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Guilt Trip: Accepting My Reading Slump by Donalyn Miller
I pack books in my suitcase before packing clothes. I share book recommendations in my email signature. Every place I inhabit—my car, my classroom, and every room of our house—overflows with books. I talk about books and reading with anyone who will listen (and probably a few people who wish I would stop). I am well-known as a reader and reading teacher. As Chris Lehman said in this blog post last year, “…when you think ‘Donalyn Miller’ you instantly think reading.” My husband, Don, and our daughter, Sarah, read. My students read. All of my friends read. I am not interesting when talking with nonreaders. My conversational oeuvre beyond reading is limited to weather, the sequester, and why the Cowboys should get rid of Tony Romo. Reading touches every aspect of my personal and professional life. That’s why my recent reading slump saddens me. I haven’t enjoyed reading lately.
If you’re surprised, imagine how I feel about it. I am lost. I am a shadow.
I lose interest in the books I start. I am 100 pages into four books. I can’t commit to anything longer than 32 pages. My favorite authors don’t appeal to me. Given the option between falling asleep to episodes of Elementary, or falling asleep across my book, I choose the TV. I still order books and engage in conversations on Twitter with my book-loving friends, but every book mentioned seems to be a title I plan to read someday—just not today. I have lost my reading mojo. How did this happen?
For the past three years, I proudly served on the Children’s Literature Assembly’s Notable Children’s Books in the English Language Arts Committee. This position required me to read 600 or more books a year. Many of the books I read for the committee became beloved favorites like Hound Dog True, The Strange Case of Origami Yoda, A Monster Calls, and The Scorpio Races. My term ended this year, but I still feel pressure to remain current on the latest books. I can’t slow down and read sequels or older titles that I missed or skipped. Reading has become an obligation.
Moving to 4th grade, I spent a lot of time this year reading books that my students will enjoy. I want to reach the same level of confidence when making book recommendations that I had with my former middle school students. I admit that I do not love Geronimo Stilton and often wish there was a zombie edition of his books. It is hard for me to read for my own enjoyment when I cannot pass the book to a child, and I feel guilty reading the dystopian thrillers and high fantasy epics that I prefer. Reading has become work.
I spend every night after school and every weekend writing. Late on my deadline for Reading in the Wild, reading seems irresponsible and selfish. If I have ten minutes to spare, I need to write more. I enjoy writing, but it surprises me how much it cuts into my reading life. I can’t fall into a book right now. Endlessly obsessing over every word of my manuscript, the last thing I want to look at when I take a break is more writing—especially brilliant, polished, published writing. Reading has become an indulgence.
I know that I will fall back in love with reading again. We are just taking a break. I have wandered into the reading doldrums before and I always find my way through them. Revisiting Daniel Pennac’s Reader’s Bill of Rights (1999), reminds me that one of our rights is “The right to not read.”
The Reader’s Bill of Rights states that readers have:
1. The right to not read.
2. The right to skip pages.
3. The right to not finish.
4. The right to reread.
5. The right to read anything.
6. The right to escapism.
7. The right to read anywhere.
8. The right to browse.
9. The right to read out loud.
10. The right to not defend your tastes.
Do I allow myself the right not to read? Most readers experience this ebb and flow—alternating between reading binges and dry spells. When reading feeds my relationships, my self-identity, and my personal bliss, accepting periods when I don’t read much is hard, though. The only membership requirement for Nerdy Book Club is that you must read. Am I still a member? Isn’t there a difference between someone who chooses not to read and someone who chooses not to read right now?
Talking to colleagues and friends, everyone recognizes periods when other demands and interests move ahead of reading. Why am I embarrassed about it? Perhaps, I don’t think I have much to contribute if I am not reading. I must remember that my reading life belongs to me. I need to reclaim it for myself or I won’t have much to offer my reading community. Here is my plan for getting out of my reading slump:
- Reread some old favorites. The books I love contain little parts of me inside them, but the pressure I feel to read new books denies me the opportunity to revisit my old shelf friends. I dug out my worn copies of Pride and Prejudice and Charlotte’s Web today.
- Read something I usually avoid or ignore. Since the books and authors that usually excite me don’t entice me right now, I am going to try something else. I ordered Karl Marx: A Nineteenth-Century Life after watching the author, Jonathan Sperber, on The Daily Show. What have I got to lose?
- Admit that it is OK to read less for awhile. My book is almost done and my annual Book-a-Day summer reading binge is within sight. I know that I will get back into the reading groove eventually, so I shouldn’t stress about it so much. I am not a reading imposter if I spend an hour playing Spore with Sarah instead.
Is anyone else experiencing a reading slump right now? How do you feel about it? What are you doing to rebound from it or accept it? Have you experienced reading slumps in the past? Share your thoughts with other Nerdy readers. We can support each other during our non-reading periods, too.
Donalyn Miller is a fourth grade teacher at Peterson Elementary in Fort Worth, TX. She is the author of The Book Whisperer: Awakening the Inner Reader in Every Child. Donalyn co-hosts the monthly Twitter chat, #titletalk (with Nerdy co-founder, Colby Sharp), and facilitates the Twitter reading initiative, #bookaday.
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Donalyn – You are right – when reading becomes an obligation, it starts to feel like a drag! This has happened to me as well. I say take a mini-reading break. Don’t read a book for a month or so. Go cold turkey and then when you come back, I think you’ll feel much better!
Donalyn, I have experienced reading slumps from time to time. I always bounce back and, to tell you the truth, I don’t know why they happen or how I snap out of them. I think what caught my attention in your post was your comment about feeling the obligation to read. Once something you love becomes something you have to do then I think it loses its passion, or you lose your passion for it. Your stint on the Children’s Literature Assembly gave you a purpose for reading a lot and now you have other things to focus on, like the book you’re writing, which takes up a lot of your time. I think you should give yourself a break, let it go and, over time, you will get your mojo back!
Actually, your post makes me think of some of my students, particularly when we are not in choice reading time (I know, that’s one of your pet peeves — I’m getting there.) When reading is a chore, it changes everything. I like how you have a strategy in place, and I am hopeful that you will come across that one book that will be like a bolt of lightning from the Book Gods (is there a Book God/Goddess?). Maybe it requires a change of pace and a change of expectations.
Sincerely,
Kevin
This post makes me feel so much better! If Donalyn Miller can have reading slumps then it is okay if and when I do (and I have to be okay when my students do as well). Thanks for sharing this.
I also feel guilty buying and reading so many books that I know are not going to be books that my third graders will read, but I read them because I like them, and hey, maybe former students can benefit from my ever expanding library too.
Today is the last day of my two week Spring Break and while I have read a LOT these 16 days I know that the coming weeks are going to be a crazy busy time, so not many books will be read, but I have to be okay with that.
I think that we are always looking for the right balance of things, and sometimes a reading slump is just what we need to get back in balance.
Thank heavens for this post!! I relief came over me. The writing part, how true. So much to say to this post.
Thank you for this post. You are someone I look up to and gain inspiration from on a regular basis. Your honesty and wisdom here allowed me, if only briefly, to see that we are not so different after all. Knowing that you, too, face struggles as a reader/writer/thinker helps me to feel there’s hope for me yet. I often find that when one area of my life requires more attention, another area has to take a supporting role. These days I’m trying to claw my way back to fitness so I’m also in a slump. It hasn’t stopped me from buying more books (sadly) but I’m reading few of them and asking my students to help me figure out which books I would like as a reader more often. I’ve learned that they love recommending books to me and to one another. I wish you well with the work on your new book and in your classroom. Thank you for sharing this post. I have a feeling that you’ve helped a lot of us on the fringes of the Nerdy Book Club feel a little better about oue own reading fits and starts.
