Great post! I tend to slump in the "everything sounds good" direction, when I'm reading a string of new releases that are just meh, or when I'm reading a string of books that seem too similar.
Actually, a good slump-buster for me has been reading non-fiction, like narrative non-fiction, investigative journalism, memoir, or honestly any non-fiction about a topic that appeals to my taste. Similar to reading a fast-paced thriller, I find that turning to non-fiction brings a different vibe and more straightforward language that can be really helpful to me when I've read too much fiction in a row. With non-fiction, I can tell much earlier on if I'm going to like it or not - like even by the end of the introduction, and doesn't require the patience that fiction can require sometimes.
Yes, this exactly, though I hadn't realized it! Reading your thoughts clicked so much into place in my brain - thank you for that. I have been really leaning towards NF recently b/c all the fiction titles I've picked up have been so meh. It's helped and I just finished my first enjoyable fiction read in MONTHS!
I love this idea, Holly! I think nonfiction has busted some slumps for me in the past but I hadn't thought about that at all until you mentioned it. Thank you for sharing!
Great post Sara! These are all reading slumps I've experienced. I think my most likely to slump reason is everything sounds good so I end up starting nothing which leads to even more frustration
I've been going through a bit of a reading slump this month, after reading a slew of five-star books at the end of March, so I relate to the second one! I've been trying new genres and, more helpful, doing other things. I feel bummed I haven't been reading as much but it has given me the opportunity to mix things up!
Reading a bunch of great books in a row is definitely a blessing and a curse! But I agree that one of the best things is just seeing it as an opportunity to fit in other things!
Sometimes I will find myself in a slump because there are too many “need to read” books staring me down (IRL book club, ARC deadlines, etc) and the contrarian in me doesn’t want to read ANY of them. In those cases, if time permits, I’ll try to fit in something I just *want* to read as a treat before I dive back into the “homework” reading. 😂
This was such a good idea for a post! I found it very helpful, and I'm not even in a reading slump at the moment! I will keep your suggestions in mind for the next time I am. Oh, and I loved the last type of slump, and how you reminded us to keep the faith; books will always find their way back into our lives!
I have had a frazzle month too! Not a slump exactly - but reading has felt off. Two reasons - reading too many books at once AND too much screen time (probably due to general life anxiety right now).
I do feel like I am on the right track though because yesterday afternoon I had the sudden urge to make a bookstore run and pick up a book that I am borderline embarrassed to be reading but I am so excited about it, I couldn't help myself. Problem solved.
you are so good at articulating that readerly life experience. I've gone through some of these processes before without realizing it. I try to read at least a few pages every day, but sometimes there are days I just want to rewatch New Girl for the 1000000x and that's ok 😂
and I agree with Jamie, thrillers or mysteries, something good but formulaic, are my favorite slump busters!
Thank you, Natalie! Totally agree about fast-paced formulaic reads as a slump buster. And with just wanting to rewatch my favorites some days, which is perfectly acceptable!
I tend to "slump" when my reading is leaning too much toward long, dense, super serious books. I can usually break it by reading a fast fun thriller. Even though thrillers aren't my usual cup of tea, they're good palate cleansers for me!
I love this science of the slump! Have definitely tried all of these, but your initial "just wait" is the tried and true solution. I used to stress — now, I just do something else until I feel like reading again. It'll all be ok!
My solution to a reading slump or a drawing slump is to absolutely BAN myself from reading/drawing. Not allowed. And then my contrarian nature wins over. :D
This is me. All of these at once 😂😂😂
😂😂😂😂😂😂 I was in the same boat last week. I'm doing okay now but it's only a matter of time before it hits again.
Great post! I tend to slump in the "everything sounds good" direction, when I'm reading a string of new releases that are just meh, or when I'm reading a string of books that seem too similar.
Actually, a good slump-buster for me has been reading non-fiction, like narrative non-fiction, investigative journalism, memoir, or honestly any non-fiction about a topic that appeals to my taste. Similar to reading a fast-paced thriller, I find that turning to non-fiction brings a different vibe and more straightforward language that can be really helpful to me when I've read too much fiction in a row. With non-fiction, I can tell much earlier on if I'm going to like it or not - like even by the end of the introduction, and doesn't require the patience that fiction can require sometimes.
