I'm not sure this is a terminal problem though because even though I am not reading I am still happy to engage in conversations with people about books. Last week at work there was a conversation happening about starting a book club and I was quite keen about the concept even though I know that it is highly unlikely that I will actually read the chosen book. Luckily my actual book club doesn't really seem to care if I read the book or not. I haven't actually been to that book club for the last couple of months because I have been working late but I know when I do go back they will be glad to see me. I also know that when I say I haven't even read the synopsis the reaction will be okay and then ask if I want a party pie or sausage roll (to which the answer is obviously yes!!)
This weekend was the launch of the Melbourne Writer's Festival and despite my lack of reading mojo, I did end up buying tickets to a couple of sessions and also attended a couple of free sessions. I was reminded that bookish things are actually good for my soul and also a couple of other things.
Unlike previous years where I took copious notes so that I could blog in depth recaps of the sessions I attended, this year I have just sat and listened and just enjoyed being in the presence of authors whose books I have enjoyed previously.
The four sessions that I attended were:
Justin Cronin
YA Superstars featuring Rainbow Rowell and David Leviathan
Australia Through Time featuring Anita Heiss, Tricia Stringer and Kate Mildenhall
Wickedly Funny featuring Liane Moriarty and Rosalie Ham
All four sessions were really interesting and I have to say I was very impressed with the quality of the free sessions that were on offer. Both Australia Through Time and Wickedly Funny were free sessions and they were full houses. I only just got into Wickedly Funny even though I went and lined up half an hour before. They probably turned out away an equivalent of 50% of the crowd. The session was just that popular.
One of the things that I have taken away from this weekend is that maybe this might be a long break from reading but I don't think I am done forever and ever. Whilst I don't expect to go back to reading 200 plus books a year, I also don't expect to stay at reading less than 10 books in a year. Somewhere in the middle would be good.
I also came out of the sessions and a trip to a nearly bookstore I was reminded of a few things. Firstly, there are a number of authors who I used to wait avidly for each new book from and they have at least one and maybe two books out that I still haven't read yet. In other words my TBR list continues to grow even though I am not reading. Secondly, there were a number of books that I really wanted to read a couple of years ago that I still haven't read yet and thirdly, that there are any number of books that I wouldn't mind rereading at some point.
My reading life might be flat lining but it hasn't quite been declared dead yet. There's still a glimmer of hope. Just.
I would say that right next to my fear of death is my fear of never reading again. You seem to have made your way through it without major trauma. I feel certain you will find your way back.
ReplyDeleteHere's my Sunday Salon!
Maybe it helps that years ago whenI was with my ex I didn't read for7 years and so it helps to know I have gotten through it once before. I am a bit traumatised though!!
DeleteI am glad there is a glimmer of hope. I stop reading for long stretches, but it usually comes back in the end! Lately I mostly just listen to audiobooks. :)
ReplyDeleteEven audiobooks are a struggle. I am listening to one at the moment but somehow I have gone backwards in the book so now i need to try to figure out where I was actually up to
DeleteHope you are well.
Exactly the same thing has been happening to me. I have thought about it and have identified several factors.
ReplyDelete1. Distraction of Internet, particularly Fqcebook
2. Time wasting games. candy Crush and Words with friends. Both distracting and a good de-stressor
3. Streaming Tv. Netflix and in particular SBS Catch up and the plethora of Foreign language crime dramas. Instead of an hour a week, on a wet weekend hubby and I sit down and binge watch an entire series.
4. Finally advancing age. I usually read best in the horizontal but lately I find after 10 minutes or so I tend to doze off. How depressing.
Yes, yes, yes and ..... well maybe!!
DeleteI think I have screwed my attention span. If I do sit down to read after a short time I will be thinking about checking my phone, and yes, I will have a new life in some game or another etc etc.
I'm sure you'll read again, I'm not getting all that much done lately either due to overwork and time constraints. You'll get your mojo back one day too.
ReplyDeleteHopefully!!
