Do you have a pile of half-read books on your nightstand or queued on your e-reader? Bookmarks and dog ears taunting you like forlorn eyes, begging you to slide them from their impressment! Perhaps I think about my bookmarks too much…

Over the past seven months, I have started reading twelve books, and only finished two. One of which I sped through so quickly that I missed half the plot because I found it tedious, the other was the awesome final book in the Mara Dyer trilogy. For those who can’t do math in their heads, that is only a 16% success rate. Alright, I used a calculator; I can’t do fractions in my head either!

I used to read three to five books a week, and the idea of not finishing one was unthinkable. I’m still interested in books, as evidenced by my adding a couple onto my to-read every week, starting a new book a couple times a month, and pre-ordering books I know I want but barely notice when they arrive. And I cant seem to finish them!

So I thought I’d look up some ideas on how to combat this book finishing slump I’m in, in case anyone else has the same problem:

1. Set aside time each day specifically for reading.

This is easier said than done. But if you cut out one mindless reality show before bed, you could carve out a hour for reading! Or maybe your lunch break could be your me-time. Are you parent? Tell you partner you need one hour of sanity without the kids before dinner to relax with a book. Or, read with them. If your significant other isn’t a reader, maybe you can read while they play video games, or on a boat while they fish. If you make it a priority, it becomes habit.

2. Re-read a favorite!

Harry Potter is usually my go-to re-read book, but I also love re-reading Anne of Green Gables and A Wrinkle in Time, books that made me love books in Elementary school. If Harry Potter, Princess Bride, or Pride & Prejudice aren’t your style, go back to the book that gave you a love of reading. Fahrenheit 451 or To Kill a Mockingbird perhaps. If it’s Twilight or Fifty Shades, that’s cool too. There’s a reason popular books get popular!

3. Actual Depression 😦

If you no longer feel the desire and/or motivation to do the things you love, might actually be depressed. I read somewhere that 1 in 3 Americans suffers from depression at least once in their lives. For some it is temporary melancholy or grief brought on by a sad or life-altering event, for others it might be clinical and long-term. Either way, if you think you might be depressed, see a professional and get help.

4. Read with others.

If you are accountable to a friend, you are more likely to finish. Book clubs, libraries, bookworm friends, or online groups are all great resources. Or maybe you are the den-mother in your group of friends, you can start the club to get the ball rolling! Libraries are amazing, because if you don’t like a book you return it, and if you do, you have to finish before the due date.

5. Read crap.

Now hear me out! Sometimes a quick romance or silly YA novel is just what you need to break your slump. Authors put out a ton of books each year for Young Adult, New Adult, and Romance readers alike, all quick reads. The cheaper the better! I suggest reading the first few pages to see if you can stand the writing first, but you could also search the .00 cents section of you e-reader store, or the bargain bin at a book store for the silliest covers.

If all else fails, wait it out! If you’re like me, and you tuly love reading, if it is a part of your personality, it will come back.