Same here, Caroline, with the feeling of imminent burnout. Sometimes I have to force myself to sit and read (setting a timer for the minimum reading time if necessary). There are plenty of studies on how our digital life reduces our attention span, and I do feel that in myself.
I used to read fast and mostly monogamously. Now I seem to graze on several books, not until my currently-reading list gets overwhelming (it’s pretty close right now).
As of now, I’m reading two books of essays(ish) that don’t need to be read sequentially: a writing craft book (Jami Attenberg’s 1000 Words) , and the Best American Essays 2024 collection, and another
NF book I’ve only read the intro of but don’t want it to slip off the radar,
an entertaining NF audiobook I had to return to the library before I finished and have just now borrowed again (Come as You Are).
A novel that I’m enjoying sitting in a comfy chair and relaxing my body as I read it (Andrew Miller’s the Slowworm’s Song), and I haven’t started the book club novel borrowed from the library I should read by early May.
And of course, sometimes I slip a beloved book off the shelf to read a bit for solace.
Wow, that's a lot Grace! I generally can't manage more than one novel and one nf book at a time. I can have a third in German going and sometimes and audiobook, but now I find a novel audiobook means I can't read a novel in text form at the same time.
The feeling for me isn't lack of focus as much as lack of speed. I normally breeze through, gobbling up books and understanding them fully, but when in this mode it's like I'm running and can't get the breath to move at my usual pace. It really helps to know I'm not alone in this. Thank you!
I used to read voraciously, but since I had covid in late 2021 my reading has dried to a trickle. Part of it is I had switched to reading almost entirely by ebook and I had come to the conclusion that that has worn on my eyes and changed my brain. Part of it is Covid harmed my vision in some way - I had to get a stronger eyeglass prescription almost immediately. And then there is this internal anxiety I have never shaken off since everything Covid related. I miss reading and really struggle to sit down and ease into the pleasure of it.
This is so hard, Gina. That is so strange about the glasses prescription. I wonder if hard copy and short stories might be an option to take little sips of story that don't feel too much? You know best, of course. It may be like easing back into a sport after an injury - really important not to overdo it as you build up.
This is such a timely essay! I’ve been in a reading drought. Last year from January to October, I read voraciously, finishing a book every other day. Then October came and with it, a lot of stressors. It basically tanked my reading habit. I couldn’t focus on the words, couldn’t track, and my desire dried up. I keep asking myself - how can I get back to the thing I love the most? how can I get back to myself?
Last weekend, I took a short trip away and brought a book. On the flight home, I actually opened the book and began to read and I found myself falling seamlessly into the story. Maybe the drought is ending 🤷♀️
I have read more books so far than in all of last year. But I have been in a decidedly cozy mood. Old book friends and new have been the ticket. (It's been the same for tv and films, actually.) Real life is too much. I don't need my entertainment fueling anxiety, thankyouverymuch.
I'm totally with you, Raine. I've been doing a lot more rereading this year. And the books I read have been those that inspire, rather than terrify. I have friends who have turned to horror because it fits their mood, but I just can't connect with that, especially now. I'm with you on the cozy. Perhaps if I think of reading as my cozy blanket rather than a resource I want to devour, this won't be such a bizarre experience.
Well, establishing the fact that "cozy" is subjective, I reread the All Souls Trilogy by Deborah Harkness, followed up with my childhood favorite, The Witch of Blackbird Pond by Elisabeth Georg Speare. Then my daughter turned me on to "cozy fantasy" and I read Legends and Lattes and Bookshops and Bonedust by Travis Baldree, then Tress of the Emerald Sea by Brandon Sanderson. Now I'm rereading the Mortal Instruments series...not cozy in a tea and blankie way, but good triumphs over evil, so there's that.
Love this! I really enjoyed Legend and Lattes. You might also enjoy Becky Chambers A Psalm for the Wild-Built), the first of her Monk + Robot series. I highly recommend TJ Klune’s House in the Cereulean Sea & Beyond the Sea as well.
Excellent cozy fantasy with found family and love others and treat them with kindness vibes. The best!
Same here, Caroline, with the feeling of imminent burnout. Sometimes I have to force myself to sit and read (setting a timer for the minimum reading time if necessary). There are plenty of studies on how our digital life reduces our attention span, and I do feel that in myself.
