Back to My Roots: Diving into Fantasy and Mystery Thrillers to Rekindle My Reading Spark

We've all been there: the reading slump. That feeling when you want to read, but nothing seems to stick, and your TBR pile just sits there, judging you silently. I've definitely been in that boat lately, but I've decided it's time for a change. My plan to get back into the reading groove? Going straight for the genres I know and love the most: fantasy and mystery thrillers.

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Why Comfort Genres are My Secret Weapon

When you're trying to reignite a passion, sometimes the best approach is to stick with what brings you joy. For me, that's the escapism of an epic fantasy world or the heart-pounding suspense of a well-crafted mystery. Here's why I think diving into these old favorites is the perfect strategy:

• Guaranteed Engagement: I know I love these genres. The intricate world-building of fantasy and the twisty plots of thrillers are almost guaranteed to hook me from page one. When you're trying to build momentum, starting with something you know you'll enjoy is crucial.
• Familiarity Breeds Comfort: There's a certain comfort in returning to familiar tropes and narrative styles. It's like slipping on an old, cozy sweater. This familiarity makes it easier to fall into the rhythm of reading without feeling like I'm slogging through something just to finish it.
• Escapism is Key: Let's face it, life can be demanding. Both fantasy and mystery thrillers offer incredible escapes. Fantasy whisks you away to magical realms, while thrillers immerse you in high-stakes puzzles. This kind of mental vacation is exactly what I need to remind myself how much I love getting lost in a story.
• Building Momentum: My goal isn't to read a specific number of books right now. It's to simply read. By picking books I'm genuinely excited about, I'm building a positive feedback loop. Finishing one exciting book will motivate me to pick up the next.

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My Starting Line-Up

I've already got a few titles lined up that I'm itching to dive into. On the fantasy side, I'm looking at something with intricate magic systems and compelling characters. For mystery thrillers, I'm craving a page-turner with unreliable narrators and shocking reveals. I haven't quite decided on the exact titles yet, but the anticipation alone is already helping shake off the rust!

If you've been in a reading slump, consider going back to your literary roots. What genres make you feel excited about reading? What kind of stories effortlessly pull you in? Sometimes, the best way forward is to look back at what you've always loved.

What are your go-to comfort genres when you need to get back into reading? Share your recommendations or your own strategies in the comments below!

Slow Reading: My New Secret Weapon Against the Reading Slump

You know that feeling, right? The pressure to read "enough," to keep up with the latest releases, to tick off books from your seemingly endless TBR pile. For a while, that pressure actually made me less inclined to pick up a book. I'd start something, feel overwhelmed by the sheer volume of words, and just... stop.

But I'm here to tell you that I've found a new rhythm, and it's completely counter-intuitive to everything we're often told about reading more. My new strategy? Slow reading.

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What Exactly Is Slow Reading?

It's not about reading fewer books (though that might happen naturally). It's about approaching each book with a different mindset. For me, it means:

• No more rushing: I used to speed-read, trying to absorb the plot as quickly as possible. Now, I let myself linger on descriptions, reread a particularly poignant sentence, or pause to really think about a character's motivation.
• Embracing the journey, not just the destination: The goal isn't to finish the book; it's to experience it. If a chapter takes me three days to get through because I'm savoring every word, then so be it.
• Listening to what the book needs: Some books are meant to be devoured. Others are like a fine wine, best sipped and savored. I'm learning to let the book dictate my pace.
• Putting down the book without guilt: If I'm not feeling it, I stop. If I'm tired, I stop. The book will be there when I'm ready to return, and I won't beat myself up for taking a break.

Why Slow Reading is Working for Me

When I was trying to force myself to read quickly, it felt like a chore. Now, reading has become a truly joyful experience again.

• Deeper Engagement: I'm noticing details I would have previously skimmed over. My understanding of characters and themes is richer. It's like upgrading from black and white to full color.
• Reduced Stress: The "reading anxiety" has completely disappeared. There's no deadline, no race, just me and the story.
• Increased Enjoyment: When I'm not rushing, I actually enjoy the act of reading more. It feels less like an obligation and more like a quiet conversation with the author.
• Better Retention: Funny enough, by slowing down, I'm actually remembering more of what I read. When you give your brain time to process, things stick.

It's Okay to Take Your Time

If you've been in a reading slump, feeling like you "should" be reading more or faster, I encourage you to try slowing down. Let go of the pressure. Pick up a book, open it, and just be with it. Read a page, a paragraph, even just a sentence. Let it resonate.

You might find, like I have, that by taking your time, you actually fall deeper in love with reading than ever before.

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Are you a slow reader, or do you prefer to speed through books? What's your approach to getting back into reading when you've been in a slump? I'd love to hear your thoughts!

