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32 Epic Books Guaranteed to Get You Out of Your Reading Slump in 2023
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 let me help you with really good list of books that are guaranteed to get you out of reading slump. From feel-good romantic comedies to fast-paced thrillers, you will love this list.
I really hope these books can inspire you to rediscover the joy of reading, just as they did for me.
My Top Three Book Recommendations to help You Overcome a Reading Slump
- Malibu Rising by Taylor Jenkins Reid– Fact paced historical fiction set in 24 hours.
- Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine – Addictive plot, quirky main character with a dark sense of humor.
- Born a Crime by Trevor Noah– Hilarious memoir by comedian Trevor Noah. Really entertaining.
Good Books to Get Back Into Reading
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! I also recommend Reid‘s latest novel Carrie Soto Is Back. Read All Books by Taylor Jenkins Reid to find out more about her bestselling novels.
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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 Man Called Ove is a feel-good, uplifting book about an elderly man . If want an easy-to-read funny novel with a few memorable characters, you should read this.
I also loved the book adaption of the book. So after reading the book, watch the movie and I am sure you would want to read more books again.
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America for Beginners by Leah Franqui
America for Beginners 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.
As an Indian, there are a lot of things I could relate to. The best part about the book for me was cross-cultural alliances, the bonds of family.
This fun, light-hearted novel with about three characters who manage to connect despite dealing with differences in culture, age, is a gem of a novel that will help you to start reading again.
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The Unhoneymooners by Christina Lauren
Next up is a charming romantic comedy set in an Island.
The Unhoneymooners follows Olive, who 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. There are also fun romance tropes like enemies-to-lovers or fake dating.
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People We Meet on Vacation by Emily Henry
People We Meet on Vacation 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, deeply emotional feel-good romatic comedy is probably the best fiction book to get back into reading.
Related: Dive into Full List of Emily Henry’s Books
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The Other Black Girl by Zakiya Dalila Harris
Thrillers with great plot twist is always a great books to end reading slump. These books are fast-paced and filled with secrets and unforseen developments, that I always end up reading more books.
The Other Black Girl by Zakiya Dalila Harris is one such book that follows the young editorial assistant Nella Rogers. The story chronicles the shocking turn of events after the arrival of a new employee. This propulsive thriller is great book to read immediately.
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Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck
Of Mice and Men is a heartbreaking short classic you can actually read in one sitting
It’s about two migrant workers George and Lennie and their big dream. Honestly, this was a sad story. Full of heartbreaking moments with wonderful characters.
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Later by Stephen King
Later by Stephen King is a really interesting mix of detective story and thriller. It’s a great book to read when you want to enjoy a good story and get back into reading.
We have the main character, Jamie Conklin who has a secret ability. Soon he helps a detective in New York City catch a killer. It’s a mix of thriller and horror.
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The Lost for Words Bookshop by Stephanie Butland
I picked up The Lost for Words Bookshop when I wasn’t able to read anything over a month. But then When I came across this book with charming setting and a bookworm main character, I was immediately motivated to go to the library and start reading.
We follows the main character Loveday. 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.
The Lost for Words Bookshop was an irresistible and feel-good novel that you won’t be able to put down.
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The Midnight Library by Matt Haig
The Midnight Library 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. I also think the novels about book can really help you to end your reading slumps. There is something about those stories that really motivate everyone to be a book lover.
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Nothing to See Here by Kevin Wilson
Nothing to See Here has a really unique setting. We have two little children who have the tendency to spontaneously burst into flames.
Their busy parents’ hardly have time for theme. And all of a sudden Lilian, her step-mothers, friend, becomes their caretaker. Meanwhile, she also has her own dysfunctional life to worry about. It’s darkly funny and immersive book with really good plot.
It’s also rather short book, so you can easily read in a day and 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.
My Grandmother Asked Me to Tell You She’s Sorry is 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. Clap When You Land is a story of bravery, forgiveness and sisterhood. I really enjoyed reading Acevedo’s free verse poems.
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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. I absolutely loved the combination of romance, drama and tragedy in the book.
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The Keeper of Lost Things by Ruth Hogan
The Keeper of Lost Things follows Anthony Peardew, 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.
Also, I really loved the sub-plots in the novel. It’s like each objects in the book had its own story to tell. Really gripping narrative with many great moments.
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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 was one such book. It’s easy to read, fun story with charming characters.
The book follows 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.
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.
