How to End a Reading Slump (And Fall Back in Love With Books Again)
We've all been there. You want to read… but every book feels “meh,” your attention span is on vacation, and your TBR is giving you the side-eye. Welcome to the dreaded reading slump—a phase where even your favorite hobby feels like a chore.
But good news: slumps are totally normal, and they do pass. Even better, there are gentle, effective ways to romanticize your way out of one. Whether you’ve been away from books for weeks or months, here’s how to spark your love for reading again.
1. Revisit a Favorite Book (or Author)
There’s no shame in rereading. In fact, revisiting a book you already love can feel like reuniting with an old friend. You already know it’s comforting, captivating, or just the right kind of chaos—and that predictability can be exactly what you need to ease back into reading.
📚 Try this: Revisit a book that made you fall in love with reading in the first place.
2. Choose Something Short and Sweet
If a 500-page fantasy feels overwhelming, go for a novella, a short story collection, or even a fast-paced romance. The goal here isn’t “epic.” It’s momentum. Sometimes just finishing a book—any book—can be the boost your brain needs to get back in the groove.
✨ Good slump busters:
– Graphic novels
– Cozy mysteries
– YA contemporaries
– Short romance novellas
3. Change Your Reading Format
Feeling stuck? Switch it up! Try an audiobook during your commute or while doing chores. Or read an ebook on your phone to sneak in a few pages between tasks. Changing formats can make reading feel fresh, especially if your current method isn’t sparking joy.
🎧 Hot tip: Try audiobooks narrated by your favorite actors or TikTok-loved narrators for bonus immersion.
4. Romanticize Your Reading Ritual
Make reading feel like an aesthetic moment, not an obligation. Light a candle, brew some tea, cozy up under a blanket, and play soft music. Sometimes, creating a dreamy vibe is all it takes to make you want to crack open a book again.
🕯️ Ritual idea: Try a “reading reset night” with no phone, your coziest playlist, and a feel-good book.
5. Let Go of the Pressure
This one’s big: If you're not feeling it, don’t force it. It's okay to DNF a book, take a break, or skip the “trending” reads everyone’s raving about. Reading is supposed to bring you joy—not guilt.
💭 Reminder: You’re not behind. You’re just on a pause. And the right story will find you when you’re ready.
Bonus Tip: Ask Your Bookish Friends
When in doubt, turn to BookTok, Bookstagram, or your favorite reader friend and ask:
“What’s the last book you couldn’t put down?”
Sometimes you just need a personal recommendation to get excited again.
Final Thoughts:
slumps are normal, and they don’t define you as a reader. Whether you’re easing back in with a cozy favorite or trying something totally new, the key is to follow your joy, not the hype. Your next bookish obsession is out there—and it’ll be worth the wait. 💫
Need help picking your next slump-busting book? Why not give one of blind dates with a book a try 😉