Top book picks to get you out of a reading slump

A reading slump, we’ve all been there. Picking up books, reading a few pages and then losing interest and switching Netflix on. 

And it can be a bit rough, having no desire to do the thing you love most. Elle shared her struggles with a reading slump in some of our recent episodes, but we thought we’d give our recommendations for books to read that could help get you out of that slump. It’s all about getting a page turner ready and sitting down with a coffee or a glass of wine (or both) and getting stuck in. 

So first up, thrillers.

A thriller is the classic page-turner isn’t it? It keeps you gripped so you keep reading. We’ve recently read a few that we’d definitely recommend to keep you going.

You by Caroline Kepnes

We’ve all seen the Netflix series, obviously but the books are pretty decent (and arguably better - because they usually are right?!). There’s also a lot of references to literature so they are great for bookish people! 

Tell Me Your Secret by Dorothy Koomson 

This is an excellent choice for anybody that loves a good who-dunnit. Dorothy Koomson also has written loads of really great novels so if you like the way she writes there might be multiple options for you there. 

Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn

Another book that’s better than the film hey?! This is definitely a gripping one and will almost certainly keep you hooked. 

YA fiction

YA fiction is definitely underrated in adults. There are so many great novels out there aimed at a younger audience that should definitely be enjoyed by everyone, so try heading over to the YA section next time you’re in your bookshop and pick something up from there. They are (generally) easier to read so can help to get you back in the swing of things.

To All The Boys I’ve Loved Before Series by Jenny Han

Obviously we’d recommend this series as we have done two episodes on the books and the films but we both devoured these books in a matter of hours and we (mostly) preferred the books to the films - even though we think the films are elite and should be watched by everyone.

Noughts and Crosses by Malorie Blackman

Another great series (that actually also has an excellent series on BBC) that all adults should read - that is, if you didn’t read them as a child! 

Short stories

Sometimes you just need to wet your appetite for a good story and get stuck into a selection of short stories. 

Love In Colour by Bolu Babalola

This is our all time favourite collection of short stories, every single one is absolutely beautiful and we absolutely cannot wait for Bolu’s novel to come out next year! 

Evidence of the Affair by Taylor Jenkins Reid

If you’ve listened to any of our episodes you’ll know we stan Taylor Jenkins Reid so is it really a surprise that we’re recommending even more of her work?! Evidence of the Affair is a really great short read on Amazon that we reckon can help anyone out of a slump - and it may even inspire you to read more TJR!

Hopefully some of these might be useful to get you out of a reading rut (we promise you, you’ll get there!). We’d love to know some of your recommendations, DM us on socials @wearebookish or email us at hello@bookishpodcast.co.uk

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