Yes, this exactly, though I hadn't realized it! Reading your thoughts clicked so much into place in my brain - thank you for that. I have been really leaning towards NF recently b/c all the fiction titles I've picked up have been so meh. It's helped and I just finished my first enjoyable fiction read in MONTHS!
I love this idea, Holly! I think nonfiction has busted some slumps for me in the past but I hadn't thought about that at all until you mentioned it. Thank you for sharing!
I think re-reading is a great solution for when life gets in the way! Sometimes re-reading something I know I’ll like will get me back in a rhythm
YES! A great reread has definitely gotten me out of a slump before. So smart!
Great post Sara! These are all reading slumps I've experienced. I think my most likely to slump reason is everything sounds good so I end up starting nothing which leads to even more frustration
YES! For me that's the worst. Because I really really want to be in a book but I can't make a decision for the life of me.
I've been going through a bit of a reading slump this month, after reading a slew of five-star books at the end of March, so I relate to the second one! I've been trying new genres and, more helpful, doing other things. I feel bummed I haven't been reading as much but it has given me the opportunity to mix things up!
Reading a bunch of great books in a row is definitely a blessing and a curse! But I agree that one of the best things is just seeing it as an opportunity to fit in other things!
Sometimes I will find myself in a slump because there are too many “need to read” books staring me down (IRL book club, ARC deadlines, etc) and the contrarian in me doesn’t want to read ANY of them. In those cases, if time permits, I’ll try to fit in something I just *want* to read as a treat before I dive back into the “homework” reading. 😂
I know this feeling and I think your solution is so smart!
Thank you Sara. This article about slumps was very helpful. Now I feel like I have some tools when I get a slump attack!
Yay! I'm gad!
Too often, everything sounds good. Podcast hosts are good booksellers!
They sure are!
This was such a good idea for a post! I found it very helpful, and I'm not even in a reading slump at the moment! I will keep your suggestions in mind for the next time I am. Oh, and I loved the last type of slump, and how you reminded us to keep the faith; books will always find their way back into our lives!
Thanks, Elizabeth! I hope you don't find yourself in a slump anytime soon, but if you do, I hope this helps!
I have had a frazzle month too! Not a slump exactly - but reading has felt off. Two reasons - reading too many books at once AND too much screen time (probably due to general life anxiety right now).
I do feel like I am on the right track though because yesterday afternoon I had the sudden urge to make a bookstore run and pick up a book that I am borderline embarrassed to be reading but I am so excited about it, I couldn't help myself. Problem solved.
P.S. Notes to John by Joan Didion. 🙊🫣😂
Picking up the last book I purchased is a great sign that I'm out of a slump! How is Notes to John so far...?
This post came at the perfect time for me! I took your advice and switched tracks to something totally different and it’s working!
Yay!! This makes me so happy!
you are so good at articulating that readerly life experience. I've gone through some of these processes before without realizing it. I try to read at least a few pages every day, but sometimes there are days I just want to rewatch New Girl for the 1000000x and that's ok 😂
and I agree with Jamie, thrillers or mysteries, something good but formulaic, are my favorite slump busters!
Thank you, Natalie! Totally agree about fast-paced formulaic reads as a slump buster. And with just wanting to rewatch my favorites some days, which is perfectly acceptable!
I tend to "slump" when my reading is leaning too much toward long, dense, super serious books. I can usually break it by reading a fast fun thriller. Even though thrillers aren't my usual cup of tea, they're good palate cleansers for me!
Oof yes! Even though those are my favorites, they do tend to bring on the slumps!
It’s amazing how much time my brick has opened up ! I love it.
I know! It's shocking!!
I love this science of the slump! Have definitely tried all of these, but your initial "just wait" is the tried and true solution. I used to stress — now, I just do something else until I feel like reading again. It'll all be ok!
Always the most reliable solution for me too!
My solution to a reading slump or a drawing slump is to absolutely BAN myself from reading/drawing. Not allowed. And then my contrarian nature wins over. :D