31 Epic Books Guaranteed to Get You Out of Your Reading Slump in 2022

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Good books to get back into reading

You’re here because you are looking for books to get you out of a reading slump!

The worst part about being in a reading slump is that you don’t feel like calling yourself a bookworm.

Maybe you have a hundred books in your TBR but you don’t really feel like reading.

It’s not the book, I am afraid…it’s your reading slump.  

So what is a reading slump?

To put it simply it’s the situation when you don’t feel like to read. You might find yourself having no interest in reading all of a sudden.

What are the best books to end reading slumps?

Perhaps spend hours in the bookstore or watch booktubers talking about their favourite books? Of course, you can try those…

But I recommend choosing the list of books from the list below which are guaranteed to get you out of a reading slump

These moderately short books that can help you get back into reading in no time

From John Steinbeck’s epic classic novel to legendary novelist Stephen King’s new novel, all well-written books to help you to prevent reading slumps in the future too

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More exciting books to get out of reading slumps

Malibu Rising by Taylor Jenkins Reid

Set in 1980s Malibu, the story revolves around the annual summer party of the prominent  Riva siblings- Nina, Jay, Hud, and Kit.

But the story shifts between the 1950s and 1980s, between the history of their parents’ relationship and the lives of each Riva sibling.

If you’re looking for easy to read, fast-paced novel to break your reading slump, I highly recommend Malibu Rising!

Taylor Jenkins Reid is known for her bestselling books, find all her books in this post-> All Books by Taylor Jenkins Reid ( in order )

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A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman

Set in Sweden, the story follows a curmudgeon, Ove. He is grumpy and often irritated with his neighbours. Others  call him “the bitter neighbour from hell.” But he has a heart whelming past.

When a new family moves in next door, everything is about to change in Ove’s life.

A feel-good novel that can motivate you to get start reading again.

But here’s the kicker!

TOM HANKS is starring the as Ove/Otto in the Hollywood adaptation!! I SERIOUSLY can’t wait! Get all the details here-> A Man Called Otto

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America for Beginners by Leah Franqui

A humorous tale that explores the themes of family, immigration and the great American dream. 

There are a few main characters in the novel- a widow from Kolkata, Pival Sengupta who is preparing for her American journey. There is the owner of a tour company, Ronnie Munshi, a Bangladeshi. And Rebecca Elliot, a young actress turned tour guide.

With easy to love characters and countless laugh out loud moments, Leah Franqui’s debut novel is a fun, light-hearted novel that you’ll love to read.

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The Unhoneymooners by Christina Lauren

A delightful romantic novel filled with fun and romance. 

Olive has always considered herself unlucky throughout her whole life.  However, after the unexpected food poisoning at her sister’s wedding, she is forced to travel with Ethan to an exotic destination.

This vivid and tropical love story is one of the best romance books to get you out of a reading slump.

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People We Meet on Vacation by Emily Henry

This sparkling adorable novel is about two polar opposite best friends- Alex and Poppy. 

Best pals from college, always take a summer vacation together. However, they haven’t talked for years now. When Poppy suggests one last trip to save their friendship, Alex agrees.  The story takes us to both their present and past summer trips.

This gorgeous feel-good romatic comedy is probably the best fiction book to get back into reading.

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The Other Black Girl by Zakiya Dalila Harris

This twisty dynamic thriller follows Nella Rogers, an editorial assistant at Wagner Books. The only black girl at the office.

Her initial enthusiasm to bring diversity and change at her workplace was lessened once she realized her efforts are going nowhere. However, when the firm hired Hazel, she is delighted to meet another black girl; But soon the acquaintance turns to jealousy. 

This psychological thriller about a modern-day girl can really help you to get on track with your reading.

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Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck

Published in 1937, Of Mice and Men follows two migrant workers George and Lennie. George is smart and uneducated while Lennie is mentally disabled but muscular. 

As Depression hits the state, both move from place to place in search of jobs. Amidst the hardships, they always dream of owning a large farm and living a glorious life.

A gripping short classic you can actually read in one sitting . So it makes perfect sense to include in the list of books to beat the reading slump.

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Later by Stephen King 

 The legendary storyteller Stephen King’s new novel follows Jamie Conklin, the son of a literary agent.

He is smart, emotional and can see dead people. However, it’s not at all like the movie ‘Sixth Sense’. Later, Jamie is involved in a criminal investigation with an NYPD detective.

A powerfully haunting novel that to read immediately.

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Lost For Words by Stephanie Butland 

This sweet tale of a bookworm is just what you need to overcome reading slump.

A charming novel that’s set in a second-hand bookshop in York. The main character Loveday is a bookworm. Books mean so much more to her than people. She has been working at the same bookshop for years. It’s through books that she avoids the memories of a traumatic childhood.

An Irresistible and feel-good novel that you won’t be able to put down. 

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✅  You’ll love this22 Funny & Lighthearted Books Guaranteed to Boost Your Mood

The Midnight Library by Matt Haig

Matt Haig’s new novel follows Nora Seed who feels the world doesn’t need her.

