Hello!
This past week, in the midst of travel and tiredness from starting to work out on a daily basis (Ooooww. I'm in pain from all the sit ups and lunges and running. Oooww.), I have fallen into a bit of a reading slump. This happens every once in a while, and I always manage to get myself out of it in a different way. Today, I thought I would share some of those ways.
For those of you who may not know exactly what a reading slump is, it's when you just don't feel like reading. Sometimes this results from finishing an amazing book and just knowing that anything you pick up next won't be as good (aka the lasting effects of a book high). Other times, reading slumps result from hating the book you're currently reading. Whatever the reason, it happens to the best of us. Reading slumps can lead to a nagging feeling to read even when you don't want to, or for us perfectionists, a feeling of failure for not finishing a book you started.
I've struggled with reading slumps for as long as I can remember, and though they don't happen often, when they do, I have a couple of methods up my sleeves to get me reading again.
1) The "Sit Your Butt Down and Read" Method
This is the first thing I do if I'm in a reading slump. Whether I hate the book I'm reading or keep teetering between what book to read next, this is one of the most effective ways to get over your reading slump. Set aside an hour in a room by yourself with no distractions and just read. You'll either get through the book you hate (if you're set on finishing it), or you'll get into the book you've chosen to read next. This really only works if there are no distractions, though. Clear your mind, isolate yourself, and open your book. It should hopefully get you through it.
2) The "Book Gossip" Method
This method is one that works wonders. It works sort of like having an accountability partner. If you tell someone about the book you're reading, whether you love it, hate it, just started it, or are half way through it, telling someone about it will make you 1) possibly regain interest in reading and finishing it or 2) give you someone who will ask you about the book the next time you see them. Do you still hate it? How did it turn out? What ever happened with xyz character that you liked? To me, not being able to answer these questions propels me to read so that I'm prepared for them.
3) The "Reading Lust" Method
Sometimes, it isn't the book that causes the reading slump; sometimes reading becomes a sort of chore. The fun gets taken out of it for some reason, and then this feeling of dread sinks in whenever you have to open a book. When this happens, you have to fall in love with reading again. To do this, I suggest looking up quotes about reading. These will hopefully inspire you to open the nearest book as fast as you can. Here's an example to get you started: "Some books should be tasted, some devoured, but only a few should be chewed and digested thoroughly." -Francis Bacon
4) The "Retail Therapy" Method
Sometimes, no matter what you try, the book you're reading just won't work out. When this happens, the thing that's always helps me is buying a new book. Buy a classic you've always wanted to read, buy the newest, trendiest novel you can get, buy that fun middle grade book you've been wanting to pick up. Sometimes, all you need to get over a reading slump is some time in a book store full of new reading possibilities.
5) The "Old Favorite" Method
TBR lists can grow and grow, and they can become daunting. New books come and go, but old favorites never fail us. If you're in the middle of a reading slump, pick up your worn out copy of your favorite book and reread it. Pride and Prejudice, Harry Potter, Sherlock Holmes, Twilight, whatever it may be, pull out that creased, cracked, written in copy, and enjoy a little time reading the book that will always, without a doubt, put you into a reading mood.
Have you used any of these methods? Do you have other methods that you use? I would love to hear about them in the comments! Hopefully, if you don't have any, some of these may help you the next time you find yourself in a reading slump.
Your Pemberley Reader,
Acacia Protsman
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