BOOKS

We've all been there: You have a huge stack of books on your nightstand and a seemingly endless TBR list—but you just can't seem to find the motivation to pick anything up. If this sounds like you, then you might be in a reading slump! While they might just come on for no particular reason, reading slumps can also be seasonal. After all, if you're on break from school or in the midst of finals szn, curling up with a good book might not rank very high on your list of priorities. No matter your situation, it's totally OK to be in a reading slump every once in a while—and we are here to help with our top tips. You'll be back to fulfilling your reading resolutions before you know it!

Reread a fave book

@maryandherlibrary

If you aren't really getting hooked on a new book, the easiest remedy might be to reread one that you already love! This could bring back all of the positive feelings you get from reading and remind you that this slump won't last forever. Plus, it's fun to revisit an old fave and see if some of your thoughts on it have changed since the last time you read it. Do you still relate to that one character? Is it easier for you to see the clues leading up to that twist ending? You'll be able to get in touch with *so* many different versions of yourself. 

Try out a shorter or faster-paced read

@booknerdbecky

Maybe you're usually a fan of a good slow burn or a super-long read. But when you're stuck in a reading rut, it can be tough to wait for the plot to pick up, or to get through an especially lengthy chapter. That's why one of the best ways to stop the slump is to go for a short, fast-paced book that will keep you engaged from start to finish. If you're not sure where to begin, try out these recs! 

Get new recommendations

@emilybookedup

Ofc, one of the easiest ways to get out of a reading slump is to get some new recs! Ask your fam and friends which books they've been loving recently—you just might discover a great new read. And getting to talk about the book with them afterward will only add to the fun! You could also follow some book-related accounts on social media. From Bookstagram to BookTok, you'll find *tons* of influencers to get recommendations from. (Pro tip: Our Bestie Book Club Instagram account is a great place to start!) You'll be out of your slump in no time!

Read the first few pages of different books

@paulinasbookshelf_

Sometimes you've just gotta try a few free samples before a book sparks your interest! Head to your local library or bookstore, find a cozy spot and sample some reads that catch your eye. If you prefer to read e-books, online platforms like the Kindle Store and Apple Books also offer free sneak peeks, where you can read the first few pages or even the first couple of chapters of a book you might enjoy. The possibilities are endless, and chances are you'll want to keep reading at least one of the stories you come across. 

Opt for a different genre or format

@dylsreads

Is fantasy your ultimate fave genre—to the exclusion of almost everything else? Do you only read books that you can physically hold in your hands? Well, if you're doing everything you normally love and *still* finding yourself in a reading slump, it might be time to switch up what—or how—you're reading. Maybe you're typically more drawn to those magical worlds, but this time, a rom-com or a celebrity memoir is calling your name. Or, starting a series by listening to it on audiobook might make you even more excited to pick up a print copy of the next book. Keep an open mind and don't be afraid to try out a genre or format that's different from what you're used to!  

Reading slump no more! We've got you covered with our recs:

📚 The 2023 rom-coms you need to add to your TBR list
📚 3 Olivia Rodrigo-approved books to add to your reading list
📚 6 books to read if you're obsessed with the Enola Holmes movies
📚 4 books to add to your reading list if you love The Bachelor

Have you ever been in a reading slump? Tell us about it on Twitter @bestiebookclub! 

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Slider image: @paulinasbookshelf_

by Samara Smukler | 3/2/2023