3 Effective Strategies to Break Free from Your Reading Slump

Reading is a vibe, and it can be a frustrating activity. Whether you’re flipping through a paperback on the subway, listening to an audiobook on your morning run, or savoring a hardcover by the fireplace. Reading comes in many forms. The format you choose can change your entire reading experience, and some might hinder you from reaching your full book nerd potential.

Reading Trends

In 2023, a study by the National Literacy Trust revealed that only 43.3% of young people reported enjoying reading, the lowest figure since 2005. Yet, while daily reading is declining, audiobooks are on the rise. A Pew Research study showed that 83% of young adults (18-29) read at least one book a year. But the format? That’s where things get interesting.

1. The Value of Different Formats

Lately, I only finish a book if it's in Kindle or Audiobook format. Turns out, I never finish a paperback anymore. It's strange. Who doesn't love the feeling of a paperback or a hardcover in their hands? I grew up surrounded by freshly printed paperbacks. I loved how the weight felt in my hands as I read long into the night, my bedside light flickering next to my hunched figure. Now I listen to books as I clean the house or paint furniture. Am I old? Or have I just found another reading vibe that I prefer?

Reading is and always will be a private matter. It's kind of the point. Even when sharing our feelings about a book in a book club or online, reading is something we do by ourselves. So it doesn't matter what format we choose to read in. Are they really your friends if they say it doesn't count if you listen to an audiobook? It's your reading experience.

I wonder how many books you never read because you felt pressured to read in a format you struggle with. Audiobooks don't count as reading. Well, not reading at all doesn't count as reading either. If you want to read, read the format that matches your vibe.

2. The Different Formats

eBooks are popular because of the convenience of having a library in your pocket and instant access to books. eBooks overall generated $5.67 billion in the U.S. market alone in 2023. However, paperbacks and hardcovers still outperform eBooks overall. And that might be because of habit or because ebooks lack the tactile experience some readers love. For me, there’s something magical about being able to carry hundreds of books on a single device. But sometimes, when I’m working on my own writing, I miss the feel of real pages.

You might love Paperbacks for many reasons. They're affordable, portable, and often the go-to for quick reads. To such an extent that they outsold hardcovers in 2022, growing by 15.6%. However, if you can't stand a broken spine or folded paper, it is hard to travel with a physical book. But there is something special about a worn paperback on a bench in a park.

Hardcovers matter for many reasons. Their durability, size, and feel. But mostly they are gorgeous. According to an article in Toner Buzz, about 30% of book sales in the U.S. were attributed to hardcover editions as of mid-2023. Downside, at least for me, I want my hardcover copy to be pristine, untouched, and on my shelf. Which means I only get it when I have already read the book and loved it. Or if the special edition is beautiful. It is the most dangerous format because I spend most of my money on it.

Audiobooks are thriving, and there is no point in denying it. Not only are they accessible and multitasking-friendly, but they can also enhance the reading experience. The narrator adds flair and mood to the story that our brains can't do. People always say that listening isn't reading, and it makes you worse at it, but studies show that audiobooks can improve your reading speed and comprehension. However, they are expensive to make, understandably so, and it is still somewhat hard for indie authors to join in on the fun.

When it comes down to it, there’s nothing like having a story come to life in your ears while you’re out for a walk or stuck in traffic. It’s a completely different way of experiencing a book, and lately, I’ve found myself turning to audiobooks when I fumble in the garden.

3. The Gatekeepers

Everyone can be stuck in a reading slump. I have gone years, months, without reading, but I always come back to it by allowing myself to diversify my method of reading. Once I am in a new book, it usually takes me on the adventure I need. Which is why I made sure my first novel, Shattered Ice, is available in Kindle, Paperback, Hardcover, and hopefully in audiobook one day.

We have to remember! Everyone is different! We learn and absorb information differently. Do what works for you, and ignore the negative reading gatekeepers. There is beauty in choice. Those who disagree with how you read can stick their book up their .... Anyways. Go and enjoy that story you have been thinking about.

Whether you’re a fan of flipping pages, swiping screens, or listening on the go, the important thing is that you’re reading. And for those who love the collectibility of a good hardcover, you are just going to have to admit that your savings will be harmed by it.