Breaking out of a Reading Slump

I read a lot. You might think that is obvious, but sometimes it needs to be said. My to be read lists and piles are monstrous, and I am also getting recommendations or seeing covers that just demand that I start reading now. That being said, I sometimes get stuck in a serious reading slump. This is when i just cannot get into a book, even one that I know I would normally enjoy, and just keep focusing my attention on other things. The worst time for this to happen (like right now) is when I have just taken inventory of everything I want or need to read and made the attempt to prioritize them.

Have you had this happen to you? It happens to me once and awhile, and I am never happy when it does. However, there are many ways to break out of a reading slump, and some work every time while others are more hit or miss for me. Please share your methods for breaking out of the slump with all of us in the comment section. I cannot be the only one this happens to right?

1. Switch reading materials. After reading a small group of books by the same author, in the same series, or that are similar in genre or format sometimes it gets to be boring, even if I know that if I picked the book fresh I would not be bored at all. I have this problem the most after binge reading a series or newly discovered author. Jumping to something completely different often helps mer get excited about my reading again.

2. Re-read a favorite or tackle a classic you have been meaning to read. When I get in a slump and cannot seem to shake it I often go back and re-read Harry Potter, To Kill a Mockingbird, or The Princess Bride. This might be the perfect time to tackle what ever book you have always wanted to read and just never got around to. 

3. Tackle a craft or new recipe. I find that picking up a non fiction book about how to do something or full up with interesting ideas that I might want to try gets me reading, even if it is for only a targeted chapter or instruction. When I need to take a reading break and nothing else has been able to catch my interest trying out a new crochet pattern or reading up on my gardening or crafting interests will get me back into the swing of things and feeling productive again.

4. Read to someone else, or listen to an audiobook. Sometimes even audiobooks do not interest me, but usually listening to a well done audio book with break my slump. It does not always happen, like just a month or so ago I was listening to an audiobook that is part of one of my favorite fluffy romance series, and I just had to shut it off. I still have not gone back to it. However, reading to my children and listening to their audiobook in the car certainly helps. 

5. Wait it out. This is never really an option for me, but sometimes it might be the best one. A little DVD binge watching, taking some time to catch up on yard work, taking a hike or drive, or what ever does have your interest at the time. Sometimes those activities will trigger a desire to read more about something you have seen, need to know, or just want to explore further. 

Book Review: Book Scavenger by Jennifer Chambliss Bertman

Book Scavenger is a middle grade novel by Jennifer Chambliss Bertman. For twelve-year-old Emily, the best thing about moving to San Francisco is that it’s the home city of her literary idol: Garrison Griswold, book publisher and creator of the online sensation Book Scavenger (a game where books are hidden in cities all over the country and clues to find them are revealed through puzzles). Upon her arrival, however, Emily learns that Griswold has been attacked and is now in a coma, and no one knows anything about the epic new game he had been poised to launch. Then Emily and her new friend James discover an odd book, which they come to believe is from Griswold himself, and might contain the only copy of his mysterious new game.Emily and James rush from clue to clue, desperate to figure out the secret at the heart of Griswold’s new game before those who attacked Griswold come after them too. 

Book Scavenger is a book that combines the coming of age theme of changing schools and moving with a mystery and code breaking skills. Emily and her family moves around regularly, and at 12, Emily is starting to wish she could lay down roots and stay in one place for awhile. Meanwhile, her idol has been attacked and his next big game has been accidentally launched early, and Emily is working hard with her new friend James and her older brother Matthew to solve the clues and find the prize before the people searching for the original clue and final prize catch up to them and take what they want. The story covers a lot of ground and has something for every type of reader. There is a mystery to solve, codes to break, history to learn, and some great kids trying to find their place in the world. Each of the main players is multi dimensional and believable. I just wish I had the time to take part in a game like Book Scavenger, if only it really existed. 

Book Scavenger is a great middle grade novel for a variety of readers. It is fast paced and will appeal to mystery lovers, history buffs, and those that love a good character driven story.

