It happens to us all at one time or another – you cannot seem to find the book that you want to read right now. You try different books and find them all a bit… meh. You can’t concentrate on what you’re reading. You probably have several half-read books languishing by your favourite reading spot, but you’re just not feeling the love.
Fear not, I am here to help with some handy tips for jolting yourself out of that rut. I have some experience with this. I once stopped reading for three years. But eventually when the time was right, I got myself out of that horrendous low point, and fell in love with books again.
1 – Firstly don’t worry about it. Not reading will not kill you. I know that seems hard to believe but it’s true. Maybe try doing something else for a little while. Play some games, binge-watch a favourite TV programme, do some gardening or try yoga. I knitted a lot of socks when I wasn’t reading. Whatever works for you and takes your mind off books. Under no circumstances must you fret about your bookstagram followers – they will understand – they’ve probably been there.
2- Read something completely different. Steer away from your favoured genres and try something you wouldn’t normally read. I used to read lots of very dark, gruesome crime novels, and now I hardly ever do….but I have rediscovered a love of SF and historical fiction. If you already have one of our subscriptions, then email us and tell us you want to try something new – we can help with books outwith your normal genres on an ongoing or short term basis. Maybe you just fancy a bit of Fantasy one month – that’s fine, just let us know!
3 – Try some short stories. These are excellent for dipping in and out of when your attention span is short. And they provide that lovely sense of finishing something, which we miss when we can’t get into a book enough to complete it.
4 – Re-read an old favourite. Relaxing into a book you have read before and love may help you remember what it is about reading that usually soothes you. I have re-read Persuasion by Jane Austin so many times!
5 – Try an audio book. I find the listening experience to be very different to reading, but just as enjoyable. You can get a free trial on Audible, or many libraries now have an app that allows you to borrow free audio books. Go for a walk and have a listen, or listen while you’re cooking dinner.
6 – Finally, if you’re not already a subscriber then start a subscription to the Gently Used Book Club. Tell us the last books you last really enjoyed reading and we’ll do our utmost to find you some books you’ll love to read. Doesn’t matter what genre you fancy, we can help. We’ve been working with books for more years than we care to remember, and we have a vast and varied stock. If you can’t see what you want on the website drop us an email and we’ll try and help.
