University of Kwazulu-Natal

30 Brilliant Books To Help You Get Back Into Reading

Bonisiwe Shabane
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30 brilliant books to help you get back into reading

You remember what it felt like to fall into a book and not surface for hours. Books to get back into reading bring that feeling back. The kind of stories that draw you in from the first line and make every page feel like time well spent, that is exactly why this list is for. What follows next are not just good books but the entry points, the books to end a reading slump. They are the kind of stories that slip past your defenses and bring you back to start reading books again. The Book Thief does it with quiet heartbreak.

The Alchemist does it with strange wisdom that lingers. Never Let Me Go does it with a soft sorrow that you never quite shake off. None of them demands more than your attention, and they earn it quickly. You do not need a reading plan or a five-year goal. You just need one story that makes you stay up a little too late. One book that reminds you why words matter.

That is where we start, not with pressure, but with wonder. These are the books to get back into reading, the ones that do not let go. Books like The Book Thief, The Alchemist, and Never Let Me Go do not beg for your attention. They earn it quietly and fully, and are the best books to end a reading slump. They meet you exactly where you are and pull you back into the story and make you start reading books again because they refuse to let go until you do. These are the books that linger.

They make you feel, think, and pause. If you’ve lost interest in reading, these stories have the emotional depth and narrative pull to draw you back slowly, powerfully, and lastingly. One of my favorite things in the world is hearing from people that have rediscovered a love of reading after years without picking up a book or who NEVER enjoyed reading growing up and... But in either scenario, the trick is a really good book that makes you want to shirk all your responsibilities and just live inside the world of that book for a little bit longer! If you’re looking for a great book to kickstart your reading life, I’ve picked a few favorites in a whole bunch of categories, from romances to non-fiction to historical fiction to graphic novels. No matter which category speaks to you, I hope you’ll find just the right book to help you get lost in the world of reading!

The Accidental Beauty Queen by Terri Wilson Charlotte is a school librarian and happy to spend her life buried in a book. Her twin sister, though, has spent her life chasing beauty pageant crowns and now is competing for Miss American Treasure. Except, the night before the pageant begins, Ginny has a horrible allergic reaction and begs Charlotte to take her place until Ginny is well enough to step back in. But even though they look alike, Charlotte and Ginny are wildly different – is there any way they can pull off a con at this level? I read this last summer and blew through it in a day – it was just so so delightful. It’s also squeaky clean!

(Full review here) Receive giveaways, book announcements and curated reading lists directly in your inbox. Harper Lee's Pulitzer Prize-winning masterwork of honor and injustice in the deep South—and the heroism of one man in the face of blind and violent hatred. One of the most cherished stories of all time, To Kill a Mockingbird has been translated into more than forty languages, sold more than forty million copies worldwide, served as the basis for an... A gripping, heart-wrenching, and wholly remarkable tale of coming-of-age in a South poisoned by virulent prejudice, it views a world of great beauty and savage inequities through the eyes of a young girl, as... The "brilliant, funny, meaningful novel" (The New Yorker) that established J.

D. Salinger as a leading voice in American literature--and that has instilled in millions of readers around the world a lifelong love of books. "If you really want to hear about it, the first thing you'll probably want to know is where I was born, and what my lousy childhood was like, and how my parents were occupied... Growing up, picking up a book — whether fiction or non-fiction — sounded (and was) fucking miserable. No matter what fantasy world I tried to emerge into or what significant topic I attempted to educate myself on, finding enjoyment in the pastime was remarkably lacking. Reading seemed like a total waste of time — or so I thought.

That was before I got off my high horse and embraced the wellness habit that so many people (annoyingly) vouched for. Reading is acknowledged as one of those timeless pleasures that many of us aspire to make a regular habit but often struggle to absorb into our busy lives. If you’re looking to develop a reading habit or reignite your love for books, you’re in the right place. I was never an avid reader, far from a bookworm. However, over the years, by discovering the right way to start the habit — taking it slow and steady, I began to understand the annoying addiction. Or as Rihanna might say — I found love in a hopeless place.

