People Are Sharing The "Couldn't Put Down" Books That Made Them Fall In Love With Reading Again
by Dannica Ramirez · BuzzFeedReading is one of my favorite hobbies, but I've definitely experienced a reading slump here and there — and so have many others. But finding the book that gets you out of a reading rut is a wonderful feeling, so I asked members of the BuzzFeed Community to share which book got them back into reading again. Here are some books you might want to consider picking up if you ever find yourself in a slump:
1. Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens:
"This was the first book I read after years of reading strictly for school and studies, so it took me a long time to find something that sucked me in immediately. I finished in a day and bawled my eyes out. The movie was good, but the feelings you get from actually reading the book are indescribable."
—Jean, 28, New York
2. The Big Over Easy by Jasper Fforde:
"It is a detective novel about what REALLY happened when Humpty Dumpty fell off the wall (or was he PUSHED?!). It would appeal to people who like mystery or crime stories, and the book isn't too stuffy or academic. It was one of the first books I read after finishing a master's degree in literature. I wanted just to read something for fun and not have to analyze the hell out of it. It was so refreshing and really changed my mindset to read something just to enjoy it."
3. Whatever Happened to Interracial Love? by Kathleen Collins:
"It’s a small book with little stories that are so beautifully written. I struggle with imagining scenery, but the way Kathleen described the settings, I can envision myself in the room. It’s a book that I keep returning to, and I pull away feeling reinvigorated each time."
—Paola, 27, South Dakota
4. A Game of Thrones by George R.R. Martin:
"This is the first book in the A Song of Ice and Fire series. I’ve seen the series, and I’m a huge fan of the GoT/HotD universe, but reading the books has made the characters and stories much more vivid. It’s nice, too, to be able to put a face to a name instead of getting distracted trying to imagine things. But as soon as I finished the first one, I jumped right into A Clash of Kings, which I’m still working on!"
5. The Bromance Book Club by Lyssa Kay Adams:
"I'd been in a slump in the early days of COVID, and this got me out! It's fun and fluffy, and it's just a good book to remind you why you enjoy reading."
6. Sandman Slim series by Richard Kadrey:
"I read most of these books when I was in a massive reading slump (thanks, COVID). Then, I remembered that the series was completed and read them all. That was back in October, and I've cleared through just over 100 books."
7. Throne of Glass series by Sarah J. Maas:
"I am a huge fantasy reader, and reading Sarah J. Mass's Throne of Glass series was amazing. I loved it way more than ACOTAR, and it's better!"
—Emily, 33, California
8. The Sad Ghost Club by Lize Meddings:
"Graphic novels are my go-to every single time I'm in a slump. The best ones to pull me out have been Murder Book by Hilary Campbell, The Sad Ghost Club by Lize Meddings, and Lore Olympus by Rachel Smythe. Every time I get into a reading slump that I can't shake, I reach for a graphic novel, which usually does the trick!"
—Charlotte, 30, United Kingdom
9. Everyone in My Family Has Killed Someone by Benjamin Stevenson:
"I've always loved reading, but I got out of the habit as an adult and found I was spending way too much time on my phone. I ordered some new books — a couple I'd read before and Everyone in My Family Has Killed Someone, which I'd found in a BuzzFeed article. I read that one first to force myself to stay engaged, and it was totally worth it! The tongue-in-cheek narration style had me laughing out loud, and the book also gave me an excuse to get back into journaling my reading. It was an excellent, hilarious read that kept me glued to the pages."
—Anonymous
10. The Guild Codex: Spellbound series (and all of the connected spinoffs) by Annette Marie:
"It's an urban fantasy set in Vancouver with a hidden underworld of magic, and it all starts with a lone redhead and her pink umbrella trying to find a job."
11. Dawn Rising by A.F.E. Smith:
"I love YA fantasy, but I find a lot of it quite generic and way too focused on romance. Dawn Rising is so unique in the way that it's told that I couldn't put it down. Sometimes, it's good to look outside the big names if you're in a slump."
