The Art of Reading

Reading slumps. They’re never fun and ever since I got really into reading about three years ago, there have been a few times where I’ve fallen into one. Sometimes they last a week or a month before I find a good rhythm again, but the worst one so far put me out for a solid six months! So without further ado, here are a few things I’ve noticed that tend to set off a slump for me (followed by a few tips I’ve picked up on how to cure them!):

• The Big Boring Fantasy

Fantasy is such a hit or miss genre for me. If I’m vibing with it, there’s a good chance it could end up a new favorite. If not though, I’m usually in trouble. There was a time last year where I couldn’t bring myself to pick up a fantasy, and if I did, it usually wouldn’t get more than a three star from me. This led to the dragging down of my reading habits as a whole because I was left feeling very burnt out. I was finally able to cure it but now I am extra vigilant when it comes to fantasy books and have to be quick to remedy if I start feeling put out by the genre.

• The Book Hangover

I think we’ve all been here, you read a book that just knocks it out of the park and struggle to come to terms with ever finding one like it again. There’s honestly not much more to it then that, but I’ve always managed to find a new favorite afterwards, even if it does take me a while!

• The Movie Hangover

This is a new one for me and, just like when you’re coming off reading an incredible book, watching the Avatar movies for the first time made me realize that the same thing can happen with a movie. I would say I have a pretty good imagination, but sadly it just wasn’t holding a candle to James Cameron’s Pandora and any desire I had to read went and fell off a cliff somewhere.

Now for my tips on getting out of a slump:

• Read In Your Genre

We all have a genre we know is our safe space and for me, it’s historical fiction. Though I love to explore other genres as well, when I feel a slump coming on, or if I’m in the middle of one, I’ve found that it often helps to fall back on what you know you like.

• Forget About the Stats

I enjoy being an ambitious reader and will oftentimes bite off more than I can chew but my next bit of advice would be that, in a reading slump, it’s best to forget about your reading plans. Whether that be a goal or a list of books you are telling yourself you have to read, you will always have next year to hit that higher number. Instead, take a week off or settle for something on the shorter side, ideally in a genre you enjoy.

• Don’t Put Off New Books

Finally, give yourself permission to read that new book you were planning to set aside for later because of guilt from your overflowing bookshelves. It’s better to read something you’ll actually enjoy then slog through a book which will curb your love for reading even more!

Discussion Time!

I’d love to know what will trigger slumps for you and also your best tips and tricks on breaking them, so please don’t be shy about leaving your comments down below! Happy Reading 🙂