No book feels quite right. The motivation to pick up a story fades away. Distractions and stress pile so high that your current read blends into the background. It sounds like you’re trapped in a reading slump, my friend. While a reading slump can feel hopeless and frustrating, it will pass. Below, I’ve gathered some tips to speed up your journey back to books.
1. Read something outside of your usual genre
If you’re bored, it might be time to try something completely different. If you usually read fiction, try diving into non-fiction. If you normally read non-fiction, try venturing into fiction. The excitement of exploring a new or rarely-read genre may be the boost you need to return to reading.
If you’re looking for non-fiction recommendations, I adore:
- Art Cure: The Science of How the Arts Save Lives by Daisy Fancourt
- Forest Euphoria: The Abounding Queerness of Nature by Patricia Ononiwu Kaishian
- Nine Pints: A Journey Through the Money, Medicine, and Mysteries of Blood by Rose George
- 99 Ways to Die: And How to Avoid Them by Ashely Alker
- The Great Shadow: A History of How Sickness Shapes What We Do, Think, Believe, and Buy by Susan Wise Bauer
- When Trees Testify: Science, Wisdom, History, and America’s Black Botanical Legacy by Beronda L. Montgomery
If you’re looking for fiction recommendations, I also adore:
- Hazelthorn by C.G. Drews (YA horror)
- Introducing Mrs. Collins by Rachel Parris (historical romance)
- Lady Tremaine by Rachel Hochhauser (Cinderella retelling)
- The Fox Hunt by Caitlin Breeze (speculative fiction + dark academia)
- The Poet Empress by Shen Tao (epic fantasy)
- This Raging Sea by De Elizabeth (YA dark fantasy)
2. Read a short book or short story anthology
A short book is always a wonderful choice when you’re stuck in a reading rut and need a nudge to escape. Short story anthologies are also excellent because they provide a delicious tasting menu of writing styles and plots.
If you’re looking for recommendations, I love:
- Cape Fever by Nadia Davids (~240 pages)
- Once More Upon a Time by Roshani Chokshi (~130 pages)
- The Leaving Room by Amber McBride (~200 pages)
- The Subtle Art of Folding Space by John Chu (~240 pages)
- We Burned So Bright by T.J. Klune (~180 pages)
- Faeries Never Lie: Tales to Revel In edited by Zoraida Córdova and Natalie C. Parker (YA fantasy anthology)
- Metamorphosis: Climate Fiction for a Better Future edited by Grist (climate fiction anthology)
- Never Whistle at Night: An Indigenous Dark Fiction Anthology edited by Shane Hawk and Theodore C. Van Alst Jr. (horror anthology)
- The Gathering Dark: An Anthology of Folk Horror edited by Tori Bovalino (YA horror anthology)
3. Listen to audiobooks if you normally read with your eyes
Reading with your ears is a fantastic way to approach storytelling through a refreshing perspective. Audiobook narrators brilliantly imbue their performances with captivating emotion, accents, and energy, presenting listening experiences that feel like you’re right there with the characters. If you’re looking for cozy activities to enhance the relaxing and cinematic experience of an audiobook, I have some recommendations.
For an especially atmospheric audiobook, these productions featuring multiple narrators are must-listens:
- Legendary Frybread Drive-In edited by Cynthia Leitich Smith (narrated by Katie Anvil Rich, DeLanna Studi, Shaun Taylor-Corbett, Darrell Dennis, Elva Guerra, Erin Tripp & Jordan Waunch)
- Red City by Marie Lu (narrated by André Santana, Eunice Wong, Natalie Naudus, and Sid Sagar)
- The Correspondent by Virginia Evans (narrated by Maggi-Meg Reed, Jane Oppenheimer, Carly Robins, Jeff Ebner, David Pittu, Chris Andrew Ciulla, Mark Bramhall, Petrea Burchard, Robert Petkoff, Kimberly Farr, Cerris Morgan-Moyer, Peter Ganim, Jade Wheeler, and more)
- The Hearth Witch’s Guide to Magic and Murder by Kiri Callaghan (narrated by Gail Shalan, Nneka Okoye, and James Meunier, with footnotes read by the author)
- When Among Crows by Veronica Roth (narrated by Helen Laser, James Fouhey, and Tim Campbell)
- –Wild Dark Shore by Charlotte McConaghy (narrated by Cooper Mortlock, Katherine Littrell, Saskia Maarleveld, and Steve West)
4. Read an old favorite
Sometimes, the comforting warmth of familiarity is the spark you need to rekindle your love of reading. Try cracking open a story you already know you love, whether it’s a childhood favorite or a read from years past. Does the story feel different since the last time you read it? Have you found any themes, quotes, or characters that you don’t recall from your initial read?
5. Read a story inspired by one of your favorites.
If you long for a favorite with a twist, try a retelling! Retellings capture the joy of returning to a place you once loved and the curious thrill of realizing that things have changed. Whether you long to re-explore a myth, classic, fairytale, or play, I have some recommendations for must-read retellings to kickstart your adventure.
6. Read one of your most-anticipated reads (backlist or upcoming)
The excitement of picking up a story you’ve been eager to read… There’s nothing quite like that feeling. The joy and thrill of finally reading that one book you’ve been eyeing—maybe you saw it in a bookstore four years ago, bought it, and never had the chance to read it, or maybe you’ve been eagerly awaiting its release this year—might be just what you need.
7. Read an author you love
Returning to the imagination and writing of an author you love often feels like visiting an old friend. If you’ve started a series by an author you admire but haven’t finished it yet, a reading slump is a great reason to return. The comfort of following characters you already know in a familiar world that feels like home is truly magical. (Or give a standalone a try if you’re longing for the satisfaction of a one-book journey!)
8. Ask for recommendations.
If your well of books to read has run dry, turn to a friend or family member who knows your taste. If their recommendations aren’t quite what you’re looking for, booksellers and librarians have you covered. Booksellers and librarians must possess a special kind of bookish magic because their recommendations are always a hit.
9. Try a new storytelling format or medium
If paragraphs upon paragraphs feel like a bit too much, it could be time to go more visual. Video games and graphic novels are some of my favorite storytelling media to consume when prose or verse feels too heavy. These formats blend the power of storytelling you’ll find in the books you love with images and colors to give your mind the rest and inspiration it needs.
If you’re looking for suggestions, I highly recommend:
- Animal Crossing: New Horizons (video game)
- Spiritfarer (video game)
- Teacup (video game)
- Castle Swimmer: Volume 1 by Wendy Martin (graphic novel)
- The Fox Maidens by Robin Ha (graphic novel)
- The Marble Queen written by Anna Kopp and illustrated by Gabrielle Kari (graphic novel)
- You Belong Here by Sara Phoebe Miller (graphic novel)
10. Join a book club or buddy-read
Reading can feel lonely, but having a friend (or friends) to gasp at the plot twists, swoon at the kisses, and scream at the cliffhangers often helps remedy that feeling. Book clubs and buddy-reads capture the joy of reading and the love of the bookish community, and they also provide motivation to read, helping to free you from your slump. If you want to buddy-read, all you need is your buddy and book. If you want to join a book club, there are countless online and in-person ones waiting for you, filled with the best bookish friends and the most delightful conversations. Make sure to check your local indie bookstore’s website for book club meetings!
Be kind to yourself as you explore these tips! You might find your new favorite book along the way (although simply taking a step back from reading for a bit could be your cure). Good luck, and happy reading!
