my first reading slump | packing, days at home & reading almost nothing 

Moving house is one of the most stressful things we do so I'm not surprised you're feeling rough. It is also stressful for Calcifer, his new home is effectively destroyed. His behaviour is showing this. If he likes water get him a water fountain to drink from. He may still like the tap but the fountain is a "tap" just for him. Take care all, take it slow and be kind to each other. ❤

Hey Emma, I'm never really one to comment but, as a lot of us do, I kinda feel like you're my friend ? Lol, So I wanted to tell u that in the fall I'm going to Uni to study Literature! Your channel has definitely been a huge influence on my decision and I don't know if I would've chose to follow my passion rather than go with something more "practical" if not for booktubers like you making such amazing content

emma's reading slump: reading more than me on my usual days

I’ve always loved you and your channel because you’ve always inspired me to do and be more but sometimes it’s nice to listen to your body and take it slow even if that means not doing as much as you usually do. I’m sure you’ll get back to how you once were 💛

ahh my little german heart is so incredibly happy that you enjoy Kerstin Giers books :) I read the rubyred etc trilogy, the silver trilogy and castle in the clouds when i was younger and i cant count the times it brought me out of a reading slump. I know its nothing groundbreaking or noble prize worthy but reading kerstin gier is just so light and genuinely a fun time :))

Reading slumps are the only thing standing between me and happiness I swear, I have found short novels to be helpful, it’ll give you that dopamine of finishing book quick.

I love the Deathly Hallows hat! We all have reading slumps so it's encouraging to know even the Super Reader occasionally lags! Thank you for the video--it was a perfect addition to my lazy, pleasant Sunday morning. :-) Hang in there, Emma!

Calcifer is getting so big....he looks so healthy and loved 😍

God, I swear I used to love your videos so much, you're my favorite booktuber, but now with Calcifer I'm blown away. My safe place definitely

The Silver trilogy was my absolute favourite series when i was younger. It’s dreamy and magical yet it builts up tension really well! You probably know this already but kerstin gier is pretty much the biggest ya author in germany, i hope you have fun with these books!

It's perfectly ok to take a break every once in a while.

I was in a reading slump after finishing A Little Life a few months ago and I took weeks to read the smallest of books but this week I ‘forced’ myself to try and read as many books as I could from my tbr and I read eight books!! It feels so nice to have been able to break past my slump and I’m so happy with the chaotic list of genres I read this week. Also now that my tbr pile is much smaller it means that I can go and buy a bunch of new books right?

I cannot physically relate more to your recent experience of starting a bunch of books and then putting them down, I feel like I can’t get in the zone ahhhh :’(

I can’t wait to see how you ADAPT to the city life Emma! I think you will do great really! 🥰 also I can’t with Cal and how he is enjoying the water coming out of the faucet 🥹😊 and I also have a Deathly Hallows skully beanie type of hat, love yours and probably will hunt for that style too! 😄 P.S. sent you a DM on instagram about the PO Box 📦 💕 The mail people were asking if it’s a UPS store or something LOL

When calcifer meowed at 10:43 I thought it was my cat and got up to open my door 😂.

"Fun! I want something fun! Why is my bookshelf death and despair?" Me too, Emmi. Me too. My mental health dipped and I wanted to read and I stared at my shelf, went through one by one, and my TBR has like- 5 happy books out of over 50. Also, a books that pulled me from a slump recently is The Bone Song. It's a fast paced fantasy/dystopia, and it isnt always happy, but it feels good to see the characters overcome what they've been through.

calecifer drinking water was the cutest thing ever

My cat is obsessed with me while I do yoga as well! Its so cute

i’m literally going through the same thing i just feel like i can’t read anything but i decided to reread one of my favourite books , normal people by sally rooney and it’s given me so much comfort!!

Hi Emma, i just wanted to say, take it one moment at a time. One event, one day, one book at a time. Excited for your vlogs from your new place. Love you. Dont forget to have fun.

usually the best cure for a slump is to ride it out & take it easy. don’t read for a while, and if you do comics, graphic novels, and manga are friends to all who are in a reading slump. every year during finals season i read straight pictures for a month, and it’s easy, and it’s great! i hope the rest of your move goes smoothly :)

You really should read The Count of Monte Cristo. Not the light-hearted book you need when in a reading slump, but you should definitely read it some time in the future. It's just amazing, and I think I've never heard you mention it in your videos.

