Managing Your Time as a Reader / Book Blogger

I've been back at Sixth Form for nearly two months now and in that time I've only read about 5 books (in my own time, for fun). Writing a blog post to go out every week is usually manageable because I tend to write up a few when I get a moment and feel inspired and queue them up to be posted later, and when posting on this blog, I try to post things that I'm proud of, not rushed out just to meet a deadline. However, I've been so busy with the massive workload of Year 13 that I've barely managed to do that! What I've come to realise is that it's really difficult to balance your schoolwork along with other commitments and still giving yourself time for a break. And to be honest, I don't think there's an easy answer, especially when you've got 3 essays, a mock exam, extra reading and homework piling up at school and an increasingly large pile of books you really want to get through. But, I've gathered a few tips to make our lives a little easier and to help make sure that reading and book blogging never stops being our fun escape from it all :)



1. To Do Lists
Everything seems much more jumbled and confused when it's rushing around your head and what needs to be done may seem like a list as long as your arm. However, I find if you write it all down on a few sticky notes, you feel much more organised and you have a clear idea of what needs to get done.

2. Plan your time
When you've got a lot to do, each moment is valuable so don't waste it. When I don't plan my time out, I end up binge watching Skins and come to my senses hours later, deep into the weird side of Netflix. Make a timetable and be specific, so you know exactly what you're doing and when.

3. Prioritise. Prioritise. Prioritise.
If you have a load to get done, don't fall into the trap of doing the easiest stuff first as this is usually the less important stuff. Delve right in there and get the big stuff done, especially if it's urgent. It's always tempting for me to start writing on my blog just as I get a huge amount of work because it's something that I really enjoy BUT what really needs to come first is the important stuff, like coursework.

4. Deadlines
If you're at school right now or balancing blogging and a huge reading habit with a job, one of the most important things you have to do is work to a deadline - I cannot stress this enough! I find it handiest to write out a timeline of when everything is due so you can see it really clearly.

5. Give yourself plenty of breaks!
The key to coping with a heavy workload is plenty of breaks to keep you relaxed and not overworked. Your mental health is important and should never be sacrificed for grades, school or work.

6. If you're struggling, ask for help!
If you're at school, all of your teachers will be more than happy to help, and far happier that you're fessing up and coming to them rather than just watching yourself struggle and staying quiet until it's too late.

7. Make a reading goal
This tip is more aimed at us readers and book bloggers. At the beginning of each year, I set myself a goal to read a certain amount of books. This year it's 50, which I will most likely miss, but having a goal keeps you focused and also helps you set aside time for your hobby. But don't beat yourself up over it if you miss it because reading is about more than numbers and ticking boxes, it's about losing yourself in another place. 

8. Schedule your posts!
This doesn't always help me, but writing when you have the time and scheduling to post when you won't helps keep your blog balanced and consistent and it's far easier to manage your time knowing you don't have to stress to put out a post.

9. Don't reinvent the wheel
A teacher in high school always used to say this and this tip has got me so far I cannot even tell you. Also, it applies to literally everything. In regards to book blogging, if you've got writer's block, as nice as it is to be creative and original you don't always have to think of something completely new each week: look at blogs you admire for inspiration, or book tags like Waiting on Wednesday to get you through.

10. Know when to say no
If you have a tonne of urgent deadlines but authors are approaching you asking to review books, it's okay to say no. If you literally have no time you do not have to put the pressure on yourself just because it's a fantastic opportunity. And, if they are understanding, you can schedule a better time. I'm a firm believer in right time, right place, so don't force anything because what is meant to be will be. 

Which Book Should You Read Next? | Quiz

Are you stuck in a book slump? Unsure what to read next? Don't worry, I've got you covered. I've picked 3 really different books and put together a quiz so you can decide what kind of book you're looking for and find your next great read!

