We’ve all been there. You pick up one book after another, and somehow, they all end up back on the shelf they came from. Reading slumps happen to even the most voracious of readers. Oftentimes, they set in out of nowhere and can last for extended periods. It may feel like you’ve lost your love for reading altogether, but there are tried and true tactics to break a reading slump that will get you back to the shelves in no time.
Read Differently
One of the best methods to break a reading slump is to change how you read. One way this can apply is the mode of reading that you choose. Many people read only physical books. Instead, try out an audiobook. Audiobooks create an immersive atmosphere that can help you lose yourself in the story. Some audiobooks, like The Way of Kings by Brandon Sanderson, even feature casts of voice actors that personify each character with a unique voice. They can feel like a movie, bringing the characters to life better than your slumped-out brain can. Plus, audiobooks can be listened to in the car or while doing other chores, making them convenient and easy to work into even the busiest of routines.
Another way to spice up the reading experience is to change your environment. For me, reading outside is key to getting back into a reading mindset. Feeling the sun and breeze on your skin also refreshes your mind. It also helps that you don’t have access to WiFi and other household distractions that can prevent you from focusing on your book. If being outside isn’t accessible to you, the library or a bookstore could be a good option. Being surrounded by books and others reading might inspire you in turn.
Find Community
Many people see reading as a solitary activity. Think a person huddled in the corner with their book obscuring their face. But finding a community of readers is like opening up a whole new world. Try joining a book club. If you’re feeling disinterested in the books you’re picking up, talking with other readers can not only be validating but give you ideas for new books to try. In a book club where a book is selected for the group, the structure can keep you focused. It also gives you the opportunity to talk through your thoughts on the novel, good or bad, with like-minded people.
Online communities like Bookstagram and BookTok can lead to comparison but, when used correctly, can also rekindle your love for reading. Content creators on these platforms often share unique recommendations and content that showcases the love for reading that the community shares. You might even consider creating your own account to make book-related content and keep yourself immersed in the reading community even during a slump.
Skip the Tomes
Long books are amazing. The world-building and character development that an author achieves with that extra space can elevate a story. However, during a slump, these kinds of books can feel like insurmountable mountains. It seems like the end is never in sight and reading one book for too long can make you feel like you’re missing out on other stories. Skip the tomes during your slump and opt for shorter books. Finishing a book gives a sense of accomplishment that will encourage you to keep picking up new ones. Another tip is to look for books with short chapters. In the same way that long books can feel tedious during a slump, long chapters make you feel like you’re getting nowhere. Especially when you have little time to read, a long chapter makes it hard to get fully into the story before you have to do something else.
Feed Your Inner Child
Contrary to popular belief, you don’t have to throw out all your childhood picture books or middle-grade novels once you hit a certain age. These kinds of books are perfect for breaking a reading slump. They usually have less complex worlds and less characters, making the story more easily digestible. Picture books have the bonus of illustrations that make the story jump off the page. Instead of just reading the book, you get to see it in living color. Next time you find yourself losing interest in books, embrace your inner child and let your imagination take over.
Take on a Challenge
Don’t let the word “challenge” fool you. Reading challenges are usually pretty easy and fun to boot. On various social media platforms’ bookish communities, you’ll find reading challenges of all sorts. They can range from reading a book in translation to highly specific themed challenges. Taking on one of these challenges opens up your reading options to books you might not have considered before. They also give you a goal to keep in mind while reading which will help keep you on track.
If you’re active on BookTube, the book community over on YouTube, you might be familiar with book tags. Creators design “tags” where they answer questions with a book that matches. For example, the end-of-the-year book tag might include a question about your favorite read of the year and one about your worst read. These videos can be a good way of introducing yourself to new books while also seeing that others aren’t enjoying everything they read either. Book tags come in all types, some more unique than others. One of my personal favorites is The Great British Bake Off Book Tag.
Start a Journal
Much like scrapbooking, people take their reading journals seriously. Some readers’ journals are neat and concise, while others prefer to fill theirs with colorful drawings and stickers galore. Whatever your preference, starting a reading journal allows you to track your reading in a fun way. You can design your layout in a way that makes sense for your habits or be inspired by others. If the idea of “tracking” your reading seems like a slog, you can also take a more laidback approach to journaling. Instead of tracking the number of books you’ve read, use the space to express your thoughts, however unorganized. Think of the journal as a place to vent and unpack your feelings about the story.
Revisit a Favorite
The saying “oldie but a goodie” applies here. While new books are coming out every day, sometimes it’s those tried and true favorites that we really need to be picking up. Your favorite books are your favorites for a reason. Don’t focus so much on keeping up with new releases that you forget what made you a reader in the first place. Immersing yourself in a story that you once fell in love with will remind you why you love reading. Whether it’s a childhood favorite or the last book you rated five stars, conjure up those past feelings.
Embrace the Reading Slump
This tip may seem counterintuitive. After all, no one likes being in a reading slump. Nowadays, especially with the spread of social media niches like Bookstagram and BookTok, it’s easy to feel like a “bad reader.” Everyone else seems to be reading 100 books a year, churning out meticulously detailed book reviews, and generally being the epitome of a reader. How could you ever compare? Well, the key is not to compare. Everyone reads at their own pace, and life can get in the way. There is no right way to be a reader. The only thing that matters is that you love the act of picking up a book and losing yourself in the world within the pages. Sometimes, we have to take a break from the things we love to prevent burning out completely. If none of these tactics have managed to break your slump, it’s okay to step back and do other things you love. Eventually, you’ll pick up a book and that spark will be back like it never left.
