Pretty much exactly a year ago my weary mind lost its reading mojo again - in my world it's always a bad sign to loose the reading (or writing) mojo, because it's something so essential me, the devouring of books, words and thoughts. And the last time I lost it I was in a very dark place, so when I found my way back to reading again then I knew life and things were on the right track finally - and since then I've only managed to read a page here a page there, the lack of gusto has so very obvious not been there.
I have a little pile of books I finished reading 1-2 years ago that I've been meaning to write a few words on, needless to say my views on the respective book aren't fresh in mind anymore, but I remember the liking or not so I think I'll write a few words one day soon anyway. Seems like a little planned project it would be nice to finally get done; a blogpost with "recent" book likes and dislikes.
This summer I did finish a wee book - in every sense - it was a lovely little read, but sadly it didn't do anything for my general reading mojo.
When I was still in my natural habit of devouring book I also couldn't help myself with the buying of new books, the piles of books beside my bed were evergrowing. But since a year ago I've only picked up the odd charity shop book, not bought anything new. Most of those charity shop books have of course not been for my own (lost) reading pleasure but for the Bookcrossing commitment. Which I thoroughly enjoy and if you haven't tried it yet you really should.
The non-read books in piles no longer reside in bedroom, but in drawers and bookshelves. One day (soon!) I hope to be devouring them as they should be devoured again. I want to look a bookshelf and feel utter happiness about the fact that I've actually read and enjoyed reading those books standing in a row there. It doesn't even have to be a snazzy lavender bookshelf.
The three books above are recent purchases. Two of them, by Barbara Ehrenreich, are mainly for inspiration for own projects - but admittedly I'm just not in that place in my life right now when I'm able to commit to such writing projects. For peace of mind and balance I need sweet, harmless feelgood writing in the style of bobbaloos... - The Gargoyle by Andrew Davidson is an old recommendation, I hope it'll be a good read. A mojo arousing one. Gargoyles really ought to be good for that purpose too.
~ Do you ever lose your reading mojo?
~ If so, do you have any special methods to get it back or do you just wait?
~ Perhaps any special books that you know always help you back on the reading track again?
~ And even if I'm far from back on that track again, when I am, do you have any recently read books, or old favourites for that matter, that you recommend?
I always *try* to read through the Harry Potter series every winter. I haven't been successful as I still haven't read the latest two books (threatening death by guillotine to anyone who discusses spoilers within my earshot!!)
ReplyDeleteI was recently on a long driving trip across country and I picked up the audio version of "The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo." I enjoyed it so much, that I bought the 3 book series as soon as I got home, and am currently reading the second one.
As for classics that I try to read yearly: Pride and Prejudice...The Old Man and the Sea...Sula-Toni Morrison...Great Expectations...to name a few. These always help reinvigorate my taste for newer material.
Books have been my good friends for as long as I can remember, and I know exactly what you mean when you say you can "devour" a book. I hope you find your reading mojo soon. :)
I don't know why, but this year I have no energy for nothing, not only for reading. It will be great if I have read 5 books to the end of the year. Like you, interesting books waiting me. Fortunately this summer my sister convinced me to read
ReplyDeleteBlanca como la nieve, roja como la sangre / White As Snow, Red As Blood by Alessandro D'avenia
The characters are not my type, but I like things that makes me feel and reason!
I have never exactly lost my yen to read, but sometimes I can only reread - am not up to anything/anybody new. I really, really hope for you that your lust for reading returns. Soon.
ReplyDeleteI've lost the desire to read at times.
ReplyDeleteOne of the things that always rekindles the desire for me is reading British poetry from the Romantic period (Wordsworth, Blake, Coleridge, Robert Browning). They refresh my heart and make me excited to read.
You know what story I often think of during these times? John Stuart Mill, a British philosopher in the Victorian period, was a brilliant man. His father was always pushing him to learn (seriously, he controlled his son's education with an iron fist) when he was young. In his early adult years, Mill had a serious mental breakdown, and the only thing that saved him was reading the British Romantic era poets.
Its been a while since i got my head into a good book, I find it quite hard these days to be honest.
ReplyDeleteBy the way I made some Sea Salt Chocolate Muffins - all your fault...
:) In a good way though.
Hi chick,
ReplyDeleteI lose my reading mojo all the time. Sometimes it is just the things that are happening in my life, or the type of books I am choosing, often they are a bit tedious.
Recently I have enjoyed Michelle Morans books, especially the Egyptian ones. Mistress of Rome by Kate Quinn was good escapism, and I enjoyed The White Garden by Stephanie Barron. I have just bought When We have Wings by Claire Corbett, which has good reviews on Goodreads.
Good luck Pia, I am sure you will find some good books. I get most of mine from the local library, so if I don't like them I just send them back.
Julie Q