When she tries to commit suicide she ends up in a space between life and death, the midnight library. She gets a rare opportunity to take alternative paths from her own life and see how life would have been.

An extraordinary novel that reminds us to embrace life, including failures and regrets.

Best novels about book can really help you to end your reading slumps and start loving novel once more.

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Nothing to See Here by Kevin Wilson

This is about two little children who occasionally burst into fire.

Yes, actual fire. It’s not harmful to them. Despite this bizarre nature, they are not taken care of the way they are supposed to. Their busy father keeps them away from the family, And the mother is pretty much out of the picture.

The story mostly explains how their mother’s high school friend Lilian, becomes their caretaker. Meanwhile, she also has her own dysfunctional life to worry about.

Grab this book immediately if you want to break your book slump.

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My Grandmother Asked Me to Tell You She’s Sorry by Fredrik Backman

In this list of best books to get back into reading, find yet another heart-warming novel that follows Elsa, a seven-year-old girl who is a little wild and has no friends at school.

She finds solace in her grandmother’s stories; tales in which everyone is unusual.  But when the grandmother dies, Elsa is left with a series of letters written by her grandmother, apologising to people.

A touching tale of faith, forgiveness and relationships. 

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Clap When You Land by Elizabeth Acevedo 

New York Times bestselling author Elizabeth Acevedo writes about two half-sisters- Camino and Yahaira who never knew about each other until their father’s death. A story of bravery, forgiveness and sisterhood to read.

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The Lost and Found Bookshop by Susan Wiggs

Natalie Harper is about to leave her job and moves to San Francisco to take over her mother’s bookshop.

But what awaits her arrival is her ailing grandfather and a lot of debt that her mother left behind.  “The Lost and Found Bookshop” is a deeply moving family saga to break your reading slump. 

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The Keeper of Lost Things by Ruth Hogan

Anthony Peardew is a rescuer of unusual and interesting things. 

Once picked up, he writes down from when and where it collected them along with sweet little anecdotes about the items. But when he dies, the assistant, Laura, takes on the duty to find the owners of each item.

A beautifully narrated novel with plenty of lovable characters. If you’re looking for good books to get back into reading, The Keeper of Lost Things is a great choice.

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Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell 

Whenever I am in a reading slump, I look for a cozy young adult novels memorable characters.

And Fangirl is one of those books. This is an endearing story of twins Cath & Wren and their adventures at college. The story focuses on introverted Cath who loves the fictional world of Simon Snow. Any fanfiction lover can easily relate to Cath and her college life.

A great read for fanfiction lovers. 

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The Stationery Shop by Marjan Kamali

Set in two timelines, The Stationery Shop tells the story of Roya, a bookworm teenager living in Tehran.

Being constantly amid political upheaval she finds solace in Mr Fakhri’s stationery shop.  Which is where she falls in love with Bahman, an idealist.  The unexpected political upheaval changes their destiny forever. A charming story, as beautiful as its cover that will hook you from the first page.

Historical fiction novels have always helped me to get me back into reading. The feeling of getting transported into a whole new world is such a thrilling experience.

If you love reading historical fiction books, find more books in this post -> 33 Historical Fiction You’ll Regret Not Carrying in Your Beach Bag

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The Bookish Life of Nina Hill by Abbi Waxman 

When it comes to breaking the reading slump, finding the right book is the key. Which is why I’ve included this poignant novel about a bookworm.

Nina works at the bookstore and is the only child of a successful travelling photographer. She  Often spends evenings with books and trivia quiz competitions. 

However, when she learns that her father had passed away, the one she never knew existed,  it shocks her. 

Now she has a lot more relatives than she can count. An extremely funny and emotive novel to read. 

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Matilda by Roald Dahl 

The story of a little girl who is too good for the world. One of the world’s bestselling authors introduces you to the lovely Matilda.

She enjoys Dickens in the same way as she enjoys solving mathematical problems. 

Explore this extraordinary tale to overcome your reading rut.

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The Guncle by Steven Rowley

Guncle is a hilarious tale of a retired sitcom star, Patrick.

After losing the love of his love to a car accident, he leads an isolated life with occasional socialising. When he learns that his best friend and brother’s wife, Zara, passed away, he is forced to bring her two little kids to his house. After all how hard that can be to look after two kids!

An endearing novel that’s perfect to get you back on track with reading.

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The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid

The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo is compelling and sympathetic and sometimes between the two.

This historical fiction tells the glamorous life of fictional Hollywood star Evelyn Hugo. Story of an ambitious woman who always dreamed of becoming a Hollywood icon.

An alluring tale great to read while you’re in the reading slump.

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You’ll love this post: 16 Books Like The Seven Husbands Of Evelyn Hugo

28 Summers by Elin Hilderbrand

Based on the classic film Same Time Next Year, 28 Summers, tells the story of Mallory and  Jake.

Even since their first meeting on the labour day weekend, they continue to spend summer weekends together regardless of their relationship status. And they keep this habit for 28 years. 

