lou's library

We’ve all been there, I dare say. Maybe it’s because you’ve just read a five-star book and can’t possibly imagine moving on to a new read, maybe it’s because you just painstakingly made your way through a book that wasn’t right for you at that time, maybe it’s because you always end up on Youtube instead of between the pages of a book. You’re in a reading slump and would really like to get out of that hole, and soon.

Of course, the best way to do so is to read something so enticing you can’t put it out of your hands. Something to remind you how great it feels to be reading a book that seems to have been written for you. The trouble is, how to find said book? One option is to go and reread one of your all time favourites, as you already know you’re gonna love it and it will therefore likely allow you to get lost in its world and welcome you back into the world of reading. Harry Potter always does the trick for me, but it could be any book that you’ve loved, really.

But maybe you don’t want to read something you already know? In that case, here’s a list of books that I found so addictive, I didn’t want to put them down.

A Court Of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J Maas

This is a book series consisting of five books (so far), and the listed one is the first. However, I found the sequel, A Court of Mist and Fury, more addictive than the first. As in, really, really addictive. It’s over 700 pages and I read it in four days despite working full-time, if that gives you an indication of how much this book sucked me into its world. It’s a fast-paced fantasy series in which the world is divided into seven courts ruled by different High Lords and our protagonist, who is human, gets thrown into this world and has to quickly learn to adapt to survive. There’s quite a bit of steamy romance in this, and also violence, so do check the trigger warnings before diving into it. Book four and five are a Christmas novella and a sort of spin off, so they have a slightly different vibe, which I found slightly less addictive. The first three though had me reading nonstop.

Starcrossed by Josephine Angelini

The Starcrossed trilogy came out slap bang in the midst of the young adult craze of the early 2010s, and yet never received the attention it deserved, if you ask me. (Please don’t let the ugly cover fool you, I swear this series is amazing!!) It’s a Greek mythology fantasy series set in the real world, on the island of Nantucket. It’s fast-paced and funny and the chemistry between the protagonists is quite something. I couldn’t stop reading from page one on and that continued throughout all three books in the series. I loved the characters, which are well-rounded, have layers and their problems, but that made them all the better to me. Give this one a go if you loved The Hunger Games or Percy Jackson, but wished they had had more romance.

Heartstopper by Alice Oseman

Reading a graphic novel is a great way to get out of a reading slump, as you’ll usually be able to read it quickly and there’s something satisfying about going through a book at a fast pace. And Heartstopper will make you sad it’s over so soon, believe me. Right now, there are five volumes out, with more in the works (hurry up, Alice Oseman, would you?). It’s essentially a cosy, yet inclusive story of teenage love between two boys, and all the problems and prejudices that come with it. It’s relatable, funny, and oh so addictive. Some of the topics covered are quite heavy though, so do check the trigger warnings beforehand. I’m currently waiting for volume 5 to come through at my library and it’s torture.

And Then There Were None by Agatha Christie

I chose And Then There Were None because I had to choose one, but you could go for pretty much any Agatha Christie, if you ask me. (Or even any good crime fiction writer you enjoy.) Her books are usually not too long and start slap bang in the middle of the action. The writing is superb, and I always end up suspecting all the wrong people. Wanting to solve the case is a great way to keep reading, and to draw you into the world of crimes, murders and, in Agatha Christie’s case, a world of an England gone by.

The House in the Cerulean Sea by T J Klune

I headed into this knowing nothing about it and, oh boy, was I in for an adventure. This is what I’d call cosy fantasy, an up-and-coming genre that has magical elements, but the stakes are low compared to other fantasy series. An inspector is sent off to an orphanage on a far-away island to determine whether or not it can remain open, and it all goes from there. I was drawn into this world so quickly, and by the end of the book I was genuinely sad to say goodbye to these characters. It’s funny and whimsical and tender and sweet and I did not want to stop reading this book. I wish I could live with the people on this island whenever I’m having a bad day, it’s that wholesome.

So there you go, some of my favourite books to get out of a reading slump! Fingers crossed you’ll find them addictive too, but don’t put yourself under too much pressure. Sometimes, our brain just aren’t ready to be reading, and that’s okay.