It really frustrates me that I read so much less than I used to read. I’m pretty sure streaming videos and podcasts are my reason, plus the reduced attention span that comes with cell phones and short videos, and possibly even age. The age part has to do with not having time for things I consider annoying or dumb anymore 
What’s so stupid is there’s a lot of books I want to read, and I generally have some discipline. But somehow, reading has just fallen off my priority list. For instance, I got half way through the Nikki Haley book then just stopped for a week. Some of that was life-interruptions and those happen. But seriously, I can focus better than that!
But clearly I’m not.
I think I’m going to have to set some goals for myself. Well first I need to start a list of books I want to read, then arrange them in categories and then set goals to read X number of non-fiction and fiction books a month. Right now, I’m reading one or two books a months.
But will I do it? Maybe…I mean I really like the idea, but my follow through is a little slim when it comes to reading lately! But I do have a notebook I could use so that’s a start! (yeah, I know, a notebook is old school but that’s how I roll.)
So how’s reading going for you all?
April 30th, 2025 at 6:16 am · Link
I’ve stopped reading books. This coming from a person who could read 4 books a week. It started last year and I just can’t seem to get back to it. I guess I got bored. The stories seem repetitive both in theme and throughout the book. Are authors writing for short attention spans? It seems that everything gets repeated and repeated. Books can be half the number of pages and no content is lost. It’s frustrating. Also, I’m reading a lot of Substacks and news articles – so I’m still reading, my choices just switched. Like you, Jen, I have piles of books to read and just can’t do it.
Best of luck to you getting back to reading. Maybe it’s just the changing seasons and wanting to do something else for a bit.
April 30th, 2025 at 10:13 am · Link
It must be something in the air. I normally read between 200-250 books a year (mainly audio). This year? Yeah, I’m so far behind my challenge. I can’t really pinpoint why. I’m trying to be more proactive and make it a point to listen at the times when I normally do.
Uhm…Jen? By the time you get organized, you won’t have any time left over to read. Just sayin’…
That said, I am currently zipping my way through the new Graphic Audio release of Ilona Andrews’ BURN FOR ME, #1 in their Hidden Legacy series. So far, so good. As you know, I’ve been loving the multi-cast versions of favorite books.
May we all get back on the reading train!
April 30th, 2025 at 10:26 am · Link
You know I haven’t been reading either.
I’m just too tired when I get the chance to read. I love reading but there is too much I have to do.
There is also the computer, social media, and family stuff as well as buying hubs every little item he thinks he needs. I really do miss just sitting down and reading. But with hubs always needing something or just plain talking to me as soon as I pick up the book – I’m done.
I sure hope we all can get back to it soon.
Have a great day!
April 30th, 2025 at 12:52 pm · Link
Carrie, oh good, I’m not alone!! I read a ton online as well. I feel much better reading your comment. Though I’m sorry you’re going through it too.
I can speak from a retired author’s point of view: The pressure to put on as many books as possible is intense. And that impedes creativity and freshness for a lot of us. I was told I should be able to write multiple books in several series in one year’s time. And that put me right into burnout because I felt like I never lived up to my own standard. Other authors can do it and do it well, but I just wasn’t one of them. That may be all me, but that’s one perspective on what you’re seeing in the market.
Hope you’re enjoying the Substacks is something I’m planning to get into soon!
April 30th, 2025 at 12:59 pm · Link
Silver, that’s good to hear because even audiobooks seem to less interesting to me lately. I am listening to podcasts, but a lot of that is related to geopolitical things both Wizard and I are interested in (though we often have different opinions, which makes for more interesting discussions than if we agreed on everything).
LOL! I thought of that too, but I was thinking just searching out the books I’m interested in would motivate me. But I think you’re right.
I do have a question — do they put music and sound effects in the Graphic Audio releases? My hearing doesn’t do well with any background noise, so I wondered about that.
I’m all for us getting back on the reading train, though maybe we just need to accept that the stops are different for us now in the more digitized world.
April 30th, 2025 at 1:02 pm · Link
Viki, I know you’ve struggled with reading too. And you do have additional stresses that create a less than ideal situation to fully concentrate on reading.
Boy those distractions are real. I’m even distracted by looking up a word I’ve read — then getting totally sucked into some rabbit hole and the next thing I know I’ve spent my reading time on my phone.
Hopefully we will all find a happy medium soon!
April 30th, 2025 at 5:00 pm · Link
Jen, That’s a really good explanation about why authors could be restating everything so much – to pump out books in short order. I know I used to wait very impatiently for the next book or book in a series. Now, I just don’t care. Even some of my fav authors can’t get me interested. I’m on chapter 11 book 16 of a 17 book series – been on that chapter since last fall. I think about picking it back up but nothing. Dan Rather is on Substack – he always has good information. A lot of it is free and you can sign up by email so the articles come directly to you and you don’t have to go searching. Best of luck!