When you love to read, it can feel very strange to find yourself in a reading slump. It’s not that you don’t want to read – it’s that you don’t find yourself particularly drawn to pick up a book, or you find your mind wandering as you read. When I was in school, I never really had the chance to get into a reading slump. I was always reading, reading, reading! But recently, I came to a place where I was’t as invested in the books I was reading, or I wasn’t excited to get into my pajamas & curl up with a good book.
“The person, be it gentleman or lady, who has not pleasure in a good novel, must be intolerably stupid.”
– Jane Austen
I’m still wouldn’t say I’m completely out of my reading slump, but I’ve found a few ways to get back into a routine and really enjoy reading again. Here are a few things to try if you’re wondering how to get out of a reading slump:
- Set yourself a reasonable goal, and divide it into manageable chunks. If you commit to reading just one chapter before bed, you’ll be amazed at how quickly you get back into a reading habit.
- Find an exciting book. I love to read long, lush Victorian novels. But are they the most exciting, page-turning read? Not usually. When I’m in a reading slump, I’ll pick up a quick-read that I know will keep me engaged, like a YA novel or a mystery.
- Reread! I’ll admit that I’m not a big reread-er, but there’s something about revisiting your favorite characters that can be fun – and easier than trying to keep up all the new characters of a novel you’ve never read.
- Keep track of your reading list in a journal, or on a site like Goodreads. Marking your progress as you read can be a great motivator to keep at it, and you’ll have a great resource for when you want to go back and look all the books you’ve read and when you read them.
- Try short stories. Many people dislike short stories because they were forced to reread the same ones over and over in school. (I’m talking about you, Harrison Burgeron!) But the truth is, there are many short stories in all your favorite genres. You just have to find a collection that interests you!
- Read with a buddy or a group. Ask your family members or friends for recommendations, and you’ll always have someone to talk to about that incredible plot-twist, swoon-worthy scene, or hilarious character.
- Start a journal for your favorite quotes. Writing down a hilarious line or a poignant moment helps to break up the reading process, and it’s fun to have all your favorite quotes collected in one place.
If you’re in a reading slump, I hope these tips help you to snap out of it and to love reading again. Anyone who loves reading know that being in a reading slump can make you feel disconnected – like you’ve lost touch with an old friend.
If you have any tips for how to get out of a reading slump, share them in the comments! I appreciate your advise, and I’m sure other readers will too.
XOXO
5 Comments
Colleen
I notice that alot of times people get into reading slumps is because they spend too much time on their phones and other tech which moves along so much quicker and you do multiple things at once (facebook, texting, pintrest, games) so trying to stay focused on something so much slower moving is to hard not to get distacted. Myself included. Maybe spend less time on tech.
February 3, 2018 at 10:02 amHaley
That is so true Colleen! Spending time on my phone is definitely a distraction from reading. I really need to get an alarm clock so that I don’t have to charge my phone right next to my bed – it’s so tempting to put the book down and start the endless Instagram scroll! Thanks for commenting 🙂
February 28, 2018 at 9:35 amxo, Haley
Melanie
Going back to my old favorite Author has been a delight in getting over my reading slump. As you said Reading an exciting or captivating genre will definitely help one get back into their love of Reading. I had been in a fictional novel slump and I always loved mysteries and intense books so getting back on Dean Koontz has been delightful and so much fun! I am so excited to read Fiction again and I got my old me back! YESSS!! ?? and phew for a long while there I thought Something was wrong with me ?
May 12, 2020 at 2:38 pmHaley
I have to remind myself that reading is a life-long passion. There will be ups and downs, but my favorite books are always there waiting for me 🙂 Thanks for commenting! Sorry it took so long to respond.
June 26, 2020 at 4:06 pmxo, Haley
Clovelly
Wowzers, great tips! I’m now reading the Diary of Anne Frank.
August 23, 2022 at 12:47 am