1. My ideal date is...
a) A walk around the city lit by moonlight and flickering streetlights
b) Something really well thought out, planned well in advance
c) Something spontaneous but with a touch of danger, like rock climbing or indoor sky diving

2. My friends describe me as a...
a) Hopeless romantic
b) Quick thinking kind of person
c) Person who's really hard to figure out

3. For Comic Con, I would cosplay as...
a) A matching couples costume, like Ten and Rose or Spiderman and Deadpool
b) Sherlock Holmes
c) Draco Malfoy

4. My favourite part of a book is...
a) When the couple you've been shipping the entire time finally get together
b) A shocking plot twist or noticing how the plot's been building subtly up to a thrilling unexpected moment
c) The character development or the plot becoming darker

5. If I had a superpower it would be...
a) To raise my favourite fictional characters from the dead within their stories
b) The ability to come back to life
c) The ability to turn into animals

6. When I have something important to do I...
a) Worry about it until I get around to doing it
b) Band together with other people so we can help each other out
c) Ignore it and let it build up

7. My ideal career is...
a) Something creative
b) Something technological or maybe a job that doesn't exist today
c) Something where I can work on my own

8. If I had to listen to one song on repeat for a week it would be...
a) Thinking Out Loud by Ed Sheeran
b) 4 Minutes by Madonna
c) Black Magic by Little Mix

9. My favourite hobby is...
a) Browsing a bookstore
b) Hanging out with my best friend and forgetting the world outside
c) Exploring the outdoors

10. My best quality is...
a) My ability to listen
b) My impulsiveness
c) That I am never what anyone expects me to be



Mostly a's - History Is All You Left Me by Adam Silvera
You're a sucker for romance and a good coming of age novel. This LGBT love story turned on its head will give you something a bit different within the genre to enjoy. It gives a very interesting perspective on mental illness among teenagers also.

Mostly b's - Nemesis by Brendan Reichs
You're quick witted and you love a fast paced action thriller with a sci-fi element and a healthy amount of conspiracy chucked in. You sometimes have a short attention span so you love a book where something's constantly got you gripped, so what better book to read than one that begins with someone being repeatedly murdered only to find they never die and life goes on as normal...

Mostly c's - Half Bad by Sally Green
You don't read solely one genre; in fact you're not solely anything. You're adventurous and you're always looking for something new and a bit different to enjoy. How about Green's dark and unique take on the fantasy genre, a world of Black and White witches where nothing is as black and white as it seems... 

My Top 10 Perks of Being a Reader

Sometimes, when you have a TBR pile taller than you and an even longer list of books you want but can't afford, it seems like being a reader is actually kind of challenging. But, you've always got to focus on the positives so here are my top 10 perks of being a reader, because the advantages always outweigh the difficulties!

1. Required reading at school is never a chore...and chances are you've already read the books!
From The Great Gatsby to Macbeth, there's some great books appearing on the curriculum nowadays and the best part of being a reader is that you'll thoroughly enjoy it. And if you're like me, you'll be excited when some of your favourites crop up. Sad, I know.

2. When everyone is raving about the newest movie, you already know all about it 
When the entire world was raving about The Hunger Games, you'd already devoured all the books. And you know the books are better. 

3. You are part of an amazing community of people who all share the same interests!
Whether you blog, instagram, tweet or post videos about the books you're reading, you're sure to meet so many fantastic people through the YA lit community who will all be keen to discuss new releases or your favourite reads. And some people you meet through the community may even become your closest friends :)

4. Attending a book signing or a book talk by your favourite author
I have had the most amazing experiences meeting Cassandra Clare, Holly Black, Michael Grant and Andrew Smith at book signings. There's nothing quite like sharing a room with some of the people you admire most as they explain what inspires them to write!

5. That feeling when you find someone else who's just as obsessed with a book as you
I remember the moment that I found out my friend was as big of a fan of the Half Bad series as me. When you've obsessed over a book on your own for ages, nothing compares to the feeling when you find someone to share that love with.

6. Spending afternoons tucked up with a book, wrapped in a blanket listening to the rain
If you're a reader, you know exactly what I mean. Literally nothing compares to setting aside a whole afternoon dedicated to finishing that book that's got you hooked. You've actually blown off plans for your book, haven't you? Admit it.

7. Finding offers or clearances in your favourite bookshops 
The excitement you feel when you get to that buy-one-get-one-half-price table in Waterstones. Or the thrill when you find the clearance shelf at your local WHSmiths. You know what I'm talking about.

