How to Choose Your Next Read When You’re in a Reading Slump

Every reader hits a wall sometimes. Maybe life has been hectic, your attention is stretched thin, or every book you pick up just… isn’t it. A reading slump can sneak up on even the most dedicated book lovers, and it’s nothing to be ashamed of. The good news? There are plenty of gentle, creative ways to find your way back to the stories you love.

Here’s how to choose your next read when nothing seems to stick.

1. Revisit a Comfort Read

When your brain feels overloaded, returning to something familiar can be grounding. Whether it’s a childhood favorite, a well-loved romance, a comforting fantasy, or a book that shaped you, rereads take the pressure off. You know you’ll love the story, and sometimes that’s exactly what you need to rekindle the spark.

2. Pick Something Short & Sweet

Novellas, graphic novels, poetry collections, and short stories can work wonders during a slump. Finishing a shorter book gives you a little dopamine boost—and that momentum often leads straight into your next longer read.

Try sections of your TBR like:

• Quick, uplifting fiction

• Cozy mysteries

• Slice-of-life graphic novels

• Flash-fiction or essay collections

Light, easy, and satisfying.

3. Let Your Interests Lead You

Instead of worrying about what you should read, follow what you’re genuinely curious about right now. Are you into gardening? Cozy video games? Baking? Space documentaries? Haunted lighthouses? (A vibe, honestly.)

Your enthusiasm is a breadcrumb trail pointing toward your next book. Lean into those small obsessions—they often lead to the most joyful reads.

4. Ask a Bookseller or Friend for a “Vibe Match”

Sometimes you don’t know what you need, but someone else can spot it immediately. Tell a bookseller or a friend:

• A book you loved recently

• A mood you want to feel

• A trope you enjoy

• A memory you want recreated

At Odd Bird Bookshop, we call this a “vibe-based recommendation.” It’s a low-pressure way to discover your next read through feeling rather than genre. You’d be surprised how often the perfect book finds you this way.

5. Switch Up Your Format

If print books aren’t connecting right now, try a new format to shake things loose:

• Audiobooks for low-energy days

• Large print for easier focus

• E-books for convenience and portability

Changing the way you read can make the experience feel new again—without changing the story.

6. Browse Without Expectations

Sometimes the best way to break a slump is simply to wander. Stroll through a bookstore, scroll through your favorite indie shop’s site, or explore a shelf you usually ignore. Let your eyes land on whatever feels interesting, and give yourself permission to choose a book based solely on the cover, title, or first sentence.

Reading joy often starts with curiosity, not obligation.

7. Let Yourself Quit Books Without Guilt

If a book isn’t grabbing you after a few chapters, set it down. There’s no badge for finishing something that’s not working right now. Giving yourself permission to stop frees you up to find the book that will.

Your reading life should feel like a gift, not a chore.

8. Start With Just 10 Minutes

Sometimes a slump isn’t about the book—it’s about energy. Set a timer for ten minutes and read whatever you want. No pressure. Most of the time, you’ll keep going. If not, that’s okay too. Ten minutes is still reading.

Reading Slumps Happen. Your Next Great Book Is Still Waiting.

Whether you need something cozy, thrilling, heartwarming, or laugh-out-loud funny, we’re always happy to help you rediscover your reading rhythm. Stop by Odd Bird Bookshop online or in-person, and we’ll help you find a book that meets you exactly where you are.