literary gluttony

Reading slumps are rude. One day you’re inhaling books like oxygen, the next you’re staring at your TBR like it personally betrayed you. When nothing sounds good, everything feels like too much effort, and even your favorite genres aren’t hitting, it’s time to change the approach—not quit reading altogether.

These are the kinds of books I reach for when my brain wants story but not work.

Fast-Paced & Addictive (Low Commitment, High Reward)

When attention is fragile, pacing matters. These books pull you in quickly and don’t let go.

• The Inheritance Games by Jennifer Lynn Barnes
  Short chapters, constant twists, and just enough intrigue to keep pages turning without mental exhaustion.
• A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas
  Familiar fantasy beats, immersive worldbuilding, and emotional hooks that make it easy to fall back into reading.
• Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros
  Dragons, danger, and nonstop momentum. If you need something loud enough to drown out the slump, this does the job.

Comfort Reads (Because Safe Can Still Be Satisfying)

Sometimes the slump isn’t about boredom—it’s about needing something gentle.

• The House in the Cerulean Sea by T.J. Klune
  Soft, warm, and emotionally reassuring. A reminder that books can feel like a hug.
• Legends & Lattes by Travis Baldree
  Low stakes, cozy fantasy, and vibes over plot. Perfect when you want to read without stress.
• Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen
  Familiar, clever, and comforting—proof that rereads count when your brain refuses anything new.

Short & Bite-Sized (For When Finishing Feels Impossible)

Finishing a book can reset everything. These make that win achievable.

• The Murderbot Diaries by Martha Wells
  Novellas, sarcasm, and fast payoff. Ideal for rebuilding reading momentum.
• The Ocean at the End of the Lane by Neil Gaiman
  Lyrical, strange, and short enough to finish in one sitting.
• We Have Always Lived in the Castle by Shirley Jackson
  Compact, eerie, and emotionally gripping without dragging.

Chaotic or Fun (When You Need Something Unhinged)

If nothing serious is working, lean into chaos.

• My Best Friend’s Exorcism by Grady Hendrix
  Horror with humor and heart—entertaining in a way that doesn’t feel heavy.
• The Princess Bride by William Goldman
  Whimsical, absurd, and pure fun. Reading should be fun sometimes.
• Good Omens by Terry Pratchett & Neil Gaiman
  Witty, irreverent, and perfect for shaking up a slump.

A Gentle Reminder

Reading slumps don’t mean you’ve fallen out of love with books. They usually mean you’re tired, overwhelmed, or craving a different kind of story than usual. It’s okay to reread, skim, DNF, or switch genres entirely.

The goal isn’t to power through—it’s to fall back into the joy.