8. When the book you requested finally arrives at the library
That sheer happiness you feel when you get that phone call to let you know the book you requested months ago has finally arrived is a moment completely unique to readers. The wait is so long, you've always forgotten you've ordered the book. But when you finally get to sink your teeth into your long awaited novel, it's always worth the wait.

9. Recommending a book to a friend who ends up loving it
Being able to share your favourite reads with a fellow reader is like sharing a little part of yourself with them. There's always that moment of worry when you panic you've oversold it to them but when you get that 2am "omg" message when they hit the plot twist, you know you recommended it to the right person.

10. Falling in love with a book with no fandom
When you find an amazing book that bookstagram hasn't blown up about yet, you get to keep that  piece of literature to yourself, feeling kind of special that you stumbled across it by chance. 

If You Liked Everything Everything by Nicola Yoon...

Everything Everything is a beautiful, sweet coming of age romance with the stakes being slightly higher than usual when protagonist Maddy leaves the house to chase her true love despite being confined to her home due to a rare medical condition. Maybe you loved the film, released in the UK August 18th, and you want to read books of a similar genre. Therefore, if you loved this novel, here are my top 10 books you should read next!

1. I'll Give You the Sun by Jandy Nelson
This book will always be a favourite of mine and I think at least one element of the story will mirror your own experiences of growing up. It's a story about two siblings experiencing their first love and loss at the same time but in different ways. It's beautifully written and full of bright, vivid descriptions. It reads almost like poetry, a truly perfect novel.







2. Ask the Passengers by A S King

A friend got this book for me and I'm so glad she did because it's completely changed my perspective on things. A coming of age novel mixed in with the beginnings of a teenager asking philosophical questions, despite being fiction it feels like a very true story. Astrid is beginning to discover her sexuality and find first love while struggling with the constraints of unaccepting parents and judgey small town life.






3. A Quiet Kind of Thunder by Sara Barnard
This book is about an anxious, mute teen girl who finally finds her voice communicating through sign language with her deaf boyfriend Rhys. It's a lovely story as neither is dependent on the other in developing themselves but instead supported in a healthy relationship that feels as perfect and sometimes painful in all the ways first loves do. 







4. The Memory of Flora Banks by Emily Barr
Living with a rare form of amnesia, Flora has no recollection of anything longer than a few hours ago and her last memories are from when she was 10. Her parents keep her overprotected and when the chance arises, Flora travels halfway across the world for an opportunity to make her own memories. Very reminiscent of the rebellious streak in Maddy when she defies her mother!






5. When We Collided by Emery Lord

When I say this story is vibrant, I'm not just talking about the front cover! It's an absolute rollercoaster of first love and a beautiful exploration of the feelings of both people involved. The intensity of it all will keep you gripped as a reader and the realism in this novel is what really makes the story. Nothing is sugercoated!







6. The Summer I Turned Pretty by Jenny Han

If what you're looking for is a genuine first discovery of romance then look no further than the novels of YA romance author Jenny Han! A perfect read for the summer, you can practically feel the rays on you as you're reading. Protagonist Belly begins falling for family friends Conrad and Jeremiah while discovering her independence as a young woman. Definitely worth the read!






7. This Song Will Save Your Life by Leila Sales
This novel is a little different to the others in this list but if you liked Everything Everything I'm guessing you really love a coming of age book! Outsider Elise discovers an underground DJ scene where she finally feels accepted and as though she can be herself despite a traumatic incident in her near past and difficulties at school. 







8. Unspeakable by Abbie Rushton

A beautifully honest book about two young girls discovering themselves through their first relationship. Megan doesn't speak but bubbly new girl Jasmine brings out the voice in her. Something has happened that Megan cannot speak about but around Jasmine, she can finally speak. One of the best YA LGBT romance books with a mystery thrown in.








9. Everything Leads to You by Nina Lacour

Set in LA, everything about this book screams that it needs to be made into a film. Vibrant Emi and her best friend Charlotte are working on a film when they embark on a search for an old Wild-West movie star's grand daughter, all while being left with the heavy responsibility to do something epic while staying in her brother's flat for the summer. Hope, betrayal, loss and guilt make this a recipe for a perfect coming of age novel.






