A reading dry-spell is the bane of any reader’s existence! Reader’s block is awful! However, reading slumps are unavoidable. All you want to do is read! But you can’t seem to get up the motivation to pick up your book.
When you are a reader, not having the motivation to read is hard. You feel like you’ve lost your dearest friend. Here are a few ways to overcome your reader’s block and get back on track with your reading!
Buy a New Book
Something that always makes me want to read again is a good shopping spree! You pick up a few books you’ve been waiting on, and you’re just filled with glee about reading.
When we are stuck with the books we have at home, they can get a little repetitive. Don’t get me wrong! I love re-reading books. A book is only great, in my opinion, if you can pick it up again and again and still enjoy it. The problem is that you already know the books and their plots. Every once in a while, you just need a new book to mix it up.
Buying a new book might be exactly what you need to overcome your reader’s block.
Read Something Popular
Popular books are well-liked for a reason! They typically have really good plots and great character development. When you are going through a reader’s block, you need a good book to get you back on track.
It is so frustrating when you can’t get up the motivation to read anything. You want so desperately to read something, anything. That’s where a popular book comes in handy. You know you can rely on it to be an enticing read. Others have already decided it’s good. So a popular book is likely to get you out of a reading slump!
If you are looking for popular young adult books, check out my previous article! It has lots of great options!
Read a New Genre
Maybe you just need something new! A reader’s block might be a signal that you have outgrown your genre. For example, I love to read young adult novels, but most of them are about 16-year-olds. It’s much harder to relate to a teenager when you’ve already passed that part of your life. I still love the genre, but sometimes I need something with an adult main character! I look for fantasy instead.
Trying something new won’t hurt. Your experimenting might be the perfect thing to get you out of your reading slump. A new genre is one way to find some new books to enjoy.
Re-Read Your Favourite Book
A reading block is never fun, but one thing always gets me out of my reading slumps. I re-read one of my favourite books (Harry Potter, Illuminae, Cinder, etc.). I can always rely on my favourite books to provide entertainment and keep me enthralled.
Your favourite books are just what you need! When you are having a reader’s block, you need a great book to make them seem attractive again. Great books can help you to want to read again.
You’ve already deemed your favourite books as worthy. And reading a good book is exactly what you should be doing!
Try a New Reading Platform
Whenever I am in a reading block, I know the easiest way to get out of it is to try a new platform. Paper books are great, but sometimes you just need a short book to get back into the flow.
I switch to e-books or books on Wattpad when I need a quick read. Reading a shorter book makes it so that I can get through the book faster. I don’t have to worry about how long it will take me to finish a book if I can get through it in a few hours.
Changing your reading platform is a great way to get out of your reading slump.
Pick a New Book at Random
This might seem crazy but it is an amazing way to get excited about reading again! If you are not reading and can’t get motivated, try picking a book at random. It can be from a popular list or just something you pick up at the bookstore.
Whatever you choose, it can be really exciting to have a new book you know nothing about. A random book is just perfect to get you motivated to read again!
You might find some amazing books along the way. Picking books at random doesn’t mean you are going to love the book, but it opens the door to get back your motivation.
Finally, Give It Time
Lastly, this might not be what you want to hear but sometimes you just need to give it time. It’s hard! I get it. However, your reading slump might be telling you something. It could mean that you need a break from reading.
I always get over my reading slumps, but time is necessary. Breaking a reading block isn’t something you can rush. Focus on something else for some time. Maybe you have other hobbies you can work on.
You need to get out of your head. Enjoy your time away from your books for a while. You’ll get back to reading eventually. Don’t worry!
Reading is a way of life! Once you become a reader, there is no going back. Sadly, there are moments in a reader’s life when they don’t have the motivation to read. You might have plenty of time on your hands but you just can’t pick up a book. Above are a few ways to get out of your reading slump. When you are struggling in your reading life, you need just a little bit of help to get back on track.
