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24 Best Books to Start Reading Habit For Adults
Do you often struggle to start a good book and develop a habit of reading?
You’re not alone. As someone who has been there for years, I know how difficult it is to form a love for reading.
But guess what, I am here to help you find the best books to kick start the reading habit. The good news is that there are many ways to find the perfect book that will make you fall in love with reading.
One of the best ways that has helped form a lasting reading habit is to stop focusing on the popular books on social media. Instead, look for the books that you feel like to read. Maybe short stories or even a classic novel.
Just because everyone is reading Paulo Coelho’s the Alchemist or F. Scott Fitzgerald’s Great Gatsby, you don’t have to read these popular books.
Focus on reading the right book that you have interest in.
As new readers , it’s important to begin to incorporate good habits that will allow you to dedicate specific reading time.
To create good habit, I suggest you read Atomic Habits by James Clear. It’s one of the great books to help you form habits and a great resource during your reading journey.
Also whenever you get free time, create reading lists or visit the local library to find more books. Or even consider joining a book club, if you’ve got time during the busy schedule
Before we begin the list of best books for habit of reading, I want to quickly suggest the my top three books that have helped me start a good reading habit
- Harry Potter series
- Children’s literature such as The Secret Garden
- Chick lit books, British authors like Sophine Kinsella or Carole Matthews
So, let’s get started with the blog post of 24 best books to start reading habits that are suitable for beginner adult readers.
Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus
This is one of those stories that are ceaselessly funny and yet successfully deliver a social message.
Lessons in Chemistry is a darkly funny and irresistible novel that you should start reading immediately if you want to jumpstart your reading habit. The book revolves around a 30-year-old single mother, Elizabeth, who is now a cooking show host. But her not-so-ordinary past is what makes the story interesting. Elizabeth used to be a scientist in times when women in lab coats were looked down upon as incapable of the profession.
Elizabeth aspires to change the perspective of her household women audience with her peculiarly inspiring style of hosting. How she turns challenges into opportunities and wins in life is for you to discover in this book.
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Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens
Little Kya is abandoned by her family, one by one, the last one being her father, who before disappearing teaches her to fish and introduces her to the marshes.
After she’s left all alone at a very young age, Kya learns the ways of nature—her only guardian and her only teacher. Alienated from and despised by the townspeople, reclusive Kya lives in the isolated North Carolina marshlands.
But true to her nature as a human being, Kya craves companionship and a human touch too.
The story takes a fateful turn when a local bigshot who establishes a relationship with Kya and later breaks the promise of marriage, is found dead.
Where the Crawdads Sing is one of the best novels that will encourage you to become an avid reader. For more books similar to Where the Crawdads Sing, read this post- 26 Unputdownable Books Like “Where The Crawdads Sing”
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Malibu Rising by Taylor Jenkins Reid
Set in 1983, Malibu Rising follows the four famous Riva siblings and the events that occur during their glorious summer party over one night.
Nina Riva, the eldest of the four, is a surfer and supermodel who is also the host of the summer party. However, Nina has never enjoyed fame nor has been an attention seeker. When her well-known tennis player husband leaves her for his lover, she longs for a life of solitude. Meanwhile, the inseparable Riva brothers are also on the verge of breaking down as one of them is yet to confess the truth.
Malibu Rising is fast-paced and fairly easy to read, so this book can greatly help you create a new habit of reading. You can find The Complete Book List of Taylor Jenkins Reid ( in order )
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A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman
Swedish author Fredrik Backman’s first novel follows a curmudgeon named Ove, who lives a rather lonely life in his suburban townhouse.
Ove lives by his own rules. He never smiles and always speaks his mind. He posts warning signs and makes sure to bang your car window if you are parked in the forbidden area. Because of all these, he is known as “the bitter neighbour from hell”.
Things begin to change when a noisy family moves in next door. Although both didn’t have a good start, slowly Ove begins to connect with the neighbors.
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People We Meet on Vacation by Emily Henry
When it comes to choosing beginners’ books to read to start a reading habit, it’s important that you choose books that are funny and lighthearted books packed with witty banter.
Author Emily Henry is known for such writing style which is why I think Henry’s 2021 novel People We Meet on Vacation would make a great book to read for beginners.
