Are you in a reading slump?
Tip #4 to help you SNAP OUT OF IT!!!
Well we’ve reached the end of the series. And not to toot my own horn, but thusfar booksandbevs7 has provided you with some solid advice for tackling your bout with the slumps.
Reading outside of the box.
Trying out audiobooks.
Joining a book club.
A sound collection of tips to help you move forward and make reading a permanent staple in your life.
But I would be remiss if I didn’t offer up one last bit of advice. In a lot of ways I think it may be the best advice there is. And it strikes at the heart of why I love reading so very much.
(If you need a reminder of why I love reading, check out “An Ode to Reading” for some background.)
Tip #4: Re-read your favorite novel!!!
My taste in literature begins and ends with James Baldwin.
I remember when I first read Go Tell It On The Mountain. The love and the hate. The secrets and the lies. You witness how victims carry their pain, and sometimes grow to become victimizers themselves.
Oh, the sinfulness of it all.
Yet there is room for redemption. Baldwin creates that space in his writings.
Fire emanates from EVERY…SINGLE…PAGE of Go Tell It On The Mountain. I didn’t realize novels could do that.
So when I want to see myself reflected in the stories of those who came before me. Those who struggled in a hostile world. I turn to Baldwin. And when I’m baffled by the cyclical nature of certain battles. Of history repeating itself. I again turn to Baldwin. He is my literary compass.
Now and always.
Find your compass.
Before I end this post, I must give a quick shout-out to derrickjknight, who has a wonderful blog on wordpress, derrickjknight.com (Ramblings). He has been a loyal follower of booksandbevs7, providing wonderful comments and observations. Blogging can feel lonely sometimes. Like I’m writing just for myself. So it’s nice to have that interaction with people in the community.
And you should most definitely check out his latest post entitled, Spring Drizzle. It’s a lovely slice of life featuring photos of seasonal flora as well as a wine recommendation (which is right up my alley.)
Keep an eye out for more reviews, commentary, and observations from booksandbevs7 in the very near future.
Be well and happy reading!!!
~G
Thank you very much for the shout-out, Ginny, and for this and your other odes to writing.