For avid readers, there’s nothing more nightmarish than entering a reading slump.

But, whether it’s a mild slump where you haven’t enjoyed the last couple books you’ve read, a moderate slump where you’re feeling burnt out toward reading, or, worse, the severe reading slump where you don’t want to pick up a book at all… there’s no need to fear, my friend. I’ve got your back with these six tips for getting out of a reading slump, with tips ranging from the MILD category all the way to SEVERE.

SLUMP LEVEL: MILD

The Mild Reading Slump: Here, you’ve read a couple of mediocre books, maybe even a one-star read, and are worried if the next book you’ll read will also be a disappointment. However, you’re still interested in reading.

Mild Slump Tip 1) Try Listening to Audiobooks Instead

Listening to a book can be an absolute game changer when it comes to the mild reading slump. Though I personally don’t listen to audiobooks myself, I do use the text-to-speech feature on my Kindle, especially when I feel like I’m heading into a reading slump. Listening to the book being read to you 1) allows you the freedom to do other things while you’re listening to the story, 2) can potentially make it easier for you to imagine the story, and 3) get through the story a little faster if you’re not enjoying it by increasing the listening speed.

Mild Slump Tip 2) Watch BookTube Recommendation Videos that Match Your Preferred Genres AND Content Preferences

If the books you’ve read lately have been duds, and you’re wanting better recommendations that suit your taste, I highly recommend scouring YouTube for videos by readers with similar reading tastes as you. For example, I’ve been let down by a few recommendations from secular BookTube, but I’ve found a few great recommendations that align more with my beliefs and book preferences from channels that discuss clean and Christian books. Remember, reading is still reading even if we don’t enjoy the “most popular” books. 🙂

SLUMP LEVEL: MODERATE

The Moderate Reading Slump: Here, it seems like you’ve come across one bad book after another over the last couple weeks. You’re becoming hesitant to pick up a new book because you’re afraid it’ll be just as bad as the ones you’ve read in recent weeks. However, you still miss reading and want to keep trying.

Moderate Slump Tip 1) Read a Genre You Don’t Normally Read

If you often binge-read your favorite genre, try switching it up! It may not be that you’re in a reading slump per se, but just that you’re burnt out on a genre. For example, if contemporary romcoms have your heart, but they’ve been disappointing you lately, try reading a fast-paced mystery thriller and see if that piques your interest. By doing so, you’re working to expand your reading palate and may find a new favorite genre along the way. I often read nonfiction books as palate cleansers if I feel myself coming into a moderate reading slump.

Moderate Slump Tip 2) Start a New, Highly Anticipated Book if You’re Midway Through a Slumpy Book

If picking up your current read makes you want to smack yourself in the forehead with said book… it’s okay to start another, highly anticipated book if you want. I mean, unless you’re being super strict about your TBR and are forcing yourself not to. But, at the end of the day, you’re in charge of what you read. If you think a different book, especially one you’re craving to read, will help you get out of your reading slump, then read it. You can always return to the book you’re reading now later or even DNF it if you’d like.

SLUMP LEVEL: SEVERE!

The Severe Reading Slump: Here, you’re contemplating giving up reading for good. It seems like every book you’ve read for the past several weeks has been straight trash. Nothing you’ve found has compared to the books that made you fall in love with reading in the first place.

And as such, both tips here involve going back to your roots.

Severe Slump Tip 1) Reread Comforting Childhood Favorites

One of my favorite things to do when it seems like every book I’ve recently read has been a disappointment is to go back and reread books that made me fall in love with the written word as a child. My personal favorite is the Junie B. Jones series by Barbara Park, which is comprised of quick chapters books I can finish in a half hour that make me laugh more than I should. I’m sure you have a book or series like that as well. Read it, my friend. Enjoy it, and recall why it made you want to pick up another book after it.

Severe Slump Tip 2) Reread A Favorite Book

There’s nothing like revisiting our Old Reliables. Sometimes, you just need to do a reread, and there’s absolutely nothing wrong with that. Something about that story made you feel something, and it holds a special place in your heart. Reread it to remind yourself that good books still exist, and that another future favorite could still be on the horizon.

Talk to Me, Arrowheads!

I hope these tips are helpful! What other methods do you have in your arsenal for overcoming a reading slump? Share your wisdom in the comments!

Aim high, stay strong, and always hit your mark.

-Allyson 😀