What can I do

[bentleydrummle]

I'm usually a big reader, 40- 60 books a year, serious, literary stuff. I started a new promoted role in September and haven't read a book since. Even audio books I have lost interest in. I can't figure out what it is that has put me in this rut. My work is not that much more demanding in terms of time but head space wise it has taken some adjusting to. So maybe it's that. I do have a busy life and have dcs age 10 and 8 but that hasn't stopped me before.

I hate that I'm not reading anything. I feel not myself because it's part of who I am. I feel restless and guilty about it. How do I get out of the rut?? Has this happened to anyone else?

Have you tried doing some 'easy' reading that doesn't require a big investment of time or energy so short stories, graphic novels, or poetry?

Don't feel guilty! It's not worth trying to force yourself to enjoy reading if you're not into it atm. I agree with trying short stories or poetry instead- or even music.

I can relate to how you feel about losing your identity by not reading. Whilst you are getting used to your new role might serious, literary books be a bit too much? Have you thought about re- reading a book or an author you have enjoyed in the past? Or perhaps a change of pace? P.G Wodehouse, Nancy Mitford, Bill Bryson? I hope you find a way forward soon.

Have you read a book and put it down because you don’t fancy it? If so, don’t consider this a failure. You don’t have to like a book.

Maybe re-read old favourites.

I am an avid reader but I do go through periods when I can't focus; just general life stresses and being exhausted.
At those times I go for easy reads, Jill Cooper or Agatha Christie are my favourites, something comfortable and soothing and untaxing on the brain. That seems to help.

Whenever this happens to me I do a reread of an old favourite. It’s comforting and makes me feel relaxed and then encourages me to read more.

Yes I've tried the new Rose Tremain who I love and given up, and a non fiction one by Sarah Gilbert and another woman re the vaccine, as sometimes non fiction can get me out of a rut but dnf that too. I think you are right re something easy. It would usually be a crime eg rebus but I've read them all!

I started the Heathcliff Lennox series recently.by Karen Baugh Menuhin and finding those a good yarn and unchallenging. A bit Dowton Abbey x crime fiction.

This happened to me last year and it was so odd! I spent about a year reading non-fiction and just couldn't get back into fiction, it all felt so frivolous and I kept seeing the same old tropes again and again.

Kindle Unlimited helped, because I could try loads of books for free, and eventually a few grabbed me, and I'm now back to a few books a week.

If crime usually works for you, have you tried any of the Montalbano books?

Sorry, posted too soon.

I'm assuming that you've read all of the Jackson Brodie novels?

Yes, read and loved all Jackson Brodie

Will try montalbano

I read the first two crime ones by Ambrose Parry about medicine in Victorian Edinburgh but couldn't get into the third which Is weird and it is easy and my go to sort of thing

@JaninaDuszejko

Have you tried doing some 'easy' reading that doesn't require a big investment of time or energy so short stories, graphic novels, or poetry?

Not just "easy" in terms of length - personally, I doubt anyone turns to poetry if they can't face a novel - but novels with colloquial modern language and plots more for thrills or comedy.

personally, I doubt anyone turns to poetry if they can't face a novel

I do actually which is why I suggested it. A poem a day is more achievable than a chapter a day if you've not much time or headspace to devote to reading and is more bang for your buck than a novel so could be just the ticket for some readers. But not for others who might prefer other suggestions on this thread. All suggestions are good.

Me too!

I do too!

Walt Whitman
Ted Hughes' Birthday Letters is excellent

I've had this a few times in my life, especially when I've had big life-changing events that were taking up a lot of time, energy or emotion. A couple of things that have helped me get back into reading:

Children's books - especially ones I loved as a child.

Play scripts - they tend to be quick reads as they're just dialogue, but you still get a gripping story and characters to get absorbed in.

I had this issue for a while and got back into reading by changing the genre completely. I found non-fiction to work for me - Hello World by Hannah Fry was great.

Once I got back into the habit I found it easier to get back into the sort of books I'd read previously

Maybe get your eyes tested. Are you doing more screen based work than you used to? X

Lots of good suggestions here. I have a few go to authors when I’m in a rut that don’t require a great deal of effort and just commit to reading at bedtime. Short chapters are key for me when feeling this way.

Writers i turn to

Catherine Cookson
Agatha Christie
Santa Montefiore