I would honestly look within and better understand what you're looking for when reading. Are you simply looking to be entertained or something much deeper? Make it clear to yourself what you want when you read and ask yourself if the book you're looking to read would satisfy that. What are you looking for in this current moment? What need are you trying to fulfill and is this book able to do that?

I'm going through a similar problem as you at the current moment and I found that defining my purpose and reasoning for why I read and what I need/desire in this current moment made it easier to not only find books that piqued my interest, but to pick out books that I knew deep down I would see myself finishing.

But also, let yourself be curious. If the cover of a book intrigues and captivates you, pick up the book and give it a try anyways!

Thanks all - appreciate your thoughtful responses! I'll give suggestions a go over the coming weeks in the hopes of turning 2026 around this summer 🤞

I helped reboot my reading brain earlier this year by going through a few books on the Booker Prize long list. If I didn't like something, I could stop. If I did, it was a quick read and I got the feeling of getting a book under my belt.

Oh this is such a hard question. I tend to know my tastes very well and can figure out if a book is for me within the first 2 chapters. Are you able to clock that early on and put the book down or do you feel like you have to persevere once you've started? If so, I would recommend being harsh and just closing anything that isn't fully grabbing you after the first few chapters.

Another thing I like to do is research the favorite books/authors of authors I really like. Chances are you'll have somewhat similar taste to them.

When I get into a rut, I like to take a break from reading and busy myself with other things. With time you'll definitely find your way back to more fulfilling stuff! Also if you really feel like reading I second gene's comment, revisiting an old book or reading something you normally would never consider reading is a good idea too. I read some Agatha Christie for the first time last year when I was in a rut and didn't love it, but it was still an enjoyable experience reading something so different.

I hit streaks like this sometimes. I'll usually try to be a little less ambitious for a while, and return to a book or author I liked when I was younger, and wonder at what qualities lie in their writing that still grab me. Or I wonder if the answer is to release yourself from your own taste entirely; what if you tried reading a book or two really out of left field, sourced from some trustworthy randoms?

Best of luck.