Play Book Tag discussion

I am in a reading slump. I have not read a book since I went back to teaching in the fall. It's very depressing. reading is such a comfort to me. I even tried a reread of Jane Eyre, but no luck. I have had a lot of stress in my personal life so that has to do with it too. Nothing horrible. Just complicated. Any suggestions?

So sorry to hear this! But I have been there. I think every reader has.

For me, I revert to light, fast and genre - cozy mysteries, contemporary romance, regency and other historical romance, especially those with Christmas settings. Some rereads like Frederica and Venetia by Georgette Heyer. A cozy is Rest You Merry by Charlotte MacLeod. Agatha Christie rereads. Basically books that take little effort to read or follow.

I also will pick up a short story collection of holiday themed or other themed cozy mysteries or romances that I have and read those.

The trick for me is it needs to be undemanding. Usually after reading a few, I am ready for something new with some meat. If not, I will find myself catching up on what's happening in Fool's Gold where Susan Mallery sets her contemporary romances, or check out what has been happening in one of the cozy series I am behind in.

Whenever you see me reading nothing but Studly Men and Hunky Dog books for a couple weeks....I am in a slump.

I do understand the reread of Jane Eyre. I have returned to her at times when my life got stressful. Especially when I needed an ally in putting my foot down on the line drawn in the sand. Jane has backbone.

When my life became complicated, my reading went off world. I've done several complete rereads of The Lord of The Rings when Middle Earth sounded like a better place. I know those books so well I can escape to the Shire without paying much attention to plot points. Maybe you could do with a short trip off the planet, like one of the Murderbot novellas or The Long Way to a Small, Angry Planet.

Teaching is demanding and stressful. Don't know if it will be helpful to you, but I used to give my brain mini-breaks with poetry and/or non-fiction natural history essays. ( I absolutely did not read local or national news !)

I agree. I think you should go with something really fun and light to tickle the senses. Something you can lose yourself and that won’t be so stressful to you. Here are three suggestions: Malibu Riding, Mary Jane, and Miss Benson’s Beetle. By the way, I have noticed you were missing and I’m glad to see you turn up again!

Sally, I am having a reading slump of my own right now. It's hard for me to concentrate. I'm aware that in my current book, I'm not fully retaining it in the same depth as I normally do. Still, I want to keep reading anyway.

Per Amy's book suggestions, I haven't read Malibu Rising, but Mary Jane and Miss Benson's Beetle are both delightful stories. I also enjoyed Major Pettigrew's Last Stand.

Who are your favorite authors? Do any of them have books you'd like to read? I hope your reading mojo comes back soon!

A researcher in my old university reported a while back that rewatching favorite movies was an effective stress management tool. It was more effective than watching a new movie. I strongly believe the same is true with books. But maybe Jane Eyre requires more concentration than shorter old favorites.

A change is as good as a rest (who said that?). So we all have different ways to deal a reading slump, whether it's caused by boredom, stress, lack of concentration, depression, or whatever. You might need a different type of book, or something completely different - a walk, a movie, a project, TV, a social event, a phone call, a real workout, sex, a challenge, etc.

I should also mention that if you no longer enjoy the things that you normally enjoy, that's a sign of depression. It's happening now to people who have never really experienced it before, and of course most of us will experience it at some point in our lives. Lack of concentration is a common reason for a reading slump. It's a common symptom of stress and depression, and it's also age related. There are a lot of ways to fight depression. Talking about it is a good start.

Last month I gravitated to thrillers and magical books because I just couldn't concentrate on anything more serious or realistic. When I'm feeling sad, I gravitate to sad books. They give me perspective or a cathartic cry, both of which are sometimes helpful.

I was slumping all summer-nothing was helping. Then I picked up a book of short stories with a positive ring to them.(The Girls Who Stepped Out of Line: Untold Stories of the Women Who Changed the Course of World War II ) I normally hate short stories, but they slowly drew me back. Maybe it was because I could read one in a sitting and I never felt that I hadn't read enough.

Kudos to you Sallys, for sharing this! It takes something to communicate and ask for assistance.

A favorite book from childhood could be a good start. Or any children's book, hey, it's reading. Also, if you like audiobooks, sometimes that seems easier.