10. Eleanor and Park by Rainbow Rowell
Lovers of Rainbow Rowell probably hold this novel to be the single book that embodies all the best elements of a YA romance/coming-of-age story. Eleanor and Park have an intense relationship, realistic to that of when your 16, all whilst exploring their identities and struggling with problems in their personal lives. A fantastic read that I fully enjoyed and can definitely recommend. 

If You Liked The Mortal Instruments...

Have you ever read a series so good it seems like nothing will ever compare? Ever finished a book so brilliant you NEED to find others like it or you fear you'll never read again? Have you ever got yourself into a reading slump because every other book pales in comparison? We've all been there, and for me it was about 6 years ago when I first got into The Mortal Instruments series. Therefore, I felt like I was in a position to help you guys out! Here follows my top 10 books you'll LOVE if you're obsessed with The Mortal Instruments. 

1. The Infernal Devices by Cassandra Clare

So it's the amazing writing style of Cassandra Clare that combines all the elements of your favourite fantasy novels that's got you gripped? Have no fear, she's a fairly prolific author with a few more series to sink your teeth into. Set in Victorian London, The Infernal Devices follow Tessa as she's thrust into the world of Shadowhunters. If you're a TMI fan, some old favourites such as Jem and Magnus feature in these novels so it's a great follow on. 








2. Half Bad by Sally Green

If you're attracted to the darker side of YA fantasy, then the Half Bad series is perfect. The story follows Nathan as he lives isolated, kept in a cage after being rejected for being the illegitimate son of renowned Black witch Marcus. Nathan is a half-code, sticking out in his family of White witches and he struggles to survive the persecution, all while being aware that while there is good in him, the evil could still win. Definitely worth a read!








3. Throne of Glass by Sarah J Maas
If you loved The Mortal Instruments, I'm guessing you're not opposed to a headstrong female protagonist, namely Celaena Sardothien, a trained assassin competing to win her freedom while living undercover as a Lady in the castle. This series is set in a fantasy world and if what you love in TMI are those mythical, magical elements, then Throne of Glass is packed with those too, and full of action, violent scenes to quell the need for Shadowhunting the series probably ignited.







4. The Bane Chronicles by Cassandra Clare, Sarah Rees Brennan and Maureen Johnson
Perhaps what, or who, you're missing so much since finishing TMI is the free-wheeling bisexual warlock Magnus Bane and his boyfriend, the reserved and serious Shadowhunter Alec Lightwood. This novel is a collection of short stories from Magnus' past and his life today with Alec and should be enough to treat your TMI withdrawal symptoms in the short term. 









5. Beautiful Creatures by Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl
This series was one of my favourites for a long time and if you love a good YA fantasy novel, it's perfect for you. The story follows Ethan as he delves into a world of dark magic that's been living right under his nose for his entire life. He falls in love with the mysterious, complex Lena but their powerful love will have consequences as a family curse threatens to put all their lives in danger. The film came out a few years back, but the book is always better! 

6. The Novice by Taran Matharu 
If you loved the mythical world of demons in The Mortal Instruments, then you'll probably enjoy this book! After summoning a demon and being wrongly accused of a crime, Fletcher travels to Vocans Academy, a school for Summoners to learn to control their power. This book has a vividly created universe in which its set, which is always key to a brilliant fantasy novel so if you like the sound of that then definitely check this book out. 








7. Hush Hush by Becca Fitzpatrick

This book is a fantastic story of dark and forbidden teen romance between Nora and fallen angel Patch. It feels quite reminiscent of Twilight at times but also has the forbidden love elements of Clary and Jace's relationship. The two find themselves in the midst of a battle between Nephilim and fallen angels. If you were fascinated by Nephilim in The Mortal Instruments and the angelic side to mythology then Hush Hush is a great series to move on to. 

8. Magisterium: The Iron Trial by Holly Black and Cassandra Clare

Like I mentioned before, Cassandra Clare has written a lot more books to sink your teeth into, one of those being The Iron Trial co-written with bestselling author of The Spiderwick Chronicles Series Holly Black. Aimed at a younger audience, the story follows young magician Callum Hunt as he tries to fail the entrance exam to the Magisterium. He fails so spectacularly that he is forced to join the academy, plunging deep into a world of magic he has been taught to reject all his life. Accompanied by his two friends, Call delves deeper into the frightening yet attractive world of magic and discovers some dark secrets from the past. I can't recommend this book enough and being lucky enough to attend a book signing on their UK tour, I had the pleasure of hearing Black and Clare's genius firsthand. 