Hey Emmie, as someone who has just come out of a MASSIVE reading slump, my advice is to just roll with it. Don't worry about it, don't force yourself during this very stressful time for you & wee Calcifer :-) Like you, no book was holding my attention & I just wasn't interested. After no reading for months (yes months) I finally got interested in Manga for the first time, and it was Berserk that started to bring me out of my slump. I also got my stories from video games, which helped me to relax. And now, this week, I finished a novel (Penpal by Dathan Auerbach), and am 1/2 way through Sanderson's first Mistborn book. Anyway, hope you all are settling in...it'll take a while for Calcifer to settle, but you're doing well and happy pottering :-)

I am in a reading slump too. I used to read a book every 1 to 2 days for about 6 months straight, but this month I have only read 1 book in the entire 17 days, and honestly... I do not really feel like reading more for quite some time. I am 400 pages into the Brothers Karamazov but I haven't touched a page in over 3 weeks, yet I am in love with this book and think it is definitely a new top 10 but I cannot bring myself physically to read at the moment. I need to work my way back into it I guess! Oddly enough, The Sandman is what I usually use to get me OUT of my reading slumps, so please do give it a go when you get the feeling to get back into reading. It was the only thing that got me into English Literature in the first place, and without it, I would not have started to read books and study the subject at all. It picks up huge momentum by issue 6 ("24 hours") and does not slow down, and you will not be able to put it down.

We had a little kitten that would run into our bedroom in the middle of the night. He would literally go bouncing off the walls. You can hear him running like a 100 miles an hour. He would sit on our head board. The second you shifted positions in your sleep. He would take a flying leap off the head board & attack whatever body part you moved in your sleep, lol

u doing yoga with your cat omg im sobbing that is so cute !!! and it’s hard to watch everyone else speed read through books, them reading one a day (although its an exaggeration, it very much feels like that) which im happy for them of course, but when you yourself are having trouble picking up a books it makes you feel weird, sad, and almost disappointed in yourself. just remember that it’s alright to take things slow :) take care emma ⭐️

calcifer is growing so fast ;___; also you never being in a reading slump makes me so jealous because i go on a reading slump at least once every two months ;A; i'm always either reading A LOT or i'm not reading at all lol hope the move was successful ♡♡♡

Me and my husband are trying to find a larger place to move. Our flat feels like a matchbox. UK rent prices are ridiculous high at this point, so we will just have to wait a bit more. Books that took me out of reading slump: "The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry" by Gabrielle Zevin and "In an Instant" by Suzanne Redfearn. Happy reading to you!

Calcefer is so so cute I love how curious he is!! Hope u have a wonderful day Emma🫶🏻

Wishing you the best with your move, and I'm glad you are listening to your body, dealing with stress is so hard. Calcifer is adorable and I love the updates about him too. I am reading The Priory of the Orange Tree right now after a reading slump so I understand that restless feeling. Lots of love and hugs!

So hearing your love of One Hundred Years of Solitude has inspired me to pick it up for the first time!

you r so happy with calcifer and he’s so happy with you 🥺🥺this makes me so happy

I love that you always buy your stuff thrifted! You inspired me to do it as well and we do actually help the environment a lot! 🧡 I wish you and your cute new family the best of luck in this new chapter of your lives! 💕

Moving is so stressful, and you've got your new fur baby on top of it, plus that nationwide outage... I'm not surprised you felt off. I hope you feel more like yourself soon!

Your new secretary is adorable!

I just moved halfway across the United States, so I completely empathize with how you feel. My advice is to give yourself permission to take things day by day and don't pressure yourself. Just try to do a little each day. As to the reading slump, read if you feel like it, but don't stress about it. There is more to you than just being a reader. We love you no matter what you do on the channel and would certainly understand if a break is needed.

I love Calcifer ❤️😍 I hope your reading slump is over, if not rereading old favs is a great way to combat it so ~

Hope everything is working out! ❤️ Thanks for sharing, this is the perfect study break!

