How to Break a Reading Slump

And get your bookworm groove back

It happens to the best of us. One day, you’re flying through books like a literary superhero, and the next, every page feels like wading through molasses. If you’ve been in a reading slump recently, you’re not alone. Sometimes life gets noisy, distractions take over, or our brains just need a break. But when you’re ready to dive back in, here’s how to nudge your way out of that slump and rediscover the joy of reading.

1. Revisit an old favorite. There’s nothing like the comfort of a book you’ve loved before. Pull out that dog-eared copy of your favorite novel or memoir and let it remind you why you fell in love with reading in the first place. Familiar stories are like old friends—warm, comforting, and utterly nonjudgmental.

2. Start small. Big, hefty tomes might feel intimidating when you’re in a slump. Opt for shorter books, novellas, or even a collection of essays or poetry. Something you can finish in one sitting can rekindle that satisfying feeling of accomplishment.

3. Embrace audiobooks. When sitting down with a physical book feels like too much, audiobooks can be a gentle way back into the world of stories. Plug in your headphones while walking the dog, doing dishes, or driving. Bonus: a fantastic narrator can make the experience even more immersive.

4. Join a reading community. There’s something contagious about enthusiasm. Whether it’s an online book club, a local meet-up, or just a group text with bookish friends, sharing recommendations and discussing stories can spark your motivation.

5. Give yourself permission to quit. Not every book is for everyone, and it’s okay to put down a book and mark it did not finish (DNF) that isn’t grabbing you. Reading should feel like a treat, not a chore. Give yourself the freedom to move on to something that excites you.

6. Explore a new genre. Sometimes, a change of pace is all you need. If you usually gravitate toward fiction, try nonfiction. If thrillers are your go-to, dip into a cozy romance or fantasy. The unfamiliar might reignite your curiosity.

7. Create a reading ritual.nSet aside a specific time and space for reading. Light a candle, brew a cup of tea, and make it a moment to look forward to. Even 10–15 minutes a day can help you ease back into the rhythm.

8. Celebrate progress. Give yourself a little credit for every page or chapter you read. Progress, no matter how small, is worth celebrating. Reading slumps aren’t forever. They’re just part of the natural ebb and flow of our relationship with books. When you’re ready to come back, they’ll be waiting—patient and full of possibility.

Here are 6 books that pulled me out of a reading slump

Yours Truly by Abby Jimenez — This had me laughing out loud so many times & then a few pages later, there would be tears. The way that it handled real life struggles so beautifully was wonderful. (Contemporary Romance)

The Most by Jessica Anthony — is a slim, tightly woven novel set over one day about a marriage that feels, at the same time, domestic and tense. (Psychological, Thrillers)

The Rom-Commers by Katherine Center — A story about an aspiring screenwriter looking for real-life love. For a good cry, many laughs and a big hit of dopamine. (Romantic Comedy)

The Drowning Woman by Robyn Harding — A deliciously twisted story of friendship, retribution, and betrayal about a homeless woman fleeing a dangerous past—and the wealthy society wife she saves from drowning, who pulls her into a dark web of secrets and lies. (Thrillers, Suspense, Psychological)

A Good Girl's Guide to Murder by Holly Jackson — Pretty and popular high school senior Andie Bell was murdered by her boyfriend, Sal Singh, who then killed himself. It was all anyone could talk about. And five years later, Pip sees how the tragedy still haunts her town. (Law & Crime, Thrillers & Suspense)

Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin — Two college friends, often in love, but never lovers--become creative partners in a intricately imagined world of video game design, where success brings them fame, joy, tragedy, duplicity, and, ultimately, a kind of immortality. It is a love story, but not one you have read before. (Action & Adventure, Friendship)

---

The Second Act is an entirely reader-supported publication. Click here to subscribe or gift a friend a subscription here (if a friend sent you this —tell them thanks!). Anything you want covered? Questions? Reply with a comment below!