I’ve been in a dry spell of my own lately. I binged on a couple of books over Easter weekend because my sanity needed it, but I felt horribly guilty about reading with such a long list of things that have to be done. I honestly feel like this time of year I go through this – a seasonal, cyclic slump. While I hate every minute of this, I also know there’s an end in sight because there always has been. Hang in there, friend. There’s an end to this slump for you – maybe in your plan, maybe in some other way you have no way of predicting.
Welcome, kindred spirit. I, too, am in a reading slump. I find a part of me that happens naturally, seemingly effortlessly, doesn’t happen without deliberate effort. The deliberateness is what feels unnatural. I read for work, too, and let’s face it, there are two major factors here that can put the kibosh one one’s reading mojo: forced reading, and unenjoyable reading experiences. Both of these situations go against every tenet book nerds espouse. If you do either one of these for an extended period of time, it’s not surprising when a reading slump occurs. Plus, you’re writing (a book, no less!), which is reading, too! Plus, teaching, speaking, traveling and the home remodeling project.
The thing is, life happens. We are not reading robots. To recognize and accept our current reading barometers gives us the empathy to understand many reading circumstances and allows us to relate to an even wider array of readers. The key to which you point is your rights as a reader. When you can get back to satisfying your inner reader first, rather than second or third or even not at all, the spark will reignite and you will be on your way back to reading bliss. Banish the guilt! Love and nurture that inner reader that is yours alone and give yourself the time you need to do just that when your other obligations are met. ❤
As usual, Teri hit the nail with her response: forced reading and unenjoyable reading experiences seem to create reading slumps for us as educators and most often for our students. Being in a reading slump feels horrible for those of us who read for a living but I think it is crucial for us to have these types of discussions with our students so they know it’s a normal part of life. Donalyn, I know you’ll bounce back–a book will grab hold of you and you’ll be hooked again. Just keep sampling and doing other activities. You are still a life long, card carrying, founding member of the Nerdy Book Club!
I experienced 27ish years of a reading slump when I did not know reading was amazing! Since then I have had busy times in my life when I just didn’t have time. I sometimes feel pressure to read more, particularly on Mondays when I read all the #IMWAR posts. I admit, I feel like a slacker if I have not read much that week or if I don’t post at all.
I also teach 4th grade and find my tastes tend to be more for 6-8, but they usually appeal to a small portion of my students.
Give yourself a break, you are in writing mode (and you are a full-time teacher). You write amazing books that are immeasurably helpful and we all benefit from your efforts. You’ll get your mojo back and you are always the Nerdy Book Club queen. 🙂
It seems to me that you are doing Pennac’s #5, “the right to read anything.” That is, you ARE reading: tweets, blogs, most likely other forms of non-book print, and — most of all, your manuscript. (I see the sort of focused writing and rewriting you are doing on your ms as a form of reading — I’m a slow writer and do a huge amount of reading and rewriting with everything I write — including this comment.)
That said, knowing how centered your life is around books I can imagine how hard it must be to feel disconnected from them. But it seems understandable given the intensity of NCBLA for the last three years (having been there myself), the switch to 4th grade and resulting need to read younger books that may not be as personally appealing, and most of all — writing your book. All of that is intense and exhausting and also is about doing a ton of reading for everything and everyone, but you!
So time to give yourself a break, I think. (I think we teachers do an awful lot of beating up on ourselves for one thing or another.) I’m sure something will eventually spark your interest and you will be back, more enthused than ever.
I think that reading slumps are akin to falling off the wagon on a diet. You just need a boost to get back on. When I am in a reading slump, it seems that what I need most is an amazing book to pull me out. Twitter has been a great source for finding books that are a “shot in the arm” for me. I don’t know if you have already read this, but I was amazed by Clare Vanderpool’s Navigating Early. It might help to pull you back in. There’s no doubt that you will rebound from your slump. Just have faith and know that you’ll return. If it’s any comfort to you, know that your admission has probably been good for the masses of readers who follow you and experience their own slumps. I know that it was good for me to know that if reading slumps occur for you, then they must be just a normal part of life. Hang in there, and best of luck with the new book! I’ll be on the lookout for it.
You could have written this about me, Donalyn. I often get in reading slumps, and a lot of the reason is because my time is SO limited (between the full time job AND the job of writing-solidarity, sister!). So I always feel like the little time I have needs to be spent on reading books to stay current in the market I write in AND read friends’ books. So that’s where the feeling obligated to read comes in. Sure, many times reading books by friends is a joy and I’m amazed that I have friends who are SO talented and write amazing books, but it presents another stress–what if I pick up a friend’s book and don’t like it? That makes it harder to pick up and read, too.
But I allow myself not to read a ton. I hate that I don’t have more time, but it is what it is. I don’t beat myself up and I read what I can, when I can.
Also, my before bed reading time is just for me. This is where I read romance novels. Ones that are not by any of my friends and are not any I would recommend to any tweens in my life (yet). That is my recharge, escape and refill-the-well time. No matter how behind I get on my other reading, this half hour or so every night is a non-negotiable and never gets swapped out.
Donalyn, I know you’ll get out of that slump because your joy for books is always there, it just needs a reset. Let me know if you need any romance recs–I’ve always got a few at the ready. 😉
I love that you read Romance novels. Guilty pleasures! 🙂
I used to think of them as guilty pleasures, Sherry, but now I just think of them as my joyful reading. I’m a romantic at heart and recharge my batteries by reading about people falling in love. Great romances are smart and funny and are really fun to read, so those are my go to escapes. No guilt here. 😀
Great point! Fun reads…NOT guilty pleasures!
Sherry,
Romance novels is (are?) one of my guilty reading pleasures, too. I read Nora Roberts because her novels usually I involve a mystery of some kind.
That oppression of meeting a writing deadline, having the perfect turn of phrase and being satisfied is a great burden. The only burden like it is the expectation of actually reading everything on our wish list. I have come to believe that the slumps are actually times of great ferment when I must be patient with myself and let my brain do what it does best, without my excessive pressure to have it my way. I have only a single sentence from any Stephen King book that has ever echoed in my soul. It is from Lisey’s Story: “Most of what goes on in a man’s head is none of his business.” I don’t think you’re taking a break. You’re doing the most magical part of the work.
Thank you, Donalyn. I love how your voice guides me when I need it, and that you took the time to write this post, even with all of the pressing deadlines and obligations in your life.
I have been slumming lately… that’s how it feels. My reading life has been all about me most of the time. I have been reading slowly, guiltily, books that I know my students won’t read: Don Graves, Don Murray, Brene Brown, Tom Newkirk. If I can’t recommend it to students, then who has time to read? Can I allow myself time away from reading for them? You reminded me why the answer is a very important YES.
Today I’m sketching in my notebook, not writing. I’m reading fashion blogs (lame, I know, but I love the art of clothing) and walking my dog. Oh yeah, and there will be a nap in there somewhere.
Thank you both for daring greatly. Your candor, authenticity, and willingness to be transparent about your reading lives helps connect us all to our humanity!
Hi Penny,
I used to have a similar opinion about fashion blogs until my daughter started blogging for College Fashionista. She is an amazing photographer and writer. Check her out – Maya Jimenez.
