Reading slumps are the worst, and I’ve felt one coming on for a little while now. Thankfully, I’ve been able to keep reading, even if I’ve slowed down some. So, I figured this is the perfect time to do a post on some tips to help you avoid and/or get over a reading slump!
1. Read short books/books with short chapters:
Whenever I feel a reading slump coming on, I am intimidated and overwhelmed by bigger books. Reading books that are shorter or have brief chapters helps to make me feel like I’m progressing through books quicker and is much more encouraging.
2. Reread a favorite book:
Rereading a book that you love but haven’t read in a while is a great way to remind yourself why you love reading! Whenever I reread my favorite books it evokes feelings of joy and nostalgia.
3. Get inspiration from BookTube:
BookTube is the name of the community of people who make videos on Youtube videos recommending and reviewing books. By watching these videos, I can usually find at least a few books that sound interesting to me. Some BookTubers I personally recommend are Hailey in Bookland, A Clockwork Reader, and Merphy Napier.
4. Try a chapter:
The synopsis on the back/inside the dust jacket of a book can provide you with some basic information about the book. However, even if you find the synopsis intriguing you might not connect with the author’s writing style. So, if you’re in the book store or library and find a book that looks interesting, first try a chapter or even a few pages in order to get a better idea of if you may actually like it.
5. Don’t Be Afraid to DNF a Book:
Reading is a hobby I (and likely you) do for fun. If you’re not liking a book and you dread reading it, then that will only perpetuate your reading slump. You don’t owe anything to anyone other than yourself. Don’t hesitate to put that book down and try another. (Please note: I am not condoning this if the book you are reading is for school and is required. Do your homework!).
6. Break Out of Your Reading Comfort Zone:
I am a lover of the fantasy genre and have read more fantasy books than I can count. Unfortunately, this means that nowadays it takes a lot to really excite me when it comes to fantasy. So, when I feel a slump coming on I try to read outside of the fantasy genre. I may always come back to it, but exploring other genres can feel refreshing!
7. Be Realistic/Honest with yourself:
Don’t pressure yourself to read a certain number of books or pages a day. Reading should be something to look forward to, not something that causes you stress. Just try to read a little bit a day, but if you can’t, then don’t beat yourself up.
I hope some of these tips can help you if you’re currently in the midst of a reading slump. Thanks for stopping by and I’ll see you next Saturday for my March reading wrap-up!