28 Summers is a captivating novel on love, parenthood and friendship. 

Want to have some fun reading challenge to prevent reading rut? Check this post 18 Captivating Books With Numbers In The Title

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Queenie by Candice Carty-Williams

Queenie Jenkins is a Jamaican Brit from London.

She has just broken up from her long-term white boyfriend and has been struggling with anxiety and self-doubt.

Now she finally decides to find her purpose in life. Candice Carty-Williams’ debut novel is an honest portal of a modern-day Jamaican Brit.

It’s both humorous and heartbreaking. Books which have many laugh-out-loud moments will get you out of a reading rut in no time.

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Red at the Bone by Jacqueline Woodson

This New York Times bestseller follows Melody.

When she wears a custom-made dress during her coming of age ceremony, there is tension among the family members. This is the very dress Melody’s mother was supposed to wear during her special day, but never took place. 

Told from different perspectives, the novel takes us to the lives of her mother and grandparents.

Red At The Bone is one of the short books to get out of a reading slump.

Love short books? Find more 32 Incredibly Short Books (Under 100 Pages) That You Can Read in One Sitting

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The Last Bookshop in London by Madeline Martin

Inspired by the survival story of bookshops during the Blitz, “The Last Bookshop in London” is an enduring story of love and literature. 

When Grace Bennett moved to London with her best friend Viv, little did they know that their life would never be the same. Soon after Grace finds a job in a bookstore even though she has never read a book in her life.

But when the war is announced she discovers a sudden urge to immerse herself in literature and serve the country along the way. 

Unlike other books in the list, this book can not only help you to get out of reading slump but also can make you a bookworm, Ah, my favroite kind of books!!!

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You’ll love this list – Compelling Historical Fictions Set In England

The Four Winds by Kristin Hannah 

The story follows Elsa Wolcott who marries Rafe Martinelli after getting pregnant with his child.

Soon she is abandoned by her own family as they didn’t approve of Martinellis. Shortly, Elsa finds a new home with her husband and family; However, when the severe drought hits the farm, she is forced to leave her beloved farm with her children. 

The story of a helpless family that tries to survive in the great depression. 

This book made me a Kristin Hannah Fan! She always writes heartwrenching novels. Find Full List of Kristin Hannah Books in Order !

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✅ Check this out, – 10 books like The Four Winds

Ask Again, Yes by Mary Beth Keane

An extremely emotional tale that follows two neighbouring families, NYPD cops – Francis Gleeson and Brian Stanhope.

Both have their own individual family struggles.

For Francis, it is his wife’s loneliness while Brian deals with his wife’s mental health issues. Amidst all this, their children grow close and develop a lifelong affection towards each other.  

This multigenerational family drama is an enthralling book that will help you with your reading slump.

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The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas

Probably one of the best books that explain “the black lives matter movement”. Star Carter, a sixteen-year-old, understands the realities of living in a poor neighbourhood.

Later when her dearest childhood friend is murdered everything changes for her forever.

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The Book of Lost Friends by Lisa Wingate

This New York Times bestseller is a heart-breaking story inspired by real advertisements from the 1800s by newly freed slaves in search of the family.

Set between 1875 and 1987, the story follows former slaves  Hannie,  Lavinia, and Juneau Jane.

A remarkable tale about family and relationships that can motivate you to start reading again.  

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Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman

31- year Eleanor Oliphant loves almost everything except talking to people.

She has been working as an office manager for years and has spent every weekend treating herself with frozen pizza, vodka and chatting with mom. 

But at times she finds herself lost and confused. She can’t get rid of her haunting past.

An astounding novel with quirky and memorable characters worth reading.

Another fun reading challenge for you- Read books with female name as titles, just like Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine.

Read this post 32 Fiction Books With Female Names As Titles

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The Bookshop on the Corner  by Jenny Colgan 

Nina Redmond is devastated to know that she lost her beloved job at the library. 

She always loved to match the book with the reader, that’s why the job was a dream come true. Nevertheless, Nina is determined to start all over again. She buys a new van and moves to a quiet village in Scotland. 

A beautiful story about books, country life and adventure to help you get back into your reading. 

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Born a Crime by Trevor Noah

An exceptional autobiography of the comedian Trevor Noah narrates the horrific injustices and growing up in South Africa.

Despite the significant discussions like Colonialism and apartheid, Noah entertains readers with laughs out moments of his life. 

I have enjoyed reading this book when I was in a reading slump.

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That was the list of best books to get you out of reading slump.

By the way if you’re someone who wants to start a reading habit, here are best books to read: 24 Unputdownable Books Guaranteed To Help You Start A Reading Habit

Time for your action

When was the last time you were in a reading slump? What did you do to get over it?

Let me know in the comments!

Always curious to hear from you,

Regards,

Stephy

More exciting books to read in your reading slump

Stephy George
Stephy George

Hi I am Stephy ! I became a bookworm in my late twenties. So I created this little corner of books online to share my love of reading with YOU! I want to help you find the best books to read so you won’t ever have to worry about your next read!

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