I used to be an elementary librarian and would I have loved having a teacher like you to work with! Most teachers past 3rd grade don’t read to their classes or pass or the desire. I too, would only read Children’s books during the school year and most of the summer. I wouldn’t let myself indulge in adult reading. But I’m retired now and can read what I like. But I miss my children’s books. Especially now that I have grand girls in 3 and 4 grades. I must get to a library!!
Your honesty is refreshing. Over time I too have noticed that the more I write, the less pure pleasure I take in reading. I sometimes wonder if all the time spent by many of us on sharing, blogging, posting, pinning and talking about books means we must be cautious about our book love becoming just another chore. To me it seems a lot like any other relationship balance, sometimes you have to get the passion back even if you feel guilty about the work you are letting slide. A reading vacation, like any vacation, just makes sense. You are a professional reader, and all of us need a vacation from our professions now and then. Do what you want. Watch, listen or taste what you need. Read what you feel like reading or nothing at all. As a good friend said, “there’s a reason we are called human be-ings, not human do-ings.” It’s always OK just to be, to not have to DO anything special, but how difficult that is sometimes. Thanks for sharing with us and with your students.
I have no shame. I will admit that my precursor to teaching Frankenstein this month was reading the newest Black Dagger Brotherhood book. Nope, I do not list it in my goodreads feed. I cannot even imagine reading a Book a Day like you, and I have been halfway through both This is How You Lose Her AND The Tenth of December for two weeks. But it is Spring Break, so I have been making jewelry with my niece and KNITTING. The ebb and flow is part of being a great reader, I think. And writing a book (output) might preclude too much reading (input) in the thick of it. Fun post, but I am hoping you are not feeling tooooo guilty.
“Take your needle (book?), my child, and work at your pattern; it will come out a rose by and by. Life is like that – one stitch (book) at a time taken patiently and the pattern will come out all right” ~Oliver Wendell Holmes
I moved from middle school to 4th grade this year. I have spent quite a bit of time trying to talk myself into enjoying 4th grade books as much as I did the middle school books. It hasn’t worked. I miss the upper level books. I miss the intense discussions and the deep questioning my older students did so naturally. I’ve come to realize that my discomfort (OK, it’s actually an aversion) reading lower level books has been part of a grieving process as I let go of middle school. The change was completely my choice and it was certainly the right thing to do at the right time. However, I loved middle school and I have to admit that it truly hurt to leave what I love and had done for so long. When I named my reading slump “grief”, it all made sense. While I know that I will never feel the same about Geronimo Stilton as I do about Chaos Walking, I can slowly see my attitude changing. I am watching my 4th graders gradually make the monumental shift from concrete thinkers to abstract thinkers. Putting the right books in their hands at the right moments makes that shift so much easier–just like the right book in the hands of a hormonal 7th grader can calm a storm of insecurity and doubt. Although I’ve changed worlds, I am beginning to see that my job is the same as it always was. It’s OK to grieve over change–even good change. It’s OK to have a slump in your reading life. It’s OK to leave a stack of 4th grade books beside the chair and return again Tolkien, Michener, Hardy, or whatever book in which your friends reside. Read now to feed your own soul. Reading to find food for others will return to you, in time. It’s all part of a reading life.
Julie, your comment touched me. As I write this book, I feel like I am saying goodbye to middle school and all of the children I loved over the years. I chose to move to fourth grade, and I enjoy my new school, but I miss sixth grade. It seems that you are on a similar journey. Thank you.
I read this post an hour ago and can’t think about anything else. The words that keep coming to mind are “Physician, Heal Thyself!” 600 books a year. Obligation. Loss of interest. Is it possible you’ve done to yourself—with your followers’ encouragement—exactly what you’ve admonished us to avoid doing to our students? The main thing I’ve learned from you is that books that are assigned are experienced very differently from books that are chosen. Sounds like you’ve had a few too many assignments lately.
We love you and need you as a literacy leader. This post shows exactly why. Hardly anything is ever a straight path, and you’ve got the guts to show us how it looks when the path lurches hard to the left and then gets bumpy.
Although my own reading life is far less intense than yours, I need to read every day. As I’ve said before, if I don’t read at least part of a book each day, I think some of my soul would die. But I’ve hit the wall on certain things: dystopian, anything that is part of a series, anything involving cancer. Those books are not welcome in my world right now, but I have plenty of other options.
Enjoy some time with Charlotte: “You have been my friend. That in itself is a tremendous thing. I wove my webs for you because I liked you. After all, what’s a life, anyway? We’re born, we live a little while, we die. A spider’s life can’t help being something of a mess, with all this trapping and eating flies. By helping you, perhaps I was trying to lift up my life a trifle. Heaven knows anyone’s life can stand a little of that.”
Gary, when I realized that I was scheduled to post on Nerdy today, I was forlorn. If I am not reading, what would I write here? I have always tried to be honest about reading. Admitting my reading slump takes it out of the shadows. It seems that it resonates with many people, and I am glad of it. My favorite line from Charlotte’s Web, “It is not often that someone comes along who is a true friend and a good writer. Charlotte was both.” Thank you, friend.
Oh, that’s my favorite line from Charlotte’s Web, too. Forgot to mention in my comment, that if anything can get you out of a slump, it’s definitely Charlotte’s Web!
I hit this slump recently. We had a book fair and I wanted to be able to talk with students about the books so I blew threw as many as I could carry home. After 6 days of that I didn’t even want to look at a book for awhile. It felt foreign – like I wasn’t me anymore. I’ve gone through other spells where I didn’t know what to read because nothing sounded good, but this was different. I didn’t even want to try. I think my favorite technique when the slumps come is to re-read a favorite. With bowing shelves of new books waiting, re-reading is a guilty pleasure.
Thank you for your honesty, Donalyn. As much as I LOVE social media and its plethora of readers, teachers, and librarians who are constantly Tweeting, Facebooking, Instagramming, and blogging about books, sometimes it gets overwhelming and stressful. It can feel like a competition. I recommended a book series to my husband (Delirium), and he was talking to me about an important scene he wanted to discuss, and I had absolutely NO recollection of it. He said, “Hmmmm. Have you been choosing quantity over quality reading?” Wow. He nailed it. And he’s NOT a teacher – he’s a businessman! When Jen and Kellee introduced their April meme, I took them up on it (http://www.teachmentortexts.com/2013/03/its-okay-to-reread-in-april-2013.html#disqus_thread). I want to remember books enough to talk about them by the time I recommend them! I can only do that if I slow down a bit and appreciate what I’m reading instead of trying to keep up, so I’m gong to reread this month some of the books I feel like I didn’t appreciate enough the first time, or that I loved so much I want to read them again! http://www.hollymueller.blogspot.com/2013/04/reread-in-april.html
Holly,
Your comment about the world of social media feeling like a competition resonated with me. Sometimes I feel less than adequate in the social networking scene because I don’t post three to four times a week or participate in a twitter chat on a daily basis because I chose to spend the day with my family instead. I think there’s something to be said about the need for down time every so often.
We need to allow ourselves time to be a voracious reader, or not. Thanks for being vulnerable and letting the rest of us know about your struggle. I don’t feel so lonely in my own boat!
Think of this as a reading detox! Thank you!
Ah, as you can see Donalyn, most of us are sighing with relief, Donalyn is human after all. 🙂 If Donalyn can have a slump, that gives the rest of us permission to not feel guilty about ours. I agree with many of the posters, but I am amazed at the work you have to do AND teach. And this time of year in school is so hard, what with tests, morale, spring! I follow you, John, Colby & wonder how any of you get any sleep, you seem to work 24/7. So give yourself a break, you know it’s just a slump, we all have them, & we’ll have them again. Take care.
