Monday, March 11, 2013

Reader Blues
















I’m trying to figure out the differences between being in a reading slump, going through a genre phase, and evolving as a reader. Plus some other stuff. So far, here’s what I’ve got:

Reading Slump
Me? Not feel like reading? Right, and the sun didn’t rise yesterday, either. Maybe it’s a mid-life crisis, which is sort of like teen angst. Only I’m a little past the mid-life point, so that’s a stretch. I pace the floor, look at my TBR pile (A-list) and my other TBR (B-list). Even the C-list. None of the books appeal to me. I consider reading something from my standby pile ‘o comfort, beloved books I’ve already read two or three times, if not ten or twelve. Is the sun out yet? Still winter? Is spring hinting? I feel restless. I pick a really appealing book from the A-list pile and read the first two pages. Meh. I flatter myself it’s because I’m so discerning after having read thousands of books, but I know I’m making excuses. I pick up another book, reread the jacket copy, and put it down.





















Genre Phase
I’m just not in the mood for middle grade fantasy. Sort of in the mood for YA, but not for another love triangle, or hate triangle, as the case may be (e.g., evil 400-year-old witch posing as cute young thing is using the kind-hearted boy who really loves the good young witch). What am I in the mood for? Adult sci fi, apparently. For three weeks straight. And then? I got nothing.





















Evolving as a Reader
This is obviously about personal growth. Who am I as a reader? And what is the meaning of life, by the way? The pages, they are like the sky. And I reach for a new sky. Where is that sky, O World?





















Lack of Vitamin Ch
It’s not even about books. I just need some chocolate.





















As Yet Undiscovered Syndrome
Uh, I don’t know. Just because?





















What about you? Have you ever had the reader blues? Tell us about it in the comments. Or better yet, suggest the marvelous new book that will break through my weltschmerz. The one that will please everybody else hanging out in the children’s book corner of the blogosphere, while we’re at it.

10 comments:

Jennifer said...

I knowwww! I've got over a hundred middle grade galleys from ALA, half a shelf of "urgent, read and review me NOW" books, a stack of graphic novels to review for No Flying No Tights, and I've just realized how long it's been since I've read or reviewed any middle grade...not to mention the 2,000 books I own in my apartment and all I feel like reading is trashy paranormal romances and rereading mysteries. I'm going for a combination of exhaustion from work, not exercising so I feel even more tired, spring restlessness and just because.

Karen (bookkm) said...

I've been going through this off and on for the past several months. When I force myself to read, the love is there. But then the book is finished and I just can't pick up another one. What IS this? We need a support group.

Charlotte said...

If you were here visiting me, I would offer you a choice of Pilgrim at Tinker Creek, by Annie Dillard, which is like a glass of cold water on a hot day, The Crystal Cave, by Mary Steward which is my favorite Merlin book of all time and lovly historical fiction, and Evelyn Finds Herself, by Josephine Elder, my favorite British girl's boarding school story of all time....

I hope you unslump soon!

proseandkahn said...

I have definitely been there. Having a reading challenge helps work through it. Sort of. My Goodreads goal for this year is 450 books. Reading at such a rate has its disadvantages. Add in a bit of the blues and, well, I become a bit hard to impress.

I did recently read a middle grade book got my enthusiasm up again. Pi in the Sky by Wendy Mass. It is my new favorite book. Here's a link to my "review." http://proseandkahn.blogspot.com/2013/03/pi-in-sky-by-wendy-mass.html

brenda

Unknown said...

I am SO glad to find out that I'm not the only one that this happens to. Usually switching genre's or age groups will help, but sometimes I just have to take a break.

KateCoombs said...

Charlotte--Oh, I love Pilgrim at Tinker Creek! Maybe I'll reread that. Thanks for the suggestions and encouragement. :)

KateCoombs said...

Dena, me too! And Brenda, I am totally up for Pi in the Sky--thanks for the review!

Genevieve said...

I'm a few chapters into Eleanor and Park, YA but not a love triangle or anything typical so far. Heard wonderful things about it and I am liking it very very much.
Adult book - if you haven't read Where'd You Go, Bernadette, that could shake things up. Highly enjoyable, funny, and unusual.

Will have to go read the new Wendy Mass book too!

Jeff Rivera said...

I've seen a couple of those books around, so I might have to check them out for myself. You'll make it out of your slump, don't worry! I look forward to more posts from you, thank you.

rockinlibrarian said...

A relief to know it isn't just me! I've been going through this for at least a year and a half now. What I think happened is I got burned out even trying to keep up with a list of books to order for the LIBRARY, let alone read myself. There are SO many options that suddenly nothing feels special enough to tempt me anymore. I did manage to read Code Name Verity the other week, though, which was fabulous.
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