The Dreaded Reading Slump

The reading slump is a thing that no reader want to fall in to, but it is inevitable. You read the most amazing book of your life, a book you've been waiting to read for a while, and now it's over. How can you read another book after this one? Surely there is no book better than the one you've just read. Trust me I understand: I've hit this stage right now. I haven't read a book in 3 weeks (*gasp*), so I took to the internet to help me get through the slump. I now present my list of tips on how to get through a reading slump:

1. Re-read an old favourite. It will help to re-boot your love for reading if you read a book you know you are going to love.
2. Read reviews of the book you are trying to read. Sometimes hearing another person talking about their love for a book is what you need to get motivated again.
3. Try reading a different genre or style of book. By getting out of your comfort zone you may find a new book that excites you. It may also help you to get out of a certain genre that you could have got bored of.
4. Listen to an audio book whilst doing over things. If you are good at multitasking this may be a good tip for you. Although you're not physically reading the book you are getting through it whilst doing other things that may interest you more.
5. If you don't have any audio books, watch some booktubers. Although this tip doesn't help you read a new book, it may help you get back into reading books. Listening to people who dedicate a huge chunk of their lives to books definitely helps me get through a reading slump so it might help you!
6. Set a reading goal for each day. If you have to read a book for school during this slump setting a goal is always a good idea. By doing this you can split the book up into smaller, more manageable chunks that may not seem so scary.
7. If all else fails, take a break! Everyone needs a break from reading sometimes, so if you really can't get through your current book PUT IT DOWN! You won't get through it if you aren't enjoying it, so doing something else will give you a well earned break. Take a walk, play some video games, just do something else. It will help trust me.

So these are my tips for getting out of a reading slump, and I hope they helped a little bit. If you've tried any of the tips, or you have tips of your own, tell me down in the comments!

Reading Challenges

This year is probably going to be my busiest year so far. Constant tests and extra-curricular activities mean almost all my time is being consumed but for some reason I have decided that this year will be the year that I start taking part in reading challenges (because who needs sleep anyways!) I've picked a number of challenges that got me most excited to challenge myself. This way I can reduce my TBR pile (153!), achieve my Goodreads goal (only 60 books) and have fun at the same time!

I'll be posting updates here about how the challenges are going as well as on my Instagram so if you are joining in with any of the readathons we can support each other. There will also be reviews of all the books I read so you read my opinion and share yours as well! 😃

I loved to know what reading challenges you guys are taking part in this year, or if you've taken part in any in previous years. Also what is your Goodreads reading goal? Tell me in the comments.


My list of Reading challenges (more to come):

All Year: A yearathon and Duodecathon
March: All the Short Ones Readathon
April: A Novel Experience Readathon
May: HP Readathon
June: Sci-Fi Summer Readathon

New Year's Releases!

Happy 2017! I'm very excited for this year, especially as there are so many awesome new books being released. I usually don't keep on top of the new releases, but this year there are several books I'm actually anticipating. Here are my top 5 most anticipated book releases of this year:

1. Cream Buns and Crime by Robin Stevens
2. Into the No-Zone by Eugene Lambert 
3. Amulet #8 by Kazu Kibuishi
4. Always and Forever, Lara Jean by Jenny Han
5. Hunted by Megan Spooner

These aren't all the books being released this year (obviously!), but these books are the ones I'm most looking forward to this year. There are also books from Sarah J. Mass and Cassandra Clare coming out this year which I can't wait for; I think my TBR pile is going to be going to pass 200 books this year!

What books are you excited for this year? Which books are you reading this year? And how big is your TBR pile? (Mine is currently 152 books!) 

The End

As 2016 draws to a close, I start reflecting on the year. For me it means thinking back to all the books I've read and bought, and realising that my TBR pile is growing instead of shrinking. I'm also thinking of my impending GCSEs that I should be studying for.

Let's be honest: in general 2016 sucked. Trump won the elections, Brexit happened and numerous celebrities died (including our beloved Snape). Thank god so many amazing books were released to keep all us book lovers sane. I think I spent more time reading than concentrating on the real world this year!

So to end the year here are my top three books I read this year:

-Call the Midwife: Being a lover of the show I had to read the book series, and I'm glad I did. It follows a midwife ,Jenny Worth, as she gets into the swing of being a midwife in the London slums. The books didn't disappoint and I managed to get through the entire series this year.

-A Series of Unfortunate Events: Okay, so I haven't finished the entire series (I know, I'm ashamed), but I am loving it so far. Count Olaf's attempts to get the Baudelaire fortunate are hilarious and have got more and more ridiculous with each book; I can't wait to see what he tries next!

-Wither: This book gave me the chills at times, but I thoroughly enjoyed it. As in I've recommend to all my friends and family. It is a really different idea for a story, but the author tackled it well. I loved so much, and am aching to read the next books in the series.

What are your top three? What are you looking forward to next year? Leave your comments below.