Reading During a Pandemic

I feel very disappointed to say that I  haven’t posted here since May 7. That’s almost three months! I feel dreadful that it’s been so long. Actually, I was shocked to see how long it had been. Of course, I knew that it had been a while, but never imagined that 11 weeks had passed since I wrote a post. All day today, I’ve been wondering why I didn’t post for so long. I love reading and I really love writing reviews of the books I’ve read. So why would I stop writing them?

It’s not that I haven’t been reading, though I must admit to reading much less than usual during isolation. When I first realised that I would have to self isolate, back in early April, I imagined all the time that I would have on my hands. And spare time, of course means more reading time. At last I would have time to read each of the books in the pile on my bedside table, plus the unread books on my kindle. There would also be  time to read some of the many books that have sat on my bookshelf, unread, for far too long.

As it turned out, all that spare time didn’t equate to reading time. I know that I could have found time to read. I’ve always been able to find time to read, so why would a pandemic make that much difference. As far as I can work out, there is one reason. My head has been full of worries about the pandemic, about family and friends, and about the world. Every day, there has been so much bad news on TV, in the papers and on Social Media.

I’m fairly sure that with all that bad news, constantly in my brain, the thought of putting anything else in there is the last thing I’ve wanted to do. So because of this, reading has taken a back seat. 

Though, I have managed to read a few books during the pandemic, just a few. Interestingly, I’ve wanted to read different genres to what I would usually read.  I’ve read a couple of romance novels, chick lit, and comedies, all of which I wouldn’t usually read.  But I think the need for escape from the reality of life, has led me down a different reading path, which I have suprisingly quite enjoyed.

As I have finished reading each book, during the pandemic, I really haven’t been able to put my mind to writing a review. The thought of increasing the stress that I was already feeling, by using my brain to write a review, seemed to be one step too far. I didn’t seem able to do it. That is, until now. I’m now feeling ready to hit re-start.

My last blog posts were the A-Z Challenge posts. Even though I was prepared for the challenge this year, I found it difficult, also due to the worries of the pandemic. There seemed to be much more important things to worry about than a mere blog challenge.

As I said, I’m now feeling ready to get back into my reading and reviewing routine. My first book review since May, will be published next week.  I hope you will be interested enough to come back and check it out.

My other blogs can be found here:
Next Phase In Fitness & Life
and Tracking Down The Family

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2 thoughts on “Reading During a Pandemic

  1. Jennifer, it’s interesting how the pandemic has affected us in different ways, though mercifully for most of us Down Under not in adverse health. I’ve gone the opposite way to you and read so many books throughout though few have been “serious”. As you know my favourite genre is crime and police procedurals which always seem like a great escape for me. Not surprised however, that writing reviews has been a step too far…it needs another layer of commitment and reflection. Look forward to reading your reviews…and adding to my “to read” list.

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  2. Thanks for your comments Cassmob. When I first went into isolation, I never would have believed that reading would become a bit of a chore for me. I’m happy that little phasae is over now.

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