"I read slowly, savoring each book one by one. I had all the time in the world then. And there was no danger I'd run out of books, no matter how much I read." - Days at the Morisaki Bookshop by Satoshi Yagisawa.
I read and reread that sentence. It resonated with me so well. It reminded me of the best decision I ever made- signing up for a good library. Buying books all the time wasn't working to keep up with my desire to read for pleasure. Winding down at the end of the day with a book in hand was the best possible way to relax. Somewhere along I drew inspiration to read more than one book at a time. A children's book that is generally recommended by my reading companions at the Young Readers' Club. That was for day time reading whenever I found 5-10 mins. Another book of my choice from the adult's section for bedtime reading. That worked perfectly until the time...
I stopped wanting to read...
I had started this children's novel that was highly recommended by two avid readers. At first, I was totally absorbed in the book. I could see why they enjoyed reading it. Somewhere along the 'adult me' kicked in. It questioned the protagonist's decision to hide something important from her father and continuing to engage in solving mysteries that could prove to be dangerous. The story did not seem like the harmless Secret Seven mysteries. Or had I forgotten those mysteries? I couldn't decide.
I kept trying for weeks but every time I picked up the book to read, I found myself looking for distractions. I did not move much with the story. I tried different things. I tried skipping pages. I tried reading fast. Nothing helped. I found myself losing interest in my bedtime reading too. That was troubling. That's a ritual that I diligently follow.
This went on for weeks. My library books were due to be returned. I extended it for the 2nd time. I don't like extending books as I always think that there might be someone else waiting for it. I have had my chance. But this time I had to. I had other books that I have been waiting for months to read. They were there waiting but I had lost my reading mojo.
I got it back when I decided to...
to abandon the book that was causing this lull. Instead I took up the book that was waiting to be picked up. Days at the Morisaki Bookshop. Ever since I set my eyes on this book when it was highly recommended across the n number of book groups I follow, I have been wanting to read it. I picked it up to read. As if to encourage me, I got a sign from one of book groups that has delivered on excellent book recommendations in the past. Someone who had just finished this book and written about their positive reading experiences. I experienced an immense sense of relief when I started reading this book myself. After all I had waited for months to get my hand on this book. I got my reading mojo back.
How this must feel as a child?
It dawned upon me how a child who is reluctant to read a book that his or her parents have bought could be going through a similar experience. Parents buy books based on someone's recommendation or their own reading preferences. But if the child doesn't like it, it must feel exactly like the way I felt. I got out of that lull as I could make a choice. I could choose to skip this one and read the one that was calling out to me. But do children have that luxury?
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