This is a fitting post for my first discussion of August since I’m a bit late to contribute to this week’s Top Ten Tuesday, which is a freebie week. I’ve been in a bit of a reading/writing/blogging slump in recent days. I go back to work next week, and I have to finish my online class’s final paper and exam before then. Which means I won’t have had a week of summer vacation without being in class. What I need to remind myself is that I have had good times this summer and that there are ways to overcome that slump.
Today, the focus will be on books and reading.
An Old Favorite
When I’m in a reading slump, it can help to read a tried and true favorite. Since I know what happens, I don’t need to think as much about what I’m reading. I can just sit back and enjoy the read.
Some of my old favorites include:
- Song of the Lioness series by Tamora Pierce
- Circle of Magic series by Tamora Pierce
- Ella Enchanted by Gail Carson Levin
- Artemis Fowl by Eoin Colfer (related: review of #1-4)
An Epic Read
Epics continuously build up the action and hype. They’re great to read when I need a book that engages me. As an added bonus, because epics are so long, I don’t feel pressured to finish them quickly and can take my time with them.
Some epics that I’ve enjoyed include:
- The Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss
- Mistborn by Brandon Sanderson
- The Farseer Trilogy by Robin Hobb.
A Thought-Provoking Book
Mistborn is slow to build, but it explores complex issues. Books like this are great for a reading slump because they encourage me to slow down my reading pace and enjoy the ride.
A Children’s or Middle-Grade Book
I love a good book for young readers, and I confess that I tend to be more forgiving of them. While they can be a nice addition, I don’t expect the complex world or character intricacies that I love in a general fantasy. All I want is to sit back and enjoy a good adventure story.
Some middle-grade reads that I’ve enjoyed in the past include:
- Xander and the Island of Lost Monsters by Margaret Dilloway (Momotaro series)
- The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman
- The Basque Dragon by Adam Gidwitz and Jesse Carey (The Unicorn Rescue Society series)
- Into the Wild by Erin Hunter (Warriors series)
- A Small Zombie Problem by K.G. Campbell
- Dragon Pearl by Yoon Ha Lee.
A Picture Book
Picture books are easily finished in one sitting, which makes them the perfect reminder that I can finish books.
Some picture books that I’ve enjoyed include:
- A Little House Picture Book Treasury by Laura Ingalls Wilder, illustrated by Renée Graef
- The Moonlight Meeting by Tracey Hecht
- Pete the Cat and the Magic Sunglasses by Kimberly and James Dean
- Adrian Simcox Does NOT Have a Horse by Marcy Campbell, illustrated by Corrina Luyken
A Light Romance
Romance belongs in the category of books that I call fluffy reads because they make me happy and (typically) don’t require me to think too deeply.
Some romances that I’ve enjoyed include:
- Unforgiven by Lauren Kate
- Girl Against the Universe by Paula Stoke
- Better than the Best Plan by Lauren Morrill
- How Zoe Made Her Dreams (Mostly) Come True by Sarah Strohmeyer
- Somewhere Only We Know by Maurene Goo
- The Boy Recession by Flynn Meaney
A Favorite Series
I enjoy rereading a favorite series because I don’t have to think about what book to read next.
Some of my favorite series include:
- The Lunar Chronicles by Marissa Meyer
- Song of the Lioness by Tamora Pierce
- The Farseer Trilogy by Robin Hobb (and the larger series of Realm of the Elderlings)
- Mistborn by Brandon Sanderson
A Graphic Novel
Graphic novels are a quick read. While they contain many pictures, many also explore complex questions and deep themes. Fullmetal Alchemist by Hiromu Arakawa is a great example of this. Others, like Sailor Moon by Naoko Takeuchi, are fluffy romances (yet simultaneously empowering for women while not being in your face about it).
Some graphic novels that I enjoy include:
- One Piece by Eiichiro Oda
- 5 Worlds series by Mark Siegel, et. al
- Teen Titans: Raven by Kami Garcia and Gabriel Picolo
- Fullmetal Alchemist by Hiromu Arakawa
- Sailor Moon by Naoko Takeuchi
- The Last Unicorn by Peter S. Beagle
An Audiobook
Audiobooks are wonderful for listening to a book on the go when I don’t think I have time to read. They’re also great because I can close my eyes and just listen.
Some audiobooks I’ve enjoyed include:
- Scythe by Neal Shusterman
- The Last Kingdom by Bernard Cornwell
- The Alloy of Law by Brandon Sanderson
- Shadows of Self by Brandon Sanderson
- Bands of Mourning by Brandon Sanderson
An Educational Read
Sometimes it helps to read something out of the box, something I don’t read as much. I’m a lifelong learner, so an educational / nonfiction read is the perfect way to engage my mind. when I’m in a reading slump.
Some nonfiction / educational reads that I’ve enjoyed include:
- The Book Whisperer by Donalyn Miller
- The Bullet Journal Method by Ryder Carroll
- The Forks Over Knives Plan by Alona Pulde
- The Four Tendencies by Gretchen Rubin
- Who Stole Feminism by Christina Hoff Sommers
Chat With Me
What are some books that have gotten you out of a reading slump?
