Reading slumps are a completely normal and healthy part of being an avid bookworm, but sometimes it takes a truly amazing read to help get you out of one. As part of National Literacy Month, this article compiles ten amazing books that will have you falling back in love with reading and rediscovering your childlike curiosity and passion for reading. So whether you’ve been out of the reading game for a few days, several months, or even years, jump straight in to find your next un-put-downable TBR.
Piranesi by Susanna Clarke
Piranesi by Susanna Clarke tells the astounding story of a man named Piranesi who lives in a mysterious, labyrinthine house filled with the ocean and ancient statues. Besides himself and the ‘Other’, who visits twice a week, Piranesi believes that he is completely alone in the world. His time is spent meticulously journaling his observations of the house, seeking to uncover clues about the unforeseen presence of another person, as well as the existence of a strange reality beyond his own experiences and comprehension.
Piranesi gradually reveals a highly complex narrative about manipulation, secrecy, and hidden truths. Its explorations into identity, the nature of reality, and the flaws of human memory make this a highly engaging, compelling read that is sure to have you not wanting to put it down until you’ve finished.
The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid
Taylor Jenkins Reid’s BookTok sensation The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo follows a Hollywood starlet as she recounts her rise to fame to a journalist named Monique Grant. At the age of 79, with all her ex-lovers, closest friends, and family members now passed away, the infamous Evelyn Hugo is finally ready to reveal the true story of her life — a whirlwind tale of success and devastation that she has previously worked tirelessly to keep hidden from the public eye.
This absolute powerhouse of a novel considers themes of identity, money as power, female ambition, love, poverty, and the costliness of fame. The backdrop of Old Hollywood and the focus Reid places on the struggles of LGBTQ+ communities and individuals during this time help to make this a deeply resonant story that is globally beloved by many readers. It is a memorable exploration into universal human experiences and thus a book that is sure to reignite your love for reading. A Netflix series adaptation of The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo has also recently been confirmed to be in the works — so keep an eye out for that!
Normal People by Sally Rooney
Normal People by Sally Rooney is a coming-of-age novel following the complex ‘situationship’ between two Irish teenagers, Connell Waldron and Marianne Sheridan. It follows them from their final year of secondary school through their time at Trinity College Dublin. Together and apart, they navigate complex social lives, personal struggles, teenage insecurities, and the ever-evolving dynamics of their at-times deeply fraught connection.
The book examines themes of mental health, social class, young love, and the difficulties of growing up and discovering who you are. Sally Rooney never disappoints, and this book helped me to get out of a bad reading slump when it was initially released. The BBC adaptation of Normal People (2020) is also well-worth a watch, starring the incredible Daisy Edgar-Jones and Paul Mescal.
The Midnight Library by Matt Haig
Content Warning: This book contains mention of mental health and suicide. Please read TW’s and exercise personal care.
The Midnight Library by Matt Haig follows Nora Seed, a deeply depressed young woman who, in the midst of a breakdown where she faces multiple regrets, attempts suicide and finds herself transported to a magical library existing in the space between life and death. This library, overseen by her former school librarian named Mrs. Elm, contains books that represent different versions of her life based on the choices she could have made.
With Mrs. Elm’s guidance and support, Nora explores these lives, trying to find one where she is happy. However, she ultimately learns that true peace comes from accepting and making the most of the life she was already living. The book explores several core themes, primarily focusing on choice, the search for happiness, and the all-pervasive nature of regret. Here, Matt Haig delves into existentialism — questioning the meaning of life and the impact that choices, both big and small, have on a person’s destiny.
Book Lovers by Emily Henry
Book Lovers by Emily Henry is an enemy-to-lovers romance book about a workaholic literary agent named Nora, and an editor, Charlie, whose worlds collide in Sunshine Falls, North Carolina, after Nora’s sister forces her to take a vacation there. The novel contemplates the responsibilities we owe to our families, as well as the emotional mysteries that bind us to our parents and siblings. The book is often praised for offering a fun, modern, tongue-in-cheek approach to conventional romance book tropes, featuring a female main character who refreshingly values her career, independence, and city-oriented lifestyle.
This is a witty, humorous, happy little book that we have all come to love and expect from the queen of romance, Emily Henry, and therefore a story that comes highly recommended for people looking to get back into reading.
Yellowface by R. F. Kuang
Yellowface by R. F. Kuang tells the story of a struggling white author named June Hayward who steals the manuscript of her recently deceased, successful Asian American friend, Athena Lie, and publishes it as her own under the pseudonym Juniper Song. The novel explores themes of plagiarism, the biases inherent in the publishing industry, as well as cultural appropriation, with June facing accusations of ‘yellowface’ and racism as she is made to navigate the consequences of her controversial actions.