Oh my gosh I get that crazy indigestion if I’m wearing tight clothes too! It’s the worst. Wanted to share a recommendation for solid basics. The shop is called Everlane. A bit expensive sometimes but I’ve been slowly filling my closet with them and it has made it so easy to just grab two things and make an outfit and not think about it.

It’s amazing that this is her first reading slump for someone who reads both for uni and pleasure! There have been months where I’ve been in a reading slump. Usually every other month, there will be good and bad reading months. I started reading 100 years of solitude along with you! It’s way different from books I usually read but I wanted to “branch out” the genres I read and see what else I’ll like hihi

Your videos really give me a very good vibe 😭😻 thank you for being there and Love you soooo much 💛💛😻

Aww i hope you're feeling better these days Emma! I have to say that lately I've also been very grumpy or angry or just off just before my period especially if it's an extra stressful time so i can imagine the feeling! Hopefully the move went well and you're feeling better or more settled within yourself and i hope this only goes up from here💕

I hope the move goes/went smoothly! ❤️

It's not a slump, it's a funk. I don't think it's a reading slump. As you say, its a funk. You've been in a bit of a mood and there's a number of reasons that happens. For one you're moving. That comes with its own set of excitements and anxieties which can be draining as much as the physical stuff. Allow yourself to finish this move and settle first, without berating yourself on all the little things not getting done that can wait. You are allowed to rest when your body is telling you it needs to relax. You owe us all nothing. I'm grateful for the media you give when you give it, and I'm not going to berate someone if I find myself waiting a little longer for videos from anyone who offers them if life and circumstance impacts their time, ability, desire, etc.. to make and offer them. Little free library run coming? YAY! Calcifer is growing fast. He's definitely grown out of being a baby and into full kitty childhood. I recently lost my ginger mog a few weeks ago. He was going to be 21 years old next November so he had a good run. So I've been through all the joyous antics of restless youth, the years of daily ritual of his adult cat personality and the sleepy grind of an old cat who became arthritic, incontinent and needy during the last 2 years before he hid himself away one afternoon to pass in his own peaceful way. Watching Calcifer is comforting. Life goes on and there's always another animal wanting to give joy.

reading slumps are part of the journey, it's okay to take time off reading when we just need a break :) also, Calcifer brought your content to a whole other level of perfection

That glass mug you make your coffee in at the beginning of the video is so so beautiful.

I just love your videos, Emma. Even your moving and packing videos are relaxing and soothing. Also, I'm a cat person myself, so before I could forget to watch a video or two but I can't. Calcipher is so cute!

Ugh I’m sorry about the stress! I think a bit of a break from reading even for just a day helps. I usually try writing or venting it out instead of reading to help get back in the groove of things.

Oof, this vlog was so relatable! Thank you for documenting even your grumpy feelings and days. Videos like this helped me so much when I was suffering debilitating burnout after three semesters of full time work and full time university. It's makes you feel not as alone when you see others showing the not-so-aesthetic sides of life. During burn out, I also felt so not like my usual self, and struggled HARD with reading. I ended up realizing that my brain just needed a break, and I ended up finding other media for the time I was in the burn out. You could try reading more manga (there's apps to read them online), or even magazines! I got interior design magazines and just spent time slowly looking at the beautiful photographs and reading the articles that interested me while skipping the ones that didn't. I really hope you'll find your best way again, and be able to get through this stressful time! Just find the way your brain and body needs at this moment, and try not to get too caught up in what you "normally" are like. Because this isn't a normal time in your life, so you are allowed to act not normally! :)

You're just basically in an overall unproductive mood. It happens to all of us, especially when we're going through a lot of stress. Stress and major life changes can wreak havoc on your mental health and energy. It's important to know that it's perfectly fine to take a break from whatever for a little while. It's fine to just chill and recharge.