Jean, I know that other people experience them, but avid readers rarely talk about these slumps, which are a normal part of our reading lives. I hope this post invites more conversations about our reading struggles.
Whenever I experience a slump like yours, I go get my eyes examined. Usually my prescription has changed or my bifocal needs to be stronger. Getting older is the pits…
I am so grateful to read this post today because I too have been experiencing a reading slump just as you describe. Books just can’t hold my interest the way they used to and I find myself having no desire to even review books on my blog anymore. Even audiobooks which I once would listen to all throughout the house, while I’m cooking dinner or putting laundry away, just don’t do it for me anymore. I’m hoping that celebrating poetry month with my students will help ease me back into reading again but we’ll see.
Oh thank you! This year I am testing coordinator at my school. In addition to that I teach six full classes. We have read six books as a class. My personal reading has suffered as well. I had a day we did sustained silent reading in class. I enjoyed the book I was reading so much that I kept making noises. One of the students commented that he could tell I was really enjoying the book. I have felt so guilty for not reading as much as I want. I have boxes of unread books waiting for me. I have finally told myself that after testing I can get back into reading more. I look forward to finding time to read AND write again.
I went through this same slump after my dissertation which required close analysis of 25 adolescent favorites and reading those books 3-4 times each. After that I read nothing but what I call “consumer lit” for a few months” much to my horror and guilt. I thought I was broken, and since I taught young adult and children’s literature I was concerned as I know you are; however, not to worry. It does pass. It happens because of long periods of duty reading and we get burned out. Welcome to the world of our kids. I have noticed they do the same thing. After reading several deeply complex books, many of my readers would fall back on a Goosebumps or Captain Underpants for some relaxed reading. Teri Lesesne and her reading ladders speak of going up, but we also fall back for comfort. It is like eating a meal of comfort food because we have been traveling and eating “cuisine,” rich food, for too long…so we long for the mashed potatoes, gravy, and fried chicken of our childhood. Enjoy some comfort reading. Recognize it for what it is. Drag out some old favs and talk about them with your kids. Ask them if they ever do the same thing. Make this an adventure!
Anybody wonder if there is something timely in all the reading slumps? April, being the cruelest month–T. S. Eliot, did you know April would turn into testing hell? Or the frisky irritability that comes as we wait for a real spring? Or the drag-end of the semester? This is where one of those five-year diaries could be good. Do many people experience reading slumps at certain times of the year?
When Cindy and I shared that we are both in reading slumps right now, I wondered the same thing, Kim. Now, we have this public marker to remind us!
What everybody else said. Exactly. With an emphasis on the time writing takes from reading. I did the Slice of Life challenge in March. And didn’t read that much, or when I did read, it was other author’s slices. Right now I’m trying (emphasis on trying) to write poetry with Mary Lee every day. And it definitely takes time that I might be reading.
Sometimes when I am in a reading slump, I move away from the world of children’s/YA literature, and just read a few adult books, just for me. Since Christmas, I’ve read TWELVE TRIBES OF HATTIE, GONE GIRL, and now halfway through BENEDICTION.
So important to share our struggles with each other AND with our students. They need to know that this is a natural part of a readers life!! Hang in there and stop feeling guilty for the fact that you are human!! You still inspire so many of us each day!! 🙂
I think when people expect you to always be on the cutting edge and know what is new and good out there — it wears on you. My daughter bought me three YA books for my birthday last month so we could have “books to read together.” Its very sweet and I have every intention of reading them. But since she told me that I have to read them — I don’t want to. Maybe that is part of it — someone else is expecting me to do it, rather than my choice.
When I find myself not wanting to read — I listen. I love my audiobooks and the ability to just listen to a great book.
Loved reading your post this morning! By this time of the school year, we are all tired. My reading ebbs and flows. I read five books over spring break and not one was for my job! I find that non-fiction books are more fun for me to read to my K-3 students these days.
>Late on my deadline for Reading in the Wild
I’m sorry your book has a deadline. I couldn’t do that. Or maybe I wouldn’t do that to myself. Writing is so hard sometimes, and I want to keep hold of my desire to write. A deadline would be a terrible thing for me. I wish you joy in your writing. (Would meditating help?)
I went through this several months ago. I read a post on Sassymonkeyreads.com about her reading doldrums. I read something unusual for me, Stephen King, then I read Gone Girl. It snapped me out of it. Now I’m reading like a maniac again.
Oh Donalyn, thank you for your voice which seems to be our voice. We were just quiet about it. Reading is my life. I can’t imagine a life without books and without reading. However, I’ve read so many professional books lately that I feel like my brain needs “time”. TIme to process, time to enjoy and savor those words, time to let those philosophical ideas sink in, time to put things apart and put them together. I believe in the gift of time. And sometimes, that’s all we need. What am I reading while I take a little “break”? I’m reading snips, articles, reviews, and letters to the editors of other things that I enjoy like cooking, fitness, fashion (yes, I know), and meditation. I’m reading wise words from Oprah’s life classes, and just letting other beautiful language sink in. And I believe that’s OK.
I have been through that slump. I love the suggestions you have to climb out, especially the acceptance that its okay. I am reading Program or Be Programmed by Douglas Rushkok, very interesting about the digital age. He has a new book out about the impact on having everything now. Looks interesting.
I’m in the same boat, but it happens to me this time of the school year, every year! But, I know that summer is in sight and I will enjoy many books on the porch, in the pool, in the car, in the waiting room, etc!
Give yourself some credit and let go of the guilt! 😉
Omg! This blog post spoke to me on a very deep level. I read your book this summer and I have been trying so hard to read a lot of books that I could recommend to my kiddos. After reading 6 excellent books that sent me into a huge depression…I sort of gained an understanding that these novels help young children learn that it’s ok to feel…and the adult that already feels is just crushed…I just couldn’t do it anymore. Every book I read my kids just ravenously devoured, but I was depressed. I, too felt guilty about reading books I would actually enjoy if I couldn’t recommend them. The good thing was that at that point, my kids were reading so much, and trusting each other’s opinions that their book sharing became important. I am trying to get through my slump, but I’m still there. Is it horrible to say that if you are in a slump, I don’t feel so bad about it. I have a stack of books my kids have recommended to me, I feel I must read them and respect their recommendations as much as they do mine. I have vowed to give them a try, as that’s all I ask my kids to do…hopefully, one of them will be so amazing that my slump will be over…
I certainly feel this right now. I am so close to finishing my master’s degree, but it requires a lot of reading. My new position in our school district requires a lot of professional reading. Between the two, I can’t keep up with the young adult titles that my reading friends are recommending each time we get together. HOWEVER, my degree work will be done in the beginning of June along with the arrival of my third son, and I plan to spend as much time reading as sleeping once he gets here. I have been “shopping” on good reads and putting together my summer reading plan. Good luck to you as you get out of your slump and I can not wait to receive my copy of your new book!
Love this post! I was actually unable to read for about 4 weeks after getting a concussion. As problematic as it was for me (as I have nearly no other hobbies), I think the break brought me out of my reading slump. I realized how much reading has become a chore. When I could no longer feel guilty about being behind with my TBR stack, I let it go. And when I was allowed to start reading, only 20 minutes a day, I had to be really picky–I read what I wanted to, not what I needed to. Like you, I try to keep up on books that don’t always appeal to me and reading becomes a chore when I do that. I feel guilty when I read YA even though it is my favorite. So this week, I am reading Eleanor and Ben (YA) and Lean In. 2 books for me. Thanks for sharing this. Nice to know that we all go through this!
