How to get out of a reading slump
A self proclaimed guide + kicking off the 30-day reading challenge
Last week I shared that I was in a bit of a reading slump. Life had gotten the better part of my reading time and I was going several days without reading. Not tragic, but not ideal either.
This week, after picking up several books, I realized nothing was really clicking. For me, this is usually a sign that I need to read a book that is fun, light and simply a good story.
Many times when I’m feeling like I’m in a reading slump - I need to go for an “easy” book. A book that is all about entertaining and delighting.
This time around, I had the perfect pick waiting for me — it was the third book in the romantic fantasy series A Court of Thorns and Roses. Picking up the familiar story of Feyre, a human turned High Fae, who is coming into herself and her powers, was exactly what I needed.
Do you have a go-to genre that you know you always enjoy and keep going back to? Would love to know, leave me a comment!
For me, this go-to type isn’t a genre but more of a theme, and it’s usually a story of a woman who goes on a quest of self-discovery. These types of books are so feel good to me, and it actually took writing this post for me to pin-point exactly the kind of books I go to when I need a little bookish pick-up me.
So with that in mind, today I want to give the spotlight to those feel-good books — they might be just what you need to get you out of a reading slump and into reading something really fun yet interesting.
Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus
“She strode to her easel, marker in hand. CHEMISTRY IS CHANGE, she wrote. “Whenever you start doubting yourself…whenever you feel afraid, just remember. Courage is the root of change-and change is what we’re chemically designed to do.”
Take note, this book took me by surprise. By the cover and blurb, I suspected a light read but was so pleasantly surprised to find an inspiring, feminist story. We follow a female chemist in the 1960’s who is unwavering in her determination to do the work that she was meant to.
The story itself was interwoven with interesting characters that portrayed the decade of the 60’s and brought different perspectives into the narrative making it not only an empowering read but also a very engaging one. Ultimately, this story is about a woman’s struggle to make her place in the world that is designed to be against her.
The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo Taylor Jenkins Reid
“Movie stars are movie stars are movie stars. Sure, we all fade after a while. We are human, full of flaws like anyone else. But we are the chosen ones because we are extraordinary.”
This was another read that took me by surprise but had me completely engaged and reading ferociously. From the title and cover, I expected a lightweight book but it turned out so much more than that. (you know how it goes… don’t judge a book…) The story follows a movie star from the 60’s who goes through the classic drags to riches trope.
The theme isn’t just on the surface though and goes deeper into exploring LGBT issues during that time period and what it must have been like for someone famous to live with the secret of their true identity.
The Divorcées by Rowan Beaird
This book focuses on the 1950’s where Reno is the only state in the United States where women can get a divorce. The famous divorce ranches take in women who want to get a divorce and need to reside within the state for six week to legalize their divorce. We follow one girl who goes through this experience, only to find friendship, loneliness and so much more throughout her stay.
There you have it, some of my recent feel-good favorites that certainly delivered on their promise, to keep me entertained and reading.
If you’ve been feeling like you want to get back into reading, I highly suggest picking up a book that is easy and fun to read, this will give you that addictive readers high and keep you coming back for more.
Speaking of coming back for more - this week kicks off the 30-Day reading challenge!
30-Day Reading Challenge Kicks off this Week!
Last week I shared that in an effort to stay accountable and read more, I was going to host a 30-day reading challenge, and I was so happy to see so many people who wanted to join.
Starting April 1st, I’m committing to a 30-day reading challenge to bring consistency back into my reading life. The goal? To read every single day, even if it’s just for five minutes.
How to participate:
Reply to this email or comment in this post with ‘I’m in!’ to stay accountable. (thanks for those who already joined!)
Follow me on instagram @bibliotherapy.me, read daily and post your book on stories, tagging @bibliotherapy.me so I can keep track
Alternatively, if you don’t use Instagram, comment on the weekly substack post (starting with this one), and share what book you are reading with the day of the challenge. (Example: Day 1 - complete! )
To make this even more special, the person with the most participation in a month will win a free bibliotherapy session!
I’m so curious and excited to see how this challenge goes! I’m not going to lie, I’m going to have a busy April, with my dad coming to visit, and also taking a girls trip to Spain. But knowing ahead of time that I absolutely have to read at least 5 minutes every day, actually gives some structure to my day and makes me plan ahead of time.
Sometimes, making time to read can’t be spontaneous - it needs to be planned.
A me from the past might have thought that this was ridiculous, but nowadays I’m realizing that it’s that commitment that makes it even more special.
I have a date with a book everyday, what about you?
That’s all from me this week. If you’re joining the challenge, I wish you an amazing month ahead. Keep in touch and let me know how it’s going for you. I can’t wait to discover and see all of the books that will be read.
Until next week!
xx Toni