Hey, I don’t want this post to break the rules so I’m going to frame this as more of a discussion.
So, recently I’ve been trying to get into reading again because honestly I really miss it as a hobby. I’m more of a writer currently — but that being said I still want to read just to improve my skills and have something fun to do in my spare time.
Anyways, one of my all-time favourite series from back when I was 14/15 was SJM’s Throne of Glass series. I bought the book set and dug straight into it. I’m 20F now, so I’ve forgotten most parts of the books so now it’s like starting fresh. I remembered the first book (TOG) being a bit slow at the start but it picked up, so thus far I’ve been banking on that.
However, I’m 3/4 way through and I’m still bored. Like, there’s a few exciting moments but otherwise it just feels like I’m forcing myself to read it for the sake of reading it. It kinda upsets me, because being more grown up I thought I’d enjoy more aspects of the book but it almost seems as though the reverse is true?
Anyways, part of me feels like I should just keep reading the series because maybe it will pick up (I do remember the later books being more exciting), but another part of me can’t be assed. But at the same time, if I drop this series, it almost feels like slapping my fave childhood interest square in the face? Like I’d almost feel guilty. I know it sounds dumb but can anyone else relate to this? Enjoying a book thoroughly when they’re younger, but not so much when they’re older?
Anyways, I’m not sure what to do. I’m a fantasy-romance reader (and writer) but maybe it’s time for a genre change? I don’t know. I keep trying to re-read series I enjoyed as a child but nothing really hits anymore. TOG was the final straw for me because that was one I really, really loved.
Advice appreciated.
by DarcyDaisy00
2 Comments
Becoming more mature over time isn’t really a problem. I’d be much more worried if my tastes never changed.
Could just look for some more adult oriented fantasy. Le Guin, Octavia Butler, TH White, or NK Jemisin are all fine options.
People change a lot as they grow up, which is why re-reading books from your childhood is interesting because you experience the books differently.
You don’t need to change genres, just try different authors and find new favorites. I’ve loved fantasy since the first books I remember reading by myself and fantasy is still my favorite genre in my 40s. Re-reading some former childhood favorites make me cringe while others feel like sitting down and chatting with dear friends I haven’t seen in years.
Not liking those books now is not a slap in the face to younger you, it’s simply an acknowledgment that you’ve grown and expanded your worldview.