My Top 10 Tips to Get Out of a Reading Slump

Welcome aboard, train wreck.

It happens to us all. Yes, even me. You’re cruising along, reading book after book. Crushing those reading goals. And then something happens. Life gets in the way. You can’t stand the book you’re reading. Or the last book emotional devastated you and you’re afraid to pick up a new book in the fear of the same thing happening. Or, you just don’t feel like it.

You’re in a reading slump.

If this is your first time here, welcome aboard, train wreck. Glad to have you here. If this isn’t your first time here, I’m still glad to have you. Please like, comment, share, and subscribe. My goal is to have five hundred subscribers by the end of the year. I think we can make that happen. I will be posting affiliate links. When you use my links to buy, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. This helps me buy more books to read and review. And coffee and wine for the rest of my time that isn’t reading. So, thank you.

And you thought only writers get blocked. But, let’s face it, sometimes even socially acceptable escapism can be a little much to deal with. Between anxiety and depression, kids, work, and the world, I’ve had weeks that rolled into months where not one page was read. Sad but true. So, I’m here to give you my tips for breaking that cycle and getting back on the couch and ignoring the world and your problems.

1. Read your favorite book. I mean, it’s your favorite for a reason. It’s like visiting with old friends. There’s comfort in the familiarity. And it may prompt you to read more in the series or by that author. Then, I would suggest looking up books related to your favorite and exploring them.
2. Join a book club. The world is opening back up meaning you can find real, in person clubs. But I’m super introvert chick and I like the comfort of being socially distanced. Hence, online book clubs. I think my last count I was in five or six from Facebook groups. We find out what the book is, we read it, then we discuss. Discussions are either a Zoom call, a live YouTube session, or a Facebook “party” setting. I’ve found when I’m excited to talk about a book, I read it a little faster and I’m more engaged with it.
3. Try audiobooks. Not gonna lie. Audible has saved me. I have not a lot of time to sit with a book and read. And even if I do have a physical book in my hands, I have to re-read the page or line because someone wants a drink, or I need to sign a permission slip, or look at a funny meme that really isn’t that funny but I laugh because I love him. Because of audiobooks, I’m crushing my 31 in 31 books challenge. My favorite part is that I can set the speed a little faster. By the way, you can try Audible using this link https://amzn.to/3iI73wr 30 day risk free to the largest audiobook collection. I love it.
4. And speaking of faster reading, pick up a fast paced book. I just DNF’d a book because it was moving so slow. Even at 2.5 speed. I simply could not get into it. But a book that has something happening at the turn of every page? That’s going to get those pages turning with hurricane speed.
5. Size does matter. Don’t pick up War and Peace just to struggle and slosh through hopelessly. Find a short read. Short reads can take as little as an hour or two to get through. I strongly recommend Shirley Jackson as the queen of short horror fiction.

https://ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?ServiceVersion=20070822&OneJS=1&Operation=GetAdHtml&MarketPlace=US&source=ss&ref=as_ss_li_til&ad_type=product_link&tracking_id=glorioustra08-20&language=en_US&marketplace=amazon&region=US&placement=B0056IAXW6&asins=B0056IAXW6&linkId=b6deb20343f564fafbf1c304ef2d1754&show_border=true&link_opens_in_new_window=true

7. Change of scenery. Your normal spot for reading just isn’t cutting it anymore. Change it up. You could move a bunch of furniture. But that’s time you could be spending reading. Try a different chair. If it’s nice outside, get some fresh air. The weather has been amazing here for outside reading. I don’t have a lot of options for other places to read so I use ambient YouTube videos. There are so many to choose from. I found one that is a fall reading nook with soft leaves falling and the sound of rain. It is lush and I’m so grateful to the people who make those videos.

8. Go through your bookshelf. Do you remember being a kid and cleaning your room? Inevitably, you would find a shirt you forgot you loved or a toy you hadn’t played with in forever. Then you’d spend hours playing with that toy instead of cleaning. Same concept. I guarantee you’ll find a book you forgot about on your shelf. Naturally, you’ll have to check it out. And there you’ll be, surrounded by books on the floor but pages deep in a memory. Is there anything better?

9. Reading isn’t just books. It’s comic books, graphic novels, and magazines. Hell, it’s even Wattpad. That’s all reading. If books aren’t giving you serotonin then see if a different format will help.

10. Sometimes, a slump can be a good thing. It’s your brain telling you to slow down and stop. Sit down and evaluate what’s going on in your life. Is reading the only slump you’ve got going? Maybe you just need a break before you break. And there’s nothing wrong with that. The books aren’t going anywhere. Take a breath. Take some time. Maybe take a break and wander the aisles of the library or bookshop.

Well, there you have it. If you’re in a slump, I hope these tips help you out.

Again, if you like what I post, please like, comment, share, and subscribe. If you try any of the tips listed, please let me know how it worked out for you. That’s all I’ve got for today, train wrecks. All aboard.