9 Ways to Get Out of a Reading Slump
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What is a Reading Slump?
I would describe a reading slump as a period when you have little or no interest in reading. You might resist opening a book at all or find yourself struggling to get past the first few pages. Reading might even feel like a bit of a chore – something to procrastinate over or avoid completely.
Although they can be frustrating, reading slumps are a normal part of being a reader. I like to remind myself I’m human, not a reading machine! It’s normal to have ebbs and flows in any hobby, and reading is no different.
That said, I also understand wanting to get out of a reading slump as quickly as possible. If books are usually a source of pleasure and reading is one of your favourite ways to relax, you can feel lost without them.
9 Ways to Get Out of a Reading Slump
1. Keep a Reading Journal
My number one tip to help you read more is to start a reading journal. When I began keeping my own in 2021, I went from reading an average of 20-25 books a year to 52 books a year. This doesn’t mean I don’t experience reading slumps, but I’ve read 52 books for the last three years and I’m on track for another 52 in 2025.
My reading journal keeps me accountable and motivates me to work through any slumps as they arise. Visit How to Use a Reading Journal to learn more.
2. Browse Your Local Bookshop or Library
Sometimes it’s just what’s on our bookshelves at home that feels boring. These days, publishers work hard to make their novel covers appealing and book sellers go to great lengths to make displays enticing. Often, I find simply being in a bookshop is inspiration enough to get back into reading!
3. Re-Read a Book You Love
Ignore anyone who says this doesn’t count. It doesn’t count for what?! I know there are millions of books to choose from, so it may feel like a waste to read the same book twice. But I’d encourage you to take my daughter’s example and borrow the same book from the library twice or even three times because you love it so much. The point of reading is enjoyment and escape. Sometimes it’s about learning and broadening our horizons too, but mostly, it’s for pleasure. So, enjoy yourself and read a book you love again and again.
4. Try a New-To-You Genre
Immersing yourself in a completely different literary world is a great way to jumpstart your reading habit. If you usually reach for historical fiction, why not try a fantasy novel instead? If you love sci-fi, next time try a thriller. Reading slumps can feel like being stuck in a rut, so switching genres could be the perfect antidote.
5. Choose Something Short
These days, many popular books are epic in length. This can be great when you want to spend days deep in an absorbing story, but daunting when you're in a slump. I’d suggest finding a book that’s 100-200 pages long so you can slowly ease yourself back into reading. Here are some ideas to get you started:
6. Reach for a Guaranteed Page Turner
For me, this usually means reading a thriller. When I’m bored and in a slump, I love Lee Child’s Jack Reacher series or a Tom Clancy. They’re packed with action. After a while you forget you’re reading and find you can’t stop. Again, it’s all about reading for enjoyment.
7. Switch to an Audiobook
I know there’s controversy here too. Do audiobooks count? YES! I love audiobooks and could sing their praises all day long. I listen in the car, while I’m painting, when I'm making food, when I’m on a mental health walk… It’s kind of like being a kid again and having books read to you by a parent. There’s something very comforting about the experience.
You can listen on a platform like Audible or, if you have a library card, there are also apps like Libby and BorrowBox. If you’re looking for faith-based books, you’ll struggle with the free library apps, but they have plenty of popular books and some great reads I wouldn’t have discovered without browsing their collections.
8. Seek Out Trusted Recommendations
Looking at other people’s bookshelves is another great way to get inspired. Refer to friends whose taste in books you trust. Either browse their Goodreads for 5-star reviews or ask them if they’ve read anything good recently that you could borrow. To discover some of mine, check out my List of Top Reads from a Family of Bookworms.
9. Try Reading Somewhere New
Often, all you need is a change of scene. If possible, take a book, noise-cancelling headphones, and leave your phone at home. You could find a cosy cafe, treat yourself to your favourite hot drink, and allow yourself to get lost in a book with no digital distractions. You can also achieve the same thing sitting outside, either in your garden or a nearby park. If you’re local, take a look at 5 Places to Read in Belfast for ideas.
Get Out of a Slump and Start Logging Your Reads!
My Reading Journal is designed to create a written record of the books you read over the course of a year. As well as documenting key details such as the title of the book, author, genre and when (and where) you read it, you can also use your journal to note down any thoughts along with your favourite quotes. Get yours here >>> And Hope Designs Reading Journal
