2025 Reading Challenge discussion

It happens to most of us at some point. A reading slump.
There are so many books that you want to read, but it's difficult to actually open one and read. Or when you try to read, it's hard to focus and you get bored easily. Or you're just tired and would rather watch Netflix.

Eventually, you start to wonder how you used to read so many books. Do you even still like reading?

Does this sound familiar? How did you get out of it? Any tips you'd like to share?

Ahhh such a good topic. I've hit that reading slump myself more times than I care to admit. I've always just had to wait it out and I hated to do that so I would love to hear other people's ideas about how to get through it.

I would always recommend rereading one of your favorite books.
I know some people don't like to reread, so maybe that's not an option, but if it is, you should try it.
In my case, I always go for the fun, light, kinda silly and relaxing books. My go to is "The Deal", by Elle Kennedy.

I´ve been in a reading slump since 2020 and cannot seem to get out it ever since. I´ve tried everything - rereading my favourite books, favourite authors, trying different genres, switching formats and they are all somewhat helpful, to the extent that I am not giving up completely, but I still cannot find the joy in it that I used to have. Now I am mostly listening to audiobooks (I also need better glasses, so I do not enjoy reading kindle or paper books at the moment) - they do keep me going.

D.L. wrote: "Ahhh such a good topic. I've hit that reading slump myself more times than I care to admit. I've always just had to wait it out and I hated to do that so I would love to hear other people's ideas a..."

It's so frustrating when it happens! I have been in a reading slump for about a month now and hoping to find some good tips to get me out of it.

Sahiary wrote: "I would always recommend rereading one of your favorite books.
I know some people don't like to reread, so maybe that's not an option, but if it is, you should try it.
In my case, I always go for ..."

Rereading a favorite or a lighthearted book is a great tip! I actually read Love, Theoretically this weekend (even though I knew it was gonna be the same as the authors previous books, but it was fun and got me reading). Hopefully I can slowly move on to some other, more intimidating, books on my tbr.

Catka wrote: "I´ve been in a reading slump since 2020 and cannot seem to get out it ever since. I´ve tried everything - rereading my favourite books, favourite authors, trying different genres, switching formats..."

Oh no! That's is such a long time, but it's good to hear that you do listen to audiobooks. Maybe they are some non-bookish factors at play that need to be resolved first?

Rereading a favourite book seems to work for me or picking a book in a different genre. Alternatively, I would pick up a short story so even if you don't want to count it in your reading challenge you feel a bit of accomplishment that you actually completed something.

I have two specific suggestions of things that have worked for me - since I have implemented these in my own life about a decade ago I have been reading-slump-free.

1) If you're not enjoying a book, dump it. The biggest cause of reading slumps, in my opinion, is fighting your way through a book that just is not connecting with you. If you find this is the case, get rid of whatever you're reading so you can get back to something you enjoy.

2) Read multiple books at the same time. I like to mix it up and read a general fiction/classics book along with a non-fiction, mystery, science-fiction/fantasy, horror, short story collection, or a combination of the above. The "right" number of books to read at the same time is different for everyone but trial and error will help you learn what makes you feel most comfortable.

People often ask if it gets confusing to read more than one book at the same time and I'm happy to say that it doesn't. In fact, sometimes themes and ideas from one book will resonate in another book and your reading experience will be enhanced accordingly. And don't worry about getting the books mixed up. After all, many of us watch more than one TV show or movie franchise; you will find that your mind is easily able to keep track of multiple storylines in different books.

Hope that helps!

Since my love for reading started as a child, I go back and read childhood favorites like a Goosebumps story, some C.S Lewis, etc.
Getting a little nostalgic for what started it all pops me out of a slump in no time :)

I have combined reading with another activity. For example, I will play a game on my tablet, read a couple pages, play, read, play read. Just keep going back and forth between the two.

These are all great ideas. I especially like RJ's idea about dumping a book I'm not enjoying. Reading shouldn't be a chore. I usually try to push through a book at any cost, but who says I have to? I'm not in high school anymore. There isn't required reading to receive a good letter grade. The idea of just letting it go sounds so freeing.

Thank you everybody!

Mi tip is joining a book club. Even better if meetings are face-to-face than virtual.

I definitely do all of these things. If I've been reading physical books I'll switch to ebooks or audiobooks. If I do audiobooks I might keep the physical/ebook book with me so that when I really want to focus I can read along.
I definitely will switch up the genre and choose a book from a favorite author (rather than a re-read). And book clubs are definitely key.
I will break it up, reading a chapter then doing a chore, reading a chapter then doing something else fun.
And I'll keep track of what percentage of the book I've completed so I feel a sense of accomplishment for every bit I get done. I do love a sense of accomplishment....

RJ - Slayer of Trolls wrote: "I have two specific suggestions of things that have worked for me - since I have implemented these in my own life about a decade ago I have been reading-slump-free.

1) If you're not enjoying a bo..."

I agree with you.

Debra Diggs wrote: "I have combined reading with another activity. For example, I will play a game on my tablet, read a couple pages, play, read, play read. Just keep going back and forth between the two."

I listen to a book while playing a game on my tablet....my guilty secret!

Dorothy wrote: "Debra Diggs wrote: "I have combined reading with another activity. For example, I will play a game on my tablet, read a couple pages, play, read, play read. Just keep going back and forth between the two...

I listen to a book while playing a game on my tablet....my guilty secret!..."

🙂