We've all been there... you want to read (or want to want to read) but just don't have the motivation. You might find yourself struggling to make progress on your current book, or indecisive about your next read. If that sounds familiar, Washington Post's Stephanie Merry has 14 ways to get out of a reading slump—excellent advice on getting back to joyful, engaged reading!
Merry's first suggestion is to reread an old favorite. So break out your favorite classic (or your favorite guilty pleasure!) We asked our Facebook followers for their go-to rereads, and got some great answers.
Having trouble committing to a whole novel? Try starting small with a collection of short stories or poetry.
You can also switch it up, with books that aren't your usual fare. Branch out into new formats, like audiobooks and graphic novels. Swap out your historical fiction and thrillers for a new genre like science fiction or romance—or check out the Young Adult section, which has seen explosive growth in the last decade.
Finding the right book can often get you out of a slump: Merry recommends letting lucky guide you—wandering the stacks can be relaxing and rewarding!—or seeking out professional help (that's us). And don't be afraid to abandon books that don’t spark joy. You can always pick it up again later... or not!
Committed to tackling those books in your To Be Read list? A tried-and-true method is to set goals, like a commitment to read at least 10 minutes a day. Merry also recommends just forcing it—tackle something that's emotionally tough to jolt yourself out of a slump.
When all else fails, have faith. Slumps don’t last forever. Give yourself permission not to stress about it! |