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
