How To Get Out of A Reading Slump: 7 Tried and True Strategies

Published by Renee Powers, Oct. 25, 2023

We’ve all been there. Maybe it was due to a Fourth Wing hangover. Maybe your TBR stack just isn’t speaking to you at the moment. Or maybe you just finished the latest season of Only Murders in the Building, and no storytelling could possibly compare to Steve Martin’s rendition of the Pickwick Triplets patter song. (By the way, check out our book recommendations for Only Murders in the Building fans here.)

There are simply times when we just can’t seem to find our reading groove… It’s the dreaded reading slump. Fear not, though! We’ve compiled a list of strategies to help you escape this literary lull and reignite your passion for books.

1. Experiment with a Different Genre

New-to-you genres are a great way to mix things up. Variety is the spice of life, and the same applies to your reading choices. Maybe you’ve been on a cozy fantasy kick lately and you’re looking for something new. Or maybe you’ve read so many narrative nonfiction books that it feels like you’re scratching the bottom of the barrel. Whatever it may be, if you've been stuck in a particular genre for too long, break free and explore something entirely different. You might discover a new favorite genre or author in the process. 

Want some help finding a new-to-you genre? Start with our handpicked collections like Greek mythology retellings or books for Star Wars fans! You can also browse our categories here. Each category page features even more recommendations from our team.

2. Try a Different Format

Sometimes, a change in format can do wonders for your reading experience. If you're used to traditional novels like the latest Emily Henry book but it’s just not cutting it anymore, consider picking up a graphic novel, immersing yourself in the beauty of poetry, or trying out a collection of short stories. Readers new to the graphic novel genre may be interested in this format’s adaptations of classic novels, such as Kindred: A Graphic Novel Adaptation or this charming graphic edition of Anne of Green Gables. But if you’re looking to branch out a bit, dive into The Walking Dead Compendium or start a new series like Paper Girls! Poetry collections are also easy reads that pack a punch. I’m a big fan of Nikita Gill’s poetry, particularly Fierce Fairytales. You can’t go wrong with the classics, like Emily Dickinson and Langston Hughes. Did you know that novels in verse also exist? Elizabeth Acevedo is the queen of this format, but you should also check out Long Way Down by Jason Reynolds, which is a modern retelling of A Christmas Carol and was a National Book Award Finalist. If you’re looking for short story collections to try, we have a whole post about 7 reasons to give short stories to try–complete with recommendations!

Graphic novels, poetry collections, and short stories in particular are three formats that offer a quick reading experience and can be just the spark you need to get back into reading.

4. Get on the Bookternet

The internet is a treasure trove of book-related content. Get on Instagram, TikTok, Threads, YouTube, Reddit, X, or Discord to find new bookish besties who will inspire your reading journeys. Wherever you are online, there’s likely a community for you! Start out by following readers who have the same tastes as you do, but don’t stop there. Contribute to the conversation! Sharing your reading journey with others can be inspiring and motivate you to dive back into your bookshelf.

Some bookstagrammers we recommend following are:

• @nurse_bookie
• @hanpickedbooks
• @prettylittlebookshelf
• @mattyandthebooks
• @bitofeverythingbooks

Some booktokkers we recommend following are:

• @bethanys_books
• @your_bookbestie_courtney
• @booktalk_at_tiffanys
• @acozyadventurer
• @julieann_cordero

5. Ask Hey Pango for Help

One recent addition to the bookish internet is our new book recommendation tool, Hey Pango! Use this friendly chatbot to get recommendations based on books you’ve loved, moods you’re in, writing styles you enjoy, tropes you’ve liked, or even tropes you want to try out. My current favorite is to ask Hey Pango to recommend a book that feels like it was written by a celebrity. Britney Spears is on my mind these days with her new memoir, so I wanted to hop on that train. I asked Hey Pango for books that feel like they were written by Britney and it suggested The Fame Game by Lauren Conrad for music industry vibes, Postcards from the Edge by Carrie Fisher for an industry memoir, and Whale Talk by Chris Crutcher to dig into themes of resilience and finding your own voice – so good!

6. Join a Book Club

A little accountability can work wonders. Joining a book club adds a social aspect to your reading and ensures you have a deadline to finish a book, while the discussions can reignite your reading enthusiasm. For those of us who like in-person connection and conversation, Meetup.com and your local independent bookstores are always a great start to find a book club. Search your local Facebook groups or Nextdoor for existing clubs in your neighborhood. Or start one of your own with your neighbors and friends. 

If you prefer to meet virtually, there are a number of online book clubs, such as Roxane Gay’s Audacious Book Club, the Bad Bitch Book Club, or the Feminist Book Club. Some virtual book clubs host Zoom meetings while others are strictly text-based. You’re sure to find one that meets your needs! 

Finally, there are the celebrity book clubs. Oprah’s Book Club is the classic choice as she recommends a broad selection of current favorites and classic novels. Some of our favorite Oprah books include The Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison and Love in the Time of Cholera by Gabriel García Márquez. If you’d like to read mostly new releases, check out Reese Witherspoon’s Hello Sunshine Book Club as well! Reese tends to pick books that she eventually adapts into film or TV like Daisy Jones & the Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid and The Last Thing He Told Me by Laura Dave. But she has also featured some hidden gems like Counterfeit by Kirstin Chen, Honey and Spice by Bolu Babalola, and The Island of Missing Trees by Elif Shafak. There are dozens of celebrity book clubs out there, so whatever your taste, there’s something for you!

7. Take a Break

It's okay to take a break from reading. The pressure to read can exacerbate your slump, so let yourself off the hook. Any hobby requires a little time away to truly enjoy it, so engage in other hobbies or activities that bring you joy. You can find lots of ideas on PangoBooks, even some unique coloring books! Whether it’s woodworking, origami, hand lettering and calligraphy, breadmaking, or embroidery, there is no better time than a reading slump to try your hand at something new. When you return to reading, it will be with a fresh perspective and a rekindled love for books.

Reading slumps are a part of every bookworm's life, but they need not be a permanent roadblock. By experimenting with different formats, genres, and mediums, connecting with fellow book lovers online, and even taking a break when needed, you can easily overcome the dreaded reading slump and rediscover the joy of getting lost in a good book. So, grab your next read and dive back into the wonderful world of literature!