Has anyone burnt out from reading a lot and literally not even able to get into anything? If so do you have a rec that may have helped you get out of that?
The last two years I’ve read maybe 10-15 books a month. I have been busier lately and just have less time as is to read, but also haven’t been able to get into anything and am worried my love for reading is burnt out lol
so I typically read lit fic and memoirs and when i’m feeing like this i’ll usually read something that is easier on my brain. graphic novels or thrillers usually, sometimes middle grade. what kind of books do you usually read?
ithasbecomeacircus on
Audiobooks have helped me get back into reading more frequently. I can do chores and other tasks while listening, so it’s easier to include audiobooks into my day to day life in a way that I can’t with regular books where I would need time to sit down and focus.
ETA: I recommend the Tales from the Gas Station narrated by MrCreepypasta. It’s absurd and fun, and the narration is great.
hachijuhachi on
everyone is different, but sometimes I just need a break from something that I typically spend a ton of time doing. It seems like maybe most of your free/idle time was spent reading and maybe your brain is just kinda looking for different ways to occupy that time. If I were you, I’d give myself a little break to explore some other pastimes, and more than likely, you’ll be back to books when the time is right.
ManyImprovement4981 on
This happens to me every few years or so… what helps me is to go back and reread a favorite. I find new things in the book that I missed or wasn’t ready for last read then that leads me down a different path of books to read.
Indifferent_Jackdaw on
I switch to novella and short stories usually. It allows me to maintain the habit of reading without feeling like a lot of commitment. And when I’m in that mood, if I’m reading an anthology for example with a number of different writers, I will skip stories I’m not enjoying.
theadoptedman on
Have you tried reading short stories instead? The older and busier I get the more I find myself turning to short stories, poems, and essays instead of novels or nonfiction books.
zurcher111 on
Audiobooks are great for when you lose the urge, and podcasts for when you want something shorter
Possible_Ant6775 on
I’ve never read that much in my life but I can imagine burning out if I did. Maybe just choose your top 5 for next month? I have to assume the 15th book is on the fringes of what you’re interested in.
Mixture-Sharp on
Totally get that burnt-out feeling! It happened to me too after reading a ton. What helped me was picking up something lighter and more fun, like *Red, White & Royal Blue* by Casey McQuiston. It’s super easy to get into, funny, and a nice break from heavier reads. Also, if you’re into something with a bit of mystery and a supernatural twist, *Updrift* by Errin Stevens might help pull you out of that slump! It’s got this intriguing coastal setting and a secretive family vibe that really hooked me.
Kindly_Agent4341 on
It sounds like you’re in a reading slump! That happens to me every once in a while. I usually switch to a different genre (if I’ve only been reading one), a different medium (like audiobooks or graphic novels). But don’t force it! If you don’t feel like reading that’s ok! I usually just switch to watching tv or playing videogames for a little bit and then eventually I’ll feel like reading again.
MisterRogersCardigan on
Reading slumps suuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuck. They happen to everyone, though, and your reading mojo *will* come back! Whenever a reading slump starts for me, I find it helpful to switch up format. For me, that usually means getting a stack of graphic novels from the library; that seems to give my brain the message, “See? We can TOO read books! Big fat ones, even!” I also take that time to go through cookbooks or project books (like craft books, hobby books, stuff you don’t necessarily have to read cover-to-cover but can just flip through and find the stuff that catches your eye). That also helps to reset my brain a bit. Fingers crossed that you find the solution sooner rather than later, but don’t stress about it. 🙂
The_Rogue_Dragon on
I like to read fast paced books in between bigger books. Some I really enjoy reading is Red Rising for action and Dungeon Crawler Carl for the laughs. Admittingly, the Red Rising books get a long after Morningstart
12 Comments
so I typically read lit fic and memoirs and when i’m feeing like this i’ll usually read something that is easier on my brain. graphic novels or thrillers usually, sometimes middle grade. what kind of books do you usually read?
Audiobooks have helped me get back into reading more frequently. I can do chores and other tasks while listening, so it’s easier to include audiobooks into my day to day life in a way that I can’t with regular books where I would need time to sit down and focus.
ETA: I recommend the Tales from the Gas Station narrated by MrCreepypasta. It’s absurd and fun, and the narration is great.
everyone is different, but sometimes I just need a break from something that I typically spend a ton of time doing. It seems like maybe most of your free/idle time was spent reading and maybe your brain is just kinda looking for different ways to occupy that time. If I were you, I’d give myself a little break to explore some other pastimes, and more than likely, you’ll be back to books when the time is right.
This happens to me every few years or so… what helps me is to go back and reread a favorite. I find new things in the book that I missed or wasn’t ready for last read then that leads me down a different path of books to read.
I switch to novella and short stories usually. It allows me to maintain the habit of reading without feeling like a lot of commitment. And when I’m in that mood, if I’m reading an anthology for example with a number of different writers, I will skip stories I’m not enjoying.
Have you tried reading short stories instead? The older and busier I get the more I find myself turning to short stories, poems, and essays instead of novels or nonfiction books.
Audiobooks are great for when you lose the urge, and podcasts for when you want something shorter
I’ve never read that much in my life but I can imagine burning out if I did. Maybe just choose your top 5 for next month? I have to assume the 15th book is on the fringes of what you’re interested in.
Totally get that burnt-out feeling! It happened to me too after reading a ton. What helped me was picking up something lighter and more fun, like *Red, White & Royal Blue* by Casey McQuiston. It’s super easy to get into, funny, and a nice break from heavier reads. Also, if you’re into something with a bit of mystery and a supernatural twist, *Updrift* by Errin Stevens might help pull you out of that slump! It’s got this intriguing coastal setting and a secretive family vibe that really hooked me.
It sounds like you’re in a reading slump! That happens to me every once in a while. I usually switch to a different genre (if I’ve only been reading one), a different medium (like audiobooks or graphic novels). But don’t force it! If you don’t feel like reading that’s ok! I usually just switch to watching tv or playing videogames for a little bit and then eventually I’ll feel like reading again.
Reading slumps suuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuck. They happen to everyone, though, and your reading mojo *will* come back! Whenever a reading slump starts for me, I find it helpful to switch up format. For me, that usually means getting a stack of graphic novels from the library; that seems to give my brain the message, “See? We can TOO read books! Big fat ones, even!” I also take that time to go through cookbooks or project books (like craft books, hobby books, stuff you don’t necessarily have to read cover-to-cover but can just flip through and find the stuff that catches your eye). That also helps to reset my brain a bit. Fingers crossed that you find the solution sooner rather than later, but don’t stress about it. 🙂
I like to read fast paced books in between bigger books. Some I really enjoy reading is Red Rising for action and Dungeon Crawler Carl for the laughs. Admittingly, the Red Rising books get a long after Morningstart