Poppy and Alex couldn’t be more different. While he likes to stay at home and read, she loves to explore the world. Yet they had formed a close friendship since college and every summer the two of them took the most amazing vacation together.
However, it’s not the case anymore as they have drifted apart after a horrible incident. Now Poppy thinks it’s time for a memorable summer trip together to celebrate old times. As they prepare to take one last trip together, will they be able to bring back their old friendship?
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Part of Your World by Abby Jimenez
New York Times bestselling author of ‘Life’s Too Short’ is back with another charming story about an unlikely romance between two complete opposites. This feel-good romantic comedy book is a great story for adults.
Alexis Montgomery is an ER doctor from a family of renowned surgeons. Although she is well aware of the responsibility of carrying her family legacy, she isn’t the least bothered by it. Yet, when her accidental relationship with the hot carpenter takes an unexpected turn, she is unable to choose between family responsibility and the love of her life. Part of Your World is a beautifully written, quick romance novel that will take you on an emotional roller coaster.
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We Were Liars by E. Lockhart
We Were Liars follows the wealthy Sinclair family, who spend their summer on their private island.
Cadence, the eldest granddaughter and the narrator of the novel, suffered a head injury during one of the summer holidays but is unable to recall the events after the incident.
The next summer, she realizes that her family is hiding things from her and that her friends are no longer close as they used to be. If you have taken a long break from your reading habit or if you were in a reading slump, it’s always best to choose books that are fast-paced and utterly absorbing. We Were Liars is an easy-to-follow mystery thriller and is a brilliant book to start a reading habit or get back into the habit of reading right away.
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Stephanie Plum Series by Janet Evanovich
Another cozy mystery that promises a great reading experience. Stephanie Plum Series follows Stephanie Plum who has no job or money. So she decides to persuade her cousin to help her become a bounty hunter. And that’s how without any experience or knowledge Stephanie starts her journey into the world of fugitives. In these realistic and funny popular chick-lit books, we get to follow Stephanie as she tries to solve the mystery.
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The Shopaholic Series by Sophie Kinsella
Sophie Kinsella’s popular Shopaholic series follows Rebeca, an idealistic but hard-working journalist who loves shopping up to an extent that she is in a lot of debt because of her shopping adventures. Each book in the series focuses on the problems in Rebeca’s personal and professional life, as she tries hard to get out of them one by one. There are ten books in The Shopaholic Series, all of which are simple and entertaining for adults. Explore Complete Sophie Kinsella books in order.
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The Flatshare by Beth O’Leary
British author Beth O’Leary’s bestselling novel Flatshare is a feel-good romance novel that tells the story of Leon and Tiffy.
They live in the same flat and even share the same bed, but they have never met each other. Leon works at night so Tiffy occupies the flat during that time. While Leon comes back from work Tiffy leaves for her job.
The only medium of communication is through post-it notes. However, when they meet accidentally, they begin to wonder whether they have more in common than they had imagined. Flatshare is a charming novel that you should add to the list of books to start your reading habit.
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Born a Crime by Trevor Noah
Comedian Trevor Noah narrates what it takes to grow up as a child of a Swiss father and an African mother in Apartheid, South Africa.
Being an interracial child means his birth was a crime since such relationship between two races was not allowed at that time. Because of this Noah mostly had to be indoors during his childhood days.
The book also highlights the life of his mother and his relationship with other members of his family. He also offers insight into how he struggles to find his own identity as a mixed-race child. Issues like apartheid, colonialism, and education are also discussed in the book. Noah effortlessly changes the tone of the book from serious to comedy, which makes this memoir an unputdownable book. I highly recommend you listen to the audioversion of the book!
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Heartstopper by Alice Oseman
Alice Oseman’s graphic novel follows the teenage boy Charlie Spring, an openly gay overthinker.
When he meets the charming Nick Nelson they form an unlikely friendship.
Although they both attend the British all-boys grammar school, their paths have never crossed. As they begin to spend more time together Charlie grows fond of Nick, even though he is not sure whether the feeling is mutual. Explore Alice Oseman’s Heartstopper Book Series in Order
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Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman
Gail Honeyman’s debut novel tells us the story of Eleanor Oliphant, who is socially awkward, and yet remarkably bold and candid in her manners.