I returned from a walk to find this post, followed by a string of comments confirming that readers share more than a love of books. I love reading most anything…magazines, young adult books, seed packets, cookbooks, blogs, catalogs, picture books…yet there are times I just can’t find a connection. When I’m reading a young adult book, the 4th/5th grade teacher part of me feels the guilt. If it’s a picture book, I sometimes think so hard about how to use it with my kids that I forget to just love it. And when I can’t find anything that suits my fancy I just feel lost all the way around. Lately I’ve found one book at a time that hooks me, then it might be weeks before I find another.
I love that you have a plan. I especially love that summer book-a-day is coming soon. I know the reading time summer offers will be just what many of us need to get started again. In the meantime, my garden is calling, I found a new lemon cheesecake recipe to try and I’m taking The Tech-Savvy Literacy Teacher class with Franki Sibberson. I’m going to try to let those lead me to the books that are waiting for me.
Thanks, Donalyn, for sharing your reading life with us and helping us understand our own.
Donalyn, just breathe. You are okay! All will be well! Of course you feel pressure right now: your plate is over-full, plus, you are the Book Whisperer! That’s a LOT of pressure!
Of course you are still a reader, and NerdyBookClub-er. The very writing of this post shows your leadership: imagine the relief others who are also in a slump must be feeling right now after reading this. “If Donalyn feels the same way I do, it must be ok; I am not alone; I am not weird; there’s not something wrong with me!”
Actually, I think you have all the answers already. You wrote them in this post. So, …just breathe.
I feel like you did hit the nail on the head with one of your comments. And that’s about the kinds of books available for our students’ age/grade level. I teach 3rd grade, and I am not engaged by Geronimo Stilton either. Those books appeal to young readers and I am not a young reader. Still, there are SOME that I know young readers will like, that I can also enjoy. I’m thinking of Kate Messner’s Marty McGuire books and the Clementine books. But then I think of all the great middle grade books out there: Hound Dog True, Wonder, etc, and I wish there was more of that for these in-between readers. Maybe there are and I just haven’t read enough yet to discover them, but I have been thinking for a while now that this is an area in which we could use a lot more high quality literature.
Anyway, thanks for your bravery and honesty.
Breathe.
Thanks so much for your always-honest, always-inspiring words, Donalyn. I was in a HUGE reading slump after Charlie was born. While on maternity leave, I watched about a thousand hours of TV a week but didn’t read anything other than articles and books about babies. Once I went back to work, I was on baby duty after school until Charlie went to sleep, and at that point I was too worn out to read for long enough to really get into any books.
OK, confession time. I feel like I need to write this in super-tiny font because I made a controversial choice to bust out of my reading slump: I decided to start reading for 10 minutes of DEAR time during each language arts class on Fridays. I know it’s no longer considered a best practice for teachers to read rather than confer/support during independent reading time, but in my opinion, my students needed a teacher who was a reader more than they needed every single instructional minute maximized. I’m sure not everyone agrees with that, but to me, if I had to steal a few minutes of class time every week to get my mojo back, then it was worth it. Fortunately my administrator was supportive and even came into the classroom a few times to read with us. (He was reading SQUISH, always a solid choice.) Friday is the only day I don’t tutor after school, so in the 45 minutes between the end of the school day and when I pick up Charlie, I chose to read in my classroom rather than prep lessons for the following week. This stolen reading time on Fridays gave me enough momentum in whatever book I was reading to increase my reading time over the weekend and throughout the rest of the week. Now I feel back on track, or at least as on track as I can be for someone who works full time, is trying to finish a book (I feel ya on that one), has an 8-month-old baby, and you know, needs to eat food and do laundry and stuff every now and again.
Second confession time: I buy the Geronimo Stilton books for my library but I haven’t read them!
I still get pleasure out of reading, but I am currently dissppointed in myself as a reader. I have multiple piles of books I have stopped reading midway. This is just not like me. I find myself finding so many books I have to have and want to read, but I am just not plowing through them and rushing back to put them in my students’ hands like I used to. I’m eagerly awaiting your new book!
Thank you so much for this post! I have been on a long reading slump lately and this post made me feel so much better.
Exhaustion makes even our favorite things a drag. Vince Lombardi said that fatigue makes cowards of us all. Archers know that the bow that is always bent soon breaks- even bows need to be unstrung and rest. We all need to find those things that give us rest: rocking chairs, naps, time with pets, time alone…what is your restful respite?
Thank you, thank you, thank you!!! I needed to read this!!!! I too have hundreds of children’s books kindly given to me by publishers collecting dust. I have rearranged them and even passed some on to students so that at least they are being read but right now, I want to focus on adult books and that is just what I have been doing with guilt permeating throughout. If Donalyn Miller can have a reading slump, then I can too!!!
I’ve also hit the wall recently. I dropped back down from middle school to elementary school this year, too, and testing is looming, and report cards are due this week, and I’m taking 44 sixth graders to camp the next week… I have a lot on my mind! On top of that, I have a neighboring fourth grader from a different class who comes to “shop” in my classroom library and every day she quizzes me to see if I have read The Lightning Thief yet, LOL! No, I still haven’t, kid, I’ve been teaching all day! There are so many things I *should* read and so many things I *want* to read, and not enough time in the day. I’m going to switch it up by reading some non-fiction for awhile, I think. I know this feeling will pass, but it does seem overwhelming at times. Hang in there! Summer is coming!
Your post really hit home with me– March was the busiest month for me that I can remember, with report cards, several writing project presentations, two trips out of state, and 8 sub days- all for meetings! I had no time to read, even though I wanted to! All of a sudden, I found myself 35 books behind on my goal of 365. I had my first book club fail ever– I only made it 80 pages into Constitution Cafe before I quit. If I was going to read, it wasn’t going to be a book that felt like work! I did go to book club, and enjoyed the discussions nonetheless.
I was just thinking yesterday how much I am looking forward to just reading in the summer also! I’m slowly getting back in my reading mode. My road back has been paved with magazines 🙂 I started with Sunset! The beautiful pictures, the adventures and the recipes– aahh. It felt good to finish something, finally! This month, I’m just trying to relax and I might only read a little each day. I finally picked up The False Prince– and I feel like I’m on my way. I have a feeling you’ll find your way once your book is finished. To-do lists take up valuable space in our heads! And summer isn’t too far away! Hang in there!
Donalyn – Thank you for your witty and albeit all too true take on reading slumps. I feel your pain as I am finishing up my Master’s and just don’t have the time or the energy to read sometimes. During those periods, I definitely feel a bit sneaky as if I am walking around behind closed doors especially because my reading expectations for my students are always the same! Keep looking on the bright side and enjoy your time with friends, family, and TV. Your books will always be waiting for you when you return.
It is so good to know that being part of the Nerdy Book Club doesn’t mean that Reading always has to be #1in our lives! Right now, my attention needs to be elsewhere and I know I wouldn’t enjoy reading if I had to force it into a busy schedule. (Of course, as I write this I am anxiously awaiting a shipment of books!) For me, my love of Reading is like so many other loves- it ebbs and flows, and I am okay with that!
What a great post, Donalyn! Slumps are slumps, whether exercise, eating correctly, connecting with friends, grading papers in a timely way (that one is for me!), or reading. They happen and I love that you address it so honestly here.
