[Perry] Stuck in a Non-Reading Mood

Have you ever had that situation where you have an amazing book to read. And you know that it’s an amazing book that you’re reading…but you’re just totally not in the mood to read it?

So right now, I’m reading a book called The Girl Who Circumnavigated Fairyland In a Ship of Her Own Making by Catherynne M. Valente.

I love Lady Valente’s work to little bits and pieces. I will stand on a pedestal and shout, for all the world to hear, that her Orphan’s Tales duology stands as one of the most powerful and evocative reading experiences in my life.

However?

Right now?

I’m stalled out.

Make no mistake, the first Fairyland book is a beautiful piece of work. The language is rich and textured. The story is evocative and powerful. There is a LOT of emotion invested into every page. And I’ll reiterate again, it’s bloody beautifully written.

…And yet, I’ve been reading this book for what feels like forever now.

Normally, a book of this length? I usually burn through in a day or two if I’m enjoying it.

So what’s the deal? Why am I dragging my feet through this lovely piece of fiction?

Why am I constantly skipping back and forth over my book list and skimming through some old favorites instead of finishing the Fairyland story?

Why, after all this time, have I not either finished or given up on the book as I have many others?

I don’t have an answer to these questions.

Fairyland is a beautiful, intricately woven, complex, brilliant, and evocative book…

…And I’m just not in the mood for it.

While I’ve been reading Fairyland, I’ve reread a few Dresden novels, some of Ann Aguirre’s work, some Monster Hunters by Correia, some Rothfuss, some of everything, really.

But are you seeing the theme? Easy to read, bite sized books, for the most part.

It’s frustrating, really. Because I WANT to finish the Fairyland book, quicklike. I want to know what happens to September, and if the flying key ever makes its way back to her side. I want to mull and muse over Valente’s incredibly evocative style of writing and think about how to incorporate that into my own work so that I can reach out to touch a reader’s soul and make it sing.

Fairyland is a beautiful novel. The story is richly layered, complex, and full of hidden lessons and fascinating characters.

And…I’m simply not in the mood for it.

This saddens me.

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[Perry] Pringles Books
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