Constant Reader discussion

I am having a difficult time reading anything the last two years. I didn’t nominate any books , nor will I vote, because I know I won’t read them. I am suppose to lead discussion on The Lincoln Highway, but I just can’t concentrate on the book. I will put up the discussion and hopefully it will gather momentum enough to be interesting. I apologize to the group . The reading list nominations were fantastic , I will follow whatever books get chosen. ..

Oh, Carol. I’m sorry. I went through that for a couple of years after Leif died. My reading came back, though. I hope yours will, too.

You all are the best. It has been a struggle. Thank you.

I go through "reader's block" pretty often, though usually of shorter duration. I did go through a longer dry spell after my son died. I recently emerged from a six-week drought. It's so odd--I stop right wherever I am in the three books I'm reading, and pick them up when I get past my block. Usually. Sometimes I just dump a book that hasn't been holding my interest.

At any rate, know you're not alone! I hope your love of reading is soon renewed.

Thanks for sharing that with us, Carol. I understand how challenging that can be and appreciate that you're leading not just one but two books in the current Reading List cycle. Don't feel bad - just do what you can right now. I hope you are able to get back to enjoying reading again soon.

Sucks! The worst time it plagued me was once when my eyes were rapidly changing; just opening a book practically gave me a headache. Other times it was less obvious why. It passed. I hope this passes quickly for you, too.

I'm so sorry too. That happened to me during quarantine for Covid. It lasted a long time but I slowly recovered. Holding you in my heart, Carol.

Thanks , Tonya and Barb. I did finally find my kindle oasis. The next two books are on there. Mrs. Dalloway and Lincoln’s Highway.

So sorry, Carol. That is my biggest fear as I age - that I won't be able to read. Hope that ends soon for you. I've read The Lincoln Highway and I think the discussion will be great.

Thank you for sharing that - I hope the block passes soon or that you find another equally enjoyable pastime.

I am beyond relieved to find out that reading blocks happen to other people - I thought it was just me.

Haha, I have been writing some poetry, but that too seems to be drying up. I also paint , but I think my creative muses have left me for a bit.

Carol, I hope this improves for you. I have had various problems with reading over the past few years as I have had a few surgeries. Each time, it has seemed that it took a bit longer for me to get my concentration back. What I usually do is fall back on my “relaxing” reading, which are mysteries. Sometimes that helps because it reminds me that I still like reading. But there have been times I just couldn’t read anything with more complexity.

I suppose someday I may read only mysteries. But I do keep them on hand as a backup all the time.

Enjoy what you can, when you can.

Carol, that is so frustrating. Last year I picked up, then didn't finish, as many books as I actually read. I hope you are finding joy in other activities/aspects of the world around you and that you'll find just the book, just when you're ready to dive in again.

Maybe if you get a cold, rainy day like it is now in Oregon. It's much easier for me to dive into a book in those conditions.

Even better is getting a yurt at the coast during winter storms (doing this during king tides this year). The sounds of wind, rain, and ocean surf on the yurt is awesome, and there's nothing else to do during the long dark nights but read, and it's calming and rejuvenating.

Lyn wrote: "Maybe if you get a cold, rainy day like it is now in Oregon. It's much easier for me to dive into a book in those conditions.

Even better is getting a yurt at the coast during winter storms (doin..."

That sounds so adventurous. Yeah, as long as I'm warm, I can read for hours.

The totally abnormal 70+degree warmth has now ended here in the Boston area, probably until spring, and I’m looking forward to snuggling up with my fleece, my kindle and …. my frozen yogurt. Yes that’s year round and goes with reading. I do like reading during storms too as long as I’m not concerned about the electricity. I can understand that wish to read by the ocean.