Reading Slumps

If you’ve been a part of the bookish community in any way over the past few years, you’ve probably heard the term “reading slump” (sometimes, “book slump”). I certainly have heard my friends, followers, and fellow reviewers lamenting the horrors of being in a slump. But what exactly is a slump?

To me, a reading slump is a period of time when you cannot get motivated to read books for any variety of reasons.

Reading slumps are kind of like writer’s block, or artist block. You have the underlying desire, or maybe pressure, to read, but the usual inspiration isn’t there. You’re looking for a new muse, that perfect book, that’s going to reinvigorate your passion, but it’s a tough journey.

A Few Reasons for a slump:

– You just finished a binge of a specific genre and feel burnt out

– You just finished a series or a book by your favorite author and are experiencing a “book hangover”; where no other book feels like the right fit (like how when you’re hungover, the idea of drinking more alcohol makes you sick).

– You’ve been reading a lot of “okay” books but none where life changing.

I don’t think I have ever experienced a true reading slump until this month. October just hasn’t panned out like I’d hoped. I have DNFed (did-not-finish) a lot of books, something that I don’t typically do, and have had a hard time feeling invigorated to keep trying to find new books to read.

For me, I think this slump happened as a result of starting the month with a series that was very good at the beginning but by book two, I was completely disinterested. I DNFed. The mix of not having answers about the characters, and feeling disappointed that it didn’t work out, had been compounding every time I’ve attempted to read a so-so book.

On top of that, next month (November) has a lot of really anticipated releases and I think part of my brain is stuck on knowing great things are coming.

So what can you do in a slump?

1. Sometimes there’s nothing you can do but wait. Watch a TV show or get inspired my other media like music, art, or a movie you’ve been wanting to watch. Just take a break from reading and come back when you’re feeling a little more passionate.

2. Reread a comfort read or favorite book. I cannot express how powerful a reread can be in changing your mindset regarding reading.

3. Read a favorite genre. For me, alien romance almost always saves me when my moods are low and reading is getting hard.

4. Try a new-to-you author! This can be a bit of a gamble, but sometimes all you need is a fresh voice!

What worked for me? Surprisingly, it took me reading the last book in a series that I don’t particularly like, but wanted to finish. I call it a “hate read,” and the reason it worked is because it made me feel something about a book that isn’t apathy. I don’t know if I’d suggest this technique to everyone, but it worked for me.

I wish we lived in a world without reading slumps, but since they seem to plague even the most enthusiastic of readers, I hope this helps, and may everyone find their reading passion again soon.