Welcome back. Just a moment while we sign you in to your Goodreads account. Nearly ten years ago I set myself the task of reading a book a week for a year. It was one of the most fulfilling challenges I’ve ever set myself, and if you’ve been reading my blog for awhile you’ll remember the reviews! I’ve always been a strong and cheery reader; books are where I go to learn, escape, explore, enjoy, and become more of who I really am. Bookshops are my happy place.

But during the pandemic, I noticed that my reading significantly declined. This was partly due to stress, partly due to needing reading glasses and not realising it, and partly due to this shiny little distraction called a “smart phone” (don’t know if you’re familiar with... Two years ago I finally declared, “no more!” and earnestly began to pick up more books instead of my phone. I’m not reading a book a week, more like 2 - 3 a month, but this feels good, and I’ve continued well into this year, both fiction and non-fiction. I have a few habits that really help me to read more, and I’ll share those tips another time. But a big one is choosing books that are highly readable.

This might sound obvious, but some of my favourite books weren’t the easiest to get through. But when one is trying to get back into the habit of reading more, I think making it easy and joyful is a smart way to begin! Disclosure: Some links on this page are affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate and Bookshop.org affiliate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more. Getting back into reading can feel like restarting a long-lost habit — exciting but intimidating.

Whether you’ve been away from books for months or years, the key is to start with stories that immediately pull you in and remind you why you loved reading in the first place. The books below are carefully selected for their readability, momentum, and emotional punch. They’re the kind of stories that make you forget you’re even reading. Once you finish one, you’ll want to keep the streak going.aragraphs What if you could undo every regret and live all the lives you never chose? The Midnight Library is a mesmerizing dive into possibility, self-worth, and the meaning of life.

The chapters are short and emotionally gripping — perfect for someone trying to fall back in love with books. Haig’s writing is accessible and heartfelt, blending emotional insight with a touch of fantasy. It’s ideal for readers who want depth without heaviness, and will leave you thinking long after the last page. Eleanor is awkward, routine-driven, and secretly very lonely — until a random act of kindness begins to unravel her walls. This novel balances humor and heartbreak with remarkable grace, making it an easy but emotionally rewarding read. The writing flows smoothly, and Eleanor’s unique voice keeps the pages turning.

For readers looking to ease back into fiction with a character you’ll root for, this is a top pick. We’ve all experienced it, the reading slump! But here are the best books to get back into reading. Because, try as you may, you can’t find a good book to keep your interest, and you desperately want one. To begin with, scan your list of books, wondering why any of these books are on your list. You want a new book, but it must be the right book.

Getting out of a reading rut can be tough, but you will get back your love of reading. Trying to get back into the reading habit can be challenging, but it can be accomplished with a few simple tips and an excellent list of book recommendations. Note: This post may contain affiliate links. By clicking on them and purchasing products through our links, we receive a small commission without additional costs to you. That’s what helps fund PrincetonBookReview.com so we can continue to help you find your next read. We truly appreciate it!

This past week we had a question from a friend asking for some book recommendations. She had gone “off the reading path” so to speak and needed a recommendation for the best book to get her excited about reading again. These are 14 of the best books to get you back into reading. We had some criteria for books to make it on this list. We did not want anything too heavy. If you haven’t read a book in a while, the last thing you need is something that will weigh you down.

But, the book also needed substance. They all have great characters, great stories, and will keep you reading from the first page to the last. So look no further for books to get you back into reading, these ones are all perfect picks! *This books to get back into reading post contains affiliate links. Purchases made through links will result in a small commission to us at no cost to you. I have to say that I think this feel-good book was my favorite pick of 2022.

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You remember what it felt like to fall into a book and not surface for hours. Books to get back into reading bring that feeling back. The kind of stories that draw you in from the first line and make every page feel like time well spent, that is exactly why this list is for. What follows next are not just good books but the entry points, the books to end a reading slump. They are the kind of stori...

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They make you feel, think, and pause. If you’ve lost interest in reading, these stories have the emotional depth and narrative pull to draw you back slowly, powerfully, and lastingly. One of my favorite things in the world is hearing from people that have rediscovered a love of reading after years without picking up a book or who NEVER enjoyed reading growing up and... But in either scenario, the ...

The Accidental Beauty Queen By Terri Wilson Charlotte Is A

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