Top Ten Tuesday: Books to Pull You Out of a Slump

Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly meme created by the Broke and Bookish and hosted by That Artsy Reader Girl where we get a new topic for a top 10 list. 

As you all know, this year has not been the most productive reading wise for me. It’s safe to say I am most definitely in a slump. I recently wrote a discussion post on how I’ve come to embrace my book slump. However, if you are desperate to get rid of this slump then these type of books are the ones I’d recommend you turn to when facing a reading slump.

1. Contemporary Books

There are a lot of variations in contemporary fiction. Some tackle some hard-hitting truths, explore difficult topics, and will continuously punch you in the feels. However, you also get those summer romances that sweep you off your feet. The ones that have that feel-good vibe, but also have plenty of heart and brilliant character dynamics. The benefit of these books is that they have an addictive quality to them. Once you get started it becomes impossible to put it down. These are the ones I’d turn to when I’m in a slump.

Recommended Books: Nowhere but Here | Amy & Roger’s Epic Detour | My Life Next Door

2. Anthologies

Short story anthologies have become a rising trend lately. So many authors have published a selection of short stories that are either based in their world or are part of a thematic collection. The beauty of these anthologies is the fact that you don’t have to follow a continuous plot for an average of 300+ pages. Instead, you get the benefit of reading shorter standalone tales that can easily stand apart from the rest of the novel but can also play a collective role in the universe those stories take place in. It’s also a great way for us to re-immerse ourselves in out favourite universes so you also get that sense of familiarity to them.

Recommended Collections: The Language of Thorns | Stars Above

3. Something New

Maybe the cause of your reading slump is the fact that you’ve grown tired of reading the same genre. A reading slump is a perfect chance to try reading a new genre, one you wouldn’t typically read from. For me, this genre would be the Classics. In the past I have struggled with reading classic books, they’re either too dense or just don’t capture my attention. However, there are some classics that make a case for themselves and what surprised me was how short some of these classics are. It’s also important to note that classic books can also be your childhood favourites or even modern classics, so you really have a wide range to chose from. This method might be a hit or miss, but it doesn’t hurt to try something new every now and then.

Classics to try: The Pearl | Lord of the Rings | Peter Rabbit

4. Old Favourites

Perhaps the best method to cure a book slump is to turn to your favourite books. Re-reading is a great way to help push you out of that slump because there is nothing more comforting that reacquainting yourself with a favourite book. The beauty of re-reading is that you already know what to expect, but still get that sense of anticipation when reading. It also gives you a chance to reconnect with your favourite characters and pick up on the smaller, subtle details that further enhances that reading experience.

Recommended Favourites: I’ll Meet You There | Six of Crows | Shades of Magic

Those are the books I’d turn to pull me out of a slump.
Which books would you read when faced with a reading slump?

34 thoughts on “Top Ten Tuesday: Books to Pull You Out of a Slump”

  1. I love how you arranged these by genre, that’s such a good idea! Old favourites are definitely winners, as you’re already guaranteed to love them, and anthologies is a good shout because each story is usually slightly different and you’ll never get bored reading them. Great post Lois! 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

  2. I love the way you divided up the list, it’s my favorite I’ve seen today! I’ll Meet You There and SoC are 1000% two novels – well, series in the latter’s case – I’d reread if I were in a slump. Also, yes to short story collections – reread or otherwise, they are a great way to get out of a slump, and I loved the two you mentioned.

    Veronika @ The Regal Critiques

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thank you so much for your lovely comment. I also love the fact that I’ll Meet You There is getting more love. That book deserves to be spotlighted at all times haha. Re-reading is probably my go-to method for breaking slumps, but it usually takes forever for me to pick with book to re-read haha.

      Like

  5. I’m always SO happy when I see you mentioning I’ll Meet You There – and I will forever be grateful for your recommendation of that one, I loved it so, so, SO much, I can’t wait to re-read it someday. This book deserves ALL the love ❤ I really love your contemporary choices, too, My Life Next Door and Amy & Roger are such great books 😀

    Liked by 1 person

    1. I haven’t read East of Eden, but I’m told it’s epic.

      You can never go wrong with the Shades of Magic series and I can’t wait to get my hands on the spin-off series.

      Like

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