I got a kick out of Joanne Levy sharing what she reads right before bed – romance novels! Like Joanne, I like to read books that are just pure fun for me — ones dealing with spies, adventures, almost anything Sandra Brown with her plot twists, authors that are predictable (David Baldacci, John Grisham, Brad Thor), the books for my book clubs, books by Pat Conroy, and any book set in the south or by water (preferably the ocean). Books like that are quick reads, not hard on my emotions usually, and serve the same purpose as you watching Elementary — they’re just enjoyable.
My slumps are more likely to occur when it comes to books my students want me to read or once I have finished a great book – felt that way a little bit after the last page of Requiem.
Best of luck to you as you search for that next book you just can’t put down — it’s out there, waiting for you… 🙂
I too am in a reading slump right now. I don’t have the good reasons that you have, but I still think that it is important to honour the slump and to allow yourself downtime, whatever your “reasons”. I know that I will come back. I always have. When I force myself to continue reading the things that I feel I “should” read I do the books a disservice. It is hard remain excited for a story when your head is not in the right place.
Thank-you for the post and for your permission to not always be in the game.
Wow. I read the post, and thought that, yes, I’ve experienced slumps. Then I read all the comments and so many of them ring true! Joanne Levy hit on the solution I need for myself – that half hour of me-reading is critical to re-charge. What I only realized as I was reading your replies, Donalyn, is that as an avid reader, I’ve been hiding my own slumps from my students. I’ve found myself apologetic when I DON’T have the perfect book for a reader who is seeking it, when I don’t have the spark of enthusiasm to pass on. So we do need to take care of our selves, to live balanced lives: there must be a balance in reading – you will find it again, as we all do, and as others have said, I’m heaving a huge sigh of relief that I’m not alone, and that there is support from other avid readers. Thank you to everyone who shared.
Donalyn – I have been calling my reading slump – “Book ADD”. During spring break, I started so many books and couldn’t finish them. I know I will finish some of them at some point but I have needed to give myself permission to re-read old favorites or read something just for me. There have been adult books that I have wanted to read and some guilty pleasures and I have found myself drifting to them. I have been eyeing that stack of magazines that I have wanted to read and didn’t have time for. I am working on not beating myself for getting behind in latest kids books knowing being a reader shouldn’t look the same all the time. I have always been a reader just the titles of the books or the types of reading materials change. Thanks for continuing to lead out regarding reading lives.
I hit reading slumps two, or three, times a year. Those slumps can last anywhere from a few weeks to a couple of months. No matter how long they last, I always feel guilty that I’m not reading. I’ve learned that, for me, it’s best to just let them run their course. I’ve tried rereading favorites, but all that does is increase the number of unfinished books. One day, all on its own, the desire to read returns.
I experienced a reading slump last year. I was coming off of what was probably the best reading year I’d ever had. I’d discovered Goodreads in late 2010. Its helpful reading log gadgets turned me into a super reader during 2011. The Goodreads Reading Challenge pushed me to read over 700 books that year. I came into 2012 ready to read my way through as many books as the year before. I didn’t factor in that Goodreads doesn’t count rereading as reading a book toward my challenge goal. I had to keep finding new books to keep up. I quickly became discouraged and fell into a slump. It took me months to get back to my old reading shape, but I’m back now. I still use Goodreads, but I’ve stopped paying such close attention to reading statistics, and I read what I want at my own pace. Reading is fun again.
It was good to read that I wasn’t the only one who’d experienced a similar slump. Thanks.
Thanks for putting into words what any of us experience. I have a reding slump when I haven’t read anything ‘fun’ for myself for a long time. All reading work and no play makes reading dull. The other thing that plunges me into a slump is reading something so wonderful that for months afterwards all other books fail to excite or inspire. I felt like that after reading ‘The book thief’ and ‘Wolf Hall’ and ‘Bringing up bodies’. I like your list of ideas to get over it. I am trying non fiction reads and graphic novels.
Thank you for this post. Six years ago, heading to the hospital to have my cancerous prostate carved away from the rest of my relatively healthy body, I brought two books with me. One, in a bow to irony, was Alfred Bester’s The Demolished Man. (I’m happy to report I ended up quite far away from being demolished.) The other was a new YA novel by a friend. When I awoke, I discovered I had no interest in reading. The remainder of that year, I read almost nothing other than the latest of Robert Parker’s Spenser novel. The year after, I think I read two books. I suspect the anesthesia might have been a contributing factor. I’m reading a bit more, these days. I’d estimate I’m reading roughly at the rate of a book or a month. I’m reading enough so when someone asks what I’m reading, I can respond with an honest answer. But the voracious guy who used to read several books a week and never travel without a second book for backup, seems to still be away somewhere. It’s still a strange feeling, since a large part of my identity was always wrapped around the idea of myself as a reader.
O.M.G. YES. It’s not just that everything you say here is EXACTLY what I’ve been going through in the past year or so (except on the topics of “the rare other topics I discuss”– mine are music, movies, and, you know, my kids, blerg), but that DOZENS of other people have commented saying THEY feel the exact same way… WOW.
I’ve been dealing with it much better lately, I think because I DID take the step to Just Accept it. I said, “I’m burnt out, I guess. I’ll come back when I’m ready.” Now I’ve only actually picked up books that I really want to read for ME. And as a result, the last two novels I’ve read (although, yes, it took me two-and-a-half months to get through just those), I’ve ADORED, and they reminded me why I loved reading so much in the first place! (Not to push my own blogging, but I coincidentally JUST blogged about it this morning: http://rockinlibrarian.livejournal.com/337492.html I mean, good timing).
You have described what i am going through so perfectly. I have so many books lately that I have started and just put aside. I read magazines, 2 newspapers a day (well skim – and read several articles), and I am doing lots of art.
But I miss that feeling of being lost in a book and being drawn to a favourite author.
It is so good to know there is life after this slump. Thanks Donalyn. I feel a bit better.
Yes, this is pretty common, I think, even if some of don’t like to admit to it. I’ve had slumps when I don’t read much at all, or times when I just don’t read a specific genre or category. It’s a sort of burnout, and its disappointing when a favorite activity like that leaves you flat. Usually I turn to something else for a while (last time I learned how to bake one decent loaf of bread – took weeks) and then my urge to read non-stop comes roaring back on its own. Hang in there.
I think many of us have experienced this. There was a time in my life that a very stressful life event left me in a reading void for almost a year. Reading had always sustained me through the bumps in life but it wasn’t there for me this time. Then one day, I picked up a book and it was back-that soul warming feeling that only getting lost in a book could give me and I knew my life was getting back to normal. I try to remember that time when I talk to some of my struggling readers who I know have hardships and stresses in their young lives that they shouldn’t have to experience.
Remember how I shared at the end of last year that I was forgoing Goodreads and a posting a public reading list at my blog as a way to rediscover some reading joy?
It has been a gift to be reading privately and reading what I feel like to read. Here’s to finding your rhythm again, friend!
Lovely post, Donalyn. You’re not alone. We’ve all stood in these same shoes. It is possible to have too much of a good thing–even reading. I find that when I read because I feel I *have* to, or if I read too many books with a critical eye, I become quite jaded. Read what you want, when you want. You are an Olympian-level reader, and Olympians need a recovery period from time to time. Take one. No shame.
