One of the most frustrating yet oddly funny things about being a book lover is that sometimes… you just can’t read anything. Not because you don’t have the time (although that’s often true too), but because nothing feels right. You pick up a book you were dying to read last month and suddenly? It feels “meh.”
If that’s ever happened to you, welcome to the club—I’m a mood reader, and maybe you are too.
What Exactly Is a Mood Reader?
Simply put, a mood reader chooses what to read based on how they feel.
It’s not about the TBR pile, release dates, or what everyone else is reading. It’s about what your mind and heart need in the moment.
One day you’re craving a cozy romance to feel warm and fuzzy, and the next day you want a twisty psychological thriller to keep you on edge. You can be halfway through a historical fiction novel and suddenly switch to a memoir because, well, you’re not in the headspace for Victorian drama anymore.
I used to think this made me a “bad reader”—like I was being inconsistent or disloyal to my TBR list. But over time, I’ve learned that this is just the way I read, and honestly, it makes reading more enjoyable.
Why Mood Reading Happens
There are so many reasons we gravitate toward certain genres or stories at different times:
- Emotions: Feeling stressed? A light rom-com or fantasy might be your escape.
- Seasons: Rainy days call for mysteries. Summer feels like beach reads. December? Bring on the holiday romances.
- Life stage: Sometimes your current reality makes you lean into or run away from certain themes. I’ve postponed books with grief storylines when going through something heavy myself.
- Burnout: After reading too many serious books, your brain might scream for a quick romcom or a collection of short stories to reset.
Being a mood reader is your brain’s way of protecting your joy. It’s okay to listen.
How to Pick the Right Book at the Right Time
Here are a few tips I’ve learned to help me choose the right read when I’m unsure:
1. Check in with yourself.
Ask, “What do I need right now?”
Comfort? Escape? Laughter? Reflection?
That simple question helps me narrow things down instantly.
2. Have a flexible TBR.
I still love making TBR lists, but I treat them like suggestions, not rules. I’ll stack 4–5 options and just go with what clicks. I currently have a list of almost 50 books I plan to read because that is my reading target for this year however, I am reading the books based on my mood and I have already read a few books that were not even on that list just because….
3. Use reading prompts loosely.
If you follow a reading challenge or book club, feel free to bend the rules a bit. Choose a book that fits both your mood and the theme. Personally, I have never been able to join a book club. They have never worked for me for as I find it too restrictive, however I am beginning to slowly open my mind up to the idea of starting a book club for reading Christian fiction but not solid on the idea yet.
4. DNF without guilt.
If a book isn’t working right now, it’s okay to put it down. You might love it later—but today may not be the day. I’ve come back to books I abandoned and ended up loving them.
5. Mix up formats.
Sometimes, it’s not the book—it’s how you’re reading it. Try an audiobook for a slow-paced novel or a Kindle read for a chunky fantasy. A format switch can spark new energy.
What If You’re Not a Mood Reader?
Some people are “structured readers”—they follow lists, read in order, and stick with plans. And that’s amazing too! There’s no one right way to enjoy books.
Structured readers often read more consistently, finish what they start, and get through their TBRs quicker. If that’s you, own it!
The key is understanding your rhythm and building a reading life that brings you joy—not stress.
Final Thoughts
I’ve learned that being a mood reader isn’t a flaw—it’s a gift. It means I read books when I’m most ready to receive them. I may not always read what’s popular at the moment or follow a straight line through my shelves, but every book I finish feels like the right one.
So if you’re out there mood reading your way through life—switching genres like outfits and letting your feelings lead the way—you’re not alone. You’re in good company.
Have you figured out your reading style? Are you a mood reader like me?
Let’s chat in the comments—I’d love to hear how you choose your next read!
Copyright © Biyai Garricks
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