Chapter 1: The Decline of My Reading Passion

Nothing dampens your enthusiasm for reading quite like facing a daunting four-page reading list twice a week.

Photo by Nils Lindner on Unsplash

In my younger years, I was an insatiable reader, consuming books as if they were going out of style. I cherished everything from the bizarre to the classic; if it was written down, I wanted to dive into it. Even fan fiction found its way into my reading habits. However, as often happens in love stories, we experienced a significant separation.

University drained much of the joy from reading for me. With reading lists that seemed to stretch endlessly, I was compelled to transform a previously pleasurable pastime into a chore. Much like Bruce Bogtrotter from Matilda, who was made to eat chocolate cake until he could take no more, I felt overwhelmed by the sheer volume of texts I was required to consume. My mind throbbed with the effort of trying to retain an avalanche of information, and despite enjoying many of the works, reading no longer felt like a sanctuary. It was as if my personal haven had been invaded, leaving me with little desire to return.

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So, how did I mend my fractured relationship with books?

I first needed to give myself time after university. For several months, I refrained from picking up a book for leisure. Gradually, the absence of reading began to create a longing within me.

Next, I ventured into the world of audiobooks. While it may not replicate the experience of reading, it served as an excellent intermediary. I could enjoy "reading" while engaging in other beneficial activities such as walking, exercising, or completing chores. This approach liberated me from the feeling that my time was being monopolized by literature—a dramatic sentiment, perhaps, but accurate nonetheless.

This rekindled my passion for stories, prompting me to explore articles that required far less commitment than entire books while still satisfying my craving for narratives.

I made it a point to read only what genuinely interested me. It may sound trivial, but reflecting on the number of times I picked up a book out of obligation rather than genuine desire was astonishing. Who was I trying to please? The literary police? I realized that my enthusiasm for reading would diminish if I approached it any other way than as an enjoyable pursuit. Thus, I granted myself the freedom to choose whatever I liked, even if it meant indulging in murder mysteries for an extended period—binge-reading Agatha Christie in the summer was a highlight!

Returning to the library was another thrilling step. The joy of browsing shelves, knowing I could borrow anything without financial obligation, was invigorating and greatly aided my reading revival. The minimal investment made it easier to take chances on books that I might not otherwise purchase, allowing me to explore new genres. Since resuming visits to the library, I have been captivated by a literary journalistic exploration of cheese, and I even borrowed a book on medieval queens that I never opened—no harm done!

Ultimately, this journey led me back to literary joy. I have lost track of how many books I’ve read this year, but I can confidently say that I am experiencing immense joy through reading once more.

If you're looking to reignite your passion for reading, consider implementing some of my strategies. Remember, books will always be waiting for you, and even the most demanding reading schedules can't extinguish your love for literature.

The first video discusses how to revive your love for reading after university challenges, offering insights into personal experiences and recommendations.

The second video features a reading vlog that humorously transforms a discussion about Murder Road into an hour-long rant, showcasing the joys and frustrations of reading.