If you’re having a hard time getting into any books lately, then you might be experiencing a reading slump. I know how frustrating that can be — to pick up your favorite series and see that it’s just not doing it for you right now. It’s such a bummer!
My reading slump felt like I was in a never-ending cycle of dreariness. I had turned into one of those magical creatures from my favorite books, unable to break the spell and exit the realm of never-ending boredom.
Every book I picked up would gather dust on my nightstand, and no matter how hard I tried, I just couldn’t seem to find the motivation to dive into them. I would get to a certain point, and then I would put it down and forget about it.
Frustrated, I decided to take matters into my own hands and discover the root of my problem – why had I gotten myself into a reading slump in the first place?
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After a bit of soul-searching, I realized that I had been putting too much pressure on myself, constantly trying to read the same books as everyone else. This was stunting my love for reading altogether. In addition, I was stuck in the same reading routine and had become accustomed to reading the same genres. It felt like everything was becoming mundane and I needed to explore new stories and worlds.
So, instead of trying to power through my slump, I gave myself a break and took some time away from reading. I explored other hobbies such as painting (let’s just say my paintings weren’t that impressive😂) and scrapbooking, which was actually quite delightful!
When I felt ready, I slowly started to pick up books again, but this time with a much more open mindset. Instead of trying to read all the popular books that everyone else was reading, I focused on finding stories that appealed to me and exploring different genres.
And just like that, the spell was broken! I was able to rediscover my love of reading and get myself out of the dreaded reading slump. I learned from this experience that it is crucial to set aside time for yourself and discover other interests.
Get Out of Your Reading Funk and Rediscover the Joy of Reading
So, to cure your reading slump and find new books to love, I’ve put together a list of some of my favorite books to get you out of a reading slump. But before we get into that, I wanted to share some tips on how you can get out of a reading slump.
1. Take a break from reading
Take a break from reading and do something else for a while. I’m not saying don’t read at all; just don’t force yourself to read if you’re not in the mood.
Instead, try doing something creative like writing, drawing, or painting! Just taking a break from books can help you relax and gain some perspective.
Once you’ve stepped away from the bookshelf and done something different, you’ll come back to it with fresh eyes and a new perspective.
2. Identify the reason for your reading slump
Being able to pinpoint the source of your reading slump is an important step in getting out of it. Feeling down because your last book choice didn’t quite hit the spot? Have you been so busy that reading has taken a backseat?
Once you’ve figured out why you’re in a slump, you can start to make a plan for getting out of it.
3. Set Simple Goals to get out of your Reading Slump
If you’re really feeling stuck, set some simple goals for yourself.
Set aside specific times and days to read, and try to stick to your schedule. You can even make it a game of sorts — challenge yourself to finish a book in a certain amount of time or set a goal of reading a certain number of pages every day.
Struggling with finding new books? Sign up for a book subscription service or join an online book club to get more ideas.
Related: The Best Book Subscription Boxes out there for Book Lovers
Pick a few books that you want to read over the next couple of weeks and commit to them. This helps give you a sense of purpose and direction so that you don’t feel overwhelmed.
The key is to keep it simple and stay consistent. Don’t let your reading slump drag you down; instead, use it as an opportunity to try something new and exciting.
Chances are, you’ll find something that sparks your imagination sooner or later.
4. Read something completely different than what you’ve been reading lately
I’m talking about stepping out of your comfort zone and trying something new.
Maybe you can pick up a book of poetry, or an autobiographical travel guide. How about a horror novel if you never usually read that genre? No matter what you choose, the goal is to explore something new and intriguing. Sometimes all it takes is a change of perspective.
4. Try audiobooks or eBooks instead of physical books
Sometimes our eyes need a break from staring at physical books all the time. Listening to an audiobook while going for a walk or curling up with an eBook are great ways to get through your reading slump.
Plus, with so many digital (+Audio) books available, there’s something out there for everyone. So don’t be afraid to switch up your reading routine and give audiobooks and eBooks a chance.
Related: Physical Books Vs AudioBooks: Which one is best?
5. Start with shorter books to get back into the groove
Don’t jump straight into a 600-page epic. Instead, start your reading comeback with shorter books — like novellas or short stories.
This can be a great way to ease yourself back into the groove without getting overwhelmed. Plus, it’s a great way to explore new authors or genres without investing too much time.
