How to Get out of a Reading Slump

Reading slumps are real. Getting stuck in a reading rut can be disheartening, to put it mildly. The beginning of 2025 was the beginning of a three-month reading rut where I could not find a book that I loved. The books that I read were “eh” to say the least. So I turned to Kirsten with ideas of how to get out of a reading slump.

Reading is something that usually gives me tremendous joy. I love visiting new places, meeting new people, and having adventures within the pages. So when the books I am choosing do not resonate with me, it can start to become a cycle. For any reader, this can be very disheartening. I made a list of Best Books to Get Out of a Reading Slump if you are looking for specific recommendations.

Sometimes, it is not the recommendations but a shift in perspective. These are the many things that I tried. And it worked. All you need to connect with one book, and it’s like the floodgates open. These are my tried and true recommendations for how to get out of a reading slump.

How to Get Out of a Reading Slump

1. Read a Short Book

Life throws all sorts of things your way, and sometimes, it is not the book that is the problem, but your ability to concentrate! If this is the case, pick up some short books or books of short stories. This can alleviate the pressure required to concentrate on a long saga. It also gives a great sense of accomplishment.

2. Try a New Genre

There are so many great genres of books. As a reader, you may have a tried and true genre, but it may not be working for you right now. Only reading one genre can start to feel repetitive. Kirsten and I have often discussed how the publishing industry has trends. Some years are fantastic for historical fiction, while others are great years for thrillers. If your favorite genre is not the current trend, you may have a harder time finding books that live up to your expectations.

If that is the case, take a break. Explore a new genre for you, and you may find the perfect book to revive your reading.

3. Join a Book Club

Book clubs take the guesswork out of choosing your next book. There is also a community of people to help keep you on track with your reading and encourage you if you need a push. There are many different types of book clubs. There are in-person book clubs as well as online. You can do some research to find one that is right for you.

Some, like the Beyond the Bookends book club, interview the author every month. Our book club members have told us how much more they enjoy the book after learning about the author’s choices while writing. Doing something different with your reading life can add a spark back into books.

4. Get a Book Recommendation From a Friend

If you have friends or colleagues, teachers, or family members who love to read, get a recommendation from them! They know you and know what you like to read and have recommendations for getting you out of a reading slump. They may recommend a new or backlist book that you have not heard of.

Sometimes books that are getting all the hype are not worth it. I can think of quite a few books that people were fussing about that I thought were not so great. Get a real recommendation from someone you know, rather than getting a recommendation from the booktok book of the moment.

5. Read a Book from a Favorite Author

If you have a favorite author, go into their back list and find a book of theirs you haven’t read yet. If you don’t have a favorite author, go through your reading list and find some of your five-star books. Check out other books these authors have written.

6. Change Your Reading Format

Getting out of a reading slump may be as simple as changing the format that you read. Do you usually read on your Kindle? Go to the library and pick up a physical book. Maybe you need to change it up and physically turn the pages to feel like you are accomplishing something. Are you usually a physical book reader? Try listening to your next book. You can go for a walk or cook dinner while you’re reading, which is a great two-for-one.

Changing up routines is a great way to get out of a reading slump. When you change how you are reading, you take the routine out of the action and add some novelty. This can bring a lot of joy back into reading

7. Change Your Reading Environment

Speaking of changing routines, sometimes changing your reading environment can be just what you need to get out of a reading slump. I often hear from people that they get into their bed, start reading, and immediately fall asleep. If you are trying to figure out how to get out of a reading slump, try going to a different room or picking a different chair.

Maybe when you start reading, you are easily distracted. Try anticipating your needs and bring them with you before you start reading. This might mean having a cup of tea or water next to you, along with a cozy blanket. If you can bring your attention back to the book, you may have a lot more success with reading.

8. Participate in a Reading Challenge

My last recommendation for how to get out of a reading slump is to join a reading challenge. This combines my recommendations 2 and 4! You will be trying a new genre while getting great recommendations as well. The Beyond the Bookends Reading Challenge will always give you a list of books to choose from for each reading prompt. These are books that Kirsten and I have read. We include a bit about why we liked it as well. Most reading challenges are completely free (ours is). And the bonus is that there is a community to help you stay on track.

Of course, I am biased, but I think our reading challenges and community are the best. If you are really unsure how to get out of a reading slump, I recommend you start here.

Epilogue

Did any of my recommendations for how to get out of a reading slump help you? I hope so. Please let me know what worked for you.