Oh my! I just mentioned to my husband that this is the first break (I am just finishing my Easter vacation.) that I haven’t read a book in quite a long time. I HAVE been sitting in front of the TV, though. Something must be going around. I still have a long list of books to buy and a stack of stuff to read, it’s just that neither the list or the stack is getting smaller at the moment. I’m not upset about it, it’s just weird. I’m sure it’ll wear off. It’s comforting to know that even The Book Whisperer takes a break once in a while. It makes me feel like I’m in good company. Thanks for putting words to my thoughts.
Thank you to everyone who has posted. Yesterday, I was sitting with the group of Moms at basketball who were talking about the Adult books they were reading. SIGH! I even said to them that I would have to get their suggestions for this summer…BUT… after reading your posts, I realize I have put my Joanne Fluke/Nora Roberts/Kate Morton on hold to read YA Lit to make suggestions for my students. The Secret Keeper by Kate Morton awaits tonight… kinda profound title based on Donalyn’s post!
Donalyn – I understand your slump and the switch to books for 4th graders is huge. It takes time to see what this age child needs or wants. They are just blooming into the deep book reading stage. They are discovering books on their own and finding the desire to go off and read alone. Fourth grade is that year of pushing gentle into the longer chapter books and the deeper thinking. This I do by often leaving books around the room and reading aloud the harder more critical thinking books.
Note to your slump in reading – when reading for 4th graders it is important to take time to read for yourself. You must do for your self what you are providing for your students. You will find yourself reading lots of “easy” books and you need to dive deep every so often to keep your reading self stimulated. So my goal is to be sure every month I have one really good “adult” book that I am reading and I share that with my classroom as well. I talk about the shift I have to make from the easy books to the adult read. The challenge it gives me and how I find the challenge fun and stimulating.
Find that book that pushes your thinking and your will find the end to your slump! 🙂
Donalyn, I sure know how you feel! Do you think you are in the right grade level, if those 4th grade books don’t really interest you? I LOVE middle grade and YA books. Maybe you should go back to your first love – middle school – we need you! Diane M
That’s such a good point. I also like middle grade stuff and LOVE YA, but have a hard time getting into the upper-elementary stuff. I feel like I’m in just the right place at a 7th-9th junior high!
This entry was so liberating for me. I am currently in a slump, and feel as though I am spinning my wheels. Seeing that it is STAAR time for my 8th grade readers, my mind has been in another place. I even admitted to my students that I did not read anything new over spring break. I felt as though I had let them down. Now, I realize that “this too shall pass”. I will read again. I will crave a book again, and I will share new titles with my hungry readers once more.
Oh, Donalyn, if you read the post I made last week, you may already surmise how much your post today offers hope. I was in a reading slump (for fiction, anyway) all of my life up until about a year and a half ago. It’s good to know you’re human! Thank you for being transparent. By the way, I’m a fourth grade teacher, and I haven’t read more than one Geronimo Stilton book, and I can’t even remember it. Fortunately for me, my kids aren’t into him either…
We love you Donalyn! Pamper yourself!! I would say you need a break! Go get a massage or do something enjoyable just for YOU!! 🙂 Your friends aren’t going anywhere and the books will always be there too. You can relax my friend! We are here for you.
Thank you, Niki. I am overwhelmed with how much support I received from this post. I am glad that we all can share our reading slumps openly. We must live transparent reading lives in order to grow and learn from each other!
I’ve had times when I’ve read more or less, but my only major reading slump was a few summers ago. As a teacher-librarian, I always look forward to summer as a time of so much reading — catching up on award winners, recommendations from students and friends, all the stuff I just didn’t have time for during the school year. But that summer, despite ample time to go to the gym and hang with friends and do the lawn work and post on twitter AND read, I just wasn’t reading. It was weird, and it definitely freaked me out a little bit. LITTLE BROTHER by Cory Doctorow was the book that brought me back.
For the past few months, I’ve been going through a manic reading phase. I’ve always loved to read, I’ve always read a lot, but I’ve never been a reader like you who can read a book a day, or even a couple a week. But lately, I’m reading like crazy! I’m not sure I’ve read this much this consistently since I was in my 20s (and that was a while ago).
You’ll be back in the zone when the time is right. Meanwhile, enjoy the luxury of other pleasures!
I have TOTALLY been in a reading slump lately! I know the feeling! It feels awkward and gives you guilt. I figure it will pass eventually. Glad to know I am not alone!
I often feel pressured to read certain titles recommended by my colleagues… Titles that don’t really interest me. It’s nice to hear that other avid readers struggle with this. I too have been falling asleep to TV lately rather than a book, but I think the upcoming summer break will give me the freedom I need to read what I want again. Thanks, Donalyn!
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Donalyn, I too went through a reading slump recently. Like you, I am known by those around me for my voracious reading habits. I am not ME if I am not in the middle if several different books. However, late last summer I suffered from a detached retina. Following surgery, reading was difficult and a constant, frightening reminder that my vision was not what it had been. I also jumped into a new role as the principal of a k-5 bldg and suddenly, time was non-existent. Like you , it almost felt like an indulgence to read when I had so many important things that needed to be done. Even professional books , which I traditionally devour and the re-read, seemed just too much. Looking back it seems like it was all part of the grieving process- exactly what I was grieving over- loss of vision? my identity as a teacher?- I am not sure. I just know that reading didn’t make me happy anymore and yet NOT reading wasn’t me, either. I gave myself permission to step back and just BE- and I am glad that I did. Just recently, the desire- the urge- to read has returned. I devoured The False Prince and the Runaway King in a weekend. Read How to Eat a Cupcake over the course of a few evenings and enjoyed the sheer indulgence if doing so instead of the article on RtI that I need to read. I know this is a long winded response, but your post just resonated with me. Know that you are not alone- and that it us okay to choose not go read. When you come back to it- and I gave no doubt that you will- you will be a stronger reader for the absence. Thank you, once again, for sharing your thoughts and fears with us-your readers AND your friends
Leah
Yes. I realized this when I went to blog about my spring break reading list and realized many of the books on my list were on last year’s reading list, and my summer reading list, and my winter holiday break… It makes me feel so better to know that even you go through these slumps. I have found, too, that the more I write, the less I read. Taking a break from words is such a great way to put it. Thanks so much for sharing this, Donalyn!
Although I’m not glad to hear that you are experiencing a slump, I am relieved to know that I’m not alone. I’m on a reading high now, but lately have wondered how long it will last. My two biggest passions are reading & knitting. People have very high expectations of you when you are seen as an expert knitter.It used to be an either/or situation, and I would sometimes long to do one when I had to do the other. A classic problem. Then along came audiobooks. I can now indulge both habits. Maybe you can leave off print for a bit, do something else just for you, and listen to a book while someone else does the reading.
I have struggled with this same issue this winter. Winter is usually my best reading time. I am starting to develop a theory that my digitazation has contributed to this problem. The time I ususally spent reading, I am now spending reading blogs, following tweets, sharing book lists and downloading books I never get to.
I now carry my Ipad with me all the time instead of a book. Granted the Ipad has books galore on it, but I seem to develop a severe case of attention deficit whenever I open an e-book. Truth is, though, that I still plow through twice as many books as anyone around me. I am sure this is true for you too,. A slump to us is at worst, a drought, but never a complete extinction. For the rest of us, Donalyn’s writing means a light at the end of our reading slump tunnel. Can’t wait!!
