This week's topic is books that pull you out of a reading slump. I'm not really a re-read sort of gal so this topic isn't really working for me - surprise! I think that's the trend lately. However, I will share with you some of my favorite ways to avoid slumps.
1. Pick up a cozy mystery - Usually cozies aren't too long and I find that I can read them pretty quickly. Also, while I enjoy them, I rarely have to concentrate too hard on them so more often or not, they can hold a slump at bay.
2. Read a variety of genres - I love so many different genres. I think the fact that I mix up my reading so much means I rarely even find myself in a reading slump.
3. Visit the library - There's nothing like going to the library and browsing at all the books - new and old. I almost always bring home a huge stack, which thus inspires me to read harder!
4. Read a cute romance or "chick lit" - And it's even better if there's a cute dog in the book or on the cover. I don't read either of these genres enough and while I affectionately refer to them as "fluff" they are often just what I need for a pick-me-up.
5. Go with it - When I feel slumpy, it's a great excuse to binge watch TV/Netflix or rent a movie. Sometimes relieving the pressure to read all the time is all we need to end a slump.
So how do you avoid/end reading slumps???? Any new suggestions???
I've started turning to favourite tv when I get a reading slump happening. My slumps just happen so suddenly and for no reason, though it's probably connected to my stress levels so I can't avoid it. I used to turn to Harry Potter to get out of one-it was my go-to series!
ReplyDeleteA lot of people turn to Harry I think.
DeleteIf I hit a reading slump I normally pick up books I've loved before (see my TTT) or I end up watching some shows or a movie. Pushing yourself to read can make the slump worse!
ReplyDeleteMy TTT: https://thebookdutchesses.com/2018/08/21/ttt-41-books-to-pull-you-out-of-a-reading-slump/
Yes, I've done that before and you are so right.
DeleteI don't even try to get out of reading slumps, because I know they are usually related to outside things, like I'm worried about something or I'm super busy and focused on a project. So I literally have to get through that "thing" before I'm out of my slump!
ReplyDeleteHow true!
DeleteGoing to the Library is a GREAT idea. Just walking by all those pretty covers will get your attention.
ReplyDeleteI love library trips and am planning one soon!
DeleteWhenever I'm in a slump I just kind of... wait... until they're over! Put picking up a cosy mystery definitely works best for me out of your ideas. I love Agatha Christie most of all, and they're perfect for when you're not feeling like reading because you can zip through them so fast!
ReplyDeleteI've never read Agatha Christie. I need to remedy that.
DeleteTrying new genres is a great way to get out of or avoid reading slumps. If all else fails just giving yourself a break from reading and binging a show will help tremendously :)
ReplyDeleteI think I don't get in many slumps because I do read so many genres all the time.
DeleteYes mixing it up does help me too! And haha I love that you added binge Netflix I did too. Because sometimes you can't focus and need to just re-watch a season/series on Netflix you've seen 80 times already...
ReplyDeleteGreat minds you know ;)
DeleteI do find switching genres helps me when I'm getting fantasy burnout!
ReplyDeleteMy TTT: https://jjbookblog.wordpress.com/2018/08/21/top-ten-tuesday-173/
Epic Fantasy would be so hard to read all the time. I know people do it but I don't know how!
DeleteWhat a great list. Visit the library and step into a different genre are both great ideas. I do tend to jump genres quite a bit - sometimes I wonder if I should stick more to SFF but I think the break I get by picking up outside those realms helps to keep my reading really interesting.
ReplyDeleteLynn :D
I'm sure it helps but I believe you should always read what you are in the mood for.
DeleteYes so much to the binge watching during a slump. That's usually when I end up discovering new shows, when nothing literary is appealing to me.
ReplyDeleteYes, it's how I found Riverdale last year and Slasher this year.
DeleteGreat list, I agree with all of these! Especially 'go with it' because forcing yourself to keep reading only makes it worse (it does for me anyway) :)
ReplyDeleteI watch a lot of Netflix when I'm feeling meh about reading. We also go to the library a lot, so while my kids are looking around I'll grab the first book that grabs my attention. It usually ends up being something I like, and if not it makes me want to read something else -- it's a win-win! :)
ReplyDeleteLindsi @ Do You Dog-ear?
Libraries are such a great resource. Glad your kids enjoy going too!
DeleteThese are some good options! :)
ReplyDeleteThanks.
DeleteBooks are always better when there is a cute dog on the cover :)
ReplyDeleteDani @ The Restricted Section
How true!
DeleteI think that mixing it up makes a huge difference. I couldn't imagine only reading one kind of book. I haven't felt like reading as much lately and I am just going with it like you said.
ReplyDeleteMe either.
DeleteWonderful tips!! When I feel a slump coming on, I've found that reading comics, graphic novels, and novellas helps.
ReplyDeleteOh yes, shorter things definitely help. I forgot all about mentioning graphic novels.
DeleteI'm with you on Netflixing. If I don't feel like reading it's best not to push it. :) And cozies- same here. I only read a few a year but they are, indeed, "cozy" reads and nice for a bit of fluff.
ReplyDeleteYep. I'm reading one right now even though I didn't really plan on it.
DeleteThrillers usually pick me up out of a slump, especially if I've been reading a lot of epic fantasy and hard sci-fi. A good thriller is like the perfect palate cleanser!
ReplyDelete~Mogsy @ BiblioSanctum
Thrillers are hit or miss for me so I don't count on them to get me out of a slump. I do love a good one though.
DeleteChick lit definitely pulls me out of my slumps. Romance is good for all days of the year! I keep meaning to give cozy mysteries a try, though, too :)
ReplyDeleteMegan - My Top Ten Tuesday
I don't read a lot of romance now but used to a lot.
DeleteThis is such a cool take on the topic and extremely practical advice which I shall need to follow I think. Esp in regards to Cozies! Thanks Barb :)
ReplyDeleteGlad you enjoyed this.
DeleteGreat tips! Sometimes backing away from the books is the only way to cure my slumps.
ReplyDeleteAj @ Read All The Things!
Thanks AJ.
DeleteThese are wonderful ideas! I will definitely keep them in mind the next time I have a slump!
ReplyDeleteGlad to help.
DeleteI figured out that reading short story anthologies helps me. If I don't care for a story I just go to the next one. No commitment. Ha ha. 😇
ReplyDeleteThose are great too.
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