Despite being a social misfit, our lonely protagonist, with casual carelessness, asserts her claim as being ‘completely fine’ time and again.
One would even have granted her the claim if her problematic past hadn’t started showing up as the story unfolds. Soon, her obsession with a local singer compels her to change her ways but only end in disappointment. She becomes friends with the IT guy Raymond who helps her navigate through these times and serves as a catalyst to bring forth her past to the readers. The novel is not a cocktail of just despair and darkness but a wholesome amalgamation of sad, funny, and hope which is why this is a great book for adults who are trying to start a reading habit
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The Hate You Give by Angie Thomas
This Young-Adult bestseller revolves around Starr Carter, a high-school goer black girl.
Starr lives in a gang-dominated black neighborhood. Her life is upended after a white police officer shoots dead her childhood best friend Khalil following a shooting incident at a party. A narrative is built against Khalil in popular media favoring the white officer.
Starr is the only eyewitness to her friend’s murder and has to go against systematic hate and prejudices to secure justice for Khalil.
Things get trickier when the local gang boss King creates trouble and Starr has to stand up not just against the malice of society but also against King Lords. Against all odds, Starr brings the neighborhood together and helps justice prevail. Along this extraordinary journey, the reader experiences a plethora of emotions. The Hate You Give is guaranteed to help start a reading habit for adults.
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Bookish Life of Nina Hill by Abbi Waxman
Next in the list of books to start reading habit for adults comes a quirky and charming tale of an introvert.
Nina Hill is a bookworm working at a bookstore and is quite happy in the bubble of her bookish world (to the degree that she dreads any change in her comfortable niche). Nina has only her single mother as family and to keep herself socially engaged she actively participates in book clubs and trivia.
Her life takes a sharp turn when her father’s identity is revealed to her after his death and to her utmost horror, he leaves behind an elaborate extended family for her to encounter.
To sweeten things up, Nina also has a sweet suitor from her trivia club to tackle. Every bookworm is sure to experience that wow feeling that “this book was written for me”.
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Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery
This widely acclaimed classic is a wholesome treat for any age group.
So if you’re looking for a fun classic book to start a reading habit or a beginner reading book for adults, Anne of Green Gables is an unforgettable story of an orphan girl.
The plot traces Anne Shirley’s life from an 11-year-old accidentally adopted child to her adulthood, all taking place in Green gables.
You’re sure to adore Anne’s character, which comes with its charming exuberance. Her foster parents (Matthew and Marilla) expected to receive a boy from the orphanage but by the lucky alignment of their stars, Anne comes to light up their world.
Anne goes on to excel in her studies and gets a scholarship for her graduation. But she decides to stay after Matthew’s death to take care of ageing Marilla. Anna’s character sets all the right examples for Children.
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Verity by Colleen Hoover
Verity is a first suspenseful thriller romance coming from an author who is widely known for YA romance.
And she has definitely nailed the genre with this page-turner. Lowen Ashleigh, a struggling writer, lands a dream job when she’s hired to complete the last three books of a popular series that were left incomplete by its author, Verity Crawford, after a disabling accident. Lowen soon discovers Verity’s unfinished autobiography which reveals dark secrets about her.
Things get really twisty and steamy when Lowen falls for Verity’s husband! Verity is a highly graphic novel full of passion, if you have a taste for suspense, twists, and turns along with that, you’re in for a treat. When it comes to choosing books that are easy reads for adults, I always recommend fast-paced thrillers.
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✅ You’ll love this post- 12 Chilling Thriller Books Like “Verity” That You Should Read Immediately
Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt
Tova Sullivan is an old inhabitant of Sowell Bay, who fosters an unlikely friendship with the inhabitants of the local aquarium, particularly the wise but grumpy octopus named Marcellus.
Tova has a lot of past baggage but one that really matters to her is the disappearance of her 18-year-old son Eric. The police believe that he killed himself but Tova is anything but convinced.
Her naturally investigative and wise friend Marcellus helps her find out about her son. The novel maintains a mysterious and lighthearted tone throughout this unusual and colorful journey, which makes it a perfect book to start a reading habit.
