Last Updated on March 18, 2022 by ThoughtsStained
So, we have another discussion today, this one inspired by a recent issue I’ve been having. I wouldn’t call it a reading slump, per say–though perhaps that’s just me being stubborn. But, I want to talk about when a reader fights reading and what that looks like.
And why it’s frustrating as fuck.
The Context
Okay, strap in. Here’s some context of my current situation, before we dive into why I’m so annoyed with myself.
So, we’re almost four months into 2022 (at the time of publishing this post). I’ve read, in total, three books. 😭 I’m over halfway done with a fourth: The Bone Shard Daughter by Andrea Stewart. But, I started it on Feb. 21st. Yes, you read that right: February. It’s March, loves. Mid-March. It’s been almost a month since I started this book.
Yet, I’ve probably sat down to read it maybe…three times, since?
But here’s the thing: it’s not because the book is bad. I am thoroughly enjoying The Bone Shard Daughter. It’s shaping up to be a 4+ star read. I WANT to read it.
So, why is it that I can’t convince myself to sit the fuck down and actually read this thing!?
The Frustration
And that’s where my frustration lies: becoming a reader who isn’t reading. When a reader fights reading, I’d argue that it’s normally a sign that you need to DNF the book. Something’s not jiving. Yet, in this case, that’s absolutely not true. In fact, each time I’ve sat down to read The Bone Shard Daughter this month, I haven’t wanted to stop reading, usually reading 50+ pages–and only forced to stop thanks to my lunch break ending.
*imagine me staring deadpan at the camera*
I think you can start to see why I’m so annoyed with myself.
There are a few culprits playing into this, I feel.
The Culprits
- Time Management: we all know that I don’t know how to not overburden myself. Between: a full-time day job, being in graduate school part-time, a part-time second freelance editing job, plus other hobbies (like writing my own books, this blog, keeping up with my Patreon). Yeah, it’s not surprising that reading isn’t always a priority.
- Lack of Routine: The times that I want to plan to read for fun are during my lunch breaks and before I go to bed. Yet, work has been so intense lately that I’ve often been working through my lunch breaks, which I do not like (and need to change). I can’t remember the last time I read before bed. Instead, I often play video games until I’m so tired, I pass out.
- Social Media Distraction: Plus, let’s be real. I’ve gotten into TikTok lately. That can be a really annoying (yet also really enjoyable) time suck that has invaded time I usually use for reading.
All of this frustrates me. Part of me feels like a failure, because I’m a book blogger and a writer who is struggling to read books I enjoy. Plus, I have so many other books I want to read!! Another part is angry that I cannot for the life of me figure out why I can’t establish a routine. Further still, I’m just baffled that I have this aspect of my personally that struggles to start things I enjoy. But then, turns around and struggles to stop–which sometimes makes me avoid something all together. (Is this a real, Named™ thing? I must know.)
In Sum
So, this post doesn’t provide any answers, but mostly is just a pile of self-frustration. And perhaps a small plea for readers to tell me I’m not alone in this? If you’ve ever found yourself being a reader who fights reading, how you’ve combatted it? Does anyone else struggle to start things, even ones they enjoy? Any tips for creating a routine when the pandemic has ruined any elements of keeping a routine for you?
Friends, I’m struggling and would love any guidance, commiserations or ideas you have!
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Awww I feel for you lovely, it sounds like you have a lot on your plate! Try not to be too hard on yourself – my reading slowed down a lot when I was working and studying too. Maybe start small, just reading a few pages or a chapter at a time? 📚❤️ X x x
Despite it taking multiple weeks to respond, this comment meant a lot to me! And your advice has been spot on. xx
Take care of yourself! X x x
Sending you commiseration – I definitely have this problem from time to time, even when I’m reading a book I enjoy. Sometimes reading just isn’t high enough on my priority list, or my brain is so fried the mere idea of a book is daunting instead of tempting. So you’re not alone, and yes it IS frustrating as fuck! Don’t sweat it. You know what’s going on, and the balance will shift over time. Or if you want to kick start it, maybe try a novella you can steam through in a couple of sittings so it feels like you’re making more progress?