This is a compelling dark satire that offers a critical, scathing look at social media and racism in the modern day, whilst also delivering a thought-provoking and thrilling story.
The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller
The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller is a novel that reimagines the story of Achilles from the perspective of Patroclus, a young Greek prince whose father is disappointed by his mediocrity. The book follows their intertwined lives, from their boyhood friendship to their eventual participation in the Trojan war, focusing primarily on the deep bond and flourishing romance.
The story explores themes of fate, war, love, and what it means to be a true hero. This is a story worth reading for its captivating retelling of the classic Greek myth through a contemporary lens, offering fresh perspectives on familiar characters and events and thus appealing to readers who are both familiar with Homer’s Iliad, as well as those who are new to the story.
Never Let Me Go by Kazuo Ishiguro
Never Let Me Go by Kazuo Ishiguro is a story that takes place in a dystopian version of 1990s England, where the lives of ordinary citizens are prolonged through a state-sanctioned program of human cloning. The book follows the life of Kathy H, a ‘student’ who grew up in a special institution away from the outside world in preparation for her future as an organ donor. At the time of narration, Kathy H. is 31 years old and works as a ‘carer’ for fellow clones who are already in the process of being harvested for their organs.
This is a poignant, emotional modern classic that examines themes of humanity, loss, identity, and the ethics of scientific advancement. The novel forces readers to contemplate what it means to be human, particularly within the contexts of human cloning and AI ‘life’; focusing specifically on the impact that social expectations have over individual lives, and the importance of art and creativity to maintaining a sense of common humanity. This is a book about friendship, nostalgia, and love that I could not recommend highly enough — if you’ve lost your passion for reading, this is sure to give it back to you.
McGlue by Ottessa Moshfegh
McGlue is a novella by acclaimed ‘weird-fiction’ writer Ottessa Moshfegh. It tells the story of an American sailor, McGlue, who is chained in the hold of a ship, being made to recall how he murdered his friend, Johnson. It is set in 1851 and follows McGlue’s journey back to Salem, Massachusetts, where he grapples with intense alcohol withdrawal symptoms and the haunting spectre of his own irrepressible guilt.
Through fragmented memories and introspective narration, McGlue attempts to piece together the events of that fateful night, making for a deeply engaging, thrilling read. The novella deals with themes of betrayal, perception, memory, and the complicated nature of identity. This is the perfect recommendation for anyone looking to get back into reading via a short, fast-paced story that is sure to leave an impression.
So Late in the Day: Stories of Women and Men by Claire Keegan
So Late in the Day: Stories of Women and Men by Claire Keegan is a novella that follows a man named Cathal as he deals with the ghost of a past relationship with a woman named Sabine on a lonely Friday night. Told primarily through flashbacks and present-day interactions, the story explores themes of missed opportunity, misogyny, and the subtle, albeit insidious ways that a lack of generosity can culminate in the ending of romantic relationships. The plot takes place in Dublin, with Keegan especially using this backdrop to highlight Cathal’s internal struggles as he confronts the consequences of his actions.
True to the novella’s title, the story explores the dynamics between men and women in a way that is profoundly relatable and timely. It unflinchingly delves into how seemingly minor acts of thoughtlessness and lack of care have the potential to escalate into more serious issues. Isolation, the search for identity, and the power that romantic ties have in shaping and influencing personal desires also serve as core themes.
Escaping the Slump: Top-Tips!
These incredible books offer a variety of reading experiences that are sure to reignite and inspire your love for reading. But in the case that none of these recommendations are for you (or if you’ve already read them!), here is a bonus handful of top-tips to help you find your next read and fall back in love with books:
1) Try switching to a different genre from the one/s that you would typically be drawn towards. Sometimes, trying something new is all it takes to feel inspired and passionate again.
2) Choosing a short story collection or novella as your first book back in the game might make you feel less intimidated.
3) Revisit your tried-and-trusted favourites! Whether it’s a story from when you were a kid or a book that you’ve loved for a long time, returning to the story that first influenced your love for reading in the first place is an ideal way to get all the good feelings back.
4) Try audiobooks for a switch-up on the way you would typically ‘read’ books — there are some really great ones out there!
5) Join a book club or start one with your friends. Holding yourself and each other to account could be just the thing you need to motivate yourself to pick up a new story.
Happy reading, everyone! :)
Want to find out more about the values of literacy? Read our other great article: Discover the Tremendous Importance of Libraries and Museums.
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