before i went to bed
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@LovesEverybody (1876)
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12 Nov
I was like that with concentration for months. so I listened to audiobooks for a long time. I might download an audiobook from the library this evening as it has been a long time since I listened to one. Thanks for the good luck wish!
1 person likes this
@MommyOfEli2013 (82112)
• Rupert, Idaho
5 Nov
I don't think I am of much help, I don't really read. Never really liked it, and can't concentrate, or never have the time, etc... but hopefully someone out there can help
1 person likes this
@MommyOfEli2013 (82112)
• Rupert, Idaho
6 Nov
@LovesEverybody I wish I did, cause maybe then I could actually write. But concentration is difficult. Sorry about not having the times sometime.
1 person likes this
@LovesEverybody (1876)
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6 Nov
@MommyOfEli2013 You write well! Give yourself credit as you are a talented great person!
Thank you, I am excited as this week isn't very busy for once in a long while!
@LovesEverybody (1876)
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6 Nov
I understand that not everybody reads. I too can't concentrate sometimes and lots of times I don't have the time as life can be busy.
Thank you for replying and have a great evening!
@snowy22315 (170420)
• United States
3 Nov
I have been in them before. I just keep looking for books until I find one that I really want to read.
1 person likes this
@LovesEverybody (1876)
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3 Nov
that is good advice. My problem is I want to enjoy each book I pick up. I am going to start another library book after dinner. these slumps are frustrating.
I was just thinking it could be I can't see well. I have to wait unti somebody takes me to pick my new glasses up on Monday.
thanks for the advice!
1 person likes this
@Dena91 (15914)
• United States
4 Nov
The last couple books I have read I struggled with because the writer was dull, drawing out the story. I don't think I finished them.
I asked my Pastor to bring me one of his books, he has an extensive library at home, to church. He asked what I liked and I told him whatever he thinks I would like. We have similar tastes in books to help our Christian walk and growth.
I hope you find some good advise here.
1 person likes this
@LovesEverybody (1876)
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6 Nov
Some of the books I was reading were either too violent, boring, filthy, or confusing. I didn't finish those books. I couldn't subject myself to that any longer.
I like a good, clean romance and sometimes cozy mysteries as i enjoy the ones about small towns.
I do plan on reading a Joyce Meyer book. I can borrow them from the e-library and I own two of hers on my bookshelves.
Thank you! I did get some good advice and I am able to read more on Sunday than I have read in a long time
1 person likes this
@LovesEverybody (1876)
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21 Nov
I can understand. But when I was going through my reading slump, the second of this year, I couldn't concentrate on any book at all. I am doing better and am out of my reading slump.
I agree anxiety and depression books are interesting. I read them too
@lazydaizee (6738)
• United Kingdom
9 Nov
I do not seem to suffer from reading slumps. Maybe your local library does not have much money for buying new books and this means that you have read many of the older books that they do have. Perhaps you could try reading different genres of books that you have not tried before to give you new interests. Maybe watching films would be a good pastime if you are fed up with reading books, or you could join a book club to discuss books with other people to make reading more interesting.
1 person likes this
@LovesEverybody (1876)
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10 Nov
I wondered why my library doesn't have a lot of new books and I have to read a lot of old books. They have some new books but the selection isn't extensive.
The people in the book club I once joined refused to talk about the book.
Good idea to try another genre. I may try that. I am not in a reading slump anymore!
1 person likes this
