The Sunday Salon: kinda stumped
Well, this week has not been a very good ‘reading’ week for me. I’ve found myself in a bit of a slump. It’s not that I can’t read, but that I just can’t find anything that’ll hold my interest for very long.
I started out trying to read Domnica Radulescu’s “Train to Trieste“, but I just couldn’t get into it. I even hesitated on bringing it back to the library… wanted to give it a fair chance. But I couldn’t muster any enthusiasm for it, so I took it back with the thought that I can always borrow it again, later.
Then I got the idea that I’d like to read a memoir about Buddhism, so that I can learn more about that religion. I’m not trying to convert to it, as I already am very happy with the faith I have. BUT, I remember watching a particular episode of “A Baby Story” on television, the one time, where they featured a pregnant woman who was a Buddhist. And, it fascinated me how she would go and kneel at her in-home altar/shrine every morning to worship, and be still before her god. I don’t know much about that faith, so I’d like to learn more. And, several years ago, I read Lauren Winner’s memoir, “Girl Meets God“, which talked about her conversion from Judaism to Catholicism. In it, she detailed both faiths, and told why she was converting over. She didn’t make one better than the other — just showed the benefits of each, and then why she was, personally, choosing to change. It was a great book, and I learned a lot about both faiths that I didn’t previously know — in fact, I’d been pretty ignorant of both faiths before reading Lauren’s memoir, so I was really glad to have read it!
Now I’d like to find something similar, but about conversion to Buddhism, and the daily-life practice. My local library didn’t have anything like what I’m searching for, so I settled for a book called “How to Practice” by the 14th Dalai Lama with Jeffrey Hopkins. I also asked the library if they’d order a couple that I found on Amazon.com (“Blue Jean Buddha” looks the best, as it’s a compilation of stories from young Buddhists). I can’t get into “How to Practice“, either, though.
Yesterday I picked up one of my new book purchases, “The Other Boy” by Hailey Abbott. It’s good, but I’m not sure it’ll be the one to pull me out, either.
Then there’s the review book that I really should be reading for the upcoming blog tour: “This Side of Heaven” by Karen Kingsbury. I’ve got two weeks to get this one read and reviewed before the tour date. Also taking into consideration, there, that I have a few more books coming, soon, for review (“Mindful Eating” by Jan Chozen Bays, “The Stones” by Eleanor Gustafson, etc).
So, that’s where I stand this week. Hopefully I’ll pull out of this soon — especially since I’ve got so many books to read and review! Maybe it’s the pressure to get them all read in a short period of time? Maybe my mood just isn’t cooperating? Who knows. Either way, hope ya’ll have a great week, and aren’t in slump-ville like me! 
This past week on Should Be Reading:
Musing Mondays: Do you read when you’re sick?
Teaser Tuesdays (from “Train to Trieste“)
Booking Through Thursday: What is YOUR reading inspired by?
Faith ‘n Fiction Saturdays: Books on your “keeper” shelf!
Re: books about Buddhism – I found Stumbling Toward Enlightenment by Geraldine Larkin to be very accessible and funny! Anything by Jack Kornfield is very readable too – Path with Heart or After the Ecstasy, the Laundry are both excellent intros to Buddhism.
Good luck with your slump! This too shall pass! I have one I need to read for a book blog tour also and I keep putting it off. I’m rebelling against “required” reading! Happy Sunday.
I hate getting into a reading slump. For me, sometimes it happens after reading a great book that really had an impact on me…then I can’t seem to get interested in anything else.
I hope you get out of it soon!!
Thank you both! And, Terri, thank you especially for the titles on Buddhism! I’ll go look those up! I appreciate the suggestions!
I got into a reading slump last year and reading the blogs took the place of reading books. Wasn’t as satisfying. Hope you get over your slump soon. My post is up including the answer for booking through thursday.
I hope your slumpiness subsides soon! I’ve been feeling the same way, but I finally finished a book that I think will rattle me out of the rut today. I see lots of great books that I’d like to try among these you’ve mentioned. Girl Meets God sounds fabulous.
I wonder if it is the weather and long days that have thrown so many off of their wagon. I hope you get out of your slump soon and good luck with the Buddhist books
I’ve been Buddhist for over 5 years and believe it or not there is actually a Complete Idiot’s Guide to Buddhism – it is fantastic. I will look through my other collection and see what else I can come up with, but there are multiple books by the Dalai Lama that might be helpful. Good luck!
You’ve got some pretty interesting titles there. And Mindful Eating – what a great title.
I hate it when I get into a reading slump – often I find the best way to get out of one is to re-read something I really enjoyed as a child. Hope you get back into a reading mood soon!