For the past two months, I’ve been in a deep reading rut. I’ve wanted to read, but I've struggled with the follow-through. I’ve started many books, yet only a couple were able to hold my attention. This experience has been frustrating because I love books and reading, and I miss being absorbed by a great story. Even though I wrote an entire post saying readerly guilt is a silly thing to feel, I still feel it sometimes, partially because I produce bookish content but also because being a reader is such an important part of my identity.
I finally feel as if I’m starting to get in my reading groove again, and there are some things that have helped me find my way back. I want to share those things with you so you can draw inspiration from them the next time you find yourself in a rut. Here are my five suggestions.
Try a Different Genre or Format
Sometimes switching up what and how you read can help you find new literary vigor. If you only read mysteries or sci-fi, try a memoir. If you only read print books, try an audiobook. Step outside of your bookish comfort zone and give something different a chance. This week, I wanted a lighthearted, hopeful book, so I picked up a romance, and I’m really into it. The change from my usual choices has been nice.
Your local library is there for you whenever you want to try something new. It can be difficult to spend money on something you think you might not like, but the library allows you to try any genre or format for free. A librarian will be happy to help you find a new-to-you book and can walk you through how to download apps like Libby or Hoopla if you want to try going digital.
Reread a Favorite Book
Revisiting a favorite book can be such a comfort, especially when you’re looking for a sure thing and don’t feel like experimenting. When I think about rereading, I usually consider picking up books I’ve loved as an adult, but it might be fun to revisit some childhood favorites, too. Those books are most likely short, quick reads that will give you some momentum and happy memories.
Ask for a Recommendation
If you can’t get into any of the books you’re picking up, ask someone for a recommendation. That someone could be a friend, a bookseller, a librarian, or a colleague. Many libraries offer some type of book-matching service, making recommendations feel kind of like a game. In the past, I subscribed to Page 1 Books, a monthly subscription. They did a great job choosing books I was interested in, and I got to be quite specific in what I asked them to send me. The Bookshelf also does monthly subscriptions in a variety of genres.
Turn to Hobbies
Sometimes forcing yourself to read when you’re not feeling it makes the reading rut feel even deeper. If you’re in that position, pause reading and try another hobby. One of my current favorites is coloring. I love grabbing a cute coloring book, getting out my nice markers, and enjoying a TV show or music while I color. I’ve also been into creative journaling lately, including making some collages. Another thing I love to do is make playlists. Try making a seasonal list or one based on a particular mood. You could also head into your kitchen and try a new recipe or master the perfect at-home latte. If you usually listen to audiobooks, try a podcast instead. Instead of feeling bad for not reading, we can celebrate that we have other interests and enjoy flexing our creative muscles.
Lean Into It
If you’re in a reading rut and none of the above ideas sound appealing, this is me giving you permission to do nothing. You can lie on the floor like a starfish if you need to. You can watch The Office for the tenth time. You can treat yourself to a behemoth of an ice cream cone or stay in your sweatpants all day. We don’t always have to strive and work harder to be better. It’s okay to just be sometimes. We need that time to feel refreshed and like our best selves.
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Do you have any tricks for getting out of a reading rut? Share in the comments!
From a bookworm, let me just say thank you for showing that reading ruts are normal and also not permanent. 💛
I find that changing my material can often end the rut but I still resist that hard. You must finish what you start is ingrained in me strong. I also beat myself when I can’t get into something because I feel like there must be something wrong with me. I sometimes sidestep this by picking up other material and telling myself I’ll go back to that other book I just can’t get into or have no real interest in finishing. Sometimes it’s not even that and some books are just slow reads. I think I’d like the voice that says this just wasn’t for me or this isn’t for me right now a little louder.