We've all been there.
You pick up a book you've been desperate to read, make it three pages in, stare blankly at the same paragraph four times and somehow end up scrolling TikTok instead.
Or perhaps you've reached the truly tragic stage of a reading slump: buying books has become your hobby instead of actually reading them.
No judgement here. My Kindle and bookshelves are living proof.
As someone who reads over 100 books a year, people are often surprised to hear that I still get reading slumps. Surely someone who always has a book on the go doesn't lose motivation?
Oh, absolutely I do.
The difference isn't that I never get into a slump, it's that I've learnt how to get myself back out of one before it lasts months.
If you've found yourself wondering why you can't finish a book anymore, or you've lost the excitement you used to feel about reading, here are the tips that genuinely work for me.
What Is a Reading Slump?
A reading slump is exactly what it sounds like: a period where reading feels like a chore instead of something you look forward to.
You might find yourself:
Starting lots of books but finishing none.
Reading the same page repeatedly.
Choosing Netflix every evening instead.
Buying books without opening them.
Feeling guilty every time you look at your ever-growing TBR.
The important thing to remember is that reading slumps are completely normal. They happen to everyone, from occasional readers to people who accidentally read 120 books in a year because they said, "Just one more chapter" far too many times.
Why Do Reading Slumps Happen?
There isn't usually one single reason.
Sometimes life is just busy. Your brain is tired, work is stressful and concentrating on words feels impossible.
Other times, you've simply picked the wrong book.
I've learnt the hard way that just because a book has thousands of five-star reviews doesn't mean it's the right book for me right now.
Sometimes it's not the book, it's the timing.
1. Give Yourself Permission to DNF
This was probably the biggest game changer for me.
I used to stubbornly finish every single book I started because I'd already invested time into it.
Life is too short.
If you're 30%, 50% or even 80% through a book and you're not enjoying it, put it down.
Reading should be enjoyable, not a test of endurance.
Every page you force yourself through is time you could have spent reading something you'll absolutely love.
2. Pick Up Something Easy
When you're in a slump, now isn't the time to tackle that intimidating 900-page fantasy novel that's been glaring at you from your shelf.
Choose something fun.
A thriller.
A romance.
A cosy mystery.
A short contemporary novel.
The goal isn't to impress anyone, it's simply to remember why you enjoy reading in the first place.
3. Stop Reading What You Think You Should Read
BookTok has a lot to answer for.
One minute you're happily reading your comfort genre, the next you've somehow convinced yourself you need to read the latest literary masterpiece that everyone else seems to adore.
Here's your reminder:
You don't get bonus points for reading books you hate.
Read the cheesy romance.
Read the dragon book.
Read the murder mystery.
Read whatever makes you excited to pick up your Kindle (or book!).
4. Re-read an Old Favourite
Sometimes the best cure for a reading slump isn't something new.
It's returning to a book that already feels like home.
There's something incredibly comforting about revisiting characters you already love.
No pressure.
No surprises.
Just pure reading enjoyment.
5. Read Less
I know.
It sounds completely backwards.
But if you're forcing yourself to hit a daily reading goal because you feel guilty, you're turning your hobby into homework.
Instead of aiming for 100 pages, read one chapter.
Or even five pages.
Often that's enough to remind yourself you actually wanted to read more anyway.
6. Change How You Read
If you've been reading physical books for months, try your Kindle.
If you've only been using your Kindle, pick up a paperback.
You could even try an audiobook while walking the dog, driving or doing the washing up.
Sometimes a tiny change is enough to make reading feel exciting again.
7. Create a Cosy Reading Environment
I'm convinced reading is at least 30% atmosphere.
Blanket?
Beverage of Choice?
Candles?
Dog asleep next to you?
Perfect.
Creating a little reading ritual gives your brain a cue that it's time to slow down.
8. Stop Comparing Yourself to Other Readers
This one is huge.
Social media makes it very easy to believe everyone else is reading 25 books a week while annotating every page in perfect handwriting.
They're not.
Or if they are, they're probably neglecting their laundry.
Reading isn't a competition.
Whether you read five books a year or 150, you're still a reader.
9. Visit a Bookshop or Library
Sometimes simply being surrounded by books reminds you why you fell in love with reading.
You don't even have to buy anything.
(Although if you're anything like me, that's easier said than done.)
Browse.
Read blurbs.
Sit with a coffee.
The excitement usually comes back naturally.
10. Remember That Reading Should Be Fun
This is the biggest lesson I've learnt.
Reading isn't homework.
You don't have to read classics.
You don't have to finish books you hate.
You don't have to keep up with BookTok.
Read because you enjoy it.
That's enough.
Final Thoughts
If you're in a reading slump right now, don't panic.
It doesn't mean you've fallen out of love with reading forever.
It probably just means your brain needs something different.
Some of my favourite books of all time came immediately after a reading slump because I'd finally stopped forcing myself to read what I thought I should and started reading what genuinely sounded fun.
So close the book you're pretending to enjoy.
Pick up something that actually makes you excited.
And if all else fails?
There's absolutely no shame in spending an evening curled up on the sofa with your Kindle, a glass of wine and a ridiculously addictive romance.
That's usually what gets me every time.
Molly
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