Last year, I read 111 books. Since the beginning of 2025, all I’ve managed is 2 pathetic books. I genuinely don’t know what’s wrong with me. I love reading, but I just can't right now. I’ve switched genres, from sci-fi to romance to horror, and I even decided to ditch setting a reading goal this year, but nothing seems to catch my attention. I feel sad and devastated because books are my major hobby, and I’d even go so far as to say my coping mechanism.
I don’t even know what to do now. I keep giving myself time in hopes I’d get back in the mood, but it only seems to do the opposite and drag me further away from them.
by Secure_Astronaut_133
26 Comments
111 books.
How fast do you read?
I can totally relate to this, I broke the spell by asking a loved one to buy me a book as a surprise, it was something I’d never heard of and it really helped.
sounds like you could be experiencing a little depression. especially if it’s winter where you are. don’t beat yourself up & don’t force it! however far away you get, books will be still be there when you want them again
Yeah. Between short stories, novellas, and novels I hit 153 the previous year. I’m lucky if I read two a month this year. I just can’t get into much these days 🙁
Sounds like depression. Get in some nature.
Although I do not read the same volume as you, I have been reading an average of 45 books the last 5 years. This year ? 3 and it is March already.
I am honestly focusing on going back to reading as a source of enjoyment, and I am trying to not focus on the number. Because at the end of the day that is the reason why I read 🙂
I’m slightly worried about getting into one of these slumps. I’ve been devouring the Sweetpea series. So much so that I would wake up in the middle of the night just to read more. I’m on the last book and have 1900 pages left. Will I get into a slump after I finish? Will anything I read not be as good? You know?
Could be you’re just burnt out on reading. I’ve been there. I end up going months without reading anything. I spend more time on other hobbies like video games or knitting. Eventually, I always come back to it.
My biggest break from reading, audiobooks are what got me back into enjoying reading again.
Yes I’m in a slump too. Nothing seems to be grabbing my attention lately. I’m thinking I might try re-reading a few old favourites to see if that can get me back on the horse.
The pandemic really broke my attention span and also made it more stressful for me to watch/read characters going through intense situations or emotions. Honestly the only reading I’ve consistently done lately is nonfiction, since it doesn’t require me to vicariously experience other people’s lives and pains.
I feel you. I have listened to more audiobooks than I’ve read paper books and it’s usually the opposite. It has been really really hard this year thus far.
There’s a lot going on, give yourself the gift of patience. Maybe try some novellas-I found the Murderbot Diaries by Martha Wells to be a godsend. Short, full of immersive action and an intriguing emotional journey. If you haven’t tried those, highly recommend. They helped me out of a hardcore slump.
No, but one year, I read 365 books, and the next year I didn’t even read 50. I was just burned out.
I think 111 in a crazy high number and I’m always so impressed and somewhat confused when I see people talk about numbers that high…Maybe you should temper your expectations a bit. Sounds like you’re getting in your own head and it’s maybe contributing to your slump. Don’t compare to previous years and maybe set a lower goal. I’m kicking ass this year and my goal is only 36 lol… But I’m not really thinking about it or putting any pressure on myself.
I’m more concerned for someone who has read 111 books in a single year than I am for someone has read two in two months.
I’ve only read a very small amount of short non-fiction books the last 2 or three years. You’re not a bad person or anything like that for not reading. Being the most avid reader alive isn’t some grand thing to aspire to. What I’m trying to say is that it’s ok to take a break from reading and not beat yourself up over it. There’s nothing wrong with you. I promise.
Have you had your eyes checked? I didnt realize I was having a hard time reading after driving in the dark to work, then staring at 3 screens all morning then driving home. My eyes were just TIRED.
With everything going on in the world, I’m not surprised. I’m in that kind of slump, too, along with a lot of other folks I know. I’ve sometimes broken out of things by reading outside my usual genres, but sometimes, I just gotta roll with it let reading go so I don’t stress myself out more.
Stop worrying about the number. There’s clearly something else going on. Probably burnout. The less emphasize you give on numbers and the kinds of books you read and instead just read, the better you’ll feel overall.
Switching up genres is a good idea but have you thought about switching the format you read in? Do you read physically or on a kindle or ebooks?
Maybe buddy read a book with a friend also and then have a coffee together and discuss if you liked it.
Like… just stooooop. Read for pleasure! Stop setting reading goals! It’s this terrible trend that people are doing now and it’s just nonsense. You are (I presume) not in primary school – you’re not going to get a medal for reading lots of books. You’re also not going to be arrested by the book police if you don’t read enough, and books aren’t going to disappear if you don’t read them all. You’re not enjoying it because you’ve laden it with all sorts of expectations and labels, and it’s become a job rather than a pastime. Read what you like! Read what you don’t like! Delete Goodreads and booktok and bookstagram and whatever the hell else people are doing these days. Reading is the most wonderfully selfish and solitary hobby and you own it by doing it according to your own desires, rather than cramming down books.
I stepped away from reading for 10+ years, just picked it back up at the end of the year. Now I’m on my 10th book of 2025.
Switch to comics/manga for a while. Delicious in dungeon should suck you in if your having any mental blocks from depression, etc.
Read discworld
Switch to audio books for while
How about non fiction – history – science etc.
Oh, yes, same. I read 180 books last year and this year I’ve read 3 so far 😀 It’s definitely because I have been both focusing on different hobbies, but also because I have been feeling more down than usual. But I try to remember it’s completely normal and healthy to vary!
Maybe try an audiobook? Switching up the format helped me when I was in my slump. I also sometimes listen to the audio while reading along.
Yes! Trying to get out of it. Usually reading a horror novella will bring me out of it but everything just feels so boring.