As an avid reader and English major, I have come across a lot of amazing books, as well as a lot of terrible ones. I can understand how hard it is to read a book that youâre not intoâI have to do it all the time for my classes. But when people tell me they really just donât like to read, I call BS. In reality, itâs not that you donât like to read, itâs just that you havenât found a book worth reading. To help those who struggle to find an interesting read, here is a list of 20 novels and novellas that may change your mind:
1. “The Girl On The Train” by Paula Hawkins
If you want a short, fast-paced, very intense story, start with this one. It came out two years ago and people are still talking about how amazing it isânot to mention the movie comes out Oct. 7!
2. “Room” by Emma Donoghue
An easy read, but an emotional rollercoaster. Written for adults through a young childâs perspective, Room proves to be a different but interesting read. Although not graphically disturbing, the naivety of the narrator makes it all the more haunting.
3. “Harry Potter” Series by J.K. Rowling
If you havenât read Harry Potter yet, I donât know what youâve been doing with your life. You need to get on that. Thereâs a whole lot more happening than magic.
4. “The Hunger Games” by Suzanne Collins
A disturbing critique of our society rooted in a world without privacy and extensive exploitation, The Hunger Games not only offers entertainment for its reader, but also leaves them pondering the future of humanity. Even if youâve seen the movies, you still need to put this on your âto-readâ list.
5. “Me Before You” by Jojo Moyes
A refreshing new take on romance, Me Before You offers a unique relationship between a young woman and a quadriplegic man. Although the ending may cause some tears, it is satisfying.
6. “The Notebook” by Nicholas Sparks
99% of people have seen the movie, but have you read the book? You should, because the two are significantly different, but equally as good.
7. “A Thousand Splendid Suns” by Khaled Hosseini
A depiction of life during the Taliban in Kabul, Afghanistan, this story follows the lives of two women who unite together through common grief, loss and war. While heartbreaking and disturbing, the novel offers a startling journey through the experiences of two Afghan women.
8. “Maus: A Survivorâs Tale” by Art Spiegelman
For those of you who are more visual, this graphic novel is a must read. Based on true events, this story follows Spiegelman and his father, who tells of his experience as a Jew living in Poland during the second World Warâwith a twist.
9.”The Masked Truth” by Kelley Armstrong
Usually Iâm all for Armstrongâs horror novels, but this mystery had me hooked from the beginning. It keeps you guessing until the very end, and is a fun and easy read that will get your blood pumping.
10. “Dark Places” by Gillian Flynn
If you loved Gone Girl (book or movie), then youâre guaranteed to love this read. This novel follows Libby Day, the lone survivor of her brutally murdered family. I couldnât put this one down. (P.S. Please donât watch the movieâitâs terrible).
11. “Thirteen Reasons Why” by Jay Asher
Although aimed towards ages 9-12, this novel is quite the thriller. After a teenage girl commits suicide, she leaves thirteen tapes for thirteen different people explaining how they played a part in her death. A short book and an easy readâperfect for those who claim they donât like to read, or just donât have much time to do so.
12. “The Crossfire Series” by Sylvia Day
For all you Fifty Shades fans, this series will knock your panties off. Not only is this series even more erotic, both characters go through an extensive journey of self-worth and love. Not only are the sex scenes phenomenal (and maybe a bit excessive), but the plot is equally as intriguingâunlike Fifty Shades of Grey (sorry, ladies).
13. “The Fifth Wave” by Rick Yancey
A bit of a longer read, this novel focuses on a teenage girl and her fight to save her brother during an alien invasion (with a lot of conspiracies involved, of course). If you like apocalyptic, end-of-the-world stories, this is a must read.
14. “Miss Peregrineâs Home For Peculiar Children” by Ransom Riggs
While most people think this novel is geared towards a younger audience, theyâre completely wrong. From the very beginning, there is violence, blood, and haunting figures. If youâre looking for something to raise the hairs on your neck, this is definitely a go-to. (Also, the movie comes out September 30th!)
15. “Flowers in the Attic” by V.C. Andrews
This series is notoriously messed up, but itâs so, so good. The story follows four children who are locked away in their grandmotherâs attic when their father is killed in an accident, and their mother is forced to move back into her parentâs house. Heartbreaking and haunting, these books show how dark human nature can get.
16. “Blue Bloods Series” by Melissa De La Cruz
Yes, these books are about vampires, but no, they donât sparkle. For those of you part of the vampire craze, these novels will pull you into their complex and different twist on the bloodsuckers we know today. Itâs basically Mean Girls with fangs, and a way more complicated plot.
17. “Game of Thrones” by George R. R. Martin
Although notorious for their thickness, Game of Thrones is still an absolute must read. I know as student nobodyâs got time for that, but at some point in your life, make sure to cross it off your reading list.
18. “1984” by George Orwell
Big Brother is watching youâso you better read this.
19. To Kill A Mockingbird by Harper Lee
It’s the classic of classics. Everyone needs to read this book at some point; and if you read it for school back in elementary school, read it again now. Youâll be surprised how much more meaning you get from it the second time âround.
20. Â “A Monster Calls by Patrick Ness” (Inspired by an idea from Siobhan Dowd & illustrated by Jim Kay)
If you choose to read this book, make sure to get the edition from the picture below. The illustrations just add to the haunting tone of the story.