The Audiobook Advantage: Reigniting Your Reading Habit

Let's be real: between work, errands, and just trying to keep up with daily life, finding dedicated time to sit down with a physical book can feel like a luxury. That's where audiobooks swoop in like a literary superhero! I've been in a similar slump lately, and I'm making the big switch to audiobooks to get my reading mojo back. Here's why you should consider doing the same:

Multitasking Made Easy

One of the biggest perks of audiobooks is how seamlessly they fit into a busy schedule. You can "read" while you're doing a million other things:

• Commuting: Turn your daily drive or public transport ride into an immersive story session.
• Working Out: Instead of just music, let a thrilling plot fuel your run or lift.
• Chores: Washing dishes, folding laundry, cleaning the house – suddenly, these tasks become way more enjoyable.
• Cooking: Listen to a captivating narrative while you whip up dinner.

Suddenly, those pockets of "lost" time become prime reading opportunities.

A Fresh Way to Experience Stories

Sometimes, a change of pace is all you need to get excited about reading again. Audiobooks offer a different kind of engagement:

• Professional Narration: Many audiobooks are narrated by incredible voice actors who bring characters and worlds to life in a whole new way. A good narrator can truly elevate a story.
• Accessibility: For those with visual impairments or even just tired eyes after a long day, audiobooks are a game-changer.
• Immersion: Closing your eyes and just listening can be an incredibly immersive and relaxing experience, almost like being read a bedtime story as an adult.

Getting Back into the Flow

If you've been slacking off, the thought of tackling a hefty novel might feel daunting. Audiobooks can ease you back in:

• Lower Barrier to Entry: You don't need to find a quiet corner or perfect lighting. Just pop in your earbuds and go.
• Consistent Progress: Even if you only listen for 15-20 minutes at a time, those minutes add up quickly, and you'll find yourself finishing books faster than you'd expect.
• Rediscover the Joy: Focusing purely on the story, without the visual effort of reading, can help you remember why you love books so much in the first place.

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I'm starting my audiobook journey this week, and I'm excited to see how many "reads" I can rack up. If you're in a similar slump, I highly recommend giving audiobooks a try. You might just find your new favorite way to read!

What's the first audiobook you're thinking of diving into? Or, if you're an audiobook veteran, what are your top recommendations for getting back into reading?

Adjusting my 2025 Reading Goals

After some careful thought last week, I've decided to officially adjust my 2025 reading goal down to 30 books. While it might feel like a defeat to some, for me, it's a strategic move towards a more enjoyable and sustainable reading year.

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Why the Change?

Honestly, my initial goal was a bit ambitious. I love reading, but life, as it always does, has thrown a few curveballs my way that make dedicating massive chunks of time to reading a challenge. Work has been particularly demanding, and I've also been trying to prioritize other hobbies and personal commitments that bring me joy.

For a while, I found myself constantly looking at my reading tracker, feeling a nagging sense of guilt when I wasn't tearing through pages. Reading started to feel like a chore, a box to check off, rather than the beloved escape it's always been for me. That's when I knew something had to change.

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Quality Over Quantity

This adjustment isn't about reading less; it's about reading smarter. By setting a more realistic goal of 30 books, I'm giving myself permission to:

• Savor my reads: No more rushing through a book just to get to the next one. I want to truly immerse myself in the stories, appreciate the writing, and let the characters resonate with me.
• Explore diverse genres: With less pressure, I can branch out and try books I might have previously shied away from because they seemed "too long" or "too challenging."
• Combat reading slumps: The pressure of a high goal can often lead to burnout. By lowering it, I hope to proactively avoid those dreaded reading slumps and keep my reading momentum consistent throughout the year.
• Enjoy the process: Ultimately, I want reading to be a source of joy and relaxation, not another source of stress.

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What This Means for My Reading

This shift in strategy also means I'll be more intentional about my book choices. I'm planning to:

• Focus on my TBR: I have so many amazing books already on my "to be read" pile that I've been putting off. This is their year!
• Be more selective: I'll be more likely to abandon a book if it's not grabbing me. Life's too short to read books you're not enjoying.
• Embrace re-reads: There are comfort reads I love returning to, and now I won't feel guilty about revisiting old favorites.

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Looking Ahead

I'm actually feeling really excited about this new goal. It feels liberating to release the pressure and simply focus on the pure pleasure of reading. My hope is that by the end of 2025, I'll have read 30 truly memorable books that I've genuinely enjoyed, rather than 50 or 60 that I rushed through.

Has anyone else adjusted their reading goals mid-year? I'd love to hear your thoughts and experiences in the comments below!

Operation: TBR Takedown – My Book Buying Ban

Okay, fellow book hoarders (you know who you are!), I'm here to confess something that might sound like heresy in the bookish world: I haven't bought a new book in a few months.

And you know what? I'm probably going to keep that streak going for the foreseeable future.