I absolutely agree and hearing that you’ve had similar experiences has meant a lot to me (though, with how annoying this is, I’m sorry you’ve had to deal it). But I also love the novella idea. I need to remember that!
I can totally relate to this as it happens to me from time to time. I usually end up switching to an audiobook as that helps me get back into the routine of reading without having to actually sit down and read. I also sometimes literally force myself to read even when I don’t feel like it, to get back to it, but I’m not sure if I’d give that as advice to anyone.
That’s super smart. I wish I could try that (I don’t read ebooks or audio, for various reasons that make me quite weird), but I can see why this would be so appealing!
I’ve been there. Only advice is to just let it go for a bit – forcing yourself into reading is only going to turn it into a giant chore, and you’ve got more than plenty on your plate already! I think you’ll come back to it all naturally soon enough 🙂
This WAS so true. Thank you for taking the time to help me remember that. ❤
I haven’t endured a slump as bad as you have, but I have had days where I have to accept my brain is not the right space for reading. I’ll sit down, read two pages, and realize I haven’t been focused at all, that I can’t concentrate. That’s when I just have to accept reading’s not happening at the moment and go play a video game instead, which jives much better when my head is in that moment. I know it’s for the best, but I can also feel incredibly frustrated! If a book takes me more than a week, I feel like I’m “behind.” As someone who wants to “stay on task” and wrestles with FOMO watching other readers tear through books in a few days, I sometimes beat myself up way more than I should! Life happens, some weeks are busier than others, and some days reading just isn’t going to happen. Sooo…no real answers for you, other than yes, some days I go “I want to read but I mentally can’t and this sucks.”
This is so important to remember (and I obviously forgot) that sometimes, your brain just isn’t in it and that’s okay. But I especially hate that “behind” feeling when there’s…literally no deadline? No timeline? Except what I’ve self-imposed? Ugh.
I’m always eager to finish book as soon as I pick it up. I get frustrated if it takes more than 4 days to read and in that case I’m known to disappear from blog and social media to finish the book.
I relate to this. My partner and I are both neurodivergent in different ways and we have struggles with reading. One thing that helped him is switching from medium to medium, reading some paper books and some ebooks, and he switches from novels to short stories to whatever I’ve written and shoved in his face to comics. As for me…I’ve just been trying to practice self-gentleness. I love routine, and I try to stick with one, but in reality there’s so much going on at any given time that expecting to stay in a routine every single day isn’t always realistic. Even if it’s making fun things a routine, it’s still worth remembering that sometimes life just…happens. ❤️
Absolutely, I love this advice (and it’s been a common one, making me wish I could read ebooks or audio). I love that reminder and appreciate you writing it out, so I can return to it when my brain becomes toxic against itself. 🖤
Several years ago I read an excellent article by a reader who was upset by how few books he’d read in the year. He recognized that part of his problem was social media, his phone, email, and other technologies. In order to “cure” himself from these distractions he decided to stop with technology at 6:30 or 7:00. Some early-ish hour. He found that he could once again sit down and read long books and gain the self-esteem that comes with a reading a good, long book in a timely manner. Maybe you would benfit from setting time limits on your TikTok perusing.
My discussion questions centers around books that arrived on the scene in your life at just the right moment. A review of Ordinary Grace with a discussion question
Social media is definitely a huge factor, I agree!!
It’s like you read my mind! I’m in the middle of a few good books and I just can’t keep up with the reading. I think it’s really just brain overload. Too much to do and sometime your brain just wants to not have to work – even if that “work” is just reading a good book.
Ugh to life!
Brain being overloaded totally checks out. UGH to both.
For me, the lack of routine is huge. If I take too long to read a book, I just can’t get into it. I’ve had this problem a few times recently.
Gosh, yes. I hope we’re both able to tackle this soon!