Hah, I love that you end by asking if anyone else is feeling that way and there are 93 responses to that as I type. I have had a reading slump for years that finally ended (sort of) a few weeks ago when I finally picked up a book that I absolutely could not put down. The kind of book that drew me to it instead of the TV shows I wanted to watch or the other distractions, that made me want to read over write. Otherwise, I find myself more often than not struggling to keep myself engaged, and it’s only the rare book that makes me feel otherwise. As a writer this makes me feel terrible, as I know that I can, in no way, do better than that — that my own books might not hold my undivided interest either. I can only imagine that, if instead of the luxury to put down most the books I want, not read past the first ten pages if it’s not grabbing me, I felt a responsibility to finish (and sometimes I have this when reading for friends, etc.) it becomes a total chore. Anyway, I’m rambling, but I loved this post, Donalyn, and loved seeing that Readers Bill of Rights. Never saw it before. It’s a good one. And I think a great thing for a reading teacher to feel what you are feeling and know that it doesn’t mean one isn’t a reader, it just means that the stuff isn’t, for whatever reason, grabbing you right now. What a gift to GET THAT on behalf of your students when it happens to them.
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Don’t despair, Donalyn! You are obviously not alone. I loved the post but the myriad of comments is even more telling!!! We define ourselves as readers so what does that mean if we are not ‘reading’? I love the fact that one poster pointed out that you are still reading, blogs, articles, snippets here and there, backs of cereal boxes, doesn’t really matter, does it. I have felt much guilt lately as I have started at least 6 books that I know I should read and will enjoy but it is just not the right time for that book for me. I despair that I went through my bag of 12 books from the library and could not settle on one that spoke to me. My first thought is what is wrong with me! After reflecting on these comments from so many readers I respect, I can say with relief, I am still a reader and when the right book and the right time collide, don’t bother me, I’ll be reading 🙂
Reblogged this on Book Expectations.
If you are reading all the comments here, that qualifies as reading, right? Lately, I have discovered this wonderful world of bloggers and I spend so much time reading blogs, I don’t have time to read books. Everyone knows you are the book whisperer, so this can’t last for long, but the comfort factor here is great. I love to read about writers who struggle with writing too. We are all human and once in a while it’s OK to be not so passionate about your passion. Thanks for your honesty and showing all of us your human side.
I can totally relate. At times I read so much for my eighth grade English students that I get burned out. What I do at those times is pick up a page-turner adult novel. I would suggest Gone Girl, not for its literary value but for the sheer joy of turning a page to find out what happened!!
Dear Donalyn,
Reading your blog, I feel for you. Take heart, you WILL read voraciously again. It sounds like your mental energy is going into learning about 4th graders. They are very different from 6th graders. Maybe you are not reading your favorites, because your mind is telling you to focus all your attention on learning about this very exciting developmental level. On that note, I recommend Guy-Write by Ralph Fletcher. It will get your reading and writing juices flowing and let you have some fun with those fourth grade girls and guys!
Hi Donalyn. I understand what you are going through. I am known as” the reader” at my elementary school and there have been a few summers when I can’t recommend any books because I was in a writing slump. I have been there for 33 years. What did I do? I know it is drastic, but I dropped out of my book club and I stopped reviewing books for a website. I needed not to have any assigned reading. I needed to read what I wanted to read, not what someone else wanted me to read. I also feel it is natural to slow down on any activity that you love because you are just plain tired. As for the nature of 4th grade reading books, I teach 5th grade, and I will tell you that 2nd to 4th grade literature is just hard to get through. Oh, you will always find some gems, but on the whole, boring. I read one Geronimo Stilton book, I refuse to read any more, but I do recommend them. I have about 5 kids in my room that read books that I like and I give them a lot of books to keep them busy. The others I don’t neglect, but I just skim those books. I just can’t justify my time reading all of the Wimpy Kid books, all of the Junie B. Jones books, or all of the Dork Diaries. I do recommend all of the Beverly Cleary books, all of the Dahl books etc. My class has been reading up a storm though. Just give yourself a break. Happy writing and reading.
When I am in a reading slump I find audiobooks can be a lifeline. I listen at times I can’t hold a book and read like while I am driving or doing housework so there is no guilt. Since I am doing something else at the same time the concentration is of a different quality, the consumption of the book has a different flavor, so sometimes it isn’t off-putting even when real reading is unbearable. Sometimes audio books just fill a gap until I find I can sit with a book again but often times the audiobooks will actively lead me back into reading when I find I am enjoying a book but it needs more concentration than I can give it in audio or when I look for a sequel and it is only available in print. Audiobooks used to be hard because the physical medium was so expensive but with the advent of electronic delivery (mp3) lower cost versions are available and many libraries are now embracing the medium with download services and dedicated players.
Audio books have been my salvation. I started listening to motivate myself to get exercise and walk home from work. The next thing I knew, they had invaded my life. I clean house, drive, garden, knit and quilt with a book being read into my head. Sometimes I even walk. I continue to ‘really read’ but not as much as I used to, and like you Denni, when a sequel isn’t available. Mostly I I get mine from the library. I import CDs into my computer and onto my iphone or download them from the library’s overdrive site.
The other day I found Sherman Alexie’s War Dances in print. I picked it up, brought it home and started reading. I loved being able to take time to just read again but am happy with my audio life as well.
Donalyn, does reading the 105 replies to your blog post count as reading? Of course it does! I loved this post. When I’m beginning a new book, I can’t read fiction. Only non-fiction. And preferably magazine articles. I always look forward to the time my new characters are on firm ground so I can lose myself again in others’ wonderful books. Wish I knew you are in Fort Worth. Just did a series of school visits there with the Fort Worth Library Foundation and another school. Would have loved to connect. Can’t wait to read the new book your working on. Sounds great!
The Book Whisperer was a required book for the Children and Adolescent Lit class I teach for Viterbo University in Wisconsin. Everyone really enjoyed your book and are ready to change their thinking about how, when, and where their students will tackle reading. Quite honestly many couldn’t believe the “personal pace and rigor” that you’ve set for yourself. Truly the word “passion” came up over and over when discussing your gifts as an author and teacher. I am guilty quite often of not reading as much as I should, but my job places other demands on me. Two weeks ago I decided I needed to reinvent myself! So, I got a new haircut – it has given me some extra minutes and it’s one thing I feel better about.
We need to give ourselves license to change, let go of some of our obligations, and even say “no” to some tasks that are asked of us! You have been an inspiration to so many people across the globe, Donalyn! Take some time for YOU and do what you need to do! I loved the way you reflected about not feeling ok with what was happening in your reading life; however, the plan that you came up with is a good example for all! The reading bill of rights is a document that I shared with my adult learners as well! Your article validated many things for me! Thanks for your inspiration and honesty!
I have not had the pleasure of reading this book but after reading your blog I will defiantly purchase the book. Thank you for sharing your insights of what you think and how it has effected your life.
This slump occurs for me a couple of times a year . The sample books from publishers pile up on my desk while I am out of the office and it begins to look just like my “to do” pile. My survival technique is to pick up a cooking magazine or cookbook. I read a recipe, I make the recipe, task completed, project enjoyed. Only then, can I go back to the piles and realize I can tackle them one at a time.
Donalyn,
I loved reading your book and read for the 1st time this weekend. You are very inspiring and I have reading goals this summer to help my students find books next year. I feel like I can’t always help them find the best books, because I haven’t read many of the books in my library. Now I am inspired to do so. i was curious though…how many books did you require your 4th graders to read this year? Did they do it? I teach 5th grade and wasn’t sure about the 40 book requirement. What are your thoughts?
Tammy in WY