Wow seeing someone else’s moving stress puts me right back in that feeling lol. When I moved last year I went through a 4 month reading slump. The best I could do was 2-3 audiobooks per month, mostly comfort rereads. It’s honestly the worst and I’m convinced there’s no way to make moving not a somewhat painful, bittersweet, anxiety filled experience. Just be kind to your brain. Pulling up roots and altering your surroundings has a physical impact on your mind and body. It’s normal and probably healthy really to feel discomforted by it. Take joy in the things you can and the other things will come back in time.

I have been in a reading slump for I don't know how long now and I got my periods yesterday and have been dying in period cramps 😭😭😭... Your videos are calming and so helpful💜 Hope you like your new place... Sending lots of love🌸💜💜💜

everytime i see your glass monitor stand, it makes me wanna buy one. Also calcifer is so adorable!

I love watching your videos. They bring me o much happiness and make me feel like I have a friend :)

the very fun thing now is that im also moving, and i need to start packing my books.. i hope it goes well for both of us and to have a very nice time in our new places and new lives.. Calsefer is the sweetest thing ever! i think im having a reading slump too! since i finished Kafka on the shore actually and i dont feel like reading any thing else.. and i can be so sure if its because of Kafka was just so good the i cant find anything to make feel the same or is it just beacause of all the stress about moving and the college stuff! anyways... i am doing my best and i know you are doing your best too and that things are gonna get better

Kitties love exploring their domain. When we adopted our cat (he was 2 1/2 when we got him) he got in the fridge, the dishwasher, the washer and dryer. Basically anything that had a door that was normally closed. He doesn't do it now though. It's like he knows there's nothing interesting in there.

I've had many slumps: Reading, movie watching...just basic taking care of myself. Hope it got better for you and hope you've been able to enjoy your first days in Toronto. Much love from Hamburg, as per usual

I wish you health and happiness in your new home!❤️

Emma! Thanks alot. I was preparing for my maths test which is tomorrow and dude this video is like the icing on the cake for me.

You are probably in the middle of the chaos of moving in by now. I know it’s a lot, and it’s okay to be overwhelmed. Feel for you and am channeling strength, patience, and strong organizational vibes to you ✨ xx

I love that you are also a person who loves to fill your drink to the brim! Its the best!! 😂

Love your vintage keyboard and your sweet kitten 💗

The Sandman is one of my all time favorites. I hope you love it! I was super confused at the beginning of vol.1 too. Once you get a handle of the characters and pacing etc. it all balances out.

Awesome Great one 👌

Yay a new video! Made my day xx

The thing that healed my reading slump is to rlly try to read a book that you’re highly interested at. For me it was ‘The Odyssey’ but I’m sure u can find one.

Prayers and thoughts to you and your family please stay safe and enjoy your reading love your family friend John your number one Australia friend and fan love your new house and you will bet your slump xx❤️❤️🥰🥰

This videos are my favourites ❤️ Emmie you are the best 😍❤️❤️❤️

I didn’t read a single page while I was moving a few months ago, not because I didn’t want to, but because the process of moving literally consumes the brain I think. My advice is to forget books for a while. The urge to read will come back even sooner if you don’t put any pressure on yourself.

Congrats on the move! I also thought of another great Toronto thing for you to explore- the reference library! You can and will get lost in there for hours, and it is so gorgeous

Hi Emma! I never had a reading slump, but i think you are just very anxious about moving and stuff. Everything is gonna be ok soon. Calcifer is beyond adorable! Ciao! 💖😻💖😻

OMG OMG OMG. Your telling me one of my favorite booktuber is moving to my city 😭😭 so excited for you. Toronto is a crazy wonderful experience so excited to see how you enjoy it!!

I can’t wait for the little free library adventures

Moving is one of the most stressful things. It's easier while younger and before you own a home for sure though. Please keep Calcifer completely safe throughout the move (he could easily slip out of a door or vehicle -- so keeping him caged during those transitions is a must). :) I think it's a big loss not getting to walk up to your University and finish out your degree remotely. So, you are giving something up to make this move / relationship work. It's reasonable to be stressed over all of it.

It's definitely okay to take a break from reading sometimes. Don't be so hard on yourself. Enjoy other things for now if it's not working out. Hope your move goes smoothly. I'm reading Gabriel Garcia Marquez's first novel In Evil Hour but since it's short I'll be able to start One Hundred Years of Solitude soon which I'm excited about. 😊

good luck unpacking, enjoy yr first sunday at the new place you only get one (no pressure tho there’s always second sundays and third ones too)

Wow, love the song in the intro. Saving that for later!

