As anyone who reads regularly knows, there comes a time when you just can’t pick up another book. Sometimes it’s days, but oftentimes, it stretches to weeks, and before you know it, it’s been several months since you read something because your motivation and interest have vanished. This has happened to me frequently, and I wanted to share some of the books that yanked me from my slump and back onto my reading grind. 

“Northanger Abbey” by Jane Austen

This book was recommended to me by a dear friend when I was in a reading slump. Coming-of-age, satirical and as charming as Austen always is, this short novel lifted my spirits instantly. The story follows young and naive Catherine and the encounters and discoveries she makes in her life.

“The House in the Cerulean Sea” by TJ Klule

This novel was an absolute treat and made me fall back in love with reading. The story follows a middle-aged man, stuck in his routine life until he’s told to investigate an orphanage of children with magical powers. It reminded me how we can find love and light in the most surprising places.

“They Both Die at the End” by Adam Silvera

Although some might argue that this book actually puts you in a reading slump, Silvera’s novel helped me appreciate the fragility of life and time. We follow two boys on their last day on Earth. They’re wrapping up loose ends, trying new experiences and living their last day to the fullest. It was a touching story that made me eager to spend my time doing more of what I love.

“Such a Fun Age” by Kiley Ried

This book helped me out of a reading slump because of how curious it made me. Ried’s novel is a suspenseful story dealing with performative activism, race and privilege. The story unraveled important topics in literature that I was ready to read more of.

“Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine” by Gail Honeyman

Published in 2017, this award-winning novel, which made it onto The New York Times Best Sellers List, is Gail Honeyman’s debut. We follow the lonely and eccentric Eleanor in her day-to-day routine and learn about the power of friendship and human connection. This light read is sure to get you out of your slump!

It’s easy to fall into a book coma and less easy to get back to your “to be read” list. Luckily, these books reignited my love of reading. If you’re in a reading slump, try seeing if your library has any of these for you to give a shot!