By: Sophia Feldman

   Book pages start to crumble, wilt, and tear as MRHS bookshelves gather dust, and students fall into the depths of Reading Slump. Whether the Covid Pandemic decreased reading motivation or required literature in English classes lacking personal interest, many have fallen out of their reading habits. Many have difficulty staying motivated and claim that reading again is impossible. Reading should be reestablished. The dust bunnies on the bookshelves chatter and squeak as they wait to be swept off the wooden shelves, calling for you to restart your journey through the world of literature.

   Diving in the deep end and choosing a challenging book to recompense reading is a method used, but I would not recommend it. Choosing literature fit for the reader takes time, practice, and individuality. First, one must find an intriguing genre. Interested in history? Reading All Quiet on the Western Front by Erich Maria Remarque is a staple. Are you a romantic fanatic?  Exploring novels by Jane Austen and the Brontë sisters definitely portrays the meaning of love. Louisa May Alcott’s Little Women is right up the alley for feminists. Whether one’s preferred category is fiction, nonfiction, or poetry, every reader can explore different genres that interest them. 

   Some books are easier to read due to varying complexity levels. For example, Colleen Hoover, known for her romance novels, comes up with an interesting plot, but arguably lacking in deeper meaning. So, starting with books as such can train you to practice maintaining attention span and following one storyline. Another way to start small is to re-read books from your youth. E.B. White’s Charlotte’s Web is a perfect example of an easy-to-read yet meaningful book. Nostalgia will fill your heart as you relive the childhood world of literature. Essentially, starting small and working your way to more significant novels is the easiest way to transition from no-reading to becoming a bookworm.

   Internet overuse is one of the main causes for society’s lack of reading habits. Since many wanting to escape a reading slump are tired of the persistent internet use, online media like favorite movies and shows can be used as a segway for choosing the novel, transitioning from screen to paper. So many popular movies/shows originated from novel series: Harry Potter, The Vampire Diaries, The Maze Runner, Hunger Games, Gossip Girl, Pretty Little Liars, etc. The list goes on and on.

   Many people claim that they are too energetic to sit still for a long time and read a book. But there are ways around that excuse for not reading. Audiobooks are a great option for those who are active and go on nature walks, jogs, or runs. People who dislike the physical feeling of books and prefer technology can try Kindle or e-books. No matter what the preference, there is a way for people to read in today’s society. 

   My favorite way to escape non-reading is by romanticizing the experience. Bring your books to the coffee shop, or create a cozy, candle-lit space in your home to read. If you are artsy, crafty, or buy a new bookmark. Even persuade friends to start reading the same book, so you can discuss it and share each other’s opinions. Changing your mindset from the original stigma of boring school-reading to an aesthetic, personal experience boosts motivation and makes you feel smarter and therefore happier. 

   Alas, books can be expensive, so starting with accessing ebooks, thrifting literature, borrowing from readers around you, or even getting a library card are all ways to avoid overspending on literature. 

   Despite the downfall of reading in recent years, there are many ways that help people start reading again. Whether you start with childhood books, read your favorite books from movies and shows, or change the mindset on how to approach books, escaping the reading slump is a necessary and possible journey to make.