How do you combat 'readers block'? - Page 3

Katsunami · 07-29-2013, 10:30 AM

By which author was your last read? Let's pick the mentioned Terry Pratchett.

Then go here:

http://www.literature-map.com/

Type in "Terry Pratchett" without the quotes. The cloud that appears, shows authors that write in a similar style to Pratchett. Pick one of the authors on the outer edge, so you know it is somewhat similar to Pratchett, but not too much.

Find a book (if it's in a series, obviously the first one) by this author and read it.

I find music in a similar way, TuneGlue:

http://audiomap.tuneglue.net/

Type in your singer/band, and then expand it to find similar ones.

CRussel · 07-29-2013, 12:14 PM

I hit this every once in a while, and my solution is to read something light, but fun, and not the genre I've been reading lately. A good one for me is to pick up a Georgette Heyer. They're absolutely reliable and fun. Or, I read an old favourite. Maybe a Liaden book. Or a Dorothy Sayer. Or a Patrick O'Brian. Something I am sure is good, and that I haven't read in a while.

Catlady · 07-29-2013, 12:57 PM

If I don't feel like reading a book, I simply don't read a book.

Meemo · 07-29-2013, 11:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dr. Drib

If you used calibre, you wouldn't have this problem.

Calibre can choose random reads, as an option.

Don

That's what I do sometimes - I might not go with the first random book it picks for me, but usually I can find something within 2 or 3 tries. It's one of the many great features of Calibre.

beautifulsoup · 07-30-2013, 12:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jgaiser

When I get into reading slumps, I try something light and somewhat mindless. Terry Pratchett usually works for me.

But as Mike says, reading should be for enjoyment. Don't work too hard at it.

For me, it's Robert Rankin.

Rbneader · 07-30-2013, 11:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Katsunami

By which author was your last read? Let's pick the mentioned Terry Pratchett.

Then go here:

http://www.literature-map.com/

Type in "Terry Pratchett" without the quotes. The cloud that appears, shows authors that write in a similar style to Pratchett. Pick one of the authors on the outer edge, so you know it is somewhat similar to Pratchett, but not too much.

Find a book (if it's in a series, obviously the first one) by this author and read it.

I find music in a similar way, TuneGlue:

http://audiomap.tuneglue.net/

Type in your singer/band, and then expand it to find similar ones.

Neat. Thanks for the links, I'll check them out.

alansplace · 07-30-2013, 10:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AnemicOak

...re-read a favorite.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Apache

...read something great again...

Quote:

Originally Posted by gmw

...re-reading favourites...

Quote:

Originally Posted by Laine

...reread a favourite...

Quote:

Originally Posted by vikarti

...re-read old books...

speakingtohe · 07-31-2013, 06:43 PM

Some people dislike rereading or re watching. Being one of those, I am lucky there are so many books in the world

Helen

4691mls · 07-31-2013, 09:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Catlady

If I don't feel like reading a book, I simply don't read a book.

Yes - nothing wrong with taking a break.

But if you really want to read something, I suggest finding something that is in contrast to what you've been reading. For example, I read a lot of mysteries. If I've been reading a lot of fast-paced thrillers, I'll switch to a nice cozy mystery (or vice versa).

DrNefario · 08-01-2013, 08:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by speakingtohe

Some people dislike rereading or re watching. Being one of those, I am lucky there are so many books in the world

In my case, it's not that I dislike rereading, it's just that there's so much stuff I want to read that I don't see how I can possibly fit it in.

jennlynn · 08-01-2013, 12:12 PM

I keep a list of books I have and want to read - along with a few words to refresh my memory of what they're about. I also keep a list of books I'd like to get and may treat myself to a new one. A browse in a bookstore or library (or their online sites) is usually pretty inspirational too.

Darth_Bane · 08-02-2013, 01:07 PM

My way of getting out of a reading slump is to buy a new eReader. While not the most logical solution to a problem, getting a shiny new gadget with neat new features always works for me.

I normally average about 2 books per month, but lately, I haven't finished a book since end of May . . . time to upgrade to a Kobo Glo

Mel- · 08-03-2013, 03:56 PM

I rarely have a readers block, but when I feel like I'm in a reading slump I tend to pick up an old favorite book

speakingtohe · 08-03-2013, 08:00 PM

Yesterday I read The Seal of Solomon by Rick Yancey. Juvenile action/fantasy/adventure.
Well written IMO, interesting and action packed. You won't learn much from this book, except how the juvenile (15 year old) mind actually thinks in case you have forgotten, but if you like this kind of thing at all you will enjoy it quite a bit.