This post is linked to Top Ten Tuesday, which is hosted by That Artsy Reader Girl.
Nicole @ Feed Your Fiction Addiction says
I adore thought-provoking books (I still need to read Mistborn). And I agree that middle grade reads are great for reading slumps. Sometimes it’s nice to pick up something that you know is just going to be a quick, enjoyable read! I’ll have to check out a few of the middle grades you recommend.
Crystal says
Thought-provoking books are some of the best and definitely among the ones I remember! Mistborn is a fantastic novel and trilogy. I hope you enjoy it if you get the chance to read it! I agree that it’s nice to have a quick, enjoyable read on hand at times! These kinds of reads have been so helpful to me as I enter a new school year; I just don’t have the mental energy for a dense book! I hope you enjoy the middle-grade books that I mentioned!
Krystianna says
Great post! I recently read Scythe actually and it got me out of my reading slump. I love posts like this!
Krystianna @ Downright Dystopian
Crystal says
Thanks, Krystianna. Scythe is a fantastic book! It’s neat to hear that it got you out of your reading slump 🙂
Jane says
I find reading a book I’ve been itching to read on the down-low to help me escape the dreadful reading slump. That said, I’ve found I don’t read quite as much during hotter months (which, science, so), but read more towards the end and at the beginning of each year. It’s more of an issue of “when” for me — a question of “But is my head in the right space for this?”
Crystal says
That’s so interesting to hear, Jane! I tend to read more during the summer months, but I do get summer vacation as a teacher. During the school year, I don’t have as much time for leisure reading.
Malka @ Paper Procrastinators says
I use so many of these categories when I’m in a reading slump! I think most often I reread favorite books, or even just favorite scenes from books. Or I Read short works like graphic novels and and novellas. I love reading romances as well when I don’t have the energy to read something more complex. I’ve found some fabulous books (mostly graphic novels) through these methods!
Crystal says
Yes, it’s always nice to read an old favorite! And yes to shorter works and light, straightforward works when I need an easier read ❤️
Suzanne @ The Bookish Libra says
Great post and I agree with all of your choices, especially those light summer romances and re-reading old favorites.
Crystal says
Thanks, Suzanne! ❤️
Shannon @ It Starts at Midnight says
Oh these are great! I find that something *really* different helps me (which can definitely include thought-provoking!) But sometimes re-reading can work, especially The Hunger Games. Or a graphic novel. Or a really short book because it helps me get back in the groove when I finish one quickly hah. Great post, I hope you can overcome the slump soon!
Crystal says
I agree. It’s important for me to read something very different from my last read when I fall into a reading slump. Something quick is good too so that I can get back into the groove. Thanks, Shannon! 🙂
Lindsi says
I loved The Lunar Chronicles! It’s one of my favorites, and the audio is amazing. Whenever I’m in a slump, I tend to read an old favorite, or just binge-watch television shows instead.
Lindsi @ Do You Dog-ear? 💬
Crystal says
It’s great to hear the audio for The Lunar Chronicles is amazing! Next time I reread them, I’ll have to keep that in mind. What are some of your favorite television shows?
Ethan says
I always dread the inevitable slump, but these are some great tips to help break it. I especially love the idea of picking up a picture book. For lots of us, that is a great reminder of why we got into reading in the first place!
Crystal says
Yes! I love the nostalgia of reading picture books and other books for young readers. Plus, I find gems to share with kids that I know and pass on the book love 🙂
Mai says
I read Pachinko recently, and it was such a good book that I finished it in two days. Ever since then, I’ve been reading nonstop. Before that, I had gone months without reading a single book.
Mai
✰ maidoesthings.com
Crystal says
That’s great to hear, Mai! I’ve heard great things about Pachinko. It’s on my TBR!
Aj @ Read All The Things! says
Children’s books and graphic novels get me out of slumps because they’re short, so they make me feel like I’m accomplishing something. When I’m in a slump, it can take me a month to finish a long book. Then I get irritated at myself for reading so slowly.
Crystal says
Children’s books and graphic novels are so good for making me feeling accomplished when I’m in a reading slump! ❤️
Genesis @ Whispering Chapters says
For me, light romances, re-reads and fave series will always help me with my slump!
Genesis @ Whispering Chapters
Crystal says
Great choices, Genesis! Thanks for sharing your thoughts 🙂
Dani @ Perspective of a Writer says
I really love the idea to hit up a different genre or story form to get out of a reading slump! Middle grade books, graphic novels especially as I think picking up an easy to read book makes escaping a slump a lot easier. ❤️ Thanks for all the recommends!!
Crystal says
Yes, it really helps to change things up when I’m in a reading slump! Many of the bookish types I listed are easier to read; they definitely help. A graphic novel is a favorite of mine. I’m always reading one alongside of another book (or two or three – I have a hard time sticking to one book!) ❤️
Sam@wlabb says
I adored Somewhere Only We Know. It was perfection for me, and I really liked the tour of Tokyo.
Crystal says
Somewhere Only We Know is such a fun read! I think you meant to say Hong Kong? I enjoyed exploring the culture too 🙂