Amygdalia's Blog

In a book funk

There are times when I just cannot get myself to enjoy reading a book. I sometimes wonder whether it’s the book, or me. There are definitely times when I know it’s the book – stories that I don’t care for, writing styles that turn me off. But then there are other times when I wonder whether I would enjoy a particular story, if I were in a different frame of mine. I have about 20 books on my shelf, partly read and bookmarked, in the hopes that someday I will care to go back and finish them. The ones I loathe I just get rid of. Why leave them around to accidentally pick up again another time?

But I’ve had the same book sitting on my night table since the end of November. I pick it up occasionally, and read a chapter. Meh. Is it me, or is it the book? *shrugs* I can’t tell with this one.

I hate it when I get into a reading funk. Reading is an escape for me, and when I cannot bring myself to enjoy something, my funk deepens.

On occasion, I have to read them anyway because they’re for book group. Every once in a while I can’t bring myself to finish reading a book club book. They’re often not quite my cup of tea. And yet, I stay with the group because I enjoy the discussions (even if I don’t enjoy all of the books) and I adore the other women in the group.

But what to do when I just feel like I ought to be enjoying a book, and I’m not? Put it aside and pick up something else? I’m about ready to do that. I have this month’s book club selection, and I should probably read it (I’m hosting this month).

Yes, I think it’s time to put aside that supposedly light and fluffy romance and pick up something else. Hopefully my book funk will fade.