I was in a bit of a slump (for me) in October because of my health issues. It seemed like it took a long time for me to read things, or I wasn't retaining them. I went to some series I knew I would enjoy and some shorter books than I usually read. But that's not foolproof. On the Tuesday Kaffeklatch a few weeks back, I posted that I was listening to Aristotle and Dante Dive into the Waters of the World and loving it, and then something really sad happened in the story, and I felt crushed. I don't want sad stories when I am sad. Luckily, the book is overall uplifting and optimistic.

Ugh, I hate when that happens! I will try to offer my suggestions, same as many others have already mentioned, but I feel like getting out of a reading slump is so unique to each reader. For me, it is going back to old favorite genres. Like I love horror so finding a nice light horror, like maybe something shorter, will do the trick. In your case it might be a different genre. But I try to go back to what I know well in small bites.

Have you tried short stories?
I have found audio can be a good kick starter too.

Then other times I am just consuming other media, like TV or movies, and that's totally OK too.

Thank you all for your suggestions. I may revisit Jane Eyre or try a different genre.

Dear Sallys - your issue concerns me because reading is my comfort. My joy. My relaxation. I suspect your new working situation contributes to this. When I was a hard-working research prof, I limited myself to short stories. The New Yorker was my friend. I could get through a short story and stop.
Topic change (somewhat) - your post demonstrated stress - about 20 years ago, I had a strange disease, falling, not passing out, eye problems. So I started a program that I knew about for a long time and I have been doing it now for 20+ years. Every morning, without fail, before breakfast - I allow myself coffee at this time, I write down 5 things that I am thankful for. I have filled notebooks. This is for you - it is not shared with anyone else. Sometimes, I just write the stuff I wrote yesterday - my brother, food, books, etc. because that is what I was thinking of that day. But I try hard to think of what I am really thankful for. Today it was you because your post makes me think about when I was working so hard and could not even start a book - I had forgotten the beginning before I could get time to finish it. There is a little book - Attitudes of Gratitude. Mine is from a second hand web book site and has a handwritten dedication to someone I do not know but I am thankful for the book. I also picked up a book of 1000 words of gratitude and peacefulness at a thrift store. I read Gift from the Sea by Anne Morrow Lindbergh, bits and pieces from Ralph Waldo Emerson, and Leo Tolstoy's A Calendar of Wisdom.
A college notebook, special little blank notebooks from the dollar store - I buy then when I see one that looks interesting. Several of them waiting for me in my office closet.
So, 5 things you are grateful for every day. At first, I rewrote them on a note and put it in my pocket for the day. Words of wisdom from the great ones of the past. A college paperback of Robert Frost poems was a blessing. Going back to work and personal stress is enough to put one back in bed forever. The 5 things you are grateful for gets you to simply think about yourself and your surrounding - then easy books. A page at a time. Or as AA puts it a day at a time. Forget about reading long tombs - you can do that later or ignore most things (as I do - as a retired 78 years old - how things pile up in the kitchen - one day I feel energetic and start washing the pots and pans, others to the dishwasher - things get cleaned up so I can start again.)
The best thing you can do for yourself now and later is the DAILY 5 things I am grateful for. This is for you only - not to be shared.
Hope some of this helps. What grade are you teaching? What subject? peace, janz

I try to read light books that require no thought - and judging by the number of romances I have been plowing through, I'm in a kind of slump myself. I find lately I've been starting books and dropping them if I don't get the feels I want, then turning to romances to restore my equilibrium.

I also like to re-read my favorite children's books, because they evoke the wonder I felt when I first read them - so I've re-read over and over my Chronicles of Prydain, Watership Down, The Wolves of Willoughby Chase, etc. etc. And not just books from my childhood - this year I re-read the whole Hidden Legacy series (paranormal romance) by Ilona Andrews because I finally got my husband to read them. He is enjoying them too, so we have fun laughing over the badass characters and snarky dialogue together. (I highly recommend them, by the way, if you like that genre. Book 1 is Burn for Me.)

Peacejanz wrote: "Dear Sallys - your issue concerns me because reading is my comfort. My joy. My relaxation. I suspect your new working situation contributes to this. When I was a hard-working research prof, I limit..."

