Dear Reader,
I understand the feeling. The feeling that there aren’t any good books left out there in the world. That all of the books that you’ve already read are the only books you’ll ever be able to read. I have been in your shoes so many times. I have wandered around the library, depressed over the fact that I was surrounded by books and yet would not read any of them. I have been on book content review websites and have been crushed to learn that a book with a thrilling cover and gripping plot was one that I would never read because what was written on its pages. You are not alone. I have been there too.
And I have come out of that feeling too. First off, don’t feel like you have to give up on reading all together. Reread the clean books you have read before. Visit some old friends and villains. This can help you get out of the slump.
Second, be patient. You will find more good, clean books to read. Maybe a favorite author of yours will release a new book. Maybe a friend you can trust will recommend a series to you. Maybe a book review website will review a book that suits the bill and grabs your attention. Maybe I’ll reviewed a book that you’d like. In the meantime, read books you already know.
Third, go back in time. Older books are less likely to have content in them because they were published in a time when it would have been scandalous to include the things that tarnish modern novels. Some of my favorite classics are Carry on, Mr. Bowditch, Anne of Green Gables, and The Scarlet Pimpernel. Also, become a kid again. If you typically read YA books, but can’t anymore because of content, go read a middle-school level book. Most of the books I read are actually middle school books because I can pick it up without having to worry about it being filled with things I don’t want to read. And there are plenty of solid middle school books out there with deep plots. Don’t brush them all off.
This fourth one will only apply to some of you. Write a story that you can read. The only way that clean, good books are going to get onto library shelves is if they are written. While I do understand that writing and reading are very different things, just try it. Maybe your book will be published. And maybe someday someone who is struggling to find a clean book will find your book and you will have restored their hope in books.
Don’t lose your faith in books, dear reader. There are some good gems out there. It just takes time and patience to weed through the others to find them.
Until next time then. Happy reading,
~Hailey Huntington
Hailey Huntington 