9. Frozen by Melissa de la Cruz and Michael Johnston

This book is unique among many YA fantasy novels in that it's set in a futuristic, post-apocalyptic world in which a dawn of new magic is coming. Readers follow the marked Nat as she relies on shady Wes to help her in her journey to the mythical world of The Blue. This book is filled with danger, mythical creatures and strong protagonists and really sticks in my mind as something different in the over-saturated YA fantasy genre. 

10. The Dark Days Club by Alison Goodman

This series feels almost too reminiscent of The Infernal Devices but if what you're craving is a fix of the supernatural underworld then this could be for you. Lady Helen is making her debut into high society but stumbles upon a dark world of demonic creatures and dangerous power. If you love a kind of 19th century Pride and Prejudice style novel then you'll almost certainly love The Dark Days Club as balls and promenades collide with the fight against demons. 

My Top 10 Reasons Why You Should Be Using An eReader

Disclaimer: I love books. All books. Hardbacks, paperbacks and eBooks too. However, I probably will always prefer hard copies of books, there's something irreplaceable about experiencing every physical part of reading a book: the texture of the pages; the scent of books fresh off the printer or musky and well loved; the feel of the cover or just holding the beautiful designs in your hand. That being said, eBooks are definitely growing on me and I am really beginning to appreciate them! They won't replace my bookshelves but my Kindle is certainly an extension of my personal library. Therefore, I now present to you my top 10 reasons why you should be using an eReader!

1. Books are cheaper!

Often, eBooks are far cheaper than physical copies of books, particularly old releases or books that are initially released as hardbacks. Furthermore, many of the classics such as Dracula or A Tale of Two Cities are free to read on an eReader, so you can expand your literary horizons without spending a penny!

2. It's easy to carry around
If you're delving into the works of Tolstoy, an eReader is far lighter to lug around than a copy of War and Peace. There are many different brands to choose from but most are small and light, easy to slide into your handbag, hand luggage or even pocket!

3. You can carry around as many books as those that fill the Hogwarts Library. In your pocket.
If you're an avid bookworm like myself, going away on holiday can mean reading more than a book a day while you're away. However, this can also mean that your case weighs as much as if you are trying to smuggle a baby elephant away with you. An eReader solves this problem, you can take away an entire library without tipping the scales at the baggage check in.

4. Highlighting your favourite quotes is easy
Personally, I love keeping track of my favourite book quotes. When a land stands out to me, I don't want to forget it but I would never take a pen or highlighter to my beloved paperbacks. With an eBook, I don't have the fear I'm vandalising literature, it's quick and easy and all that's left is a faint underline. Additionally, you can view all your highlights in one place when using a Kindle so that's a great way to keep track of your reading journey or find your old favourites.

5. You can shop, read and share your favourite books all in one place
What is so great about the Kindle in particular is that you can shop for all your books, read them and share them via social media all on one device with the click of a button. You can instantly review a book in the middle of the night using only your eReader if your heart so desires and I love having all that literary freedom at your fingertips.

6. Instant suggestions as to what you should read as soon as you've finished your book
If you've ever read a book so brilliant you feel lost as to what you should read next, unsure as to what could ever measure up to that piece of literature then look no further than an eReader where suggestions as to what others who enjoyed that book or author are also reading. This is a great way to find new books with suggestions tailored to you!

7. You can see a percentage of how much you have read
If you have a reading goal, eBooks are easy to keep track of your progress as a percentage appears at the bottom of the pool. This makes it easy to pace yourself and you can also view how much you've read in a reading session, which is always fun at 3am when you realise you've been hooked and inadvertently read way into the night!

8. It's more eco-friendly!
Paperbacks and hardbacks do have an effect on the environment. Yes, most publishers have switched to using recycled paper but the fact is we live in a consumerist society where we are overproducing and buying products that are causing deforestation. EBooks are helping to tackle this problem, so even substituting one book a month for an eBook can help the environment. 

