Hey there, fellow book enthusiasts! If you’re anything like me, you’ve probably had moments in your life when you couldn’t put a book down, devouring pages and pages in a single sitting. That’s exactly how I used to be during my college days as a literature student. I could easily breeze through a hundred pages a day, and the library felt like my second home.

I was the quintessential bookworm, and I loved it. But there’s a twist in this tale: all that reading eventually led to a burnout.

Four years of intense reading during my Bachelor’s in literature, followed by another two years in a Master’s program, had exhausted my literary reservoir. The ceaseless reading left me with a cluttered mind, unable to focus on the written word once more.  I was officially suffering from the dreaded reader’s block. I needed to make a change.

So, I took a step back from reading, which was both liberating and, honestly, a little scary. Instead of books, I filled my time with travel, conversations with people from all walks of life, and simply living in the moment. It was like a reset button for my brain.

During this hiatus, I occasionally picked up poetry, short stories, or articles, which didn’t come with the pressure of finishing a full-length novel. But when it came to thick, meaty books, I found myself hesitating. Could I even finish one?

However, as time passed, I realized that reading and writing were not just hobbies for me; they were an essential part of who I am. Literature was my first love, and I couldn’t stay away for long.

The desire to read again was strong, but it wasn’t about the numbers or proving anything to anyone. It was about reigniting my love for books in a healthier and more sustainable way.

So, here’s the plan: I’m starting a reading challenge for November, and it’s as relaxed as it gets. No rigid list of books to plow through, no deadlines haunting me. I’ve got a pile of books on my shelf, and I’m starting with one that’s been calling my name for a while.

“Hopscotch” by Julio Cortázar is the book of choice. I found it in a charming Parisian street where the author once lived. The story’s been waiting for me, and I’m ready to dive in.

But here’s the twist: I’m giving myself an entire month to read it. That’s right, no rush. It’s all about enjoying the journey, savoring every word, and letting the story unfold at its own pace.

If you’re up for the challenge, I invite you to join the club. Let’s read “Rayuela” together and exchange thoughts, insights, and reflections about this literary gem. In a month’s time, I’ll return with a review and share my journey back into the world of literature.

Here’s to rediscovering the joy of reading and the limitless worlds that await within the pages of books.

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