We’ve all been there: you open a book, stare at the cover… and close it again. Reading slumps are those phases when you lose your reading mojo. Turning pages feels forced, and books pile up unread like guilt magnets. Let’s talk about how to break out of the slump and reignite your joy of reading.
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Let’s break down what a slump is and, more importantly, how you can get out of one fast.
📚 What Is a Reading Slump?
A reading slump occurs when reading feels like a chore. You might:
- Start books but never finish them
- Feel apathetic toward genres you love
- Dread picking up a book even for leisure time
It’s not that you’ve lost your love for reading—you’re just temporarily burned out.
🔧 Tips to Reignite Your Reading Spark
1. Switch up genres
When reading feels stale, change up the genre you usually read. If fantasy romance is your go-to, try science fiction, paranormal, or romance. Maybe even branch out entirely and try historical fiction or a rom-com. Switching out your usual genre can keep the stories you love feeling fresh.
2. Start short and sweet
Overwhelmed by big books? Read novellas, short stories, or graphic novels. Quick finishes bring satisfaction and momentum that will help to push you over that slump. Here’s a list of short fantasy romance books you can enjoy in one sitting.
3. Re-read an old favorite
Nothing beats nostalgia. Revisiting beloved stories is comforting and can remind you why you love reading. You don’t even need to re-read the whole book. Just dip in to your favorite scenes so that the reward of reading is immediate.
4. Try a different format
Switch to audiobooks, manga, or ebooks. Sometimes eyeball reading can be just plain tiring. Especially if you are a voracious reader. Audiobooks help to break the slump, and sometimes the format shift is all you need. If you don’t have access to audiobooks, you can do a free trial of Audible to help break you out of your slump.
5. Change your reading environment
New place, new vibe. Try a café, park, bath, or blanket-fort on the floor. A fresh location sparks fresh energy.
6. Set tiny, no-pressure goals
Commit to one page, one chapter, or 10 minutes a day. Baby steps beat forcing yourself through a tome.
7. Give yourself permission to pause
Slumps happen. Giving yourself a break doesn’t make you a bad reader—it often helps you return with better focus. Lean into the slump!
8. Build a reading nook & limit distractions
Set up a cozy reading space—blankets, tea, pillows—and keep your phone away to boost your focus. If you are reading a digital book on your phone? Turn on airplane mode or focus mode to limit notifications that pull you away from reading. Better yet, read off an e-reader!
9. Buddy read, join a book club, or read aloud!
Reading with a friend adds accountability—and fun! Buddy reads and clubs are excellent slump busters. Do you have kids? Try reading aloud to them! Or read to your spouse or significant other. I’m currently reading to my husband while in the midst of a reading slump. It’s a re-read of one of my favorite books, but having my husband enjoy the story for the first time is not only fun for me, it’s helping to break me out of my slump!
10. Trip to a bookstore or library
Wandering among shelves with no pressure to pick something can reawaken your curiosity and fuel your desire to read.
🎯 Bonus Tips
- Keep a “lit list”: Not to be confused with the TBR. This list is specifically for browsing during low-energy days. These books should come from your TBR, but maybe they have a high probability of igniting your reading spark. For me, these books are new releases I’m super excited about reading.
- Listen to book podcasts or watch BookTube for recommendations and renewed excitement.
- Practice DNF freedom: Don’t feel obligated to finish every book—if it’s not working, move on!
📝 Quick Tips Recap
- Change genres or formats
- Bite-size reading
- Reread comforting favorites
- Audio or visual transitions
- Cozy, fresh spaces
- Mini reading goals
- Authorize pauses
- Distraction-free zones
- Partner or group reads
- Browse bookstores/libraries
Final Thoughts
Reading slumps are normal, but they don’t define your reader identity. Whether it’s re-reading a favorite, exploring a new genre, or finding comfort in a cup of tea and a good nook, there are dozens of gentle ways to reclaim your love for stories.
Have your own slump-busting trick? Share it in the comments! Your recommendation might just be the spark someone else needs.
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