I love that technique. I've used it sporadically over the years with good results. It sometimes gives me more energy, because it helps me to notice little positive things around me, as well as the big things to be thankful for, rather than focusing on pain, or what I don't have. I found it especially useful when I heard myself thinking " I hate my job" or my boss, my husband, my kids, my students, my house, etc. When I was seriously thinking of divorce (20 years ago), I forced myself to work on a gratitude journal every day, PLUS list 5 things I liked about my husband every day. (Now we've been married for 40 years, most of them happy.)

Bingo, NancyJ --Goodness knows our family and students can drive us crazy and sometimes there is nothing good about them but what about the sand hill cranes that come up in my yard, or the morning I saw a very red cardinal at my bird feeder or all the little blooming flowers around my house and mixed fruit for breakfast. It takes effort to focus on the lovely, the things we like - right now I am going through a beautiful picture book from National Geographic with a lovely saying every day. Glad that your marriage worked - probably 25 good things about your husband. We can control our minds - I have a basket of positive sayings on my kitchen counter - when I need to, I reach in and pull one out. We need to share the tiny little things that get us to a positive place. peace, janz

I can sympathize with you on the reading slump. I am also in one. Mine is for personal reasons. My mind just won't let my body and thoughts to relax long enough to focus on a book.

What I have done recently is turn more into my audiobooks and do (put together) 1000 piece puzzles at the same time. It has seemed to help.

Best wishes

Joni wrote: "I can sympathize with you on the reading slump. I am also in one. Mine is for personal reasons. My mind just won't let my body and thoughts to relax long enough to focus on a book.

What I have don..."

Best wishes to you too Joni-as I said I was down in that slump May through September...just now digging out. I have never been 6 books behind on the GR's challenge, and now I fear there is no catching up

Joanne wrote: "Joni wrote: "I can sympathize with you on the reading slump. I am also in one. Mine is for personal reasons. My mind just won't let my body and thoughts to relax long enough to focus on a book.

Wh..."

Don't be hard on yourself if you are "behind" on the challenge. That is supposed to be for fun. I missed my goal one year and felt bad, so I put a much lower goal the next year. You can always up your goal during the year. Some people just put 1 book or 5 books for that reason.

Joni wrote: "I can sympathize with you on the reading slump. I am also in one. Mine is for personal reasons. My mind just won't let my body and thoughts to relax long enough to focus on a book.

What I have don..."

I am working on a jigsaw p uzzle right now. Also intend to pick up needlework again...cross stitch...which is another great way to calm the mind and relax.

Robin P wrote: "Joanne wrote: "Joni wrote: "I can sympathize with you on the reading slump. I am also in one. Mine is for personal reasons. My mind just won't let my body and thoughts to relax long enough to focus..."

I did not meet by more than 20 books my goal in both 2019 and 2020 - which had both been set lower than what I had read in previous 2 years. It happens. This year I think I will just reach it by year end. If I don't that's fine.

Half the reason anyone sticks with such nonsense (and I say that making fun of myself) is because of the community. I really love the friends I have made here and being a part of something. So much nicer than reading alone. Look what we created? I would never do even one challenge by myself! But I love hanging with you guys.

I'm not particularly enjoying the book I am reading, (sorry Joanne), and I have the distinct impression that I just want to get through it so I can get to more other delectables that I'm excited about.

My advice to all of you -- just get old and a reading goal does not mean much. For about 50 years, I kept track of the number of books I read per year - it was very obvious when I was working full time, working on tenure, doing public service, etc. Books were not a priority - near the end of my working life, I seemed to have more time for me so I joined a couple of book clubs. (It helped that the local librarian was organizing different groups - classics, mysteries, business, etc.) Later I organized several book groups where I was - Senior Citizens Center, my condo, etc. Now, I just read. I read best sellers, suggestions from you, what looks interesting. I go to one book club and do another by zoom. My point is do not be concerned about your reading goals - be concerned about your health - reading certain books may contribute to your good health but only you know that. When you are dead and gone or when your mind is gone, no one cares what your reading goals were. It does not matter. It only matters to you, if you need/want to force yourself to read for some reason. peace, janz

I’m like Joni - the switch to audiobooks has done it for me. Then I can listen to a story while stitching at the same time - double pleasure!

I’m getting back into print reading slowly but it occupies the same space in my brain as my too-plentiful print-related work so rather than books being escapism, I get distracted and start thinking about all the things I haven’t done…

I’m re-listening to Stephen Fry reading Harry Potter at the moment. Irresistibly relaxing.

