Discussion: 5 Remedies for a Book Slump

You know that feeling when *nothing* is really keeping your attention when you read? EVERYTHING you go to pick up just ends up being 'meh'. Books have lost their spark and reading just seems like something you don't enjoy anymore. Nothing new has come along yet to rescue you from this melancholy state of the same-old story with a DNF result.

I've certainly been there, and a lot of other bookworms out there have felt the same way too at one point or another. So today I'm here to share my tips on getting over that book slump and finding reading fun again!

1. Realise that denying you were in a book slump in the first place wasn't the best idea

Being in denial is not going to end well. Facing the fact that yes, you are in this sorry situation and then moving on with the following tips is the way to go. There is help out there, not all hope is lost! Rest assured, with so many new (and old) novel adventures awaiting you eventually there is bound to be something better on the horizon. 

2. Let go of those negative emotions, and have an open mind to find something new

These are common reactions to books of someone who is exhibiting the symptoms of a reading slumper:

Exhibit a) I JUST CAN'T DEAL WITH THIS STORY RIGHT NOW! (Either the characters are annoying, the plot seemingly nonexistent or everything is just not working)

Note: This can be totally normal on the ocassion that you just don't like *a* book. But if it happens more often and consecutively, there may be a book slump situation at hand. 

Exhibit b) I FEEL NOTHING. This is the result if you keep reading books and just cannot connect to the characters or feel sorry because the most horrible thing has happened/ a favourite has died. 

So what can you do?

Answer:

That's right - vent if you need to, move on, clear your head and get ready for step 3.

3. Go on the hunt for new bookish victims to devour 

With the bookish community now bigger than ever, there are so many ways to get the goss on what's hot right now, and perhaps some lesser-known captivating page-turners.

• Head to twitter/goodreads/instagram

Social media is a haven for enthusiastic bookworms who will push books at you like nobody's business. If you put a call out on one of these sites, there is sure to be someone willing to help and give some handy suggestions on what you might like. 

• Try a bookstore

Looking at the shelves in a bookstore always gives me ideas and reminds me of the many reads I still need to get to. The bonus with this is, if you see something that really catches your eye, you can buy it then and there.

• Borrow at the library

This no-risk method is perhaps a good one for those who have been deeply affected by their slump and lost confidence in books altogether. In borrowing a book, at least if you don't like it (again) then it can be returned, no fuss. 

4. Read a book, and eventually when you realise it's freakin' awesome - EMBRACE IT.

When you've gone through step 3 and have found something AMAZING once more, take a moment to reflect. Smell the pages (if that takes your fancy), write a rave review, make some fan art, or just bask in its glory. Then you are ready for the final step in this process:

5. FANGIRL YOUR HEART OUT. 

Getting out of a book slump is something to celebrate! Blog about it, share it with your world of bookish friends and let people know you're back to being a functional bookworm again. It's a good feeling, and something exciting indeed. Connect with other readers of that TOTALLY EPIC book you just read, and share your experiences. Not only can you make some new friends. but now with a newfound vitality can go on to read many more books with a fresh perspective.

So what do you think of my tips? How do you get out of a book slump (if you've ever had one), or how would you react if you did?