Helen

yue · 08-03-2013, 09:07 PM

I don't believe in any such thing as a reader's block - one either wants to read, or doesn't. You shouldn't be forcing a hobby. Just occupy yourself with something else for a while, and sure enough, you'll find yourself picking up a book without thought as soon as you're in the mood to keep reading.

08-01-2013, 12:12 PM	#41
jennlynn Junior Member Posts: 3 Karma: 5132 Join Date: Mar 2013 Location: Montreal Device: Sony PRS-T1	List Making I keep a list of books I have and want to read - along with a few words to refresh my memory of what they're about. I also keep a list of books I'd like to get and may treat myself to a new one. A browse in a bookstore or library (or their online sites) is usually pretty inspirational too.

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07-29-2013, 10:30 AM	#31
Katsunami Grand Sorcerer Posts: 6,111 Karma: 34000001 Join Date: Mar 2008 Device: KPW1, KA1	By which author was your last read? Let's pick the mentioned Terry Pratchett. Then go here: http://www.literature-map.com/ Type in "Terry Pratchett" without the quotes. The cloud that appears, shows authors that write in a similar style to Pratchett. Pick one of the authors on the outer edge, so you know it is somewhat similar to Pratchett, but not too much. Find a book (if it's in a series, obviously the first one) by this author and read it. I find music in a similar way, TuneGlue: http://audiomap.tuneglue.net/ Type in your singer/band, and then expand it to find similar ones.

07-29-2013, 12:14 PM	#32
CRussel (he/him/his) Posts: 12,296 Karma: 80074820 Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Sunshine Coast, BC Device: Oasis (Gen3),Paperwhite (Gen10), Voyage, Paperwhite(orig), iPad Air M3	I hit this every once in a while, and my solution is to read something light, but fun, and not the genre I've been reading lately. A good one for me is to pick up a Georgette Heyer. They're absolutely reliable and fun. Or, I read an old favourite. Maybe a Liaden book. Or a Dorothy Sayer. Or a Patrick O'Brian. Something I am sure is good, and that I haven't read in a while.

07-29-2013, 12:57 PM	#33
Catlady Grand Sorcerer Posts: 7,418 Karma: 52613881 Join Date: Oct 2010 Device: Kindle Fire, Kindle Paperwhite, AGPTek Bluetooth Clip	If I don't feel like reading a book, I simply don't read a book.

07-31-2013, 06:43 PM	#38
speakingtohe Wizard Posts: 4,812 Karma: 26912940 Join Date: Apr 2010 Device: sony PRS-T1 and T3, Kobo Mini and Aura HD, Tablet	Some people dislike rereading or re watching. Being one of those, I am lucky there are so many books in the world Helen

08-02-2013, 01:07 PM	#42
Darth_Bane Dark Lord of the Sith Posts: 60 Karma: 95334 Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: A Galaxy Far Far Away Device: Sony PRS-505 and PRS-300, Kobo Wifi, Touch and Mini, Kindle 4NT	My way of getting out of a reading slump is to buy a new eReader. While not the most logical solution to a problem, getting a shiny new gadget with neat new features always works for me. I normally average about 2 books per month, but lately, I haven't finished a book since end of May . . . time to upgrade to a Kobo Glo

08-03-2013, 03:56 PM	#43
Mel- Member Posts: 15 Karma: 8300 Join Date: Jul 2013 Device: Kobo Glo	I rarely have a readers block, but when I feel like I'm in a reading slump I tend to pick up an old favorite book

08-03-2013, 08:00 PM	#44
speakingtohe Wizard Posts: 4,812 Karma: 26912940 Join Date: Apr 2010 Device: sony PRS-T1 and T3, Kobo Mini and Aura HD, Tablet	Yesterday I read The Seal of Solomon by Rick Yancey. Juvenile action/fantasy/adventure. Well written IMO, interesting and action packed. You won't learn much from this book, except how the juvenile (15 year old) mind actually thinks in case you have forgotten, but if you like this kind of thing at all you will enjoy it quite a bit. Helen

08-03-2013, 09:07 PM	#45
yue Junior Member Posts: 7 Karma: 10 Join Date: Jul 2013 Device: Kobo Aura HD [Onyx]	I don't believe in any such thing as a reader's block - one either wants to read, or doesn't. You shouldn't be forcing a hobby. Just occupy yourself with something else for a while, and sure enough, you'll find yourself picking up a book without thought as soon as you're in the mood to keep reading.