Have you ever been in a reading slump? It is when you’re so unmotivated to read or finish a book, and when reading is such a heavy task to do. It’s good to take a break, even from reading. But when you don’t come back stronger, then maybe you’re in a reading slump! So, how can you get out of a reading slump and become an avid reader as you used to be? You could try some of these tips.
Find a reading partner
When you’re alone, sometimes it’s easy to just give up. But when you have someone accompanying you along your reading journey, they might help lift you out of your reading slump. You can have a book date or even join (or make) a book club! You can read the same or a different book with your reading partner. Then, you can discuss what you just read. It’ll be fun to hear other people's opinions. Not only will you enjoy reading, but you’ll also make new bookworm friends.
Start with an exciting book
Sometimes, a very long TBR (to be read) list will bring you down, making you think about how all these books can be finished. Now, you just have to forget your TBR for a while and find an exciting book to read. A temporary escape from your ‘task list’ might feel bad, but once you get your reading mood back, you’ll finish your TBR stronger than ever! My suggestion? You could read The Outsiders, As Long As the Lemon Trees Grow, or The Miracles of the Namiya General Store. Bonus: those three made me a fast reader.
Reread your most loved book
The next tip I recommend is to reread a book that stays in your heart. You’ll know the ending, yes. But you’ll always find new things when you reread your book. You might find some details, or find your reading experience different. What makes rereading fun is that you won’t be disappointed, stop in the middle, and put that book on the DNF (do not finish) list!
Rebrand yourself as a reader
Fake it till you make it, they said. When people believe you’re a reader, you’ll be a reader. Nowopen your social media and start posting your reading activities. You’ll feel a little responsibility for your reader image and be forced to read the book you posted. You might also find a reading partner, as mentioned in point one, who also reads the same book.
To sum up, I believe once a reader, always a reader. It’s normal to take a break from everything, even reading. But when you’re stuck in a reading slump… get out quickly! Don’t go deeper and bury your reading excitement in the ground. Unleash your burning love for reading and be a proud bookworm!
