i’ve also been in a slump! i find that personally the best way to pull myself out is to reread a book i know that i love and will move through quickly, helps me get the momentum back and the desire to find other good stories. :)
the podcast is SO GOOD i need to hear your thoughts!!!! and yes i am turning to gary indiana for comfort— hoping this helps. thank you for your kind words! 💗
Can’t fight the slump really but if you want to I would recommend going to a library or quirky indie and browsing for the skinniest books. Take just the most interesting one (no checking goodreads). Or if there’s a half-thought you have about something in the culture, make a little theme about it and choose 3-4 books, buy them, then start with the one that grabs you most.
I only annotate if I don’t understand/can’t follow, like Clarice Lispector. I have a few other homework-like strategies for books I am going to write deeply about that maybe I will admit to someday (book darts).
i love this advice, thank you so much Abra. I think great call on annotating when it’s hard to follow. too often i throw up my hands in frustration when a book is challenging, although admittedly i realize this is not the best way forward. I’d love to read more of your strategies for annotation— so consider this my vote for that post!!
My anti-annotation strategies, you mean? Bucking the trend… maybe I will write about it! Also, if you like the Lili Anolik podcast, and you do audiobooks, she has a salty book coming out 11/12 about Didion & Babitz. There a blurb about it at the bottom of my latest post. I count audiobooks as reading. Slump? What slump? You got this!
I loved reading this too. I think slumps happen because you are physically or emotionally exhausted and what helps the most is not reading related: more sleep, less screen time, more time outside - long walks to clear your mind, tea, naps, etc. Reading-wise, I think whatever helps you feel LESS pressure -- small books, re-reads of favorite novels, graphic novels...
I loved that Bennington podcast SO MUCH!!! And have been doing math thinking that we are due for a new Donna Tartt novel just about... now?!
For annotation, don't think of it as homework. Think of it as nerd playtime... supplies, cryptography!!!
EJ, I loved this collection of half thoughts (and not only because of your sweet shoutout!). Keep 'em coming.
I agree that nobody has good ideas for movies anymore, I don't know what's happening. I screamed internally when you mentioned the American Psycho remake, which I didn't know about. Stop making mediocre remakes of good films please!!!
A couple of 1/2 thoughts: 1. Reading slump - try rereading an absolute fave; go into a bookstore and look for something that strikes you as “easy” and “entertaining”, or; take week off?
2. Annotate or no? Don’t fall prey to what other substackers do - do you and don’t annotate
Slumps are the worst!! Do you have an idea of some of the books you want to read before the end of the year? Could try a speed date with a book - 5-15 pages of the beginning - and if it doesn’t grab you, put it down and try something else from your pile. Also could try an audiobook to begin a book you’ve been meaning to read and just can’t bring yourself to pick up! When I’m in a slump, I choose something I know I’ll like even if I won’t love it (personally, these tend to be quick, cheesy romances or rereading a portion of romantasy novels) because it gets me in the habit of reading again. Good luck — slumps are the worst!
i’ve also been in a slump! i find that personally the best way to pull myself out is to reread a book i know that i love and will move through quickly, helps me get the momentum back and the desire to find other good stories. :)
you just mentioned about 18 of my favorite things to think about so well done brain goop soup!!!
YESSSS i love having matching goop soup 🧠💗
I cannot wait to listen to that podcast!
To get out of a reading slump, maybe a slim read, like Abra recommended?? You'll get through this!
the podcast is SO GOOD i need to hear your thoughts!!!! and yes i am turning to gary indiana for comfort— hoping this helps. thank you for your kind words! 💗
Going to try to start it tomorrow!!
One way to break out of a reading slump is to go with some of the great short stories. Their bit size nature is less intimidating.
smart! love this— thanks for the rec, i’ll give this a try!
Can’t fight the slump really but if you want to I would recommend going to a library or quirky indie and browsing for the skinniest books. Take just the most interesting one (no checking goodreads). Or if there’s a half-thought you have about something in the culture, make a little theme about it and choose 3-4 books, buy them, then start with the one that grabs you most.
I only annotate if I don’t understand/can’t follow, like Clarice Lispector. I have a few other homework-like strategies for books I am going to write deeply about that maybe I will admit to someday (book darts).
i love this advice, thank you so much Abra. I think great call on annotating when it’s hard to follow. too often i throw up my hands in frustration when a book is challenging, although admittedly i realize this is not the best way forward. I’d love to read more of your strategies for annotation— so consider this my vote for that post!!
My anti-annotation strategies, you mean? Bucking the trend… maybe I will write about it! Also, if you like the Lili Anolik podcast, and you do audiobooks, she has a salty book coming out 11/12 about Didion & Babitz. There a blurb about it at the bottom of my latest post. I count audiobooks as reading. Slump? What slump? You got this!
omg LOVE didion and babitz!!! i’ll check it out. you’re the best, thank you
I loved reading this too. I think slumps happen because you are physically or emotionally exhausted and what helps the most is not reading related: more sleep, less screen time, more time outside - long walks to clear your mind, tea, naps, etc. Reading-wise, I think whatever helps you feel LESS pressure -- small books, re-reads of favorite novels, graphic novels...
I loved that Bennington podcast SO MUCH!!! And have been doing math thinking that we are due for a new Donna Tartt novel just about... now?!
For annotation, don't think of it as homework. Think of it as nerd playtime... supplies, cryptography!!!
EJ, I loved this collection of half thoughts (and not only because of your sweet shoutout!). Keep 'em coming.
I agree that nobody has good ideas for movies anymore, I don't know what's happening. I screamed internally when you mentioned the American Psycho remake, which I didn't know about. Stop making mediocre remakes of good films please!!!
A couple of 1/2 thoughts: 1. Reading slump - try rereading an absolute fave; go into a bookstore and look for something that strikes you as “easy” and “entertaining”, or; take week off?
2. Annotate or no? Don’t fall prey to what other substackers do - do you and don’t annotate
3. I’m a straight guy and I read. End
Slumps are the worst!! Do you have an idea of some of the books you want to read before the end of the year? Could try a speed date with a book - 5-15 pages of the beginning - and if it doesn’t grab you, put it down and try something else from your pile. Also could try an audiobook to begin a book you’ve been meaning to read and just can’t bring yourself to pick up! When I’m in a slump, I choose something I know I’ll like even if I won’t love it (personally, these tend to be quick, cheesy romances or rereading a portion of romantasy novels) because it gets me in the habit of reading again. Good luck — slumps are the worst!