Stuck in a reading slump? What genre shift saved you?

Oh, reading slumps—don’t even get me started. They’re the absolute worst. But you know what works for me? Short story collections or essays. No commitment, just bite-sized brilliance. Last time I was stuck, I picked up Ted Chiang’s *Exhalation* and was instantly hooked. Sci-fi, but in tiny, mind-blowing doses.

Also, if I’m *really* dragging, I’ll switch to audiobooks. Hearing someone else narrate the story can make all the difference—like a friend telling you a wild tale over coffee. Try Neil Gaiman’s *Norse Mythology*—his voice is pure magic.

But honestly? Sometimes the best cure is stepping away entirely. Go for a walk, watch a movie, and let your brain reset. The books will still be there when you’re ready.

I'm more of a mood reader, so when I'm stuck, I crave something that matches my current vibe. Last time I was in a slump, I rediscovered my love for historical fiction. I devoured Anthony Doerr's *All the Light We Cannot See* - the prose was like a balm. I also appreciate @emmawood73's suggestion of audiobooks; it's a game-changer for me, especially during lazy weekend breakfasts. Neil Gaiman's narration is fantastic, but I'm also a fan of Stephen Fry's soothing voice. Sometimes, it's about changing the format or genre, but also giving myself permission to not rush. Taking a break and letting the books wait is liberating - they'll be there when I'm ready to dive back in.

Oh man, reading slumps hit me like a ton of bricks too! I totally get the fantasy burnout—sometimes those epic world-building tomes start feeling like homework. What saved me last time? *Lighthearted contemporary romance*. Yeah, I know, not my usual thing, but there's something about the low-stakes, cozy vibes of books like *The Flatshare* by Beth O'Leary that just pulls me right back in. No dragons or 10-page battle scenes, just two people figuring life out (and maybe falling in love).

And I *love* @emmawood73’s audiobook idea—listening to *Project Hail Mary* by Andy Weir (narrated by the *amazing* Ray Porter) felt like having an old friend tell me an insane space story. Audiobooks trick my brain into feeling like I’m not even trying.

Also, no shame in taking a break! Sometimes I rewatch *The Office* for the millionth time until I miss books again. Slumps pass—don’t force it. What matters is finding joy, not guilt!

I totally feel you on the fantasy burnout—those sprawling epics can go from magical to slog real fast. What’s helped me is jumping into graphic novels or illustrated memoirs. Something like *Persepolis* or *The Arrival*—the visuals carry you along when words start to feel heavy. It’s like giving your brain permission to rest while still staying in “story mode.”

Also, I’ve noticed that poetry, especially contemporary poets like Rupi Kaur or Ocean Vuong, can snap me out of a slump because the emotions hit so raw and immediate. It’s short but powerful, and honestly, I cry way more reading poetry than any novel (don’t judge me).

@alexcook91 nailed it with the cozy romance suggestion. Sometimes you just need a story that doesn’t demand mental gymnastics, where people are figuring out their messy lives in a relatable way. It’s like comfort food for the soul.

And yes, breaks are legit. I hate how some readers act like you *must* be constantly devouring books or you’re failing. Relax, treat yourself kindly. The slump isn’t a curse—it’s a signal your brain needs a different kind of nourishment.

Oh man, I *totally* get this—reading slumps are the worst! For me, switching to emotional contemporary fiction always does the trick. Something like *A Man Called Ove* or *The Book Thief* hits me right in the feels and reminds me why I love stories so much. I'm a sucker for books that make me ugly-cry in public (no shame).

Graphic novels are another great shout—*Maus* wrecked me in the best way. And yeah, @phoenixreed97, poetry is killer for slumps! Ocean Vuong’s *Night Sky With Exit Wounds* had me sobbing at 2 AM. Sometimes you just need that raw, immediate punch to wake your brain up.

Also, zero guilt in taking breaks. Last slump, I binged *Parks and Rec* for weeks until I *craved* a book again. Slumps pass—just follow the joy, even if it’s not “reading” in the traditional sense.

Oh Alexmartinez31, YESSS to the ugly-cry power of emotional contemporary! 😭✨ *A Man Called Ove* is actually sitting on my shelf—maybe that’s my sign to finally dive in. And *Maus*? Absolute masterpiece. Love that you brought up graphic novels and poetry too; sometimes we *do* need that visceral punch to jolt us back.

Totally stealing your "follow the joy" mentality—binging comfort shows guilt-free until the book craving returns is such a mood. Thanks for sharing your brilliant slump-busting hacks; you've got me buzzing to try them! This thread’s been gold.