TTT is hosted by The Broke and the Bookish!
Fun fact: if you couldn’t tell, I haven’t been on top of things with this blog. I went into a reading and blogging slump that lasted basically all winter quarter. 🙁 I know lots of people have experienced similar things in the recent past, so I thought I’d talk about the the books, or kinds of books, I reach for when when I’m having a hard time getting into reading!
This week will be a TOP FIVE, because honestly it takes very specific kinds of books to get me out of a slump.
Top Books I Reach for When I’m in a Slump
1. All Time Favorites
My Choice: The Night Circus
Why: When you’re in a reading slump, it can be hard to find joy in reading. The first thing I go to when I’m feeling this way is a book that embodies my favorite feelings and stories. For me, that is the Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern. It’s beautifully written, intricately woven, and just such an incredible story. Celia and Marco are my favorites.
2. Feel Good Classic
My Choice: Harry Potter
Why: Oh man. One of my favorite things is rereading a childhood or long time favorite, that I know always makes me happy. Sometimes opening up a book can feel like coming back home, to familar characters and places and situations. Harry Potter does this better than any other book series, for me at least.
3. Fun Contemporary
My Choice: Broken Hearts, Fences, and Other Things to Mend; Summer of Sloane
Why: Reading books that are fun and silly and drama filled can be such a great way to get back into reading! They often deal with a lot of real, important situations, but my favorites still leave you feeling happy, satisfied, empowered, or just full of the feels. I love a good contemporary romance or book about friendship, and find myself reaching towards the Broken Hearts and Revenge trilogy by Katie Finn (Morgan Matson) or ones like Summer of Sloane by Erin L. Schneider. <3
4. Contemporary that Pulls on My Heart Strings
My Choice: The Serpent King; I’ll Give You the Sun
Why: Other times when I’m in a slump, it’s because I’m feeling just not good in my life in general. This frequently happens during the winter months where I’m out of motivation, struggling with classes, or just kinda sad. Sometimes picking up books that evoke real emotions from me, or where the characters are going through some awful things, can help me connect! Two of the best books that do this are The Serpent King by Jeff Zenter and I’ll Give You the Sun by Jandy Nelson. I love how real these stories and characters are, and how powerful the feeling of hope is at the end of both of them.
5. Something a Little Different
My Choice: Illuminae
Why: The last kind of book that I’ve found helpful during tough reading seasons is something that is different from my typical read. Finding a book that is intriguing, interesting, or unique can really draw me in. I love the feeling of not being able to put a book down, and Illuminae was that kind of book for me. It is so visually stimulating, and full of action, and absolutely keeps readers on the edge of their seats!
So there you have it! Those are the kinds of books I reach for to help me get out of my slump and rediscover the joy and fun that I believe is so much a part of reading. The books mentioned above are great examples of books in each category, but I could add many more to each!
Great post! I also find that re-reading a favorite gets me back into a reading mood. I usually choose Harry Potter, or The Others series by Anne Bishop. And sometimes, reading a romance or new adult book helps me too. Those are usually just fun romances and quick reads!
I definitely agree with Harry Potter. Somehow, it doesn’t matter how many times I reread the series, it still gets to me. Love your list! 🙂
MY TTT: https://bookishsya.wordpress.com/2016/04/12/top-ten-tuesday-books-every-cafe-lovers-should-read/
Great list and love your topic choice! I always find that a lighthearted and fun contemporary gets me out of a slump, but for some reason I never seem to try rereading one of my favourites – next time I’ll be sure to!
Heres my TTT
Great list and love your topic choice! I always find that a lighthearted and fun contemporary gets me out of a slump, but for some reason I never seem to try rereading one of my favourites – next time I’ll be sure to try it!
Heres my TTT
I agree, contemporaries are like magic!
These are really good tips and choices! I used to always reach for Harry Potter whenever I wanted to read, especially in college. I was always so busy with school that I didn’t want to read anything new so I’d constantly reread Harry Potter 🙂 It’s still one I reach for. I think for slumps I most often reach for YA contemporary. I love rereading favorites like The Art of Lainey or Meant to Be, something sweet with a little substance and lots of banter, like watching a good romantic comedy! They always make me happy. My other go to recently is The Raven Cycle; it’s the only series I’ve reread more than once besides Harry Potter. I always find something new every time I read, which I think is really cool.
Haha I love that, you can never go wrong with Harry Potter, no matter how many times you read it.
YA contemporary is the best, I haven’t read The Art of Lainey yet, i’ll have to check it out 🙂 comparing them to romcoms is spot on!
I also haven’t read The Raven Cycle yet, ahhh I need to get to that soon.