Top 5 Wednesday: Reading Slump Breakers

Top 5 Wednesday is a group on Goodreads hosted by Sam from Thoughts on Tome on Youtube.

 

 

 

So again, I have really been enjoying the Top 5 Wednesday subjects, while I may not post every week but I will be participating a little more frequently.  This week's subject are books to get you out of a reading slump. 

Now this was a bit of a tough subject because I really haven't found myself in a reading slump for quite some time, I am always reaching for another book.  But I do have some suggestions on what could get someone out of a slump or if you feel yourself slipping into a slump what to try to stop it.


1. Re-Read a Favorite Book - nothing will get you out of a slump faster than revisiting favorite characters and stories. You are already familiar with the plot and events so you can just settle back and enjoy the ride.
Some of my favorite re-reads:

  

 

2. Pick a Short Book - choose something that is easy to read, doesn't take much brain power and you can get through quickly so you don't feel discouraged. You know how it feels great to check things off your to do list, this is the same idea, when you turn that last page you feel accomplished.

Some ideas for short books:

   

 

3. Try a Different Format - if picking up a book just isn't working, maybe try an ebook, or audio book. If that still isn't working maybe try a graphic novel or a book in verse.

Some different formats:

In Verse:

 

 

 Graphic Novels:

     

 

Audio Books:

  

 

4. Pick Emotional Books - one sure bet way to get out of a slump is to connect with the characters. With a character driven story you aren't having to concentrate on plot lines or world building, just the characters. So pick a book that will make you laugh or cry.

Some emotional books:

  

 

5. Try a Different Genre - one of the reasons you might end up in a slump is that you are tired of reading such similar plot lines, cliché characters, etc. Try to step out of your comfort zone and something might just spark your interest again.

Some great books I found outside my normal genres:

  

 

 

 

So of course I cheated and gave way more than 5 books but I gave you five ideas with book suggestions to illustrate my point, so I kind of got it.   Anyway, I have been very fortunate not to have had a book slump in the past couple of years. I think the main way I avoid them is by having a lot of books on hand, as well as a wide variety of genres and formats.  I hope that if you are in a slump or get into one that this post will help you out of it!

 

What books have helped you get out of a slump? What is your favorite method of getting out of a reading slump?