Off the Page: Thoughts on a Reading Slump

When the three of us first started this blog, I promised myself that I wouldn’t change my reading habits. Yes, I’ve always been a voracious reader, but I resent being “told” what to read. I have found much more enjoyment reading the classics on my own time, and I am always squeaking in at the last minute with a book club assignment. Beyond that, I am a “mood reader,” and I frequently re-visit old favorites the same way you would have a phone call with an old friend.

I could tell that a slump was coming over the past few weeks. I had been reading some amazing books the past few months, but I was forcing myself to read new releases as they became available (we aren’t big enough to get ARCs yet - one day!) so that we were timely with our reviews. I do want to note that this entirely self-driven — Moira and Shannon and I have a ladies’ agreement to let each other read what we want, when we want. It only becomes problematic when we all want to read and review the same thing.*

So, I made myself read books like “Catch and Kill” and “Know My Name” and “Ninth House” and “The Giver of Stars” (all amazing, and all things you should pick up) the week they were released so that we could have more likes on Instagram. And soon, I didn’t want to pick up a book at all. Last week, I picked up six different books and didn’t make it past Chapter 2 in any of them. I was feeling a little nervous about it, to be honest, because I had said I would have a book to review this week, and I probably have 40 unread new-ish releases in my apartment. Book of the Month Club can be both a blessing and a curse.

Last Friday, I decided it was time to lean into the slump and to actually listen to myself. She’s Full of Lit is supposed to be a fun hobby for three friends, and it’s not something where I should force myself to do anything, absent walking with linked arms with two of my BFFs. I posted a pretty book photo on Insta, asking what to do in a slump.

People posted that I should pick up “The Dutch House” or “Dominicana,” two books I am genuinely excited about reading. People said that I should just take a break, but I’m stubborn and contrary, so I didn’t want to do that either. So, what did I do? I picked up a book that I have probably read about 100 times at this point: “Harry Potter and The Half-Blood Prince” (yes, “The Other Minister” is the best chapter in the whole series, don’t @ me).**

I curled up with my dog and a cup of coffee and my fluffy slippers, and I laughed and cried along with my longtime buddy, Harry. It was just what I needed. There are a few books that I just go back to innumerable times (see above for proof), and they reset me and remind me why I love to read. I can venture to Singapore or to Napoleonic France, all without leaving the comfort of my home or having to actually hike part of the Appalachian trail.

All in all, I think this was inevitable; just because I have a book blog doesn’t mean that my reading habits of three decades will change. I need to be more mindful of my mood when choosing a book, and I need to not let my desire for internet headpats steer the books I read, at least all of the time. I am so much more excited about the books I have surrounding me now, and I’ve already starting planning what I’m taking with me on vacation next week (London! 5 days! Ahh!). Harry Potter saves the day again.

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*We’ve actually decided this isn’t a problem at all. We are three people with three distinct voices, and we feel that on books we all feel moved by, we can share multiple points of view.

**Full disclosure, before hopping on the train to Hogwarts, I read some really bad fan fiction for Once Upon A Time. My not-so-secret-anymore shame.