DeleteI'm just glad to see you back here on the blog, even if it's only for a short time.
ReplyDeleteThat sounds great, going to see the authors and just taking it in and not feeling the pressure to write about it in detail.
As for reading, I think we all go through stages with reading and that's okay. I know years ago, my goal was to read 100 books in a year. I never made it, but did read in the 60s, 70s and 80s. This year, I just finished my 25th book of the year and I'm okay with that. I've been doing other things, going on trips with my wife and neighbors, and yes, watching Netflix, but it happens. I'm not beating myself up for not reading even 50 or 60 books. I'm happy just reading what I'm reading.
I think I'd be okay with 50-60 books a year. It would be good for there to be something between 0 and 250!!
DeleteI am in the same boat with Sunnie Gill and can relate to
ReplyDeleteall her comments. But I keep buying books...
It's depressing to think I will never be able to read
all the ones in my TBR piles before I die.
Am hoping things will turn around soon.
I completely understand. I was in your place for several years, but now I feel as though I am finding my way back to the joy of reading.
ReplyDeleteGive yourself time and grace. The fact that you are still keenly interested in bookish topics is a sign that this is not a terminal separation :)
Welcome back. I hope you get back into reading. It does help the soul. Or so I think
ReplyDeleteIt definitely does, especially for a reader.
DeleteI was thinking about you when I realised the MWF was on this, and remembering our happy accidental meeting there a few years ago. Sadly I'm not in Melbourne this weekend! But once a reader, usually always a reader. It's just that Life tends to sometimes get in the way. I've had times in my life when I couldn't read, often associated with raising children, and also in times of grief, but eventually found my way back to it. In the meantime, give yourself mental permission to have 'time off' and keep on enjoying life.
ReplyDeleteI am mostly enjoying life and trying to make changes that will keep that happening and working out how to fit reading in.
DeleteI've been through phases like this too, but the books are never too far away. I mean, even the events you're attending are stuffed with bookishness, right? Whatever you do end up reading, 10 books or 200, simply trust that they are there, whenever you need them. :)
ReplyDeleteVery true.
DeleteI am much the same way! My blogging has come to an almost complete standstill. I am not reading nearly as much, and even when I do read, I have very little desire to blog about the books. I am not sure what I am going to do going forward.
ReplyDeleteI am glad you are still enjoying book culture, though! Even if not through reading and reviewing.
Enjoying book culture is a perfect way to put it.
DeleteHOpe you are well otherwise.
All of those sessions sound fabulous but I'm particularly envious of the Justin Cronin. I think the fact that you're still interested in attending such things means it's just temporary, even though your non-reading phase has been going on for such a great length of time.
ReplyDeleteVery cool that your book group is relaxed, as well. Mine is like that. Our leader frequently reminds us that it's perfectly acceptable to show up if you didn't manage to read the book. So nice to know it's fine and dandy to enjoy the social aspect and not be judged for not reading (or not being able to read) what's being discussed.
You have a terrific, active life that I admire and envy. I do hope that you'll get back the joy of reading, soon, though. I know how frustrating it is when that ability to focus on books abandons you.
The Cronin was great. I think I am about to start listening to The Passage so that I can then move towards finishing the trilogy.
DeleteSo good to see a post from you! I think we probably all go through these phases and it's ok. There are lots of things going on or our energies are needed elsewhere. Hope you'll enjoy meeting with your book group and maybe that will lead you to other new book discoveries.
ReplyDeleteYes, it is okay. Just need to give myself a break.
DeleteIt might be a good few months since you finished a book, and that's scary when you're a reader, but embrace it. You'll find a book in time.
ReplyDeleteThat said, in regards to this: 'I was quite keen about the concept even though I know that it is highly unlikely that I will actually read the chosen book', you might well find the whole reading together aspect kick starts your reading again. The as-you're-still-enjoying-talking-about-them part, where you might find the want to join in overcomes the slump.
I think that it will depend on the books that they choose maybe!!
Delete