When you read as much as I do, what is the worst that could happen to you? What, you may ask, is a reading slump
From Alley of Book’s Dictionary:
Reading Slump: A period when no book, of any genre, seems appealing enough to read. When one knows that picking up a book will only end with reader hating the book for no rhyme or reason.
I would like to say that I tried beating the slump again and again and again. In the end I failed. For the past three weeks, I have tried to pick up various books gotten 40 pages into it and given up for numerous reasons. Annoying mc, disgusting setting, scenario is implausible. You name it. When I reached the 8th book, I realized I had to stop or the poor books would start hating me. (Yes, I think that books are human beings and have feelings. Yes, that sounds insane. I know.)
I could feel them starting to look at me with sad little eyes and implore me to stop. I gave up. I tried to read other genres. Same result. I had many friends suggest books- books that they’d recently read and LOVED and they kept badgering me to read it. But honestly, I knew the minute I started reading it I would hate it. So for now, I’ve decided to catch up on reviews and stop reading anything new. This should help me catch up to everyone else.
I also would like to add that I sympathize with every writer out there who has ever experienced writer’s block. If it’s anything like the slump I’m in, I feel your pain. It is killing me inside that I am in such a position where I want to read a book but nothing is working for me. Until I find that phenomenally mind-blowing book I am going to be stuck in this rut. I just hope it ends sometime soon.
But, I also decided to write this post and at the end of my brainstorming session I ended up asking myself the question a lot of us (bloggers), authors, and other kidlit-ish people have been asking.
Why do I read YA?
Here’s a little conversation I had with myself following the moment said question popped up in my head. (Please don't judge)
Me: Why do I read YA? Hmm, why DO I read YA?
Me: Well, the very obvious answer would be because I am a teen.
“Not for too long though”. A little voice in my head added.
Me: (Freaks out) Umm.
Me: (Chews on lip) Besides that.
Me: Well, you read because-
Don’t you mean I. You’re talking about yourself to yourself. You’re weird.
Me: So are you.
Mom: Are you talking to someone?
Me: Yeah. Myself.
Don’t forget me!
Me: And the voice in my head.
Mom gave me the I-can’t-believe-this-child-is-mine look.
Me: I read YA because? I read YA because it makes me feel alive.
Cliché much?
Me: Well, I do!
After much pondering I came up with a few that sounded incredibly lame. So this is what I will be doing this week. I am going to think about why I read YA and what is it that is so addicting about it.
Have you written a similar post? Had a similar conversation with yourself? Tell me! I am open to all of your suggestions! I need to be out of this reading slump yesterday!
I will be back when I have thought of at least 5 reasons why I read YA!
Until next time,
Try some middle grade to change things up. SMILE
ReplyDeleteOh no! Book slumps are horrible, horrible things. I hope you find that awesome book and get out of it soon.
ReplyDeleteI read YA because even though I am not a teen, YA books look at issues that are relevant to my life (whatever my age!) and deals with them in such clever and wonderful ways. I find it more literary, closer to real life, and relate to it more than I do chick lit or women's fiction, or even some literary fiction. I love how some YA authors are taking on great subjects like GLBT rights, anorexia, self-harming, rape, and more. Basically, I read it because it is awesome.
I hope my reasons help you think of some great reasons, or you can just borrow mine :D
I agree with Melina - switch it up! When I have those slumps I take a refresh with MG books, or the latest issue of the New Yorker, or an adult book. That's one of the reason's I have a non-YA book club!
ReplyDeleteThis may sound terrible, but one reason I read YA is because it is easy to read. I know, I know YA deals with deep issues and can be as thought-provoking as Shakespeare. But while I can fly through YA books in one sitting, my brain has to slow down to take in Shakespeare. And I love a quick, easy read from time to time.
ReplyDeleteI think reading slumps are normal. There are weeks when the idea of reading makes me a little queasy and when I can't seem to summon interest in anything. Thankfully, the slumps aren't frequent and they never last.
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry you're in a reading slump. Wish I could give you some wicked awesome advice, but best thing I can say is just ride it out until you finally feel like reading again. :)
ReplyDeleteAnd right on to your reason for why you read YA. That's the best reason I've heard lately,
I hate reading slumps. I usually get out of them with short stories or by re-reading something I love.
ReplyDeleteI get slumps too. I either don't feel like reading, read very slowly, or start books that I can't finish.
ReplyDeleteWhat I do is find something unique that's not too heavy--with a sparkly cover and description--and that will reignite my excitement for reading.
I hate slumps. They happen to me a lot when I'm reading a book that just isn't as good as I hoped it would be and then I just don't want to read it but I don't want to stop reading it and I have nothing around that would make it better.
ReplyDeleteI'm in a slump too. I feel your pain.