Book Review: Nerdy Birdy by Aaron Reynolds and Matt Davies

Nerdy Birdy is a picturebook written by Aaron Reynolds and illustrated by Matt Davies. Nerdy Birdy likes reading, video games, and reading about video games, which immediately disqualifies him for membership in the cool crowd. The cool birds are the eagle, robin, cardinal, and so on. The good looking and athletic birds, and Nerdy Birdy just does not fit in. When he's at his lowest point, Nerdy Birdy meets a flock just like him. He has friends and discovers that there are far more nerdy birdies than cool birdies in the sky. However, there is still another lesson to be learned.

Nerdy Birdy is a great book about being yourself, finding your own tribe, and not excluding those that do not have the same interests as yourself. So many children and adults start off like Nerdy Birdy, trying to fit in with the "cool kids'. However, once they find people that share their interests but are not necessarily 'cool' they have much more fun and realize there are many more of us that do not fit in with the cool crowd than do. I like that Reynolds did not leave it there, which most authors seem to do with feel goo stories about misfits finding friends, they took it one step further and show the tribe of nerd birds treating a bird that was not a cool bird, but not like them either, as badly as they had been treated. Nerdy Birdy does the right thing, and forges a fantastic friendship. The book just made me happy on several levels.

Nerdy Birdy is a fabulous book for storytimes, both at home and in class or library settings. It is a good mirror to some of the adult conflicts going on now, where outcasts find their tribe and then treat those that do not match their image of friends horribly. It happens too much, and maybe if children and adults alike were a little more like Nerdy Birdy we would all be happier. 

Early Book Review: Warren the 13th and The All-Seeing Eye by Tania del Rio, Will Staehle

Warren the 13th and The All-Seeing Eye is a middle grade novel with a Victorian feel written by Tania del Rio and illustrated by Will Staehle. It is currently scheduled for release on November 24 2015. Warren the 13th is a cursed 12-year-old Victorian bellhop who’s terribly unlucky. Despite how hard he works and the troubles he faces, he is still optimistic and curious. Orphan Warren’s pride and joy is his family’s hotel, but he’s been miserable ever since his evil Aunt Anaconda took over the management. Anaconda believes a mysterious treasure known as the All-Seeing Eye is hidden somewhere on the grounds, and she’ll do anything to find it. If Warren wants to preserve his family’s legacy, he’ll need to find the treasure first, if the hotel’s many strange and wacky guests don’t beat him to it!

Warren the 13th and The All-Seeing Eye is a fantasy adventure  with two-color illustrations that help capture the attention of readers. the book has a spooky feel and a fun mystery. warren works hard to keep his new Aunt happy, although he never can. he works even harder to keep his family's hotel, and legacy, running as well as he can by himself. He thinks the all Seeing Eye is just a myth, but when his aunt's sisters, and then a slew of mysterious guests, all come hunting for the treasure warren knows he needs to stay a step ahead of his aunt. Things get dicey for Warren as he tries to do his work and hunt for the eye, and both friends and foes seem to be everywhere. I liked how good-natured and hard working Warren was, and the perpetual residents of the hotel do their best to assist him and save the hotel. A mysterious girl and the new, wacky guests add extra spice to mystery and keep readers turning pages. I will admit that I was not expecting the end! There were small aspects of it that I was ready for, but the big picture was much bigger than I was prepared for, and I loved it.



Warren the 13th and The All-Seeing Eye is a wonderful mix of gothic fiction, mystery, and magic. The story draws readers in and keeps them guessing. Even when you think you have it all figured out, there is another surprise around the corner. 

Early Book Review: Bound in Darkness by Jacquelyn Frank

Bound in Darkness is the fourth and final book in the Immortal Brothers series by Jacquelyn Frank. It is currently scheduled for release on November 24 2015. I highly recommend reading this series in order, but I think determined readers could read this as a stand alone. 

