Books to Break a Reading Slump

We’ve all been there: the dreaded Slump. When you just don’t feel like reading or none of the books available appeal to you. But you know what? I’m here to tell you, don’t fight it. There may be a deeper reason (sometimes life is just busy) or it could just be your mood, and there’s nothing wrong with allowing yourself to take a break and focus on other things for a while. You’ll want to pick up a book again soon enough! BUT. If you do feel the need to fight the Slump, I think the best way is to reach for fun books, for comfort reads, for stories that aren’t going to make you work too hard when your brain obviously isn’t feeling it. Here are my suggestions for Slump-breaking reads!

First up is The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Annie Barrows and Mary Ann Shaffer, which is usually the first book I reach for if I’m in a slump. Set in post-World War II England, Guernsey is a true comfort-read, filled with warmth, humor, and the strength of humanity in the face (and in the aftermath) of inconceivable trauma. It’s epistolary format also makes it easy to dip in and out of, which I appreciate because, in the midst of a slump, it can be hard for me to sit and read for long periods at a time – until the story eventually sucks me in, that is, and voila! Slump broken!

Ella Enchanted by Gail Carson Levine: This funny YA retelling of the Cinderella story is the definition of an easy read. Levine follows the expectations of the original fairy tale while still adding her own flair, populating the world with capricious fairies, a rebellious heroine with a flair for languages, and party-loving giants. Oh, and mouth-watering descriptions of FOOD. For something short and familiar, this is a good bet. Hm… and I’m realizing it’s been a while, so a reread is probably due.

The Thin Man by Dashiell Hammett: If old-school murder mysteries are more your speed, Hammett’s classic tale is another short, easy read (are you sensing a theme with this list?). The mystery is straightforward enough, but it’s really the colorful characters and snappy dialogue that entertains, with booze-guzzling Nick and Nora Charles leading the way. I try to read this story every winter before my Christmas rewatch of the 1934 adaptation, and it’s always a good time.

And finally, I’m going to recommend a romance novel because few things are as useful for slump-breaking as a good ship, in my experience. There are a lot of great ones out there, of course, but today, I’m recommending Take a Hint, Dani Brown by Talia Hibbert, which is funny, sexy, and just plain fun. It also has a wonderfully complicated, prickly heroine and a total cinnamon roll of a hero, which are two of my favorite things. The first book in the “Brown Sisters” series, Get a Life, Chloe Brown, is also a good one, and though I haven’t read it yet, I’ve heard good things about the final installment, Act Your Age, Eve Brown. Like many romance series, the individual books can be read as standalones, but if you like one, you’ll probably enjoy them all.

If you’re not ready to commit to a full-length novel, of course, short stories are always a good way to ease yourself back into reading, as are audiobooks, which you can enjoy while doing other things.

Now, of course, sometimes a slump just will not be broken. It happens. And when it does, I recommend embracing it! Stop trying to force yourself to read (and certainly don’t feel guilty that you can’t! uh… unless you have an assignment due – that could be a problem), and go do something else. Take a walk, watch a movie, experiment in the kitchen, or any number of things! The point of reading is not just to learn, after all – it’s to enjoy. And if you’re not enjoying it at the moment… go do something else that you will enjoy! Sometimes, your brain just needs a break, and if you give it what it needs, you’ll be surprised how much happier you’ll be… and how much sooner that pesky slump will break.

What do you think? Do you have your own tried-and-true recommendations for breaking a slump, or do you want even more recommendations? Let me know, and let’s keep the conversation going!

–b