Reading slumps are so frustrating, especially when you actually want to read. I can have plenty of books to choose from and still feel like none of them are right.
That’s usually when I stop forcing it and look for something completely different. I’ve put together a few types of books, along with some of my own recommendations, that might help you get excited about reading again.
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What is a Reading Slump?
You know that feeling when you want to read, but every book you pick up just isn’t doing it for you? That’s what a reading slump feels like to me.
For me, it usually means starting several books and putting them down because nothing is pulling me in. Sometimes I need a different genre, a shorter book, or something that’s simply easier to get lost in.
What to Read When You’re in a Reading Slump
I’ve learned not to worry too much about what I should read when this happens. If the book at the top of my TBR doesn’t sound good, it can wait.
Instead, I’ll reach for something different and see what grabs my attention. Here are a few types of books that are worth trying when you’re ready to get back into reading.
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Reread an Old Favorite
Sometimes going back to a book you already love is easier than trying to find something new. You already know the characters and stories pulled you in once before.
For me, that means going back to a book I remember really enjoying. In the Middle of Hickory Lane and Twenty-Eight and a Half Wishes are two of my favorites that I wouldn’t mind reading all over again.
Novellas
Sometimes a shorter story is exactly what you need when a full-length book feels like too much. A novella gives you the chance to get into a story and actually finish it without a big commitment.
If you’re not sure where to start, The One Night and The Kill Clause are two novellas worth trying.
Fast-Paced Thrillers
A fast-paced thriller can be a great choice when you need a book that grabs your attention quickly. Give me short chapters, plenty of twists, and a reason to keep saying just one more chapter.
If that sounds like what you need, Not Our Daughter and The Surgeon are two thrillers that kept me turning the pages.
Fun Romance
Sometimes a fun romance is just what you need to make reading enjoyable again. A little humor, good chemistry, and characters you want to root for can make a book easy to get into.
If you’re in the mood for a love story, Talk of the Town and Catching Him are two romances I really enjoyed.
Cozy Mystery
A cozy mystery can be a good choice when you want a little suspense without anything too dark or heavy. You still get a mystery to solve, but usually with plenty of fun characters and small-town charm along the way.
If you’re in the mood for a good mystery, The Vampire Knitting Club and Booked for Murder are two cozy mysteries I’d recommend.
Audiobooks
Sometimes switching to an audiobook is enough to make reading feel fun again. A good narrator can completely change the experience and make it easier to get pulled into the story.
If you want to give audiobooks a try, Too Old for This is a fun pick with dark humor and a narrator who really brings the story to life. Bourbon and Lies is another good choice, especially because the male narrator has a smooth, rich voice that adds a little extra charm.
Something Completely Different
Sometimes getting out of a reading slump means picking up something completely different from what you usually read. A quirky story or unusual mix of genres can make reading feel fresh again.
If you want to switch things up, Carrots by Colleen Helme and One Tequila by Tricia O’Malley are two fun choices with mystery, humor, psychic abilities, and plenty of chaos.
Favorite Authors
Going back to a favorite author can be one of the easiest ways to get out of a reading slump. You already know you like their writing, so there’s less chance of picking up something that just isn’t working for you.
Carolyn Brown and Denise Grover Swank are two of my favorite go-to authors. If you want to give them a try, The Sisters Café and A Cry in the Dark are two good places to start.
Still looking for something that sounds good? Here are a few more book lists that might help:
- Rainy Day Reads — Cozy book picks for a quiet day at home.
- Best Fall-Themed Books — Seasonal reads with plenty of fall vibes.
- Christian Romance Books — Sweet romance recommendations with faith at the heart of the story.
- Books for Every Mood — Find a book based on what you’re in the mood to read.
Reading slumps happen, and sometimes the best thing you can do is forget about what you think you should be reading. Try something shorter, switch genres, listen to an audiobook, or go back to an old favorite.
For me, the goal is simply to find the book that makes me want to keep reading.
And remember, it’s okay to take a break from reading and try a new hobby for a while. I’ve done that before and came back excited to read again!