I used to read fast and mostly monogamously. Now I seem to graze on several books, not until my currently-reading list gets overwhelming (it’s pretty close right now).
As of now, I’m reading two books of essays(ish) that don’t need to be read sequentially: a writing craft book (Jami Attenberg’s 1000 Words) , and the Best American Essays 2024 collection, and another
NF book I’ve only read the intro of but don’t want it to slip off the radar,
an entertaining NF audiobook I had to return to the library before I finished and have just now borrowed again (Come as You Are).
A novel that I’m enjoying sitting in a comfy chair and relaxing my body as I read it (Andrew Miller’s the Slowworm’s Song), and I haven’t started the book club novel borrowed from the library I should read by early May.
And of course, sometimes I slip a beloved book off the shelf to read a bit for solace.
Wow, that's a lot Grace! I generally can't manage more than one novel and one nf book at a time. I can have a third in German going and sometimes and audiobook, but now I find a novel audiobook means I can't read a novel in text form at the same time.
The feeling for me isn't lack of focus as much as lack of speed. I normally breeze through, gobbling up books and understanding them fully, but when in this mode it's like I'm running and can't get the breath to move at my usual pace. It really helps to know I'm not alone in this. Thank you!
I used to read voraciously, but since I had covid in late 2021 my reading has dried to a trickle. Part of it is I had switched to reading almost entirely by ebook and I had come to the conclusion that that has worn on my eyes and changed my brain. Part of it is Covid harmed my vision in some way - I had to get a stronger eyeglass prescription almost immediately. And then there is this internal anxiety I have never shaken off since everything Covid related. I miss reading and really struggle to sit down and ease into the pleasure of it.
This is so hard, Gina. That is so strange about the glasses prescription. I wonder if hard copy and short stories might be an option to take little sips of story that don't feel too much? You know best, of course. It may be like easing back into a sport after an injury - really important not to overdo it as you build up.
This is such a timely essay! I’ve been in a reading drought. Last year from January to October, I read voraciously, finishing a book every other day. Then October came and with it, a lot of stressors. It basically tanked my reading habit. I couldn’t focus on the words, couldn’t track, and my desire dried up. I keep asking myself - how can I get back to the thing I love the most? how can I get back to myself?
Last weekend, I took a short trip away and brought a book. On the flight home, I actually opened the book and began to read and I found myself falling seamlessly into the story. Maybe the drought is ending 🤷♀️
I hope you’re at the end of it, too, Christine! It’s so hard to feel cut off from the things we love. Sending reading ease your way.
I have read more books so far than in all of last year. But I have been in a decidedly cozy mood. Old book friends and new have been the ticket. (It's been the same for tv and films, actually.) Real life is too much. I don't need my entertainment fueling anxiety, thankyouverymuch.
I'm totally with you, Raine. I've been doing a lot more rereading this year. And the books I read have been those that inspire, rather than terrify. I have friends who have turned to horror because it fits their mood, but I just can't connect with that, especially now. I'm with you on the cozy. Perhaps if I think of reading as my cozy blanket rather than a resource I want to devour, this won't be such a bizarre experience.
What are some of your cozy favorites?
Well, establishing the fact that "cozy" is subjective, I reread the All Souls Trilogy by Deborah Harkness, followed up with my childhood favorite, The Witch of Blackbird Pond by Elisabeth Georg Speare. Then my daughter turned me on to "cozy fantasy" and I read Legends and Lattes and Bookshops and Bonedust by Travis Baldree, then Tress of the Emerald Sea by Brandon Sanderson. Now I'm rereading the Mortal Instruments series...not cozy in a tea and blankie way, but good triumphs over evil, so there's that.
Love this! I really enjoyed Legend and Lattes. You might also enjoy Becky Chambers A Psalm for the Wild-Built), the first of her Monk + Robot series. I highly recommend TJ Klune’s House in the Cereulean Sea & Beyond the Sea as well.
Excellent cozy fantasy with found family and love others and treat them with kindness vibes. The best!
Thanks for the recs!
My pleasure!
Books? No, not reading that many books currently. But reading? Yes, reading more than ever.
Interesting… what is your current reading of choice?