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The Unbearable Weight of Unread Books

For years, my book-buying habits were, shall we say, enthusiastic. A new release caught my eye? Add to cart. A great sale? Buy five. A pretty cover? Must have it. My "To Be Read" (TBR) pile wasn't just a pile; it was a towering monument to good intentions and impulse purchases.

And while a big TBR used to be a source of excitement, it slowly started to become a source of stress. Every time I looked at it, I felt that familiar pang of guilt. So many books to read, so little time. Instead of being a treasure trove of future adventures, it was a constant reminder of things I "should" be doing. It contributed to that pressure I've talked about before, the feeling that I was always behind.

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The Big Decision: No More Buying!

The decision to hit pause on book purchases wasn't a sudden one. It was a slow realization that something had to give. My shelves were groaning, my wallet was sighing, and my mental load was increasing.

So, a few months ago, I made a silent pact with myself: no new books until I make a significant dent in my existing TBR. This isn't about deprivation; it's about shifting my focus. It's about rediscovering the gems I already own, giving them the attention they deserve.

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The Unexpected Benefits of a Book Buying Ban

The surprising thing? This "ban" has been incredibly liberating!

• Financial Relief: Let's be honest, books add up! Not buying new ones has freed up a little extra cash for other things.
• Reduced Decision Fatigue: No more endless Browse or agonizing over which new release to buy next. My options are right there on my shelf, waiting for me.
• Rediscovering My Own Books: It's amazing how many books I bought with genuine excitement, only for them to get buried under subsequent purchases. Now, I'm pulling out titles I completely forgot I owned and feeling that spark of anticipation all over again.
• Less Stress, More Joy: This is the biggest one. The pressure to keep up with new releases is gone. I can simply read what I already have, at my own pace, without the looming shadow of an ever-growing TBR. My reading life feels calmer, more intentional, and ultimately, much more enjoyable.
• Supporting the Library (and My Budget): For those books I really want to read immediately, I'm turning to my local library. It's a fantastic resource and a great way to satisfy my curiosity without breaking my ban.

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My goal is to read through a substantial portion of my existing TBR before I even think about buying another book. It might take a few more months, or even longer, but I'm okay with that. This isn't about punishment; it's about creating a more sustainable and joyful reading habit.

Have you ever gone on a book-buying ban? What was your experience like? I'd love to hear your strategies for tackling a daunting TBR!

Embracing the Snail's Pace: Why I'm a Slow Reader Now (And Loving It!)

For years, I was a speed demon when it came to reading. The faster I finished a book, the more accomplished I felt. It was a race against the clock, a quest to rack up as many completed titles as possible. I'd skim, I'd skip, I'd sacrifice full comprehension for the sheer satisfaction of turning that final page.

But somewhere along the way, something shifted. Maybe it was the constant pressure of keeping up with BookTok trends (which I've thankfully taken a break from, as you might have read!). Maybe it was just a natural evolution in my reading journey. Whatever the reason, I've undergone a transformation.

I've become a slow reader. And you know what? I'm absolutely loving it.

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The Joys of the Leisurely Read

This isn't about setting new personal records. It's about savoring. It's about sinking into a story like a warm bath, rather than just taking a quick shower. Here's why this new, unhurried pace has become my preferred way to read:

• Deeper Immersion: When I read slowly, I'm not just following the plot; I'm experiencing it. I notice the subtle nuances in character development, the rich descriptive language, and the underlying themes. It's like watching a movie in slow motion and finally catching all the details you missed.
• Enhanced Comprehension: No more skimming! I'm actually processing every word, every sentence. This means I'm retaining more of the story, understanding complex ideas, and truly connecting with the author's message.
• Increased Enjoyment: There's no pressure to finish, no nagging feeling that I "should" be done by now. I can put a book down for a few days without guilt, pick it back up, and re-immerse myself without feeling lost. Reading has become a source of pure pleasure again, not another item on a to-do list.
• Time to Reflect: A slower pace allows for more pauses. I find myself stopping to ponder a particularly poignant sentence, to google a historical reference, or just to let my mind wander through the world the author has created. These moments of reflection deepen my appreciation for the craft of writing.
• Better Memory: When I race through books, they often blur together in my mind. Now, each book I read slowly feels distinct and memorable. I can recall specific scenes, quotes, and characters with much greater clarity.

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No Turning Back

I used to measure my reading success by quantity. Now, I measure it by quality – the depth of my engagement, the richness of the experience, and the lasting impression a book leaves on me.

It's been a truly freeing revelation. If you've ever felt the pressure to read faster, or if you're just looking for a new way to enjoy your books, I highly recommend giving the slow reading movement a try. You might just find yourself discovering a whole new level of literary appreciation.

Have you ever shifted your reading pace? What are your thoughts on slow reading versus fast reading? Let me know in the comments!