Everyone gets in a reading slump sometimes – it could be that your past few reads haven’t lived up to your expectations or you simply don’t seem to be able to find the time to read. This article covers 5 ways to get out of a reading slump, and will send you on your way to finding some great summer reads!
Visit a bookshop and browse
There is no better way to get excited about reading than standing in a bookshop, admiring the covers and reading blurbs. Whilst you shouldn’t always judge a book by its cover, there is nothing more exciting about finding a beautiful book that has an equally interesting blurb whilst in a bookshop! If you can, find an independent bookshop so that you can support a small business, or visit your local charity shops to investigate their book sections. Don’t just stick to the sections you usually gravitate towards either – explore the whole store, and you might just your next great read…
Don’t feel obliged to finish your current book
It doesn’t matter if it has received amazing reviews or prizes, or if you had been looking forward to reading it for months, sometimes it just isn’t worth pushing through if the book is causing you to stop reading. Don’t feel guilty about leaving it, as you can always pick it back up after you have escaped the reading slump! Find a different book that you can’t wait to read, maybe from a different genre or by a new author to mix things up.
Start using a reading app
I am a huge fan of Goodreads, however recently I have been trying out the StoryGraph as an alternative. I love to use these apps as it not only allows me to keep track of my ever-growing ‘To Be Read’ list, but also has reviews and ratings from the community and recommendations based on what I have enjoyed reading previously.
Re-read a book you loved reading
There is no better way to remind yourself of the joys of reading than reading a book you really loved. I always go for a light read that I can finish in a few days. It always cheers me up and inspires me to pick up another book.
Find simple ways to remind yourself to read
Bring your book in your bag or download an ebook app so that you have access to books everywhere you go. I found that having a book in my bag meant that I would be reaching for it instead of my phone when I had a break. Before I knew it I was reading on the bus, when I had a break and while I was eating my lunch. Reading in bite-sized chunks meant I didn’t even realise how often I was reading! If you are feeling like a challenge, try to replace your screen-time with reading time…
Other ways to remind yourself to read is to place books in places where you will notice them or setting reminders on your phone.