9. Sometimes you can receive a free sample of the eBook so you can get hooked before you buy
It's really handy to be able to view the first chapter of a book and get a feel for the kind of story it is before making a purchase. There's no commitment or pressure to buy, just a casual flick through to see if something reels you in. This can be really great if you're in a reading slump!

10. You can easily view the bestsellers worldwide and in each genre of literature
One of the best features on the Kindle is the Storefront where you can easily view all of the league tables for books of all genres worldwide, finding out what has bookworms hooked from all over the world and in your own country. 

I could never give up my paperbacks, but I could never give up my eBooks either. A 50/50 split is the way to go I think!

My Top 10 Songs to Listen to While Reading Everything Leads To You by Nina Lacour

"The best things aren't perfectly constructed. They aren't illusions. They aren't larger than life. They are life."

Everything Leads to You is a gorgeous story about young film enthusiast Emi landing her dream job set against the back drop sunny LA. Her brother allows her to stay in his apartment for the summer under one condition: something amazing must happen there. Initially, she struggles with this enormous task but a mysterious letter from a film icon of the past leads her on a wild adventure as she searches for the truth. Meanwhile, Emi also finds the truth in her own life, falling in love with a girl along the way as they discover what happened in the past to lead to this moment and what this means for their future. 

I was completely captivated by this book, the setting is so realistic you can practically feel the sun shining on you while reading it! Emi is a hopeless romantic with so much love to give that her presence was felt right off the page. That being said, I haven't stopped thinking about this book since I read it, so here is my playlist for you to listen to while reading!

1. Sister Rosetta (2011 Version) by Noisettes

This song was playing in my head as Emi is frantically searching markets for locations and items to add something special to her movie sets! This song has so much energy it's perfect for the book.

2. Flightless Bird, American Mouth by Iron and Wine

This is a gorgeously soft and romantic song and I imagined this being played as Emi and Ava began to fall in love. 

3. Dreams by Fleetwood Mac

This song reminds me of Emi's (sixth) break up with Morgan at the beginning of the novel. There's a sort of resentment for what happened but still hope for the future, and Emi is certainly looking forward in time despite struggling initially.

4. Young Volcanoes by Fall Out Boy

I love this song so much and I think it fits really well as it's about being young, wild and free and realising you have the potential to be whoever you want, which is a quality that Emi and Ava both bring out in each other.

5. Turning Tables by Adele

I feel like this song is representative of Ava's relationship with her past and her tumultuous home life. Whenever she holds something to be true, it's contradicted by a newly learned fact and that emotion is really conveyed in this song. 

6. The Ballad of Mona Lisa by Panic! At The Disco

There's a few reasons this song had to make the list. Firstly, I'd say that Mona Lisa definitely represents Morgan for Emi. She knows that she'll mess her around but there's something irresistible about her that can't keep her away. Also, there's a real story behind this song, which Emi would definitely appreciate as she sees the story in everything around her, which is a beautiful way to see the world.

7. Hooked On A Feeling by Blue Swede

There's just something really bright and happy about this song and the feeling of really falling in love without even trying really comes through. 

8. Shape of You by Ed Sheeran

This song is the right mix of a playful relationship turning serious which I think definitely fits for the book, without giving away too much. 

9. Impossible Year by Panic! At The Disco

Another Panic! song. But you can't get too much Panic! so it's okay. This song is completely sad and I'd say this probably represents the moment for Ava where she truly loses hope.

10. Empire by Shakira

This is one of my favourite songs of all times so of course it made it into the Top 10. This is a truly perfect song because it's about really seeing yourself as powerful while falling in love with that special person who makes you feel that way. 

This book is about a love for the movies and never waiting twice to seize the day. My only regret is waiting so long to actually read it! 