After drinking from the fountain of immortality along with his brothers, Maxum is condemned by the gods to be entombed in the earth. Even though he has now been granted a reprieve by day, each night he is buried anew, his rock-hard body immobilized, his bones crushed by the pressure. There is only one way for Maxum to be completely free: He must kill the god who cursed him. The task will require tremendous power, so Maxum embarks on a quest to gather talismans to equip him for the battle. Then an earthy wench seduces him and steals one of his magical amulets, but he catches her. Finding herself between a rock and a hard place, she strikes a bargain. The beautiful and alluring Airianne is a skilled thief, and she can help him in his acquisition of the talismans. Will this stealthy seductress also try to steal his heart, or will their boldness end up getting them both buried?

Bound in Darkness is a satisfying read, both as a series conclusion and as a romance. Maxum is angry and bitter, but still manages to be a fair and compassionate man. He does not want to admit it, or show it too often, but it is clearly part of his personality. Airianne knows well not to trust or depend on others, she has been on her own from a young age and has turned to theft for survival. When she steals from Maxum she finds herself in a new kind of trouble. They strike a bargain and she joins his group, much to the disgust of one fellow member. She makes herself valuable, as she struggles to ignore the attraction between her and Maxum. The quest and the relationship between the pair are perilous on several levels, that the characters adapt to meet the challenges. I really liked their interactions and the tension that was constant through out the book as the crew struggled and changed as well. I was eagerly turning pages to see what would happen next, and when Maxum might share his secrets and goals with Airianne. A solid read with high action and great characters.

Bound in Darkness is a satisfying conclusion to the series, and better than the third installment (at least as far as I am concerned). It still is not quite up to my expectations of Frank, but it is very close. 

Book Review: What To Do With A Duke by Sally MacKenzie

What To Do With A Duke is a historical romance by Sally MacKenzie. It is the first book in the Spinster House series set in the village of Loves Bridge, although there was a novella as a prequel (which I did not read).

Miss Isabelle Catherine Hutting would rather be in the library than searching for a husband any day. So when Cat hears that the town's infamous Spinster House is open for a new resident, she jumps at the chance to put all this marriage business behind her. With her wit, independent spirit, and not least of all her beauty, Marcus can't help but be stirred by Cat. It's terribly unfortunate he's not looking to marry, given the centuries-old curse that left his family with the Spinster House to begin with. No duke shall live to see his heir's birth. But is there a chance the curse could be broken, in true fairy-tale fashion, by an act of true love? 

What To Do With A Duke is a fun and feisty historical romance. Cat is a smart and caring woman with a dream, fierce independent streak, and many siblings. While she loves her family she does not see the need to a husband, and just wants some peace and quiet to write her novel. Marcus is starting to get restless, and a need for connection is building but he does not want to marry in fear of the curse that dogs his family. They are both looking for happiness and peace. They both try to ignore their attraction and as the book goes on, ignore their hearts.  The combination of practical characters that are quick witted and exchange barbs with the best of them. I really enjoyed their interactions and how they both seem to want the best for those they care for. The bonus of a cat with a definite mind of its own just added to the fun and feels through out the book.

What To Do With A Duke is a a fun historical novel that let me wanting more. I am looking forward to reading the sequels. 

Not Currently Taking Review Requests

I am currently not taking review requests. I have far too many books in my to be read pile to continue accepting more at this time. Between the craziness of life, the books I already own, my public library, and my over eager request habit at NetGalley I simply cannot accept more books to add to my TBR pile.

Book Review: Serafina and the Black Cloak by Robert Beatty

Serafina and the Black Cloak by Robert Beatty is a middle grade novel with a Gothic or horror feel to it. Serafina has never had a reason to disobey her pa and venture beyond the grounds of the Biltmore estate.There's plenty to explore in her grand home, although she must take care to never be seen. None of the rich folk upstairs know that Serafina exists; she and her pa, the estate's maintenance man, have secretly lived in the basement for as long as Serafina can remember. But when children at the estate start disappearing, only Serafina knows who the culprit is; a terrifying man in a black cloak who stalks Biltmore's corridors at night. Following her own harrowing escape, Serafina risks everything by joining forces with Braeden Vanderbilt, the young nephew of the Biltmore's owners. Braeden and Serafina must uncover the Man in the Black Cloak's true identity before all of the children vanish one by one. Serafina's hunt leads her into the very forest that she has been taught to fear. There she discovers a forgotten legacy of magic, one that is bound to her own identity. In order to save the children of Biltmore, Serafina must seek the answers that will unlock the puzzle of her past.