Once you’ve gained some momentum, it’s time to find a book that fits your current mood and interests. This is the key to keeping up the momentum and getting out of a reading slump.
6. Join a book club or discussion group online or in person
One of the best ways to get out of a reading slump is to join a book club or online discussion group.
This will give you an excellent opportunity to connect with other readers and explore different genres and authors that you may not have heard of before.
It’s also a great way to stay motivated and find new books that you can’t wait to get into. Plus, you’ll be able to discuss your favorite books with people who share the same love of reading that you do.
7. Give it some time and Be patient
When you’re in a reading slump, it can feel like you’ll never make it out, but that’s not true!
It might take some time and a few books before you find something that really catches your eye. So don’t give up — take your time and enjoy the journey. Pretty soon, you’ll be back to reading with enthusiasm!
8. Book Recommendations to get you out of that reading slump ASAP!
If you’re looking for some recommendations to help get you out of a reading slump, here are some of my favorites:
1. The Girl on the Train by Paula Hawkins
Goodreads Review: The Girl On The Train
This is a 2015 psychological thriller described as “Gone Girl meets Inception.” The book follows the story of Rachel Watson, an alcoholic struggling to piece together her life after a divorce.
She takes the train to London every day and becomes obsessed with the lives of the people she sees through the windows of the houses she passes. When one of the people she’s been watching goes missing, Rachel finds herself caught up in a mystery that threatens to destroy her.
This book is a fast-paced thriller that keeps you guessing until the end.
2. Such a Fun Age by Kiley Reid
GoodReads Review: Such a Fun Age by Kiley Reid
This is a 2020 debut novel about a young Black woman who is mistaken for the babysitter by a wealthy white family.
When the mother of the family asks her to stay late one night to watch the children, she does so without thinking twice. But when a photo of her with the children goes viral, she finds herself at the center of a media firestorm.
This is a timely novel about race, privilege, and what it means to be young and Black in America. The writing is sharp and incisive, and the characters are fully realized. This is a must-read for our current moment.
3. Homegoing by Yaa Gyasi
GoodReads Review: Homegoing by Yaa Gyasi
This is a 2016 historical fiction novel that spans 300 years and follows the lives of two half-sisters born in different villages in Ghana.
One sister is married off to an Englishman and lives a life of comfort, while the other is sold into slavery. The novel follows the sisters and their descendants through eight generations as they grapple with the legacy of their shared history.
This is a beautiful, sweeping novel about family, identity, and what it means to be home.
4. The Sun Is Also a Star by Nicola Yoon
Goodreads Review: The Sun Is Also a Star
This is a 2016 young adult novel about two teenagers who meet and fall in love over the course of one day.
Natasha is a Jamaican immigrant who is facing deportation, and Daniel is the son of Korean immigrants. The novel follows their story as they try to navigate their different worlds and find a way to be together.
This is a beautiful, poignant novel about first love, family, and finding your place in the world. The setting of New York City is almost a character in itself, and the writing is absolutely gorgeous.
5. Five Tuesdays in Winter by Lily King
GoodReads Review : Five Tuesdays in Winter
Lily King is a master of contemporary fiction, and this book is no exception. The writing is gorgeous, and the characters are richly drawn.
It comprises ten diverse short stories filled with love, desire, honesty, jolting violence, and loss. A painful reunion of two college roommates in their middle years, a book seller’s love affair with a customer, the mother of a child with cancer trying to reconnect with her estranged husband, and a writer whose voice has been suppressed by several men are only some of the stories you’ll find in this collection.
These stories will break your heart and then mend it back together again.
6. We Were Liars by E. Lockhart
GoodReads Review : We were Liars
The setting of this 2014 young adult novel is a private island off the coast of Massachusetts, and the story follows a group of teenagers who are members of two wealthy families.
The “Liars” of the title are a clique of friends who spend their summers on the island, and the novel follows them as they navigate their complicated relationships. When one of the girls goes missing, the others are left to piece together what happened.
This is a gripping novel that will leave you guessing until the end.
Well, there you have it — your complete guide to getting out of a reading slump! All that’s left is for you to get out there and find some fantastic books to read.
So take a deep breath, turn off your phone and sink into a comfy chair with a good book in hand. Let the characters take you away and let your imagination soar!
With a little time and patience, you’ll be out of that reading slump in no time. Now, go forth and read! 🐼
“Don’t let a reading slump keep you down — dust it off, turn the page, and get back to exploring new worlds!”
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