I think I speak on behalf of all avid readers when I say we’ve all been through that phase where reading suddenly becomes the most difficult task. Suddenly, no books are interesting, and I would rather do anything than just sit down and read. Personally, these reading slumps have lasted for months, and it’s quite difficult to get back into the swing of things once you’ve been away for so long. The only cure I have found to get myself out of a reading slump is to pick the right book. Here are some books that I honestly could not put down and helped me revive my reading mojo:
- A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder by Holly Jackson
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If you’re a crime junkie like me, this book is right up your alley. In this murder mystery, a high school student, Pip, takes it upon herself to look into a local murder. Although the town and police have already closed the case and convicted a murderer, Pip decides to take a closer look, and what she finds is literally mind-boggling. The format of this book is what makes it even more interesting as even though it is a traditional book, they also include images and case details that give us a closer look. I will say if you are working at getting back into reading, it’s probably not best to continue with the series because the second book has an extremely slow start.
- The Final Girl Support Group by Grady Hendrix
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Here’s another crime-related story because I can never put down those mysteries. The final girls are survivors of mass murder attempts who killed their murderers and avenged those who lost their lives. The final girls have gathered together to support one another in their trauma when they realize someone knows about their group and is out to get them. This story follows one particular final girl: Lynette Trakington. Closely following Lynette and her fight to survive, this book has everything from heartbreak to paranoia. And trust me, if you think you have the story figured out, you really don’t. This is a must-read that will constantly have you on the edge of your seat.
- My Policeman by Bethan Roberts
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I will be completely honest, I only read this book because Harry Styles was starring in the movie. But now I can say the book was a thousand times better than the film. This story is set in a period of extreme homophobia where being gay is considered a crime and punishable. Following three main characters, Marion, Tom and Patrick, this story is about forbidden love and wasted time. There’s a school teacher, policeman and artist who will do anything in the name of love and eventually be forced to face the consequences of a certain person’s actions. The complex story has you feeling for every character and the struggles they face due to the time period. I can’t say too much without giving away the plot; however, the utter heartbreak will have you captivated. And I just have to add, Patrick has my heart.
- Milk and Honey by Rupi Kaur
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If you’re looking for a way to get back into reading, I think poem books are a really good start. No one really does it better than Rupi Kaur. Like short stories, I find poetry books to be quick reads that will leave you thinking for hours. Looking deeper into poems has always gotten me more interested and wanting to read more of what the author has written. This is the perfect way to get back into reading as even though the readings will be short, they will still gather your attention. Milk and Honey in particular is a series of beautifully written poems expressing the struggles of immigration, mental health and womanhood. Kaur’s wording is always complex and beautiful in a way that she explains emotions that are difficult to put out into the world.
- The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas
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I read this book five years ago, and from the moment I started, I could not put the novel down. The main character, Star Carter, is an African American teenager who lives in two different worlds: a preppy high school and a rundown neighborhood. After attending a party where shots were fired, she escapes with her friend Khalil. The two are pulled over in a regular traffic stop, but things quickly turned sour when Khalil is shot after the police officer claims the hairbrush he was reaching for was a gun. This wrongful killing becomes a headlining story, and the protest begins. Now, it is up to Star to join the fight for justice or protect her identity as the only witness to the scene.
There’s so many different ways to get back into reading, but book choice is the one that really has affected me the most. These book choices are just a few that have helped me ease back into reading. For all the bookworms out there: if you really can’t get yourself reading, don’t worry. It’s just a matter of time before you find that book that you won’t be able to put down.