We all have moments when picking up a book is hard. The words just don’t register, and you find yourself rereading the same passage repeatedly without really knowing what it’s saying. Reading becomes a chore, and soon enough it’s been three months since you last read for fun.
I’ve been in that situation many times, and I’m always itching to find a book that will pull me out of it. Whether you want a page-turner or a cozy romantic comedy, these five books might help you shake the “I hate every book I read” phase.
“The Song of Achilles” by Madeline Miller
If you love Greek mythology or just enjoy a good myth retelling, this could easily be a one day read for you.
“The Song of Achilles” follows the events of Homer’s “The Iliad” through the eyes of a sometimes-overlooked character, Patroclus. With elements of romance, war and tragedy, you won’t want to put it down.
“Conversations with Friends” by Sally Rooney
This one is perfect if you want something quiet and character driven. It follows Frances, a sharp college student, as she gets tangled up with a married couple she meets through her performances.
Rooney’s dialogue is so natural and common that it feels like you are there with the characters, and the short chapters make it easy to keep turning the page.
“The Kite Runner” by Khaled Hosseini
If you want a story that grabs you emotionally, this is it. Set in Afghanistan, it follows Amir as he deals with a childhood betrayal and spends his adult life searching for redemption. It’s heartbreaking, but it’s also so compelling that you become invested in it.
“Big Little Lies” by Liane Moriarty
For something fast, funny and full of drama, try this one. It centers on three mothers in a seaside town whose lives unravel in the lead-up to a mysterious incident at a school trivia night.
Part comedy, part mystery, it’s the kind of book that makes you say “okay, I’ll stop after this chapter” and then you never do stop. You might know it from the new TV show adaptation, but take it from me, the book is well worth the read.
“The Guest List” by Lucy Foley
If you’re in the mood for a thriller, this is a great pick. A glamorous wedding on an Irish island turns into a homicide, and the story is told from multiple points of view, with a body discovered and the victim’s identity kept secret until late in the book. The shifting perspectives and constant twists keep you flipping pages to find out just who committed the crime.
If you find yourself stuck with no urge to read at some point over the next few months, pick up one of these novels and let it push you back toward being a bookworm. And even if you’ve never liked reading and want to start, these are some of the best books to make you want to keep going.