Good luck with the moving❣

Hey Emma! One thing I'd recommend is taping a bit of tinfoil on the counter and letting the cat up there. Cats really don't like the feel and sound of it, so they won't try to get up there again.

perfect upload timing as I’m taking a break from uni reading🤍✨

Yeah. It's not War and Peace, but if you're after a nice easy uncomplicated read, Sandman is not the way to go. It's his most acclaimed work for a reason. There's a lot in there. The last chapter in Preludes & Nocturnes, originally issue 8 of the comic, is The Sound Of Her Wings and in 30 years of comics reading is my favourite. I think that you'll like Dream's older sister. P.S. Your reading slump is stress. It will pass once you've moved and settled in.

Reading slump sucks.I usually allow myself to go through it. But not too long .. I try audiobooks or rereading favorites, I had to literally push myself after a while or else I won’t be reading in a long time. Ps I’m so excited for the book box videos, always love those!!

Hope all goes well with the move, Emma! Moving is so hard, last year I moved across provinces from my family.

Reading slumps are the absolute worst! Best of luck with yours and everything you have going on.

Toronto had a lot of free little libraries where I was (high park neighborhood). I can't wait to see your first Toronto vlog, I really miss that city

Hey, Emma! Don't have time right know to watch the whole video but just wanted to let you know that me and my bf both started reading One Hundred Years of Solitude and so far is very intriguing so I'm excited to know what's up with this book. xD First time commenting bc usually im late on watching your videos but wanted to say thank you for all of the videos, so nice to just sit back after a long day and rest together with u and baby Calcifer!

My cat does what Calcifer does, but for the linen closet. 😂 Your videos are my comfort videos. So, thank you for sharing whatever you choose to share. Good luck with your move!

U Should try Cetaphil , love Your channel and Canada!

Sandman is a book that lives on the mystery. He doesn't give the important information away. I would suggest reading a bit about the series before you attempt it again. It is not a good reading slump book, but they are AMAZING books.

Do give The Sandman another go when you're feeling up for it. Neil Gaiman is hit-or-miss for me, too, but I really love Sandman. It legitimately changed my whole view of comics and influenced my capstone project for my bachelor's degree. I hope you get a chance to try it again and enjoy it!

The Ordinary is great! I also recommend. You can't get it at drugstores, but you can get it at Sephora, or now that you're moving to Toronto, they have a few of their own stores there - the stores are called DECIEM I think, which is the overall parent company's name

I am also during house renovation and I haven't picked up the book I am currently reading for 5 days now. And I usually don't skip reading more than a day.

If your down in the dumps and feeling off, that effects your mental focus which of course will effect your ability or interest in reading. I'd just let it ride out Emmie, you'll come out of it. Take it easy on yourself, you're in the midst of your period, your moving house, so packing and unpacking, which are two stressful acts, you also are probably nervous and insecure because you're going out of your comfort zone, a new city, a new place. Just ride it out! Once you settle in to your new home you'll get your equilibrium back and move back to a normal Emma!

Best secretary award goes to Calcifer! 🎖

Great vlog 📚😎💯 I'm currently reading "the project"

Hope you're doing okay in Toronto! ❤ be gentle with yourself.

Calcifer stretching with you, my heart!!

Hey Emma, jus wanted to say that a reading slump actually may seem like the end of the world, or maybe if a dementer sucked the life out of you. But I wanted to share a book recommendation. You should definetly read His Dark Materials by Phillip Pullman. The first book is awesome 5/5 stars, the second book is even better and breathtaking 6/5, and the last book is so so good that it is definitely 10/5 stars. The exposition and the writing style is so beautiful and the plot, so carefully cosntructed and well constructed and so riveting, that it seems so surreal. It might be one of the best things that happened in YA Fantasy genre, if not to literature, since I have not read many classics.

My main go-to reading slump cure is a HP re-read. Always seems to give me a kick start! Anyway, good luck with the move 😊

Love this