Readers have an extraordinary internal life associated with books. There are so many emotions a reader goes through, during the course of reading a book, talking about books, finding out about books and even the space in between books. We’ve talked about book hangovers, Hermitage Week (or month), what happens when you just can’t and I’m sure there are many other thoughts on the spectrum of being a reader. I’ve been experiencing one of them lately: a book slump.
My experience with the book slump is somewhat different from not being able to focus on a book. I’m able to finish books with a reasonable amount of attention. I haven’t started and stopped more books that I normally do in my reading life. And yet, I’m facing a Goodreads feed filled with 3-star books and only a vague recollection of what I’ve read. The books haven’t been bad; they just haven’t wowed me. I’ve been book-ambivalent lately and I’ve a sneaking suspicion it happens to all readers at some point (or perhaps at several points).
Sometimes you’re still enjoying the reading process, the ritual of whatever it is you do to read, whether it’s blocking out everyone else on the commuter train, listening to an audiobook in the bath (no wrinkly pages that way!) or settling into bed with a book. Whatever your ritual, you’re still into it; the focus and the will is there, but sometimes, the books just… aren’t.
With more and more books getting published and finding outlets to be published, there’s bound to be something for every taste, but let’s face it, not all of those books can be Jonathan Strange and Mr. Norrell or The Gentleman or (insert your amazing, gush-worthy read here). Getting out of your book slump might be as simple as revisiting a favorite and remembering what it is about that book that made you love it. Maybe after reading it you recognize you’re in the mood for more like that and suddenly, books seem exciting again. Or it might be a matter of sampling something different to pique your interest and keep your brain from getting bored. Or maybe you need to read in a different format (go electronic or audio for a change). Or maybe you don’t need to change anything and these books that are somehow smack dab in the middle of your bad—good scale are an essential part of what makes you appreciate a good book when it does come around for your.
During these times, remember that the library is here for you. We’re here to offer books to borrow for free so that your hard-earned money isn’t wasted on a book you may have enjoyed but don’t want to hold onto (maybe not even in memory) for very long. We’re here to make suggestions about books we love that hopefully you will love, too. And we’re also here to help you ride those times out. Even if you’re feeling that, somehow, your story-loving sense is askew, know that your next favorite read may be just around the corner and you can sample as many of our books as you want until you find it, and your book groove, again.
Till next week, dear readers, know that when it comes to reading, all feelings are valid and wallowing in a slump is OK. We’re here for you and the books are here for you however you want to ride it out.