The Ebbs and Flows of Seasonal Reading

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If I am being honest, my reading goal is in the garbage right now. 

And if I am really being honest? This makes me feel so guilty. 

My favorite creators can read consistently throughout the year. Why can’t I? 

I always fall victim to the summer slump, and every year, spent weeks fighting it before just giving in. 

Summer makes me want to stare out my window, dip my toes in the beach water, and enjoy the weather. 

But I know I can’t be the only one to go through seasonal phases with reading. So if you feel guilty about reading less this summer, just know you’re not alone. 

Why Reading Patterns Shift 

Seasonal energy and lifestyle changes are the biggest factors to shift reading patterns. 

Work is far more stressful in the summer (interns that are somehow always my responsibility), I want to enjoy the weather more, and summer is a far more sociable season than winter. 

In winter, the days are shorter, colder, and all I want to do is curl up in bed with a good book. 

It is far more fun to escape into a book when the world outside is dreary than when the world outside is lush and full of life. 

Letting Go of Reading Guilt

Alright, say it with me: “I will read when it feels good, not when it feels like I should”.

Did you say it? 

Good. Because you should never feel guilty about not reading. 

Reading has become this trendy thing, and it’s become a numbers game of who can read the most by the end of the year. 

It’s exhausting. 

Reading is meant to be enjoyed. It is something you are supposed to do because you want to and you genuinely enjoy it. 

Making reading into something more can ruin the joy of it and make you feel like a “bad reader”. Truthfully, there is no such thing. 

So, decide with me to let go of that guilt. 

Embracing Your Natural Rhythm

If you notice patterns, embrace them. Maybe cut back on book buying in the summer since you aren’t reading as much. 

Lean into these slow seasons to explore other hobbies or lighter reads. 

Since I am not reading as much in the summer, I’ve been enjoying watching old shows I loved as a teenager, allowing myself to just stare out the window at the trees, and connecting with new and old friends. 

And most importantly, accept that reading patterns can shift and change and this is not a failure. 

It is simply part of the cycle of life. 

Practical Tips to Stay Connected 

When you know you’ll be less inclined to pick up a book, consider changing your TBR to something shorter and more flexible. 

Look specifically for short books or standalone’s, save the longer books and series for other seasons. 

Listen to audiobooks on walks or while driving and read instead in micro moments. 

Like 10 minutes before bed vs the whole afternoon. 

Final Thoughts

Seasonal reading is normal. If you have been feeling like a failure for not reading as much, you’re not. 

Reflect on your own reading seasons, which season do you tend to not read as much in? 

Or are you someone who can read consistently throughout the year? 

No matter what you take from this article, remember that reading is a lifelong journey, not a rigid schedule, or social media post, or a threshold to meet. 

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