As an avid reader, I’ve experienced my fair share of reading slumps over the years. For those of you who may not know if you’ve experienced this, a reading slump is when you feel uninterested in reading the books or articles that normally excite you. While a break from constant reading can be necessary, I found that during my reading slumps, I felt more unmotivated and uninspired than before falling into a slump.
Because of this, I’ve developed some bookworm’s best practices that have helped me keep my reading pastime engaging over the years:
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Location, location, location
Sitting alone in your home, wrapped in blankets, and using a little book light to read in a dark room isn’t always conducive to an inspiring reading experience. By switching up your location, you can experience reading in a whole new way. Outside of my home, I enjoy reading poolside, downtown at a park, and taking the train. Each new place you try out will give you a unique reading experience, so try as many new places as you can!
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Choose a new genre
Like many people, I’m a creature of habit, so I often find myself choosing books within the same genre repeatedly when it comes to reading. This alone could lead to a reading slump because there’s only so much variety within one genre! Instead, take time to research new genres or authors and the latest titles in each category. While it may feel weird to go from reading exclusively romance novels to mystery thrillers, it will be worth it since engaging with a new kind of story can motivate you to keep reading and explore even more genres.
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Switch up your reading method
While they’re still my favorite, physical books are not the only way to read anymore. When in a reading slump, try a new reading method by purchasing an audiobook you can listen to on the go or through your Kindle. If you’re on a budget, visit your local library and check out a book or see if there’s a public bookcase in your community where you can partake in neighborhood book exchanges. No matter which method you choose, all are a great way to open yourself up to a new way of experiencing a book and can inspire you to read that way more often in the future.
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Re-read an old favorite
When in doubt, re-reading an old favorite always inspires me. You would be surprised to learn the number of times I’ve re-read chapters of the infamous Twilight novels and my favorite celebrity memoirs. There’s something about re-reading those books that always bring me joy, and this joy is sometimes all you need to awaken your inner bookworm!
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Join a book club
After joining AWC’s Book Club, my passion for reading was reignited and provided me with a surefire way to read more great books. Being a member of the AWC Book Club has also helped me connect with fellow members (especially great for independent members!) through the online book discussions. The AWC Book Club connects every six weeks to discuss the latest book club pick for about an hour via Zoom. I love listening to other members’ thoughts on the books and can walk away with new perspectives in mind.
Reading slumps will inevitably happen for even the most dedicated readers, but these changes in your reading routine are just some ways to help get you out of it. If you’re interested in joining the AWC Book Club, check out the AWC Book Club page on the AWC website. The AWC Book Club is open to all members, and we would love to have you at our next discussion. Happy reading!
About the Author
Chloe Kasper is the Corporate Communications Specialist at Elkay Manufacturing and leads the AWC Book Club. She holds a Bachelor’s degree from Illinois State University in Public Relations with minors in Latin American and Latino/a Studies and Women’s and Gender Studies. In her free time, Chloe enjoys reading, practicing yoga, spending time with her loved ones, and playing with her 1-year-old puppy, Sookie.
