East Bay Bookshelf

Welcome to Beyond the Bookshelf, where we talk all things book-adjacent! Sometimes I’m so deep into a reading rut that I wonder if I’ll ever read a book again. Spoiler alert: I do.

Here’s what I do when I find myself avoiding the book on my nightstand:

Browse the library: It’s like a bookstore, but free. I check out all the books I think I might read and get all the inspiration without spending a dime!

Re-read: Yes, it’s ok to re-read the entire Harry Potter series. You’ll catch things you’ve never noticed before!

Quick win: Do you crave that feeling of accomplishment? I do. Sometimes I just need to read or listen to a short book, so I can build up my reading momentum! (Short chapters also help with this!)

Relocate: Find a new place to read! Maybe this is a different chair in your house or it’s outside. Find a cozy spot in the corner of a new-to-you coffee shop.

“Candy”: I heard someone once say that not every book needs to be “broccoli.” You know what this means, it’s okay to read that cozy mystery instead of classic literature.

Try it on audio: Sometimes the narrator helps me get into my current read, especially if there are difficult-to-pronounce places and names.

Set the bar low: Occasionally we need to change our definition of progress. When I’m feeling overwhelmed, I set a goal to read 10 pages per day.

Read a different genre: Pick up a cookbook, travel book, magazine, or children’s literature. Yes, it counts as reading.

Do something else: My cousin told me that when she’s in a reading rut, she watches a TV show. By the time the season or series is over, and maybe before, she’s ready to read again! You could also try this with listening to music or a podcast.

Embrace it: We all need some time off, including from things we love. Give yourself a few days or a week free from reading!

I hope this helps get you through your next reading rut. Do you have any other advice? Tell me in the comments!