As we reach the halfway point of 2026, many of us are taking stock of the goals we enthusiastically set back in January. For plenty of readers, that includes a reading challenge that’s quietly stalled somewhere between work deadlines, family commitments and the endless lure of social media.
If that sounds familiar, you’re certainly not alone.
A “reading slump” is something even the most dedicated book lovers experience. You might find yourself reading the same chapter several times without absorbing it, struggling to finish a book that once seemed promising, or simply reaching for your phone instead of your latest novel.
The good news? Winter may actually be the perfect time to rediscover the joy of reading.
Stop Chasing Numbers
Many readers begin the year with ambitious goals — 25 books, 50 books or even 100 books in a year. While those targets can be motivating, they can also turn reading into another task on an already busy to-do list.
According to Natasha Williams, Australian Content Sales Lead at Rakuten Kobo, enjoyment should come before achievement.
“Rather than focusing on how many books you want to complete, focus on finding stories you’re genuinely excited about. That’s often the best way to rebuild momentum and winter is the perfect time for cosy, easy reading.”
It’s simple advice, but an important reminder that reading is meant to be enjoyable, not another performance metric.
Give Yourself Permission to Walk Away
One of the biggest barriers to getting back into reading is forcing yourself through a book you’re simply not enjoying.
Bookstagram creator @readingwithsaam, who has built a passionate online reading community, encourages readers to let go of that guilt.
“Reading is meant to be fun. If you’ve been trying to get through the same book for weeks, it might be time to softly DNF it for now and be gentle with yourself.”
For those unfamiliar with the term, “DNF” stands for Did Not Finish. While abandoning a book may once have felt like failure, many modern readers now see it as simply recognising that the right book has arrived at the wrong time.
Sometimes putting one book aside is exactly what reignites your enthusiasm for the next one.
Five Ways to Restart Your Reading Habit
If you’ve found yourself stuck in a reading slump, these simple strategies can help.
Revisit an Old Favourite: Returning to a book you already love removes the pressure of discovering something new. Familiar characters and stories can remind you why you enjoyed reading in the first place.
Read for Your Mood: Instead of tackling the book you think you *should* read, choose one you’re genuinely excited about. Whether that’s fantasy, romance, thrillers or science fiction, enthusiasm is often the best cure for a reading slump.
Start Small: Not every book needs to be a 700-page epic. Short novels, novellas or even a collection of short stories can provide the satisfaction of finishing something without feeling overwhelming.
Replace Scrolling with Reading: Even setting aside just 15 to 20 minutes before bed can make a surprising difference. Swapping a portion of your nightly social media scroll for a few chapters can quickly rebuild the habit.
Keep Your Library Close: Whether you prefer physical books or digital reading, making books easy to access removes one more barrier. E-readers have become increasingly popular thanks to their portability, adjustable fonts and the convenience of carrying an entire library wherever you go.
Reading Shouldn’t Feel Like Homework
Winter naturally encourages slower evenings, warm drinks and a little more time indoors. Rather than worrying about catching up on a reading challenge, consider this season an opportunity to simply enjoy stories again.
As @readingwithsaam points out, some books are impossible to put down.
“Books like Fourth Wing or The Serpent and the Wings of Night made me want to stay up all night reading, and finishing a re-read in that kind of mood makes me hungry to keep reading.”
Perhaps that’s the best advice of all.
The goal isn’t to tick another title off a list. It’s to rediscover the excitement of wanting to read just one more chapter before turning out the light.
If you are looking for title inspirations, here are some ideas for you. And I have it on excellent authority that The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides is brilliant. That one is on my to-read list.
