Reading Slump Survival Guide

If you read my July wrap-up, you’d see I was in a reading slump, big time. It’s honestly a little embarrassing, but at least I did read one book so I could post my wrap-up still, but still! Part of my job that I’m building for myself is reading and reviewing books, and I did not do that in July. I would say my focus was elsewhere, I did a lot of other stuff that took my time and energy, but I wasn’t prioritizing reading, and I do regret that a bit.

What Is a Reading Slump?

I think every reader experiences this. A reading slump doesn’t mean you’ve fallen out of love with books. Sometimes your brain is simply tired, life is busy, or you’ve just read one too many books that didn’t click. The important thing to remember is that reading is supposed to be enjoyable, not another item on your to-do list, which I do need to remind myself of. Yes, reading has become part of my job, but I primarily read to relax and wind down after a long day, so it’s like a self-care thing for me and I wasn’t doing it in July.

How to Get Out of a Reading Slump

Here’s what I would recommend to get yourself out of a reading slump.

Stop Forcing Yourself to Finish a Book

Trying to finish a book you’re not feeling just deepens the reading slump. Don’t be afraid to DNF it and pick a different book. Also, you don’t have to permanently DNF it, just DNF it for now.

I’m a big mood reader, so a lot of my DNFs are because it wasn’t the right time to read it, but I can go always go back to it when I’m in the right mood.

Give yourself permission to walk away. Life is too short to spend weeks reading something you’re dreading picking up.

Pick Up a Comfort Read

Sometimes your brain wants something familiar. Something new is sometimes too hard, too much brain power, so try reading a tried and true comfort read.

This could be literally anything, and could even be a childhood favorite, so maybe it’s an easier reading level even.

Comfort reads remove the pressure because you already know you’ll enjoy the story, and you can skim it because you already know what happens, so it gets you back into using the reading muscles without too much strain.

Also, you could just read your favorite scenes from the book. It still gets you back into the practice of reading without committing to a whole book.

Read Something Completely Different

If you’re stuck on a particular genre, pick up something the opposite of it. You could just be burntout on the genre, so give something else a try. Tired of fantasy? Maybe check out a historical fiction or nonfiction.

All the romance books are starting to look the same? Try out a horror novel or sci-fi.

Changing genres gives your brain something fresh and exciting instead of another version of the same story.

Try a Short Book

Don’t pick up 500-page fantasy that takes 150 pages to get into. Try short, punchy books, like novellas, short story collections, even try a manga or graphic novel instead. I’d say stick to something under 250 pages. A lot of those could even be finished in one sitting, so this will get you a quick reading win to rebuild your momentum.

Try an audiobook

If sitting down with a physical book feels too much like work, let someone else tell you the story instead. This way you can listen while you’re driving, cleaning, cooking, working out.

You’re still reading, and this could help rebuild your momentum, as long as you’re someone who can listen to audiobooks. For me, it’s hard to pay attention to the words being said, so it’s not the best option for me because I have to keep rewinding, but it could work for you.

Sometimes changing the format is all it takes.

Lower Your Expectations

Not every book has to be five stars. Social media can make it seem like every read should become your new personality or should be buzz-worthy where you share it with all your friends and family, but sometimes a perfectly enjoyable three-star read is exactly what you need to get back into reading.

Also, lower expectations when it comes to how much you’ll read in one sitting. Instead of saying you’ll read 30 pages, just read one chapter. Often chapters are pretty short, or pick a book where there are short chapters, and just try to read one chapter.

Reading one chapter often does make you want to read more, but even if you just read that one chapter, it’s still a win.

Read With a Friend

Book clubs, buddy reads, or even texting someone your reactions chapter by chapter can make reading feel social.

Having someone to discuss theories, favorite characters, or plot twists with can reignite your excitement and get you back into reading. And it can be like an accountability partner to make sure you do read, if that’s something that’s helpful for you.

Get Off BookTok for a While

BookTok is great for recommendations, but it’s also really good at making you feel like you’re behind. People share they’ve already read 100 books this year, and suddenly you’re comparing your reading speed and your reading journey, and that’s not helpful when you’re in a slump.

Plus, it gives you too many choices for your TBR, so that can cause decision paralysis to pick a new read. You don’t need to read every trending release the week it comes out. You need to pick a book that sounds fun to read to get through a slump, and the algorithm isn’t always right on what’s a fun or good book to pick up.

Similarly, get off your phone in general. Put it in another room if you have to. Everyone’s got one thing on their phone they’re addicted to, whether it’s social media, a phone game, browsing Reddit forums. Just put it away for the time you want to spend reading so it doesn’t distract you.

Also, try reading before bed instead of scrolling social media. It’s better for your mind, it’ll help you sleep better, and it’ll help you get to bed sooner because it’ll make you sleepy instead of social media giving you hits of dopamine and then you’re still awake at 3am.

Visit a Bookstore or Library

Not necessarily to buy a new book or pick out a new book, but you need to remember why you love books.

Spend an hour wandering the shelves. Read some first chapters. Look at the beautiful covers. Talk with booksellers or if there’s a local author there.

The experience itself of being surrounded by books can reignite your excitement.

Remember That Other Hobbies Are Healthy

You don’t have to read every day to call yourself a reader. You can watch movies, play video games, go outside (I don’t know why you would but I’ve heard it’s healthy…), bake or cook something, do something creative like painting or pottery.

Doing a different activity can give you a break from reading, and then you’ll start to miss reading naturally and come back to it energized.

Bonus Tip

Create a cozy reading space, maybe make a fort on a rainy day. Or read outside. Create the atmosphere you want to read in.

Five Books That Are Great for Breaking a Reading Slump

The House in the Cerulean Sea by TJ Klune

Filled with found family, humor, and hope, this is one of those books that reminds readers why stories can be magical. It’s uplifting without being overly sentimental.

Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt

With memorable characters—including a surprisingly lovable octopus—this novel balances humor, mystery, and heartfelt moments. It’s an accessible read that appeals even to people who don’t usually read literary fiction. Plus, there is a movie now so you can read the book and then plan a cozy night in to watch the movie and compare.

The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches by Sangu Mandanna

This cozy fantasy blends magic, romance, and found family into a comforting story that’s easy to sink into. It’s ideal for readers who want something whimsical rather than action-packed and it’s low-stakes.

All Systems Red by Martha Wells

The first entry in the Murderbot Diaries is under 200 pages, packed with action, and features one of the funniest, most relatable protagonists in modern science fiction. It’s a great option if you’re looking for a quick, engaging read.

Dungeon Crawler Carl by Matt Dinniman

If you need a book that grabs your attention from page one, Dungeon Crawler Carl is hard to beat. When Earth is transformed into a deadly, dungeon-style reality show, Carl and his hilariously opinionated cat, Princess Donut, must fight their way through increasingly bizarre and dangerous levels while millions watch from across the galaxy. Blending action, humor, satire, and surprisingly heartfelt character moments, this LitRPG is incredibly bingeable. The fast pace, constant twists, and laugh-out-loud moments make it an excellent choice for readers looking to break out of a slump and remember how fun reading can be.

Final Thoughts

Reading slumps happen to everyone—from people who read five books a year to those who read over 100. They’re not a sign that you’re no longer a reader; they’re just your mind asking for something different. Give yourself permission to slow down, try a new genre, revisit an old favorite, or even take a break altogether. The books will still be there when you’re ready to come back to it.

Let me know in the comments what else you would add to get out of a reading slump!

Love what you’re reading here? Support the blog and fuel my next cozy reading session by buying me a coffee.