The Dreaded Reading Slump

For several weeks now, I have found myself staring blankly at the pages in front of me.  Whether it's books I loathed or books I love, the result is the same, read half a page and give up... or worse still, read four or five pages put it away, then reread those same ages multiple times because I can't remember what I read previously because nothing looks familiar.  Books that should take me mere days to finish, are taking me weeks.

I was so exited to get into some of the books, when I put together my challenge lists for the year, but here I am, not motivated to pick anything up for fear that I just wont get it finished, or worse, I wont do it justice.  These slumps can be anything from a few days to a few years.  It's so frustrating!

Due to my own slump, I thought I'd make a list of ways to help get over a reading slump... Things that have been suggested to me, ideas of my own and suggestions I've come across while googling how to get out of my slump...

1. Re-Reading an Old Favourite
This one has worked for me in the past. For many years I found myself not reading much at all, a few years ago, I decided enough was enough and I had to get back into my favourite time waster (not that reading is really a waste of time, but it is great for avoiding things like homework and housework).  Perusing my book cases, trying to find something that peaked my interest, what should I spy on my shelf, by my beloved childhood favourite Black Beauty by Anna Sewell.  If you don't want to re-read, try something you haven't read from your favourite Author instead.

2. Try a Collection of Short Stories
I find these are great for those times I just can't handle another 500+ page book, or for those times when you were so emotionally involved in a book you can't bear the thought of starting anything else AKA the book hangover.  Short stories are quick and often quite light reading, giving you little tastings of other worlds, without being emotionally draining.  Though I wont count the times I found myself wishing those stories were longer.

3.  Read with a Friend
One of my biggest motivators is to read books with friends and discussing them later... I often find myself reading and discussing books with my teenage daughter, when we find some that suit both our tastes.  But if, like me, your local friends aren't much into reading, there are many groups on Goodreads for t any genre you wish, that you can join and discuss weekly or monthly reads, many also have various challenges throughout the year.

4. Read Some Fan Fiction
My above mentioned teenager will often read fan fiction when she finds herself stuck in a slump.  Fan fiction can be a great way to find new twists on your favourites, or even introduce yourself to new stories.  There are so many talented hobby writers out there.

5. Try an Audio Book.
This is one that doesn't really work for me.  I find myself getting too distracted with other tasks, even dozing off, instead of listening to the story.  But so many others love it!  Audio books give you the opportunity to read on the go, they can be great in the car for long trips, while doing housework, or any other task that requires your hands to be full.  World War Z by Max Brooks was my audio book of choice during feeding times when my kids were babies. There is the added benefit of the soothing tones of spoken language, something I don't always find with music.

6. Try Something Different
Go out, buy/borrow a new genre/author/format of book.  Always read print? get yourself some e-books.  Always read novels? Try some comics or manga. Never read a thriller? get yourself some Dan Brown or Stieg Larsson.  Introducing new materials can reestablish the desire to read, whether it's a change of format or a change of genre, it's can make all the difference.
Most of the major e-reader retailers have free apps available for pc, phones and tablets, and have a range of free books on offer.  Sites like Project Gutenberg, Smashwords and Free Ebooks are just a few of the plethora of websites that also offer free ebooks in various formats.

7. Read a Young Adult or Children's Story
This may sound a little silly, but kids books are great for building enthusiasm, without the complicated plots or intricate language 'adult' books have.  Story lines are usually straight forward and easy to follow without being draining. YA and children's books are available in pretty much any genre you can think of.  I like it even more when it's my kids reading the books to me, family reading time is one of my favourite things.

8. Step Away From Reading
If all else fails, it's okay to take a break from reading.  As much as I hate to admit it, it can be good to step away from books for a while and allow my brain to rest.  Check out a movie, go view some art, meet with friends for a coffee, sometimes, just getting out and doing something different can help you break the slump cycle.

What things do you like to try when you find yourself in a slump?