1. Read an old favourite
When in doubt, pick up a book you've read before and loved! It's the book equivalent to a childhood blanket, it can be very comforting and if you've already enjoyed the book, then it's unlikely you'll lose interest half way through.
2. Pick up the genre or book series that gives you the most comfort
This isn't necessarily your favourite genre but it could be. For me, I find YA contemporary novels to be quite comforting. And I'm partial to reading some women's fiction, my favourites are from Lindsey Kelk, Jenny Colgan and Mhairi McFarlane. They're usually funny, light and quick to read and have feelgood vibes which give me a pick-me-up!
3. Try rearranging the books on your shelves
It'll give you a fresh perspective on what's in front of you, plus pulling out the books and rearranging them means you're looking at what titles you have easy access to and maybe get you excited for the reason you bought the book in the first place. All the fun of shopping but none of the expense!
4. Change the format you consume your book
If you usually read physical books, try an audiobook, especially while you're out walking. If you like ebooks but have been using screens a lot more recently, picking up a physical book can be good to give yourself a break from screens. If you've not used ebooks or audiobook before, give them a chance before you knock them! They're very handy and if you're in Ireland you can set up a free BorrowBox account through your library. At the moment with the libraries closed you don't even need to go into the library to set it up. Download the app to set it up or follow the guide from the Libraries Ireland website.
2. Pick up the genre or book series that gives you the most comfort
This isn't necessarily your favourite genre but it could be. For me, I find YA contemporary novels to be quite comforting. And I'm partial to reading some women's fiction, my favourites are from Lindsey Kelk, Jenny Colgan and Mhairi McFarlane. They're usually funny, light and quick to read and have feelgood vibes which give me a pick-me-up!
3. Try rearranging the books on your shelves
It'll give you a fresh perspective on what's in front of you, plus pulling out the books and rearranging them means you're looking at what titles you have easy access to and maybe get you excited for the reason you bought the book in the first place. All the fun of shopping but none of the expense!
4. Change the format you consume your book
If you usually read physical books, try an audiobook, especially while you're out walking. If you like ebooks but have been using screens a lot more recently, picking up a physical book can be good to give yourself a break from screens. If you've not used ebooks or audiobook before, give them a chance before you knock them! They're very handy and if you're in Ireland you can set up a free BorrowBox account through your library. At the moment with the libraries closed you don't even need to go into the library to set it up. Download the app to set it up or follow the guide from the Libraries Ireland website.
5. Change from a genre you usually read to another genre
It can be anything like a small change (if you usually like contemporary fiction, then trying something similar in historical fiction) to a more drastic one (sci-fi to contemporary fiction). A change can be good, sometimes reading too much of the same thing can blur everything into one, similar to how you can be full up from eating too much at dinner. Changing your palette can work with reading, just like no matter how full you are from dinner, you always have room for dessert!
6. Try a buddy read
Having a friend read the same book at the same time can make things more interesting! You have someone to chat to and discuss the book. I recently read Idaho by Emily Ruskovich as a buddy read on Instagram and it was great having a bunch of people to discuss and dissect the book with after we'd finished
7. Give non-fiction or fiction a chance
Sometimes I need to swap from fiction to non-fiction or vice verse. If non-fiction seems a bit daunting or boring, a good place to start is with a memoir by someone you like. Even better, I love an audiobook narrated by the author. One book I loved recently was Me by Elton John, I listened to it and it’s fantastic. It’s not narrated by Elton but by Taron Egarton who played him in Rocket Man
8. Read something shorter like a graphic novel or poetry book
If I feel like I’m picking up stuff and half reading them or putting them down, reading something shorter like a book of poetry or a graphic novel helps. Especially because they’re easier to finish and gives a sense of accomplishment on finishing it and motivates me to read more.
9. Read a book that’s a reworking of a classic
There’s loads of these recently, like the Hogarth Shakespeare series or The Austen Project series. Sometimes reading something that’s familiar but you don’t fully know what’s new in the rewrite can help. Some people reckon that if you know there’s a twist coming in a film you enjoy it more as you’re not distracted looking for a twist. I’m sure there’s plenty that disagree with that but sometimes for books it help.
10. Look up new and upcoming books
Podcasts on books can help, as can looking up what’s coming out in the next few months. Goodreads has a section under Browse New Releases that shows you new releases upcoming from the authors you’ve already read or by genre
11. Let it run its course
Sometimes none of it works and it’s best to just try not to force it too much. Your reading mojo will always comes back eventually!
Let me know if any of these helped you or if you have any other tips of your own. You can also find me on Instagram for more book related content.
It can be anything like a small change (if you usually like contemporary fiction, then trying something similar in historical fiction) to a more drastic one (sci-fi to contemporary fiction). A change can be good, sometimes reading too much of the same thing can blur everything into one, similar to how you can be full up from eating too much at dinner. Changing your palette can work with reading, just like no matter how full you are from dinner, you always have room for dessert!
6. Try a buddy read
Having a friend read the same book at the same time can make things more interesting! You have someone to chat to and discuss the book. I recently read Idaho by Emily Ruskovich as a buddy read on Instagram and it was great having a bunch of people to discuss and dissect the book with after we'd finished
7. Give non-fiction or fiction a chance
Sometimes I need to swap from fiction to non-fiction or vice verse. If non-fiction seems a bit daunting or boring, a good place to start is with a memoir by someone you like. Even better, I love an audiobook narrated by the author. One book I loved recently was Me by Elton John, I listened to it and it’s fantastic. It’s not narrated by Elton but by Taron Egarton who played him in Rocket Man
8. Read something shorter like a graphic novel or poetry book
If I feel like I’m picking up stuff and half reading them or putting them down, reading something shorter like a book of poetry or a graphic novel helps. Especially because they’re easier to finish and gives a sense of accomplishment on finishing it and motivates me to read more.
9. Read a book that’s a reworking of a classic
There’s loads of these recently, like the Hogarth Shakespeare series or The Austen Project series. Sometimes reading something that’s familiar but you don’t fully know what’s new in the rewrite can help. Some people reckon that if you know there’s a twist coming in a film you enjoy it more as you’re not distracted looking for a twist. I’m sure there’s plenty that disagree with that but sometimes for books it help.
10. Look up new and upcoming books
Podcasts on books can help, as can looking up what’s coming out in the next few months. Goodreads has a section under Browse New Releases that shows you new releases upcoming from the authors you’ve already read or by genre
11. Let it run its course
Sometimes none of it works and it’s best to just try not to force it too much. Your reading mojo will always comes back eventually!
Let me know if any of these helped you or if you have any other tips of your own. You can also find me on Instagram for more book related content.
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