Ep 284: How to Beat Reader Burnout

January 18, 2026January 18, 2026 Becky

On this episode of Buzzing About Romance, Amanda, Jenni, and Leah join Becky for some real talk about reader burnout—when reading starts to feel like homework and the joy quietly slips away. We’re breaking down why it’s happening and sharing practical ways to fall back in love with books again.

Discussion Points:

The Pressure to Read “Right”
Algorithms, buddy reads, challenges, ARCs, BookTok hype—reading stopped being escapism and started feeling like unpaid homework. If you’re reading to keep up instead of to enjoy, burnout isn’t a bug. It’s the feature.
Overconsumption & Same-y Stories
Too many books, too fast, same tropes, same beats. When everything blends together, your brain checks out. This isn’t you being “picky”—it’s fatigue from sameness.
Life Is Heavy (And Reading Feels Like Work)
We’re tired. Mentally. Emotionally. Capital-T Tired. When your nervous system is fried, focusing on a 400-page emotional arc can feel impossible—even if you love reading.
Hobby vs. Content Machine
For reviewers, influencers, podcasters, and ARC readers: when reading becomes output-driven, joy is the first casualty. Burnout happens when the hobby forgets it’s supposed to be… fun.