—Charlie, 16, United Kingdom
12. Ender's Game by Orson Scott Card:
"It's a multilayered book with a surprising ending. Plus, it's much better than the movie."
13. Fortuna Sworn series by K.J. Sutton:
"I picked up the Fortuna Sworn series by KJ Sutton when everything in my life was at its lowest point. Honestly, it was the reason I got out of bed some days. It is an incredible and heart-wrenching romantasy novel with the reminder that you are always enough, even if it’s hard to see in the moment. I’m physically disabled, and my disability is incredibly rare. I’m very used to being treated like I’m less than just because I’m different, even though it’s made me stronger. Watching Fortuna, the main character, stand up for herself despite everyone trying to break her was an inspiration for me. She proved herself to those who told her that she was nothing and refused to give up.
Because of that, I have book quotes that remind me that I’m not nothing and that I can face every trial thrown at me with a force that can only come from my experiences. I can make my own destiny, just like Fortuna. As for the story itself, it will pull you in and never let you go. The author is a master wordsmith, and the plot’s twists and turns kept me hanging on to every single word. The cliffhangers legitimately made my jaw drop open, and the fiery chemistry among the characters is undeniable. Add in the mystery and lore behind every supernatural creature, and I was hooked. It’s a series that I beg everyone I know to read at least once in their lives."
14. The Last Bookshop in London by Madeline Martin:
"It's truly a story about the joy of reading. As the heroine discovered new book titles, I remembered when I read that same book and how it changed me. And as she falls in love with reading, her enthusiasm becomes contagious."
15. One Minute to Midnight by Michael Dobbs:
'I've always preferred non-fiction, mainly military history. Having a smartphone in recent years has reduced my ability to concentrate. One Minute to Midnight by Michael Dobbs got me back into reading and able to focus. It's about two leaders, both afraid, choosing not to strike either first. When the world seems at its worst, remember there have been people who chose peace."
—Anonymous
16. The Beautiful by Renee Ahdieh:
"I was having trouble getting back into reading after some mentally exhausting episodes, but then I picked this book up at my local library, and instantly, I swooned. It is the best vampire book I have ever read."
17. Year of Yes by Shonda Rhimes:
"Yes, THAT Shonda Rhimes — Grey's Anatomy, Scandal, etc. Reading her book was like having a conversation. I didn't feel like I was reading at all; it was so beautifully written, raw, and real."
—Cath, 33, New Zealand
18. Little Thieves by Margaret Owen:
"This book is a fun retelling of a German fairytale that really draws you in with the characters. I was on the edge of my seat to see if the main character was going to get out of the mess she was in."
19. Mirror, Mirror: A Twisted Tale by Jen Calonita:
"There's a bunch of Disney Twisted Tales books, but these aren't your typical YA fiction! It was super engaging, really built on the story of Snow White, and expanded the world of the story. This book gave the Prince and Evil Queen names, backstories, and so much more. I couldn't put it down and finished it in a matter of days."
—Holly, 24, Virginia
20. Starling House Alix E. Harrow:
"This book is a great mix of real-life storytelling, some fantastical elements, and characters who didn't feel out of reach. The history mixed with the contemporary is what really shone in this book. From start to end, it was captivating. Five stars!"
—Annie, 34
21. Arsenic and Adobo by Mia P. Manansala:
"It was the mix of mystery, romance, and foodie goodness that I needed, and it was the first time I felt really seen in a book since it's about a Filipino family. It brought back my love of reading after seven years of reading just for school."
—Gabriella, California
I don't know about you guys, but I'm adding some of these books to my TBR as we speak! Also, no shade, but Throne of Glass IS better than ACOTAR, and there's no question about it. If you've gone through a reading slump, what book got you out of it? Let me know in the comments, or you can anonymously submit using this form!
Note: Some submissions have been edited for length and/or clarity.