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.
