No reader enjoys being stuck in a reading slump: it’s not fun getting stared down by your bookshelf, unread books taunting you and your lack of motivation to read. There’s nothing better than reading a great book! Luckily, there are a variety of ways to end a reading slump that don’t include endlessly staring at an unopened book.

1: Go shopping for a new book

Purchasing a new book is great for reigniting your love for reading. It changes things up on your bookshelf and introduces you to new stories. Additionally, if going to a mainstream bookstore doesn’t work, sometimes going to a thrift store can help. Because thrift stores thrive on donations, the selection for items (including books!) is random and much different than a store that chooses its items carefully. You never know what you’ll find, and if you’re used to mainstream bookstores, it’ll definitely be a change of scenery and will have much more variety. Regardless, purchasing a new book to read is a great way to get out of your reading slump and enjoy a new book.

2: Read your favourite book again

If you’re the kind of person who likes to read a book more than once, this suggestion may help. All you need to do is grab your favourite book and read! If you have multiple favourites or even no favourites at all, try just reading a book you haven’t read in a while. Even if you don’t finish the book you choose, this is a great way to get your mind back into the reading groove: you’ll hopefully be reminded of why you love reading so much in the first place! Familiarity helps make things easier, especially in regards to a reading slump.

3: Write about reading

This idea is slightly different from the others. If you’ve tried your best but still can’t find the motivation to read something, try writing about it instead. You could write about why you think you’re in a reading slump, how you got out of a previous reading slump, what kind of book you want to read or literally anything else! Writing is a great way to switch things up while still incorporating words into what you’re doing. Even just reading over what you’ve written can help refresh your mind and remind you of how much you love to read! If you don’t want to write about reading, and instead think a writing prompt would help, a great place to find writing prompts is here!

4: When all else fails

If you’ve tried everything and still can’t get out of your reading slump, then it’s time for a method that may not be fun, but will get you back into reading. Sort of like being given assigned reading, all you have to do for this one is to choose a book and decide on how much you want to read in one sitting. Ten pages? One chapter? As long as you read something, then that’s all that matters. Try to set a daily goal that’s simple and not difficult to accomplish. Even if it’s not enjoyable, this will make sure that you’re still reading! The goal with this one is for you to eventually pass your reading goal without even realizing it, thus getting back into a reading groove! 

For those who love to read, a book slump is the worst. Hopefully at least one of these four techniques are useful and somewhat helpful in getting you out of your reading slump!

Emily Aalders

Emily Aalders is a Professional Writing student at Algonquin College. When she’s not writing, Emily can be found reading and spending all of her money on overpriced coffee. After she graduates from Algonquin College, Emily hopes to be an author.