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Worn Out Wife Seeks New Life by Carmen Reid
Emotional rom-coms are known for being easy books for beginner adult readers who want to enjoy reading once again. If you’re looking for feel-good novels with laugh-out-loud moments look no further.
Worn Out Wife Seeks New Life is about two women living strikingly different lives and both seeking an escape—perhaps a flight to each other’s life. Tess Simpson is tired of her useless husband, her tedious job, and her ungrateful teenage children.
She plans to go on vacation in an attempt to seek some change in her monotonous life. On the other hand, River Romero is a successful screenwriter who is struggling now to hold on to that.
Both their stories are intertwined such that River seeks to escape into the countryside life of Tess, and Tess seeks to escape from her life into the dazzling urban life of River. But when reality hits, their expectations betray them.
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The Apology Project by Jeanette Escudero
Amelia Montgomery is fired from her job as a litigator after she refuses to bend to unethical practice that is expected of her; and also to add to this, she slaps her job partner for misogynistic comments, a well-deserved slap some would say.
All in all, she doesn’t know what life is going to throw at her next. Amelia waits in bitter anticipation and meets John Ellis in a bar. She likes his company and this stranger soon compels her to revisit her past wrongdoing. Amelia wants to amend her mistakes by tendering apologies wherever it is deserved.
Thus begins the Apology Project. A simple story with lots of fun moments and saucy banter.
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Last Summer Boys by Bill Rivers
The story unfolds in the summer of 1968 when Elliot brothers meet for the last time before Pete, who’ll be 18 soon, might be drafted for the Vietnam war.
His 13-year-old brother Jack wants to save him from the dangers of war and plans to make him famous somehow. Because ‘famous boys don’t seem to go to war’.
With the help of his cousin Frankie, they together convince Pete to go on an expedition to find a fighter jet that crashed into the woods some years back. Along the way, they help bring justice to more than one cause.
If you’re someone who is looking for books to start a reading habit or books to get back into reading, books like Last Summer Boys is ideal as they offer a short escape from reality.
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The Personal Librarian by Heather Terrell and Victoria Christopher Murray
Reading an enthralling historical fiction is a brilliant way to start a reading habit. Especially a book like The Personal Librarian which took you on a wonderful journey of a woman’s life in New York City society in the early 1900s.
This historical fiction is the first-person narrative of a black woman’s life called Bella.
Bella works as a Librarian at a renowned businessman’s personal library, the Pierpont Morgan Library. Bella is exceptionally good at her job, collects rare books for the library, and earns a reputation for herself in the rich New York society.
But Bella had to hide her racial identity to land this job and has to continually hide this secret in order to keep working there. It all started when Bell’s mother had reported their family as white in a census. Bella’s predicament brings forth the unfortunate realities of a past that we continue to live in even today.
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Sisters Behaving Badly by Maddie Please
A tale of two sisters, Jenny and Kitty, who are sixteen years old.
Jenny and Kitty haven’t been talking to each other since a petty rift that happened a few years ago. But after inheriting their aunt Sheila’s cottage they must make up and work together to fix the place. And this is where the fun begins.
The not-so-old-yet sisters banter like they’re still sixteen and learn to live life a little more! As they fix the cottage, they fix their relationship and discover that life can be much more fun than we imagine. An easy and immersive book that is sure to leave you wishing yourself a retirement much like that of Jenny and Kitty.
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What Alice Forgot by Liane Moriarty
After taking a knock on her head, Alice forgets everything that happened in the past 10 years.
She’s a 39-year-old mother of three; but now thinks she’s still 29, freshly and happily married, and expecting her first child. Her relationship with her husband has become strained and she’s no longer on friendly terms with her best friend and sister.
Alice must relearn her 10 years past to figure out why things turned out the way they did. Is her amnesia as unfortunate as it seems or is this a blessing in disguise? It’s for the readers to find out as this novel takes you on a journey of retrospection or say introspection.
What Alice Forgot is perfect is a great story, that can help you fall in love with reading.
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There you have the list of great books to start reading habit
What other books would you add to the list?
Let me know in the comments!
If you want more tips to develop a reading habit? Read this post- 11 Smart hacks to Develop a Reading Habit.
Find more books help you to develop a regular reading habit
Stephy George
