Finding Reading a Challenge During a Pandemic

I love reading.  I have always loved reading.  But reading during a pandemic has been more than a little bit challenging.   Between worries and distractions my mind is constantly somewhere else. 

I've found that I can't sustain my focus for more than a chapter or two.  I pick up a book, I put it down.  Then I struggle to remember what I just read, so I have to start all over again.  I've tried new books, old favourites, audio books, and ebooks.  The result is always the same, another book added to the "to be finished" pile. 

And it isn't like I don't have the time to read, I have scads of it.  But then I'm never alone and the moment I pick up a book to try again, someone and/or something needs my attention and whatever little time I had to myself has now blown away like dandelion seeds in a stiff breeze.  

You'd think given the situation, with multiple lockdowns and unending time at home, I would use reading as an escape - a way to get away without having to go anywhere.  But despite all of this, having the time, the books, and a perfectly good reason to read, I haven't been able to manage it.  

But, now that we're heading into summer, I'm finding myself relaxing a little more.  The weather is changing, there's a positive feeling in the air now that vaccines are available, and I'm finding myself wanting to pick up a book again.   

So, as I start getting back into the swing of things, I may change the format of my reviews a little.  I need to not feel overwhelmed, so they may be short and simple, but finishing anything these days for me is a big checkmark  in the win column.  

If anyone else out there feels like this, you are not alone.   If you've made it this far, you're doing great.  We'll do this one page at a time.  

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