Every time I begin to get in a reading slump a write here and suddenly I am finishing one book after another. At this point, it is my superstition.

So, it's been a bad year when it comes to reading for me. I am not reading as much as I wish I was, regardless of the fact I had a lot of time last month. Not even a really anticipated reread of my favorite book has been able to actually keep me hooked. I have been dealing with that feeling of wanting to read but failing, you know? This whole reading slump also made me a bit apprehensive of reading some books I know I might like because I have a feeling that my terrible mood won't allow me to actually enjoy them. Plus, I have been DNFing so many books in a row, that I might end up going into these reads with an unfair mindset. I might taint my experience with my terrible mood lol.

As someone does, I ran into the arms of that one series that always saves me, in my case, "The Murderbot Diaries" (I hope it works). And that brought me to the question: Are there any equivalents to The MBD in other genres? Like something with adventures and fun characters, short but not a stand-alone. I want something that will capture me in the first book but not make me feel like I am abandoning a story in the middle of the climax because I might not immediately pick up the next volume.I am already in the middle of a bunch of series that I can't bring myself to continue because there is a huge chance I might drop the book in the middle of it.

I am sure you guys know what I mean. If you know of anything like that, please feel free to drop them here. I have a vague memory of someone comparing "Someone You can build a nest in" to "The Murderbot diaries", saying it gives similar vibes. Let's see, probably, at some point. I FEEL IN THE PURGATORY waiting for something to click so I can go back to devouring books.

Also, tell me your slump saver book/series. I would love to know.

What counts as second-screening: Having a video or a movie in the background as you read; reading something else on a different screen as you read (including spoiling what you're reading by looking something up about the plot); looking away from what you're reading periodically to scroll on social media, including PB; playing a game while reading.

I feel like this question is a little unfair for audiobook readers because you guys intentionally do all this stuff while listening to the audiobook... But if you are dividing your attention to the point where you have to rewind I think you're second-screening.

So have you been dividing your attention?

No judgment by the way. I'm literally doing it right now. I caught myself putting on some YT videos while getting through the story I'm reading. I'm still taking it in, I'm just kind of like... not immersed.

I just see people with high numbers and I wonder if you're reading all day while doing other stuff. Is that the secret?

“What do you mean things were already weird? What kind of person have I been spending all this time with? You probably think it’s embarrassing to buy lube for your partner. You probably ask for level-one spice when you order ramen. I bet you read Hemingway.”

I love this author and how this book is written 😭😭😭