Features | Reading Slumps

Features | Reading Slumps

• Sunday, 31 July 2016

Reading slumps are a common occurrence with most readers. At times, you won't want to read your books, and even though they're piling up you'll put them off because you're just not in the mood to read. Possibly one of the worst feelings as a reader is when you know that a slump is coming, but you've got plenty of books to be reading.

It's YALC this weekend, and I'm only just coming out of a, relatively small, reading slump. Whilst it was only a small one, because of YALC it was the time where it really wasn't welcome, less welcome than it usually is!

As I said, most readers probably have a reading slump and perhaps far too often too. I've learnt a few things about reading slumps, so I thought for today's post I would give you a few things I've learnt with regards to reading slumps, and possibly even how to get through one.

1. Take a break. Don't force yourself to read a book, because you're probably just going to end up hating the book, even if the book is actually really, really good. Put the book down, or push the books aside, and do something different for a while. Even if it isn't for a particularly long time, just give yourself a break from the books. 
2. Find a book that you know you're going to enjoy or you're excited about reading. There might be one book on your TBR pile that you're slightly more excited to read than the other one. Once you've taken a break from the books, why not try reading this one first? That way, you'll be reading a book you're really enjoying. This helps me a lot; I've read a few books this week that I've been particularly excited about!
3. Remember, reading shouldn't be a chore. A lot of people now have blogs or places they review books for. This is all really great, but at the same time books are intended for your own enjoyment. If at any point they begin to feel like a chore, refer to tip 1!
4. Reading slumps pass, but don't be discouraged. If you're like me, your TBR pile is pretty high. If you're in a reading slump, it's easy to feel slightly overwhelmed by the prospect of all these books. Usually the slumps pass, and although it's difficult to say how long it will take for the slump to pass, don't feel discouraged or down on yourself for not reading your books. They'll be there waiting for you once the slump has passed.

I hope if you are at YALC this weekend (today is the final day!) you are having a good time and thanks for reading!