Or is it reader’s block? In any case, I haven’t had the desire to read for the last four days. I’ve picked up probably a dozen suitable and interesting books. And I can’t do it. I don’t have the focus to follow through. I think my brain needs to rest a little.
My current strategy is to fall back on the rereadables. So, Friday, I read 84, Charing Cross Road. Next up, either Pride and Prejudice or Harriet the Spy.
Do you get reader’s block? How do you break it? Help me!
Related posts:
{ 10 comments }
Watch a movie, or some trashy TV, or the Olympics, or something. I also go back to childhood favorites that I can pick up in the middle and don’t have to pay much attention to.
In any case, don’t force it! I’ve had reader’s block a few times, usually but not always after forcing myself to finish a book I wasn’t enjoying, and the desire to read always comes back eventually.
I hate it when this happens. Re-reading is a good choice I think. Also, for me, a fun, easy YA book really helps.
I get reader’s block a lot too. I’ll read the first page of about 12 books before I finally settle on one, usually something short. Or I just sit in front of the TV knitting for a few hours letting my mind rest for a while, or I’ll go to a park or go on a walk. Sometimes its good to take a break from books and enjoy life for a while. At least while the weather is warm.
I get movied out every once and while. It seems at that time that I should re-watch one of my favorite movies get out of the slump, but I usually can’t get through those and it takes something new and exciting to get me going.
Last weekend I didn’t pick up a book the whole time – and it felt good to do other things! But reader’s block is a pain – I’m currently trying to read great expectations – but it requires so much concentration I keep finding other things to do – like watch mindless tv :(
Much as I love Pride & Prejudice, I don’t think I’d recommend it to anyone with reader’s block. The old prose might really grate on your already sensitive nerves. Oh, I know. Reread Harry Potter (assuming you’ve read Harry Potter, and if you haven’t, what are you waiting for?)! That (usually) works for me. Of course, then I just want more Harry Potter. What is it about that series?
Hey, don’t sweat the reader’s block. We all get it. Perhaps a road trip to the mountains or a couple of leisurely strolls will help clear your clogged-up, non-readerish mind a little bit.
Call it mental adjustment. When I have ho-hum days of reading, I turn to my journal. Pride and Prejudice will surely spice up your reading. :) I just finished it about 15 minutes ago!
Hmm…well, I suppose I pick up a book more compelling than the last. I’m a firm believer in switching between what might be considered literature and mind candy…thereby reducing the times I have book block.
I don’t know if you feel under pressure to read anything, but I’ve really slowed down on what I accept to review so that I can (in the future) pick up what I want, not what I have to read. There’s nothing like being made to do something taking the joy out of it!
Very familiar with reader’s block, at which point I turn to films instead, until the next book comes along that really piques my interest; often, it’s the book I couldn’t read a few days ago. If not, I go to the bookstore for a leisurely browse until something really calls to me. Or, I treat myself to a hardback edition.
Comments on this entry are closed.