Tuesday, August 21, 2018

TTT - Let's Talk About Slumps

The top 10 weekly meme used to be hosted by The Broke and the Bookish they  handed over the reins to ThatArtsyReaderGirl who can be found HERE.  Each week she will focus on lists which cover various topics related to books and reading. 

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???

45 comments:

  1. 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!

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  2. If 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!
    My TTT: https://thebookdutchesses.com/2018/08/21/ttt-41-books-to-pull-you-out-of-a-reading-slump/

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    1. Yes, I've done that before and you are so right.

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  3. I 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!

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  4. Going to the Library is a GREAT idea. Just walking by all those pretty covers will get your attention.

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    1. I love library trips and am planning one soon!

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  5. Whenever 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!

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    1. I've never read Agatha Christie. I need to remedy that.

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  6. Trying 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 :)

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    1. I think I don't get in many slumps because I do read so many genres all the time.

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  7. Yes 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...

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  8. I do find switching genres helps me when I'm getting fantasy burnout!
    My TTT: https://jjbookblog.wordpress.com/2018/08/21/top-ten-tuesday-173/

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    1. Epic Fantasy would be so hard to read all the time. I know people do it but I don't know how!

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  9. What 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.
    Lynn :D

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    1. I'm sure it helps but I believe you should always read what you are in the mood for.

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  10. Yes 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.

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    1. Yes, it's how I found Riverdale last year and Slasher this year.

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  11. Great 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) :)

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  12. I 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! :)

    Lindsi @ Do You Dog-ear?

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    1. Libraries are such a great resource. Glad your kids enjoy going too!

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  13. These are some good options! :)

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  14. Books are always better when there is a cute dog on the cover :)
    Dani @ The Restricted Section

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  15. I 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.

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  16. Wonderful tips!! When I feel a slump coming on, I've found that reading comics, graphic novels, and novellas helps.

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    1. Oh yes, shorter things definitely help. I forgot all about mentioning graphic novels.

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  17. I'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.

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    1. Yep. I'm reading one right now even though I didn't really plan on it.

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  18. Thrillers 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!

    ~Mogsy @ BiblioSanctum

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    1. 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.

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  19. Chick 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 :)

    Megan - My Top Ten Tuesday

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    1. I don't read a lot of romance now but used to a lot.

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  20. This 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 :)

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  21. Great tips! Sometimes backing away from the books is the only way to cure my slumps.

    Aj @ Read All The Things!

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  22. These are wonderful ideas! I will definitely keep them in mind the next time I have a slump!

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  23. I 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. 😇

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