The Bookish Life of Nina Hill is about Nina, an only child of a successful travelling photographer. She loves to spend evenings with books and trivia quiz competitions.
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Matilda by Roald Dahl
Matilda is one of the best classic book to get you out of reading slump. It’s about this little girl who is too good for the world.
She enjoys Dickens in the same way as she enjoys solving mathematical problems. An extraordinary novel that will help you start reading again.
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The Guncle by Steven Rowley
The Guncle is the story is about Patrick, a retired TV star. His life changes when his sister-in-law, pass away. Now, he has to take care of Zara’s two kids.
Patrick’s journey with the kids is funny and uplifting. The story is not heavy, so it’s easy to read and enjoy.
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The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid
The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo tells the glamorous life of fictional Hollywood star Evelyn Hugo. It’s the 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. Read my review of The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo
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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. Elin Hilderbrand is known for her light-hearted, feel good books that will instantly put you in a better mood. And 28 Summers is just that. It also explores the themes of on love, parenthood and friendship.
Related: 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.
Queenie is both humorous and heartbreaking novel. Books which have many laugh-out-loud moments will get you out of a reading rut asap.
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Red at the Bone by Jacqueline Woodson
Red At The Bone is one of the short books to get out of a reading slump.
Told from different perspectives, the novel takes us to the lives of a daughter. mother and grandparents.
Related: 32 Incredibly Short Books (Under 100 Pages)
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The Last Bookshop in London by Madeline Martin
The Last Bookshop in London is inspired by the survival story of bookshops during the Blitz.
In this inspiring work of historical fiction set in England, the narrative unfolds as Grace Bennett relocates to London with her best friend Viv. Little did they anticipate that this move would forever alter the course of their lives.
I really enjoyed reading this book!
There are many reasons to read this book. In my opinion, the best part about the book was how it tells the stories of people finding comfort in books when things are difficult.
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The Four Winds by Kristin Hannah
Kristin Hannah’s novels are truly riveting. Her captivating stories have helped me get back into reading in no time.
The Four Winds is one such book that I really enjoyed reading. It 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. This is a remarkably story about hardship, courage and a mother’s love.
Like I mentioned earlier all of Kristin Hannah’s novels are must-reads. Explore Full List of Kristin Hannah Books in Order
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Ask Again, Yes by Mary Beth Keane
Ask Again, Yes is 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.
The Hate U Give is a powerful novel that emphasizes the need to speak up about injustice. An inspirational novel to help you get out of reading rut.
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The Book of Lost Friends by Lisa Wingate
The Book of Lost Friends is 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. An amazing novel that exploring the themes of family and relationships.
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Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman
Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine is the story of a 31- year old, socially awkward office manager.
But it’s also about getting rid of your past and finding unexpected friendships.
This novel was truly remarkable. I fell in love with all the characters. I found myself captivated by the poignant narrative. If you are struggling find a good book, I definitely recommend giving this book a read.
Related: 32 Fiction Books With Female Names As Titles
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The Bookshop on the Corner by Jenny Colgan
Another bookworm novel for you if you struugle to grab a book. The Bookshop on the Corner follows Nina Redmond who is devastated to having 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. This is a beautiful story about books, country life and adventure. It’s also one of my favorite chick-lit books.
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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. Born a Crime was one of the most funniest memoirs, I have ever read. I absolutely loved his journey, his love for his mother and his family.
So another fabulous book to read that is guaranteed to push you out of your reading slumps. It’s also one of the highly popular audiobooks to listen as well.
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Conclusion:
I hope you are able to choose your next book to beat that awful reading slump. Let me remind you about my top three choices from this list.
- Malibu Rising by Taylor Jenkins Reid– Fact paced historical fiction set in 24 hours.
- Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine – Addictive plot, quirky main character with a dark sense of humor.
- Born a Crime by Trevor Noah– Hilarious memoir by comedian Trevor Noah. Really entertaining.
More Exciting Books to Read in Your Reading Slump
11 Crazy Simple Ways to Develop A Reading Habit That Stick
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21 Best Thriller Books With Shocking Plot Twists
28 Hottest Cowboy Romance Novels That Are Guaranteed To Make You Sweat
22 Funny & Lighthearted Books Guaranteed to Boost Your Mood
35 Popular Chick Lit Books That You Won’t Be Able To Put Down
24 Unputdownable Books Guaranteed To Help You Start A Reading Habit
