When I get reader’s block I read something that doesn’t ask too much of me. A book I’ve read before, and recently. A fast-paced thriller that makes no demands save to gasp at the endless twists and turns. A children’s book. And usually the ‘block’ passes after that.
I have no idea whether we share similar tastes, but here are some thoughts:
- My go-to is P.D. James as a sort of "palate cleanser" - I love her use of language, the mysteries are always intriguing.
- For classic reading, why not try a short story? I just finished An International Episode by Henry James, and am reading The Haunted Man by Dickens
- The "newest" novel I read was All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr, as well as my husband's Exogenesis (in case you are into dystopian sci-fi a la Brave New World).
- For non-fiction I can recommend "Weapons of Mass Instruction" by Gatto and Stolen Focus by Johann Hari.
These days, if I have Reader's Block, I pick up some middle grade novel I didn't make it to as a child. It's quick and usually satisfying and, like Ruth said, doesn't ask too much of me. But there I've gone and finished the book in a day or two and am feeling back in the groove.
When I hit a bad patch of reader's block, I go for something with a strong plot and clear style that will carry me along. Captain Blood and Scaramouche, both by Rafael Sabatini, are great swashbucklers set in different milieus. Since you're focusing on the Middle Ages this year, The Long Ships, by Grand Bengtssen, and The Half-Drowned King, by Linnea Hartsuyker, are both very fun (and very different) Viking tales.
These are such great suggestions, particularly because I have never heard of any of them (which now I look them up I realise is quite an oversight). I love the idea of a Viking story. Thank you!
I just realized I made two (!) typos in the author of The Long Ships: it's Frans Bengtsson. All three of those authors are relatively recent discoveries for me, and I'm looking forward to future re-reads.
I get reader's block from time to time too, and usually follow the same path Ruth suggested - something I've read before and know I like, or something I expect nothing of that also demands little of me. Children's fairy tales or mythologies are usually fun, something like 'The Little Prince' even, or a graphic novel that gets me reading but isn't super dense.
I’d love to recommend a book, but it would help to know more about your preferences: is there a genre/author/subject you really enjoy? Any types of books you don’t like at all?
I’d love to hear your recommendations! I can’t cope with anything scary or traumatic and I’m not usually into magic or fantasy. I love Little House, and usually love novels by women written between the wars. I like a good classic but I think in my present mood I feel like a classic might be too demanding. I love Amor Towles. If he’d only hurry up and publish his new book my problem would be solved!
When I get reader’s block I read something that doesn’t ask too much of me. A book I’ve read before, and recently. A fast-paced thriller that makes no demands save to gasp at the endless twists and turns. A children’s book. And usually the ‘block’ passes after that.
I’m so pleased I’m not the only one to have this problem! That’s a great idea. We have a whole shelf of detective fiction I could try.
I have no idea whether we share similar tastes, but here are some thoughts:
- My go-to is P.D. James as a sort of "palate cleanser" - I love her use of language, the mysteries are always intriguing.
- For classic reading, why not try a short story? I just finished An International Episode by Henry James, and am reading The Haunted Man by Dickens
- The "newest" novel I read was All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr, as well as my husband's Exogenesis (in case you are into dystopian sci-fi a la Brave New World).
- For non-fiction I can recommend "Weapons of Mass Instruction" by Gatto and Stolen Focus by Johann Hari.
All the best in overcoming your block :)
Thank you so much Ruth, I knew you’d have some good suggestions!
These days, if I have Reader's Block, I pick up some middle grade novel I didn't make it to as a child. It's quick and usually satisfying and, like Ruth said, doesn't ask too much of me. But there I've gone and finished the book in a day or two and am feeling back in the groove.
When I hit a bad patch of reader's block, I go for something with a strong plot and clear style that will carry me along. Captain Blood and Scaramouche, both by Rafael Sabatini, are great swashbucklers set in different milieus. Since you're focusing on the Middle Ages this year, The Long Ships, by Grand Bengtssen, and The Half-Drowned King, by Linnea Hartsuyker, are both very fun (and very different) Viking tales.
These are such great suggestions, particularly because I have never heard of any of them (which now I look them up I realise is quite an oversight). I love the idea of a Viking story. Thank you!
I just realized I made two (!) typos in the author of The Long Ships: it's Frans Bengtsson. All three of those authors are relatively recent discoveries for me, and I'm looking forward to future re-reads.
I bought a beautiful copy of Robin Waterfield's Meditations at that exact same bookstore!
Ah! It is such a beautiful shop. A temple to books.
Well said!!
I get reader's block from time to time too, and usually follow the same path Ruth suggested - something I've read before and know I like, or something I expect nothing of that also demands little of me. Children's fairy tales or mythologies are usually fun, something like 'The Little Prince' even, or a graphic novel that gets me reading but isn't super dense.
I’d love to recommend a book, but it would help to know more about your preferences: is there a genre/author/subject you really enjoy? Any types of books you don’t like at all?
I’d love to hear your recommendations! I can’t cope with anything scary or traumatic and I’m not usually into magic or fantasy. I love Little House, and usually love novels by women written between the wars. I like a good classic but I think in my present mood I feel like a classic might be too demanding. I love Amor Towles. If he’d only hurry up and publish his new book my problem would be solved!
Do you like a good classic detective novel? Agatha Christie??
Yes usually. I may have read all the Christies but I’m open to re-reads as per Ruth’s comment!
“The Blue Castle” by L.M. Montgomery is wonderful. Also, “Rebecca” by Daphne du Maurier which is just a touch of mystery/a more modern gothic novel.
I have been meaning to read du Maurier for *years*. Thank you for the excellent reminder. I think I might finally get to it before the end of 2023.
Love L.M Montgomery, and have My Cousin Rachel by du Maurier in my book bag just now :)