How to Break Free From Reading Slumps and Discover New Worlds

Tips for exploring different genres and making the most of your journey

Jun 25, 2024

“In the case of good books, the point is not to see how many of them you can get through, but rather how many can get through to you.” — Mortimer J. Adler

We all have favourite genres that bring comfort, and especially for beginners, it's easy to stick with what we know. However, this can make it daunting to start exploring new territory.

This along with the pressure to read a certain number of books, fueled by online challenges and prolific bloggers, can be discouraging when you're just starting out.

But remember the true joy of reading lies in getting lost in a good story, not the number you finish.

So, here are a few things you can do to read a variety of books and not stick to one genre (that I used to do in past).

1. Two to One Rule

If you want to expand into a new genre, then don't just leave reading the one you love and cherish with your heart and soul or you’ll end up being angry at me. Here’s what you can do:

While you're enjoying two familiar reads, sneak in a book from a new genre.

For example, I love romance novels. So I’ll read them, but while deciding on my reading list, I will choose three books:

One that is out of my comfort zone
The other two from my precious wishlist.

2. The Art of Balancing New and Familiar Books

It may not work for you, but it works for me. The three books I mentioned in the previous step, I don't read them in series one after another. I read the books I like and the new ones simultaneously. You’re bound to go through the book you like faster and the new one at a slower pace.

This is perfectly normal.

So by the time I finish these two books, I am bound to be at least half-finished by the third one. Although most of the time the third book also gets finished because you find them interesting too.

Here's the thing: don't get discouraged if that third book takes longer. Once it took me a year to finish one book, all the while simultaneously I read 60–70 books that I loved. I was just determined to finish that book, otherwise, I would have left it.

Perseverance pays off, but remember, enjoyment is key. If the new book feels like a slog, put it on hold and come back to it later.

3. Beyond the Text

Audiobooks are your best friend. Especially if you’re busy.

Imagine trying to tackle a new book on the subway or while waiting in line. It's tough to truly immerse yourself in the story. In such cases, audiobooks help a lot. You just plug in your earphones and lose yourself in the narrator’s voice and story.

If you want to, you can increase the audio speed, and this way get through it faster and are less likely to get distracted and start doing something else.

4. Building Bridges Between Genres

Don't go up and start reading something that's completely out of your comfort zone.

If I like romance I’m more likely to enjoy comedy, horror, historical fiction, and so on. I also like psychology because I’ve been interested in it from start, so enjoy these types of books.

But if you like Thriller, I would suggest not to read non-fiction political books immediately. Until and unless it’s something you think you’ll enjoy.

In which case, go ahead.

5. The Magic of Shared Stories

There's something truly special about discussing a book you've loved with someone who feels the same way.

This is why when you find people like you who are connected to the same books as you are, there’s not a better feeling in this world.

Even if they disagree with your views, passion matters. You may not find them in your neighbourhood, but there are online platforms where you can find someone or even join book clubs.

6. The Most Important Chapter

This is the most important thing.

No matter what you do, never give up!

I remember once I got so frustrated I gave up reading entirely for some months.

Don’t let others tell you what is right or wrong. With books, every genre has something special to offer. Some may give you life advice, and teach you about your past while some let you see into other’s lives, teach you empathy and how to be patient and help others.

Psychology books are so good, but even romance books are precious.

7. Your Guide to Exploring New Worlds

If you’re new to reading, try GoodReads. I’ve now used it for 6 years and it’s been very helpful. I can keep track of how much I’ve read, set yearly goals, and much more. But the main reason I started using GoodReads is to read different styles.

I didn’t know where to start, so after spending some time on Google, I came across Goodreads Choice Awards. In this people vote for their favourite book of the year under different genres. So, if you’re starting a new genre where best to start than from the books people like most under that genre?

I found it helpful and maybe you’ll too. Plus, it’s free.

And after you’ve added some books to your shelves, it shows suggestions on what books you might like. If you search, you might find more platforms like this. So keep searching and exploring.

8. Beyond the Bookshelf

There is a vast community of book lovers all over the internet. YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, and Goodreads all have many people who you can follow for recommendations and to keep your interest in reading.

Those who read know that once in a while you just get into reader’s block and you feel bad for not reading but can’t find that one book that’ll get you out of that phase. When you know nothing about the genre, the internet is your best friend. There are also some blogs available on the internet that you can explore for suggestions.

Don’t pressure yourself into reading some book just because your friend or colleague loved it. Everyone has a unique taste.

I have read so many books, but for a long time, I just couldn’t read self-help books.

The book that took me a year to read was a self-help book. So, not all genres are for you, but you’ll love more than one genre.

Finally

In the end, try to set reasonable goals.

Let's face it, with a busy schedule that includes work, chores, and family, aiming for 10-20 books a month might not be achievable.

Sometimes you can read one book in a few days and sometimes it takes months to finish just that one book.

But even if you get to read 5 books a year, it’s worth it.

Just try your best and enjoy the process. It is not a race.

Remember, trying something new can make us anxious and unsettles our world. And when you’re busy, you don’t even want to try new things.

If I am having a specially busy week sometimes I just want to re-read my favourite book because it relaxes me and as I know the ending I am not tempted to read after my bedtime (which will lead to a sleepless night and me being groggy all day next day).

So, go with the flow and see what works best for you.

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