Do you ever have that feeling – so many books and nothing to read?
There are shelves of books waiting for me, not to mention devices full of downloaded fiction. But nothing catches my eye.
When I buy a book, I’m certain I want to read it. But if it joins the stack of those waiting to be read, over time the desire to read it slips away, until – sometimes – I can’t remember what made me buy it in the first place.
I hate those days when I’m ready to curl up with a book and lose myself in a story, but I can’t decide which one it should be. On those days, when I finally choose, my eyes skim the words but I don’t take them in; the story doesn’t grab my attention. I end up putting the book aside and passing the time on the iPad instead, or watching repeats of something on television that doesn’t demand much attention.
When I read I want to be absorbed by the book. I want to feel that need to turn the pages and see what happens next. I want to climb inside the world the author has created and fell the emotions of the characters.
Without that, reading can be disappointing.
But the books that make me feel that way are rare. I’m always searching for the next one; that’s why the choice of what to read next can carry so much weight. It’s the expectation of finding something great, or the choice to settle for something mediocre but engaging.
Do you want to work at reading something heavy but worthwhile, or slide easily into a forgettable story that will entertain you for a few hours but fade quickly from your mind?
There are so many choices, and with each book that appears on the shelf, it only gets harder to make the right one.
Gemma says
Ah the age old dilemma! I’d say perhaps it would be an idea to try try try and resist buying too many books at a time, and maybe wait until you are almost done with your current read. Maybe that way you will read it sooner. Then again, that doesn’t tackle the old, mood- reading thing.
Read what you enjoy and since you have a large pile ready and waiting, if you aren’t feeling a particular novel then put it aside and start another! No guilt here folks!
Sure hope you find something to dive into soon : )
Gemma
http://www.fadedwindmills.com
Amy Lord says
That’s always the plan, but I’m too weak to resist buying books – there’s always something new to discover!
claus says
you’ve tried “bonita avenue” by peter buwalda? jonathan frantzens “purity”? harry mulisch’s “discovery of heaven”? or “extrememy loud and incredibly close” by jonathan safran foer? if none of them try one. they took me in and did not let me go until I finished the last sentence
Amy Lord says
I haven’t read any of those, so thanks for the suggestions!
CaptainKirt says
I recently discovered that my local library lends ebooks which has been a revelation to my reading. Previously I’ve been reading what I call lazy reads, that is humourous factual books, now I’m back into so decent escapist fiction.
I’m a real lover of ebooks because free time is scarce and sometimes comes without warning so it’s great that I’ve always got a book on my phone.
Amy Lord says
Ebooks definitely have a lot of benefits! I’ve never enjoyed carrying an actual book around with me, but being able to read on my phone means I don’t have to.