My Top 10 Ways To Get Out Of A Reading Slump

After reading maybe two or three books a week and finally enjoying my summer, disaster struck. I was suddenly experiencing every bookworm's worst nightmare: the reading slump. We've all been there, unread books taking over our shelves and to-be-read lists a constant reminder of all the books that demand our attention. Nevertheless, no matter how hard I tried to force myself to sit and concentrate, I couldn't get through my book for the life of me. It was insanely frustrating but a mixture of having way too many other things to do and just lacking the concentration necessary to appreciate my book made it impossible to get past chapter 2 in a whole week. So, to help myself and all other avid bookworms out there facing this so-called reader's block, I've compiled my top ten ways to combat a reading slump!

10. Read a book that doesn't require a huge amount of concentration

What tends to put me into a reading slump is lacking the ability at that moment to follow a complicated plot or a storyline with a lot of depth to it. The book series that never fails to combat this symptom of every reader's worst nightmare is The Twilight Saga by Stephenie Meyer. I know that it's faced a lot of criticism for various reasons but it will always be my go-to series. I've always found it an easy read that hasn't required too much thinking into the plot but is still really enjoyable on the whole with a dark and glamorous set of characters that really come to life through the pages. It's essential to find an easy read like this if you ever hope to drag yourself out of a reading slump.

9. Read an old favourite

So your easy read has failed to cure your reader's block? Don't fret yet there's plenty of other things to try! Turn your attention next to an old favourite of yours and you'll find yourself reading at the speed of light again in no time. For me, turning back to the Harry Potter series always reminds me why I love reading and inspires me to pick up ten other books after. Rowling's creation is so beautifully magical and vivid, you'll lose yourself instantly and fall back into the wizarding world in no time at all. It'll be like you never left! 

8. Set aside time to read

Trying to juggle a hectic schedule and still finding the time to read can be extremely difficult and failing to do so is another major reason for the common book slump. To beat this particular symptom, I would suggest setting aside as much time as you can afford to reading and sticking to it daily, no excuses! If you devote anything from 10 minutes to an hour a day at a particular time, such as before you go to sleep or during a lunch hour, you might find yourself finally starting to read more. 

7. Go on a book haul!

Perhaps all it may take to defeat your reading slump is a little book haul! You may simply need to remind yourself of the beauty of books once more and there's no better way to do that than a little trip to your local bookstore or a spot of online shopping. Some fresh additions to your shelves may make reading seem more appealing rather than forcing yourself through your reading list!

6. Visit the local library

If you're struggling through a reading slump, the best place to visit might be the library! That way you can dip in and out of any book that takes your fancy with no commitment all whilst supporting your local library service and pulling yourself out of your reader's slump. Libraries often have new releases too so perhaps that book you've been waiting for months to be released will be waiting on the shelves! 

5. Stop reading the book you're struggling with and return to it later

If your reading slump has truly defeated you this time, there's no shame in putting that particular book aside and returning to it later when you're in a better frame of mind. Perhaps you need to admit that that book isn't for you? Or maybe it is you and you simply need to find a way back into reading before you find yourself flying through books in the same way as before.

4. Try reading in a new place

Forcing yourself to read in a cluttered, stuffy room may not be the most productive way to get through a book. Perhaps reading in an over familiar spot is making reading lack the interest it once had? A change of scenery might liven up your reading experience! Try reading in a local park, on a train, in your garden or perhaps in a different room. Changing where you read may change the way you read and could be key to combating your reader's block!

3. Take a break from reading

Maybe it's time to admit that reading at this moment in time is simply not possible? That's okay, it doesn't mean you're failing as a reader! Taking a break may make your return to reading as exciting as the first time you picked up a book. You just need to take time away from reading to remind yourself once more why you love it. Don't worry, you'll probably be back into it again in no time! 

2. Try to avoid reading more than one book at a time

If you're trying to juggle multiple books along with everything else in your life, no wonder you're finding reading difficult! If you've unexpectedly hit a reading slump, it may not be so unexpected if you've got five books on the go. It might be time to drop a few and focus on one for a little while. Perhaps that would take the pressure off reading and give your mind the space to concentrate on your current read. 

1. Try reading a graphic novel

If you're finding it hard to concentrate on an 800 page hardback novel, it might be time to pick up a graphic novel or comic book. I've always found them an easy read and I tend to read them far faster than novels. Death Note is a great manga series to start with, the plot and the mystery are just a perfect mix of a crime thriller and a dark contemporary YA read.