If you’re anything like me, reading is more than just a hobby—it acts as an escape and a comfort. I love nothing more than curling up with a good book, a fuzzy blanket, and a candle roaring in the background. But every bookworm knows the frustration of falling into a reading slump. One moment, you’re flying through books, and the next, you can’t seem to pick one up. But sometimes, after finishing an amazing book or struggling through one that didn’t quite hit the mark, I find myself unmotivated to pick another. Don’t worry—there are ways to break out of the reading slump, all tested by me! Here are 5 tips that always help me get back into reading.
START WITH A LIGHT READ
Every book you read does not have to be 500 to 800 pages. Don’t put pressure on yourself by reading a long book, that you might not even enjoy. My favorite types of light reads are graphic novels or a nice romance book. My personal favorite is Heartstopper by Alice Oseman.
Recommendations: Book Lovers by Emily Henry
REREAD A FAVORITE
Pick up a book you know you’ve enjoyed the plot, the world-building, and the characters. Rereading a book does not pressure you to heavily pay attention to details since you already know everything. Just think you might be able to discover new details.
Recommendations: Before the Coffee Gets Cold by Toshikazu Kawaguchi
SET SMALL, BUT ACHIEVABLE GOALS
My achievable goals when it comes to reading are to read for 20 minutes a day or read 2 chapters a day to slowly lean myself back into reading. I am currently reading Atomic Habits by James Clear, but told myself I would only listen to 1 chapter a day in the morning. When you break down the book into manageable sections, it makes the reading process less overwhelming.
Recommendations: The Husbands by Holly Gramazio
SWITCH UP THE FORMAT
If physical books are just not working for you, try reading with Kindle Unlimited or with an audiobook. My favorite method is reading a physical book, but with the audiobook playing in the background. I read the first two books of the A Court of Thornes and Roses series by Sarah J. Mass with the physical book, but felt extremely overwhelmed by them, so I switched to reading on my Kindle and felt like it was completely new.
Recommendations: Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros
EXPLORE NEW GENRES
Sometimes I realize the cause of my slump is because I have read too many romance books in a row, so I try to switch up the type of books. I recommend trying something different—like mystery, fantasy or sci-fi if you really want to switch it up.
Recommendations: The Westing Game by Ellen Raskin
Breaking free from a reading slump can feel challenging or like a chore, but with these 5 tips, you’ll be able to get back into your love of reading. Always remind yourself that reading is supposed to be fun, so don’t be scared to mix it up every once in a while.
If you’re looking for some great fall recommendations, check out my previous article: