Reading Lull

[Fried Egg]

As I track what I read on GoodReads, I've noticed a worrying trend over the last few years the number of books I am reading has been declining. Indeed, the rate I am going at the moment I will be lucky to hit thirty books this year, which will make it the lowest since my records began (in 2008). This is from a high point of 65 in 2010.

I know I shouldn't really dwell on numbers, it's quality not quantity that's important. But I can't help feeling that my enthusiasm for reading has waned somewhat and I wonder if it's something that many readers go through? Maybe it's a cyclical thing and I will recover in a year or two?

 

[Jo Zebedee]

I have years where I read hardly anything, and others when I gobble books. I think it's very normal.

 

[The Judge]

Are you busy doing other things? Unless we come up with a new time-expansion device, there are only a limited number of hours in which we can do the things we want to do, and if you've taken up a new hobby, or someone close needs more personal attention, then something has to give.

If on the other hand nothing has changed, but you've found yourself watching hours upon hours of mindless TV, it could simply be that you're tired and passive entertainment is all you can cope with. (Or the square box is rotting your brain and preventing you from leaving and doing something more engrossing!)

I've noticed I go though periods where every book I pick up I put down again after only a few pages. It might be the standard of the books, but mood also comes into it. So keep looking for the kind of book which you want to devour in two or three sittings, as opposed to the type which you can only read a page or two at a time. But meanwhile, don't fret about it, as that's just a recipe for getting more depressed and reading even less.

 

[Bugg]

I think it's normal, but I also think counting the number of books read can be counter-productive. Up until last year, and for the few years prior to that, I had counted the number of books I read each year. What I belatedly realised was that I ended up each year trying to 'beat' the previous year's total, and it was having a detrimental effect on my reading, in that I was trying to rush through books to get them done and add another to the list, thereby spoiling my enjoyment of a novel I might otherwise have liked. So this year I decided not to count, and I'm not rushing anything (I've also put aside more books if I've disliked them, rather than forcing myself to finish every single one), and I've been enjoying my reading a lot more as a result.

 

[Gonk the Insane]

I've found I go through phases. There are times when I might read several books a week, and others when I'll read nothing at all. These often coincide with peaks and troughs in my writing pattern - if I write more, I'll read less - but, as The Judge says, it could be tiredness or low mood when I just don't feel like reading and will instead occupy my time with something else.

Looking at the longer term picture, then we change (and hopefully grow!) as people over time, and our habits and tastes change. So, too, may what's important to us. I think if you're happy/content with, you know, life in general then that's the main thing and if the number of books you read waxes or wanes then it's nothing to worry about.

That said, I do occasionally reach a point where I've had my fill of Sci-Fi/Fantasy novels, and get a little jaded with the genres - and therefore read less. That's when I'll look for something completely different, ideally something unlike anything I've read before that will, if not reignite my passion for reading, provide a welcome diversion.

 

[Vince W]

My reading output (input?) varies wildly so I wouldn't be overly concerned about the number of books you are reading. If you enjoy what you read then what does the number count?

I'm currently feeling pretty burned out on sci-fi at the moment and will be reading something in the Napoleonic vein next. I'm already feeling eager and anticipating the book I choose even though I haven't decided which it will be.

 

[BAYLOR]

Sporadic , sometimes Ill read multiple books over weeks and then long periods were i won't read much of anything.

 

[Fried Egg]

Just to be clear, I'm not obsessed with reading numbers but keeping track of the books I have read does allow for some statistical analysis and helps underline the fact that I am reading less these days which I find somewhat disconcerting.

I'm just hoping my reading 'drive' will pick up again soon.

 

[Randy M.]

Hi, Fried -- which somehow seems appropriate to the subject.

I suspect it is cyclical, and may depend on outside circumstances; for instance, there's nothing like developing a social life to interfere with reading.

Still, I wondered if you were varying your reading much? If the majority of what you read is sf/f/h, then you may find some non-fiction or historical fiction, or mainstream fiction, or mysteries whet your reading appetite. If most of the books you read are thick as a cinder block, look into some shorter works.

Just a few thoughts.


Randy M.

 

[Fried Egg]

Still, I wondered if you were varying your reading much? If the majority of what you read is sf/f/h, then you may find some non-fiction or historical fiction, or mainstream fiction, or mysteries whet your reading appetite. If most of the books you read are thick as a cinder block, look into some shorter works.

Well, most of my reading is 'sf/f/h' but I'm not sure what else would fire up my interest again. Might be worth a shot though.

 

[J-Sun]

I've had the same problem as you, with declining numbers (I mean, it fluctuates, but it's generally lower). I just looked it up recently but have already forgotten - I think it's forty-some this year when I always figure on hitting c.100 or at least 52. For me, I think time's speeding up (couldn't be that my brain is slowing down, nope) and it just seems harder to come by the time but I do notice that when I really focus on trying to get some reading done, I do. Hopefully I can get organized enough to have more time.

If that's not the issue with you but it is an enthusiasm thing, Randy's advice seems good. I don't generally read a lot of novels or collections in a row, for instance, but switch them up pretty regularly. (One more kickstarter sort of idea - if you ever re-read, maybe try re-reading something you know you love. If reading in general just seems dull to you, I wouldn't taint a classic with a forced re-read but it might help rekindle some joy rather than reading something new you might not like so much.) And I do think it's likely a cyclical thing. For me it seems to go in large cycles, though. But I do go through phases where I read a lot and then phases where I read much less. As I said regarding the re-read, one thing I wouldn't do is force it, though. That may seem contrary to what I said about focusing but what I mean is you can force the time-management or whatever, but not the desire itself. If books aren't lighting you up at the moment, try some variety or the "old favorite" idea. If that still doesn't do it, just do something else and I'm sure, being a book junkie as we most all are, it won't be long before you're back to reading full-speed.

 

[Elvraie]

About 3 weeks ago, I borrowed the Ryria Revelations from the library to read, but can't get into, eventhough I read the Chronicles, earlier this year and found them first class story telling and looked forward to read the Revelations. I got stuck into Clark Ashton Smith, Dunsany and other weird, shorter tales and cannot let go. Must be the time of the year. I try again in the new Year.