Breaking Free from a Reading Slump

Posted on by Jami Fairleigh
Image description: The words Breaking Free from a Reading Slump over an image of a woman wearing a dark jacket standing in front of a brick wall with an open book covering her face

Ah, the dreaded reading slump—a state every book lover encounters at some point. It’s as if your enthusiasm for stories goes dormant, leaving you staring at your TBR pile with disinterest. Nothing sounds good. You may open several, but you can’t muster any enthusiasm for the words that blur on the page.

If you’re a writer, a reading slump can cause anxiety, especially if everywhere you look, you’re being told, “Read! Read! Read!”

First, don’t worry! Slumps happen. And if they’re a normal part of the reader’s journey, then it means we can shake ourselves out of our literary ennui.

Why Do Reading Slumps Happen?

I’ve experienced several reading slumps, and over time, I’ve found they usually stem from one of three culprits:

  • Burnout: Sometimes, we read so much, so quickly, that our brains need a pause.
  • Life Stress: Work deadlines, family obligations, or just the general chaos of life can crowd out the mental space we need to immerse ourselves in a story.
  • A Bad Match: Occasionally, the book we’re reading simply isn’t the right fit for our current mood or needs.

image description: Tom Gould Cartoon showing a venn diagram of the books we read including the classics

Tips for Escaping a Reading Slump

Here are a few strategies that have worked for me.

  • Switch Things Up: Try an audiobook, graphic novel, or even a short story collection. Sometimes, a new format can restart your enthusiasm.
  • Buddy Read: Sharing the experience of a book with a friend adds a layer of accountability and fun.
  • Revisit An Old Favorite: There’s nothing like a beloved book to reignite your love of reading.
  • Explore Different Reads: A slump is a great time to browse unfamiliar genres for stories that pique your interest.
  • Take a Break: Yes, this is totally okay! Explore other hobbies or creative outlets for a while.

Reading slumps are like the seasons—they come and go. Be kind to yourself, and trust that your reading spark will return, perhaps even brighter than before.

Have you faced a slump recently? How did you overcome it?

The header photo is a composite image. Base image by Siora Photography on Unsplash

Have an opinion? Tell me more!