Lately I’ve hit the worst and longest lasting reading slump I can remember. For at least a couple months now I have struggled with picking up a book (any book) and reading it. I’ve tried a multitude of genres and subject matter, so I don’t think that is the issue. I’ve tried books of different lengths and even graphic novels and books with lots of pictures and still find myself throwing most of them to the side relatively quickly and just losing interest. I’m starting to worry this may be my new normal.
But WHO AM I if I no longer like to read? Reading and being a devoted reader has been such a huge part of my identity for so long that I feel lost without the passion for books I’ve always had. If you aren’t a reader, I know you will probably think this is a stupid post, but if you are like me and love to live in other worlds through print, you probably get my sense of despair and existential angst over this matter.
Maranda Russell 
I totally get this. I used to read 700 page books in 2-3 days. Now I can’t focus at all. It’s so frustrating. I think it has a lot to do with my medications, but I have decided to trade stability for that part of my life. It was a hard decision to make. I am not, of course, saying that is the case for you, and I sure wouldn’t advocate dropping meds, but it’s something you can talk to your doctor about if it bothers you.
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I DO think the meds might be playing a small part, especially the new mood stabilizers. However, I feel the depression and just lack of interest in general is even more of an issue here. I just wonder if it will ever pass? It has lasted so long this time!
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That’s sad hon. I’m sorry. I hope it gets better soon!
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Me too! I will talk it over with my doctor at our next appointment.
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This too shall pass. Been there myself.
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Have you considered that it might not be you but the books. Talking on a personal level if a book hasn’t grabbed my attention after two chapters it’s gone, I’ve lost interest in it!
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I did wonder about that, but I’ve tried such a wide variety of books, I’m not sure that it is the books. I feel like it is just me. Hoping it passes soon.
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I do too, reading can be such a pleasant distraction!
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As I’ve mentioned in one of my last few posts (can’t remember which, hahaha), I’ve been going through the same phase. It has seriously sucked because I feel like I’m missing out on a big portion of my life 😦 I did, however, make it a goal of mine to read AT LEAST one book before the year is over. That’s 7 weeks now, I believe. Oddly enough, the desire to say that I read more than my goal motivated me to finish my book and I am actually onto my second book! It did help that I picked a “mystery” book, too. The desire to know what happened made it impossible to put the book down!
Don’t let it get you down, though. Us readers all have our reading phases. Just find something that works for you, in terms of combatting this “off-phase” and I promise it’ll get better!
I wish you the best of luck!
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Setting a small goal like that is a good idea. I might have to try that! It has been rough lately, but I hope that the love and passion for reading comes back soon.
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