The Opposite of a Reading Slump

What is the opposite of a reading slump?

Reading High is the most obvious answer. But for whatever reason, that phrase seems rather prosaic compared to the tangible feeling that the words Reading Slump evoke - which is like a never-ending downward spiral.

So what else can we call a sustained thrilling reading experience?


Reading Mountain. Reading Peak. Reading Boon. Reading Wonder. Reading Rapture. Reading Ecstasy. Reading Paradise.

It doesn't really matter what it's called. Few things can match the delight of having a stretch of satisfying - nay, thrilling - reading experiences.

For the past two or three years, I've been in and out of a reading slump. Don't get me wrong. I've been reading loads during those times and have read many books I loved. But my overall reading experience felt *blah.* It was like a hole that I couldn't get myself out of. Even my annual Harry Potter re-read last fall wasn't as pleasurable as it usually is.

It doesn't help that the Internet is like a much craved drug. Unless I'm really engrossed in a book, it is difficult to resist the urge to check my email, Facebook, or this or that website. Not only does that decrease the time I have to read, it also breaks up the book so I have trouble losing myself in a story.

The past few weeks, that has started to change. I am in the middle of a stretch of good to great reads. Books that I couldn't put down. Three of them are some of the best books I've read in months: Simon vs. the Homo Sapien Agenda by Becky Albertalli, Trouble by Non Pratt, and Bad Feminist by Roxanne Gay.

Two things other than having the good fortune to read several great books in a row helped me get out of my reading slump.

1. I've been listening to more audiobooks. I've had an Audible subscription for several years but I listen to so many podcasts (literally, hundreds) that I rarely have time for a full audiobook. The past month I've been purposely making time for audiobooks. My drives and dog walks have been much happier for it.

2. I'm back on the library band-wagon. The e-library bandwagon, more specifically. I have the maximum number of holds out at two different libraries to which I hold cards. And of course, they all come in at the same time. Right now, I have 4 e-books checked out from the library plus several more that will probably come up within the next few days. I also have two print books I checked out from the library and an audiobook. This forces me to concentrate on my books to finish them before the checkout period ends. Nothing like an established deadline.

It's amazing how happy I feel when I am Book-Full. It's a good reminder to spend a little less time on the Internet and a little more time with a book to my nose. Here's to more reading!

What have your best Reading Experiences been like? How long did the high last? What were your favorite books read during that period? Do Reading Highs come often or are they few and far between?