Even though I'm a librarian, occasionally I find it difficult to read. Sometimes my eyes are tired, or I just can't concentrate. It happens to all of us at one time or another. When you start to feel the reading blues, what can you do?
Break out of a rut by trying something different from what you usually read. Try a different genre, a different format, a different age-group.
Do you usually read fiction? Try a little nonfiction, perhaps a memoir or a biography.
If you usually read print books, try an audiobook.
Can't concentrate or sit still for very long? Strapped for time, but eager to read? Try something shorter than what you've been reading. Listen to an audiobook while you're driving in the car. Read some poetry or a short story.
Read a book that was one of your favorites in the past. Sometimes re-reading a book you enjoyed will help you get back into a good mood for reading.
Read a book written for young people.There are some excellent stories being written by authors of juvenile fiction. And there are many amazing illustrators working today on children's books. Don't forget about books for teens, either.
If you’re worried that people will think you’re strange because you're an adult reading a book written for children or teens, try not to worry too much about what other people think. If you're still a bit sheepish, try borrowing titles on your mobile device (tablet or smartphone) from one of St. Tammany Parish Library's eBook services, opens a new window. No one else has to know that you’re reading or listening to a "children's book."
Read aloud to your friends, if they’ll let you. And if they want to, let your friends read aloud to you.
Maybe one of your friends has told you, ”You’ve got to read this book! It’s fantastic!” But when you tried it, you didn’t like it. And you felt like you had to finish it because your friend recommended it. And it was torture. There’s no law that says you have to finish a book just because you start it. It’s OK not to finish a book – even if a friend recommended it. Maybe your reading preferences are different from your friend’s. Maybe it really is a good book, but it’s just not the book you’re in the mood for at the moment. Set it down for now, and pick it back up when you're ready.
Try any of these suggestions, and you can help yourself banish your reading blues.
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