Have you ever gotten reader’s block?
It’s a real thing and can make it hard to find joy in reading. I feel like I had reader’s block off and on throughout 2020. I couldn’t find a book that kept my interest and even this year has been a little rough, but not as bad as last year.
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Reader’s block affects casual and avid readers. It’s frustrating, but the good news is that it’s only temporary. If you’re struggling to get in the mood to read or even finishing a book, here are some tips:
Reread a book you loved: I’m not a huge fan of rereading books because I’m the type of reader who likes to move on to the next story and not look back. Yet, I have a couple of books I go back to when I’m in a funk. One that I’ve gone back and read again most recently is Wild by Cheryl Strayed. I love this book so much because it’s a story about overcoming grief and finding oneself in unexpected ways.
Read a short story: One of the reasons I released parts of The Murder Lawyer individually, at first, was because I wanted to give readers the opportunity to read and finish a story in a short time. Short stories don’t ask us to invest hours. They entertain us quickly and they’re great when you’re in a reading funk.
Try a different genre: Sometimes reading the same type of book gets boring. For example, I love books like those written by Jodi Picoult or Fredrik Backman, but sometimes the rhythm of the story is too similar. I need something different. Last night, I started reading My Sister, The Serial Killer by Oyinkan Braithwaite just because it was different from what I usually read.
Listen to an audiobook: Okay, I admit it. I am not an audiobook fan. So, maybe, take this advice cautiously. I’ve never enjoyed being read to. That being said, sometimes readers have trouble finishing books because they don’t have the time to read for long stretches. Listening to an audiobook while driving, exercising, walking the dog, etc., might be the best way for some readers to overcome their dry spell. Storytelling comes in many forms and an audiobook might be what you need.
I hope you found these tips helpful if you’re struggling with reader’s block. Do you have any great book suggestions? I’d love to hear them!
