Books and Ladders: reading slumps

Books to Pull You Out of a Reading Slump

I'm such a mood reader so depending on how I'm feeling, books call to me. Sometimes, though I find books have put me into a reading slump. I am trying to read more audiobooks because they generally keep me motivated to read and are more fun since I can listen to them while driving. This was a Top Ten Tuesday prompt, but I'm repurposing it for myself to give you a list of things to read to get you out of a reading slump!

What books get you out of a reading slump?

19 Aug 2016

#Discussion: Why Reading Slumps Are The Worst + Tips To Overcome Them

Jamie @ Books and Ladders 19 August 3 Comments

I’m in a reading slump right now.

I’ve barely even looked at a book for the past two days, let alone actually read one. And it SUCKS. As a book blogger, it is hard to be in a reading slump and maintain an active blog schedule. One way to get around this is discussion posts *wink*. But really, it is the worst. I think it is a mix of guilt and frustration -- and knowing that you COULD be reading but you are instead doing something else.

Reading is My Passion

When I don’t want to look at a book, I feel like part of my soul is dead inside my body. And then I get into a slump and it could last days or weeks for me to get back into reading. But then my reading stats go way down. It may seem strange to think that I have bad reading months because I know that my “bad” reading months are typically better than most people’s reading months. However, when I get in a slump I really feel it. Especially in terms of scheduling.

How My Slumps Mix With Blogging

And then guilt sets in because I’m not reading! I feel like I’m letting myself, my audience, and authors down because I am not doing what I signed up to do: read and review. So then it makes it even worse when I just can’t get into books because I get so frustrated.

I know a lot of this is self-inflicted but it is still awful for me to not be reading or enjoying my current read. I’m sure a lot of us feel the same way, so what can we do?

What Do I Do To Overcome Them?

When I’m in a reading slump, these are some things I do to get myself back on track…

Reread Old Favourites

There are some books that no matter what, I can go back into the world and the characters and love them. Even if I am side-eyeing all the rest of the books on my shelf, these ones welcome me with open arms.

About Jamie

Hi, I’m Jamie (she/her) 👋

Welcome to Books and Ladders your go-to destination for science fiction & fantasy book reviews, diverse & indie reading recommendations, and literary travel guides.

I post 3x/week and love spotlighting Canadian authors, uncovering hidden bookstore gems, and helping readers find their next unforgettable story.