What To Do When You're In A Reading Slump

Do you ever find yourself in one of those situations where the book you're currently reading is so slow and you don't want to finish it? You eventually end up throwing it down on your bedside table and ignoring it for 2 months because it's having that affect on you. And you don't want to start another book, because you still have that damn bedside-table-book to finish first. Well here's what I want you to do:

1. You don't have to finish that book. Pick up the bedside table book and put it back on your bookshelf. You don't have to finish every book you start. If it's making you stop reading altogether, it's probably not the book for you. And that's okay. 
2. Re-read an old friend.  Find a book you know you love and will make you cry with laughter. Alternatively, find one that will rip our your soul in the best possible way (I'm looking at you TFIOS). This reliable, heart destroying book will remind you why you love reading in the first place.
3. Do something else you enjoy. If you like to write, write! If you like to do sports, then sport away my friend! I personally like to paint my nails whilst watching endless episodes of The West Wing on Netflix. Get those brain cells firing with sparks of enthusiasm. It may just get those enthusiastic reading sparks to make a grand return.
4. Re-organise your bookshelf. You could alphabetise by genre, or author, or maybe you could branch out and organise by spinal colour. Just the thought of organising books gets me excited about the prospect of reading.
5. Visit your nearest bookshop. Whether it's a Waterstones or an Independent, wander around and breathe in the books. See what catches your eye. taking a little visit to the YA sections is always a safe bet. 
6. Go to the library. Walking around those many, many rows of books with the knowledge that you're allowed to take any of them home for free is always a good feeling. It's also particularly useful if there's one book you've had your eye on, but can't quite afford.
7. Comfort is comforting. It's always a lot more pleasant to read a book cuddled up on the sofa in a onesie with a cup of tea. Alternatively, have you ever read a book on a hammock? It's quite delightful. Don't underestimate a little bit of comfort to get your mind back into the zone for reading.
8. Goodreads.  Have a nice browse through your recommendations, or have a look through the books that your friends have read. Chances are, a book will catch your eye and from there, you may just discover your next favourite author.
9. Talk to your friends. See what they're reading lately and what they'd recommend for you. Maybe you've been staring at the same collection of books on your shelf for too long and need a little bit of a change. (Just remember to give the books back afterwards, don't be that guy).
10. Don't force yourself to read. We know that Goodreads challenge is looming over your head,a dn we know that re-reading books won't count towards your goal. But don't panic! Taking a break from reading is not the same thing as admitting defeat. Remember, you do this for fun! Chances are, you'll soon start missing it again.