A behind-the-scenes look at Shelf Selected, a reading recommendations program, hosted by Nancy on Facebook Live and Instagram Live. Tune in every Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. Videos are archived so you can watch when it's convenient for you!
Tip 1: Read your favorite book again!
Sometimes I need to be reminded how magical reading can be, especially after reading some books I didn’t fall in love with.
Instead of reading the whole book again, you can inspire yourself by skipping through and reading your favorite parts.
Tip 2: Try a different genre from what you usually read.
Maybe you’ve fallen into a rut in reading similar books? I usually fall into this kind of rut after reading something so fantastic that my following choices can’t follow it. Picking up a totally different genre can surprise you right out of that slump!
Tip 3: Try a new format like an audiobook or graphic novel.
Experiencing the written word in a different way like through audio or accompanied with illustrations can wake up your imagination again and reignite your love of reading. Some books really shine when told in a different format, too, so maybe try revisiting a book you didn’t love by listening to it, or searching out the graphic novel.
Tip 4: Pick a new series to read.
Finding a good series to read is kind of like re-reading your favorite book again. The familiar characters (and author’s writing style, let’s be honest) can pull you into the next book, and keep you going on a roll.
Tip 5: Read a book that inspired your favorite author.
If it inspired your favorite author, it has to be a winner, right? Even if it’s not, thinking about why this book inspired them, can be a little sneak peak into your favorite author’s writing process.
Tip 6: Read something short!
Last year, I had a hard time focusing on longer books and complicated plots. I found myself reading less books than ever. The simplest, best solution: there are good books out there under 200 pages. Just because it’s less than 200 pages, doesn’t mean it isn’t good! I recently read Infinite Country by Patricia Engel, which is only 191 pages, and it’s one of the best books I’ve read this year. (It made my heart hurt, but it’s a great read!)
Tip 7: Do a “book tasting.”
Come to the library and pick out a few books. Read 5-10 pages from each book to see which one speaks to you. The inside cover or the back of the book can only tell you so much—and sometimes the description is dead wrong—so before you take it home with you, try out a few pages first. If you ever want a more curated book “tasting menu,” stop by the Information Services Desk on the second floor and we’ll be happy to help!
Check out the Shelf Selected Spring Out of a Reading Slump! video on Instagram or Facebook to hear more about my suggestions for all of these tips. You can also browse the list of titles on our website's Shelf Selected page.
