It happens even to the best readers from time to time . . . You close the cover on the book you’re reading and discover, to your horror, that there’s nothing else to read. Either there’s nothing in the house, or nothing you’re in the mood for. Just, nothing that “clicks.” What do you do?? How do you get the reading wheels turning again?
In the moments I have no books to choose from, you can be sure I am not at home. If my dog knew what a library was, he would tell you I practically live in one with all the books around here. I usually carry a book with me, and so it's rare I am without something to read; but every once in awhile I may go out without a book. And oh! It's awful! I read signs, posters, anything! This happens when Anjin decides to stop at the gas station on the way out to dinner and forgets to tell me ahead of time. Of course, that is also when I decide not to put my book back in my purse because I won't possibly have time to read while we are out.
Every once in awhile I come across a book that moves me in such a way that it's essence lingers despite the fact that I have read the final line, closed it, jotted down my thoughts, and set the book aside. Then there are the occasions when I have difficulty choosing which one of the many TBR books I have on hand to read next because so many sound good. Or perhaps I just haven't quite been able to figure out what kind of reading mood I am in. What to do? The age old question for every obsessive reader.
It is in these moments I step away from the books and finally get around to answering those letters that have been sitting on my desk for weeks on end, watch that Netflix movie I have had for over two weeks, catch up on my magazine reading, or maybe get around to cleaning out those drawers and closets that I've been meaning to get to but never seem to make time for. I use the in-between book time to focus on some of my other interests that may be neglected because I HAD to read just one more chapter straight to the end.
While I may feel some frustration the moment I realize I do not know what to read next, it rarely lasts because I am soon busy doing something else. I always go back to reading eventually and by then, I know just what I want to read (or else I make Anjin or one of the animals pick for me--I always have a back-up plan).
Wendy, I love that bookshelf!
ReplyDeleteI have to agree with you about having to decide on a book to read and then, cannot find one because most of them sound good. If this is the case, I'd let my mood decide for me. That's it. ;)
And it's always good to have a Plan B. ;P
Happy BTT!
That bookshelf made me gasp in horror. It's empty! But oh so beautiful.
ReplyDeleteI completely agree with you on the horror of going out without a book and then realizing that you needed one. How often does that happen? Occasionally.
It's amazining what I can done when I finally put a book down. LOL. Great post.
ReplyDeleteI love that bookcase! And all that room for more books...
ReplyDeleteIt is always a delight to read your answer, Wendy.
ReplyDeleteI usually jot down thoughts along the way, as I read the book. I also have this funny habit of flipping back and forth, back and forth for books that I truly enjoyed...
Oh, I crave that bookcase - not only because it's beautiful, but because it's empty! It might hold some of the overflow that makes my house a booby trap... no matter here you go, there's always a stack looming!
ReplyDeleteI think it would be hard to pull a book out of that shelf where the little curliques are.
ReplyDeleteI have a pile of magazines that I've acquired from various places just so I can flip through them during my reading ruts.
I also will turn to crosswords and sudoku puzzles in those 'dry' periods.
I like that you get your animals to pick your books if you are stuck! I have never thought of doing that, will get one of the cats to help out next time I am not clicking with something.
ReplyDeleteI also know what you mean about reading signs and posters when you have nothing with you to read, I have been known to read over and over the ingredients in whatever snack food I am eating if I am really stuck!
Melody - It's a nice bookcase isn't it? :-) Sometimes having too many available books makes choosing even more difficult . . .
ReplyDeleteCarrie K - Wouldn't it be fun to fill the bookcase up though? LOL
Kristy - Yes, I do get a lot done when I am not reading. The house appreciates it, I know. Haha
Jenclair - We could all use more room for books, couldn't we? :-)
Alice - Thank you! I've started doing that more and more, jotting down thoughts as I read.
Teabird - That's the way it is at my house too--there are stacks of books everywhere. LOL
Kookie - Yeah, the curliques could be a problem, couldn't they?
More often than not, my magazines tend to only get read during those in-between book moments.
You snuck in there, Rhinoa! My cat and dog can be very useful. LOL
ReplyDeleteI read ingredients and such like that too in a pinch. That's when I'm especially desperate!
I forgot my book one day when I was going to work. I was on the bus, reached into my bag, and the book wasn't there! I actually read all the signage on the bus, and made myself try to remember my Spanish as I read it in Spanish, too.
ReplyDeleteWhat's worse for me is when I start a book and it disappoints me. But maybe it's something that's gotten great reviews, so I try to stick with it. Then reading becomes a chore if I still can't get into it. That's when the book gets put down and the floor gets vacuumed or the cats get brushed.
I agree: there are just too many unread books in the world to not have anything to read. :)
ReplyDeleteI absolutely love that bookcase. Gottagetit. Thanks for stopping by my blog, BTW.
ReplyDeleteI love your bookcase! It so empty that I felt I have to help you with recommendation books to add on shelf *grin*.....let see...what your favorite genres? ;)
ReplyDeleteIf anytime I'm not in mood for book I was reading, I just go watch TV shows. Help to get the mood flowing for me, so that I be able to read again.
Always enjoy your answer...Happy BTT!
I have to jump on the "I love that bookcase" bandwagon. I WANT IT!!! ;-)
ReplyDeleteI'm actually going through a "no book" phase right now. I finished a book about 2 weeks ago, and just can't seem to find anything in my TBR shelves that grabs my interest. I'm "reading" an audio book, because I always have that going, but can't find one in "book form" to pick up. And I've done exactly what you mentioned, from reading signs and the back of snack foods, to reading magazines, to cleaning out my closets...It's productive, but I really need to find a new book soon!
Hi, Karen! I have been trying to pretend that that wasn't the case for my current reading situation, but truth me told I think I'm not invested enough in the book I'm reading to want to pick it up. I'm doing everything but reading as a result. I am going to give it one more go this afternoon and move on to Jim Born if I it doesn't click for me. I think I could use a little excitement in my reading life. :-)
ReplyDeleteZandria - It makes for an unending list of books to choose from, that's for sure!
ReplyDeleteMel - Isn't it great?
Julia - I used to turn to tv when I couldn't get into a book, but now I'm more likely to wonder around the internet. LOL I traded one vice for another.
Karina - I hope you are able to get back into reading soon. It's okay when it doesn't take long to pass, but when it turns into a slump, it can become frustrating.
Fabulous bookcase -- although I too wondered how one would get the books in (or out)!
ReplyDeleteVery carefully, I imagine. LOL
ReplyDelete