Maryu ✨

I used to be an avid reader but since the last couple of years I find it difficult to finish even one book a month. I tried a few tips I found online but still don't find the same joy in it as I used to.

It feels like a task that I have to get done rather than a hobby I enjoy.

How do I cure this? 😭 has someone else gotten over their reading slump that lasted for years? #plshelp #book

Nov 10, 2019 at 7:55pmFedilab
Show threadMaryu ✨Nov 10, 2019
Thank you all for your suggestions and tips. I genuinely appreciate you taking the time to reply. ♥️
I hope the next time I use this tag it'll be to talk about the book I've finished reading.  
Show threadshirishNov 10, 2019
@ChaiMaryu dunno what kind of books you read, but some books are soul food, somethings which you found from childhood, use that and slowly build yourself back up. It had happened to me in past, that's how I grew out of that phase.
Show threadMaryu ✨Nov 10, 2019
@shirishag75
That idea excites me. To go down memory lane and revisit some old stories and characters. I will try this!
Show threadesoteric_guyNov 10, 2019
@ChaiMaryu Have you tried different genres?
Show threadMaryu ✨Nov 10, 2019
@ninad yep! I tried reading self-help a book which is rare (almost never) genre for me.
Show threadesoteric_guyNov 10, 2019
@ChaiMaryu Maybe you have read enough and now it's time to take a break and maybe write! Or do any other art. I know about writing Bloc as I have had them, but this is the first time I am encountering a reading bloc.
Show threadMaryu ✨Nov 10, 2019
@ninad
Oh I don't think I'm well read at all. I have read from all genres but not enough to stop, certainly not now. I do sketch and paint a bit.
Show threadesoteric_guyNov 10, 2019
@ChaiMaryu Many others have already given some good suggestions.
I would add that keep 2-3 books you like at places where you can easily reach them. One near your bed, I just near sofa or dining area maybe. If you will constantly see them you will get an urge to pick it up.
Also, internet can be a great distraction. It may be the case that you read many things on internet you just had it enough for the day subconsciously hence not get kindled by books anymore.
Show threadRaghu RNov 10, 2019
@ninad @ChaiMaryu yes...totally agree with this above by @ninad ... Keeping books at arm's reach in every room helps remove the inertia (and excuse) for not finding the energy to move and get the book 😀
Show threadMaryu ✨Nov 10, 2019

@ninad
Will do!! That's great idea. Shoving them into my bookshelf keeps me away from me even more.

Yep it really is such a distraction, I've deleted much of my SM apps for this reason.

Show threadim stupid throw rocks at meNov 10, 2019
@ChaiMaryu honestly, if I can reccomend two things, it's A) try and read X-number-of-pages a day (20 pages is a good starting point imo, takes about 20 minutes which is completely manageable), and B) don't finish books you don't actually like. If the book you're currently reading feels like a chore and you're not getting anything out of it, don't read it. Toss it aside, and go find a book you actually enjoy.
Show threadMaryu ✨Nov 10, 2019
@Dayglochainsaw
Thank you! ☺️ I'll try my best. Two things that I think might work is reading with a friend and reading a childhood classic.
Show threadRev.Dr. Nikolai KingsleyNov 10, 2019

@ChaiMaryu

i would worry less about meeting a monthly quota and worry more about if Bruce Sterling is going to let his design critic job get in the way of writing amazing weird SF.

Show threadMaryu ✨Nov 10, 2019
@Nikolai_Kingsley
That's a worry I didn't have until now.  
Show threadRev.Dr. Nikolai KingsleyNov 10, 2019

@ChaiMaryu

There is still *tons* of stuff out there.

*self-promotion intensifies*

https://everything2.com/?node=wet+socks

Wet Socks - Everything2.com

She looked about her with a mixture of curiousity and suspicion. "You lead a Spartan life." She noticed a cabinet. "Books? You read, then...

Show threadMaryu ✨Nov 10, 2019
@Nikolai_Kingsley
How cool!!
Show threadHairy PotterNov 10, 2019
@ChaiMaryu I'd been going to something similar, but now, I've made it a point to read at least a chapter or two every night, before hitting the bed.
Show threadRaghu RNov 10, 2019
@ChaiMaryu same here... I blame the attention deficit induced by constant digital access... But then that's a reality of our times now so need to work around that impulse.
I have found joining ( or creating) a book club and committing to reading a book within a time frame and meeting to share perspectives help a lot. It still is initially a chore but often picks momentum once you do it like a chore...
Show threadMaryu ✨Nov 10, 2019
@RaghunathR
One funny thing I did was get an app to read more. But that just led me to be on my phone even more than before. Lol
Show threadRaghu RNov 10, 2019
@ChaiMaryu lol... Yeah, that's natural... Kindle as a device is easier with that. But best is to just indulge on hard cover books. It's slightly more expensive, but they look so good that you will often be tempted to pick them up and flip a few pages.. And the journey starts 😊
Show threadguthikondaNov 11, 2019
@RaghunathR @ChaiMaryu Chai, maintaining lists is useful. Book clubs, Goodreads are all good beginnings. Nothing spurs humans like some competitiveness built into it. Get a friend or two with whom you can have annual reading races. Start off with some lighter reads to get out of the slump.
Show threadRaghu RNov 11, 2019
@guthikonda @ChaiMaryu I use Goodreads too 👍
In fact, I was on Shelfari before it became Goodreads. Really good for a reality check on how many books we have "plans to read" 😀
Show threadmahweenNov 10, 2019
@ChaiMaryu not years but yeah there was a phase, it's difficult but just try new genres, something which you haven't read before. Of just pick up your most favorite book. If you have audible then maybe you can just listen to something and if it picks your interest you can switch to reading
Show threadMaryu ✨Nov 10, 2019
@ayeshamy
I haven't tried audible yet. I think I will if none of the other things seem work.
Show threadmahweenNov 10, 2019
@ChaiMaryu what genres do you prefer ?
Show threadArchillesHeelNov 10, 2019
@ChaiMaryu go mobile. Kindle changed the game for me...
Show threadplumpernickelNov 11, 2019
@ChaiMaryu started a book club and an Instagram account to review books. Helped
Show threadetherealswirlNov 13, 2019
@ChaiMaryu choosing the right book is the key... Choose the right subject that actually interest you it wouldn't let u keep the book down ever... Thats how I discovered my genre that I enjoy... others I take like forever to finish!