Sallys - how are you doing? peace, janz

Peacejanz wrote: "My advice to all of you -- just get old and a reading goal does not mean much. For about 50 years, I kept track of the number of books I read per year - it was very obvious when I was working full ..."

This is good advice.
I do get quite a bit of enjoyment out of planning my reading each month and achieving challenge goals, but I also don't want to suck the joy out of it by putting too much pressure on myself.

Amy wrote: "Half the reason anyone sticks with such nonsense (and I say that making fun of myself) is because of the community. I really love the friends I have made here and being a part of something. So much..."

Don't be sorry Amy, I did not think it was for you. I was suprised you picked it up

I'm definitely going through a rough patch. Just found out my cholesterol is really high. I didn't know because I didn't look at My Chart until today even though my appointment was in August. My doctor never even let me know. Reading all of your posts and hearing your concern brought tears to my eyes. I appreciate all of you.

Joni wrote: "I can sympathize with you on the reading slump. I am also in one. Mine is for personal reasons. My mind just won't let my body and thoughts to relax long enough to focus on a book.

What I have don..."

Joni - good on you. I always felt that putting together a puzzle was like Zen or walking a labyrinth - you are so focused on the task that you move into another world. Who cares if you don/t meet your reading goal? And, Joni, you can control your mind -- you may keep returning to whatever is a bother or problem for you - every time it happens, turn to something that blesses you - something you are grateful for. Decide the event, person, whatever you are grateful for and return to that EVERY time you mind wonders to your personal problem. Do not dwell there - move on - find a picture or a wise saying and move your focus to that. That is how prisoners of war managed to stay alive. You decide what you are going to dwell on. Good luck - and I am so glad you reminded me of the puzzles - how I love them, have not had one down on the main table for a long time. Good luck. peace, janz

Sallys wrote: "I'm definitely going through a rough patch. Just found out my cholesterol is really high. I didn't know because I didn't look at My Chart until today even though my appointment was in August. My do..."

Start looking for a new doctor -- any doctor should mildly fuss when something is out of whack. I am an insulin dependent diabetic and all my docs want to know my blood sugar level that morning or my A1c. Remember that half the docs were in the bottom half of their class. It is your life. Find a new doc. Good luck, peace, janz

HA, Joanne! Glad your not disappointed!

@Sallys-I agree with Janz-you need to find a new doc. The minute my doc has results, good or bad she is reporting back to me. And, I really do not care for this doc (fairly new to me), just because her personality rubs me the wrong way.

@Sally ... I would first call the doctor and find out why s/he didn't call me with results or recommendations on what to do next.

Many years ago I was home sick and called for an appointment. The nurse called me back to say my doc had called in a script. (He knew me well, I had described my symptoms and he concurred it was probably a sinus infection.) I went to the pharmacy, where the person at the counter said, "Your doctor left a message for you. He said..." and proceeded to read aloud so everyone in line could hear. I was FURIOUS. I went home and called the doctor's office again and said I needed to speak with him, not the nurse, not the front desk, HIM. I said I was at home and he should call me when he had five minutes.

He did call and I read him the riot act about that breach of patient/doctor privacy. He was stunned and apologized, but said he'd always done this and no one was ever offended. I said, "I doubt that. I believe no one had the guts to call you on it." and I hung up.

Several hours later (about 8p) he called me again. He said he had been thinking about what I said, and believed I was correct. He apologized again and said that he had changed his office protocol so this never happens again, to me or to any other patient.

He remained my doctor for the next 30+ years. He would still be my doctor if he hadn't retired and moved to Florida five years ago.

@Sallys

I agree about the doctor, BUT if your doctor has been good until now and this is your problem, instead of just switching, I'd talk with your MD about it. I find changing doctors stressful because I have to start all over again and it's a challenge finding one with the bedside manner I prefer who works with me.

I only use MyChart for my covid tests and always ask my doctor (lately it's been my Nurse Practitioner) to not only send me the results, but give me the full report. I don't just want to hear "normal" (or "not normal") I like to know what the numbers are. However, I don't have any white coat syndrome (it's very common), but many doctors are reasonable about these things. My NP is only about 27 or 28, but she is excellent.