Serafina and the Black Cloak is a story with mystery, adventure, and a little magic. Serafina does not know much about anything outside her daily life of hiding in the shadow and hunting the rats that try to call Biltmore their home. She knows nothing about her mother, or why she and her father secretly live in the basement. When she sees the man in the black cloak take a girl she begins searching for answers, not just about what happen to the girl but also about herself. Serafina and Braeden are characters that see themselves as ‘other’ and some of their friendship finds root in that, but they are both interesting characters on their own. I found myself deeply invested in both children’s lives, and interested in their history. I enjoyed the unfolding of Serafina’s history, though not all of it surprised me. I was disappointed that we did not get more about Braeden and some of the side characters did not get a solid resolution as far as I was concerned. I was enthralled with the read, and enjoyed it. The lack of small bits of resolution just left me hoping that Beatty would revisit the Biltmore, since this story concluded but left plenty of room for more adventure.

Serafina and the Black Cloak is an engaging middle grade read with a good balance of mystical and coming of age themes. I think this will be a popular read for many.

Book Review: The Skeleton in the Closet by Angie Fox

The Skeleton in the Closet by Angie Fox is the second book in the Southern Ghost Hunter mystery series. I know I have read other books by the author, but I have not read Southern Spirit, the first book in the series. Verity is in the middle of a town festival dealing with being hated by one of the town big wigs for her failed relationship with her son. Meanwhile the ex is hounding her, and she is kinda, quietly, dating his younger brother. Then there is the little problem of stumbling across as dead body while trying to help her sister with her work on the celebration. Her ghostly sidekick Frankie warns her to stay out of it. The very alive, almost boyfriend deputy sheriff, Ellis Wydell, inadvertently places her directly in the middle of it. Undaunted, Verity presses forward, uncovering scandalous secrets, long-forgotten ghosts, and a shocking trail of clues that places her directly in the path of a killer.

The Skeleton in the Closet is a fun and diverting paranormal cozy mystery. there are plenty of complications, ex boyfriends and almost boyfriends that just happen to be siblings not even close to the biggest of the issues Verity has to face. She is trying to free the gangster ghost that she accidentally trapped on her property, trying to solve the mystery of who would want to kill a hardworking woman, why she was killed, and dealing with a variety of ghosts and their conflicts as well. Even though I had not read the first book I felt like I got up to speed pretty quick, and only the details of Verity's break up and why the Sheriff dislikes her so much being the only things that make me feel like I missed something important in the first book. I found the mystery and the characters interesting, and really liked the tone of the story.     

The Skeleton in the Closet is a fast paced and fun weekend read. I flew through the story, looking for clues and just how everything would tie in together at the end. If you enjoy cozy mysteries with a ghostly theme this would be a great series to pick up. 

Book Review: Everyone Loves Bacon by Kelly DiPuccio, Eric Wight

Everyone Loves Bacon is a picturebook written by Kelly DiPuccio and illustrated by Eric Wight. Every food in the kitchen loves Bacon, and they all are his friends. He is practically sizzling with the popularity and praise he receives. However, after awhile all that fame goes to his head and he forgets about friends and family, instead focusing on how much he is loved. In the end things take a decidedly delicious turn.

Everyone Loves Bacon is a fun book that shows how easy it can be to lose ourselves in praise and attention. Bacon eats up all the attention he gets, and in doing so treats those that have always been by his side badly. This is never a good course of action, and his friends do not take kindly to it. The ending is not really a resolution to that problem, but is a good reminder that when 'everyone' loves you often times at least one of those admirers is out to take a bite of the action.

Everyone Loves Bacon is a a fun story with a delightful surprise ending. It was downright delicious, and now I am hungry for something crispy.