Do you ever get into a reading slump? I feel like I’ve been in one lately. I put aside one book because I just wasn’t getting into it. I read some old favorites and enjoyed them, but not as much as normal. I tried two books that have been highly praised by people I trust, and I repeatedly became so frustrated that I decided not to finish them right now — I might try again later.

I love reading, but there are many reasons I can become frustrated while doing it. I might dislike the author’s writing style. The typography might bug me, or the binding may hinder my progress. The logic might not work, or the scholarship might be just plain sloppy. Beliefs that are antagonistic toward my own can decrease my enjoyment of reading.

I expect books to be flawed, and most books have many of these factors in some degree or another. It seems like noticing one of these factors makes me more aware of the others. My tolerance isn’t just limited to the actual quality of the books. If I have a headache, bad typography seems amplified. If I’m in a bad mood, I’m less likely to enjoy a book I might otherwise enjoy.

I consider this reading rut to be a problem. When I’m not inclined to read books, I find myself less likely to communicate and less able to communicate well. I find that I spend my time less profitably as I try to get what I normally get out of books from the computer. When I don’t find reading appealing, it is more of a struggle to read Scripture.

I’ve felt frustrated that I haven’t been able to review a book lately on the blog, but I haven’t been able to finish any books (except the Anne books) lately. (I didn’t want to review them, but I’ll probably talk about reading one of them in the next few weeks in my infertility series.)

I’ve tried to focus on what I like about the books. I’ve tried ignoring the things that bother me.

I’ve tried venting my frustrations to Michael, hoping that would get them off my mind.

I’ve tried reading some books just for fun. In theory, having a good reading experience will increase my chances of enjoying the next book.

I’ve tried switching books. Sometimes a different book, author, or genre solves the problem.

I’ve tried going a few days without reading anything but the Bible, thinking perhaps a break would make me appreciate the books more.

I’m running out of things to try. What do you do to get out of your slumps (whether in reading or something else)?