Books That Got Me Out of My Book Slump

If you are an avid book reader, there would have definitely been at least one time when you stopped reading books completely and were just burnt out. Maybe not tired of reading, but maybe you couldn't quite get back into the swing of things after that one book that had you up all night, or maybe after DNF-ing (did not finish) that book that you were so excited about but it felt flat. Don’t worry, we’ve all been there. I particularly fall into these slumps seasonally, which can be annoying but also a good thing. The positive side of this is the books that pull me out of the slump make me fall in love with storytelling all over again. Here are my top five books that are either re-reads that always bring me back when I need it or new books that shockingly refreshed my interest in the hobby.

NOTE: Some of these recommendations do not feature queer or BIPOC characters.

5. Where the Crawdads Sing - Delia Owens

While I understand there are a lot of controversies involving the author and her time in Africa, I read this book before those came to light and it definitely is one of the best books I have read in a very long time. The book takes place in a swampy marsh of North Carolina in the 1950s and follows the life of a neglected and abused young girl who grew up to be an independent and intelligent woman. Rumors of her being wild and “loose” circulate around town, making navigating social situations very difficult for her. This book was unexpected, well written with elegant descriptions and emotions I can only describe as prose throughout the book. Highly recommended as a jumpstart for those in a slump.

This book is also a major motion picture by Sony Entertainment and produced by Reese Witherspoon! Release July 15, 2022.

4. Darkly Sweet - Juliann Whicker

This is NOT a book for everyone. This book is oozing with disgusting romance, exorbitant in its use of silly situations, and absolutely wild in its description of magic but I have personally read it at least four times and don’t expect to stop any time soon. It’s one of those books that will give you that warm bloom in your chest that doesn’t surcease until you reach the last page. While it's not a spicy book, per se, it has scenes that are borderline crude and I loved every second of it. This book feeds my insatiable need for romance. The two protagonists are so twisted in their own personal world, that you can't help but love who they are and who they become. But again, I warn, it’s very excessive and is recommended for readers who desire over-the-top romance.

3. Everything, Everything - Nicola Yoon

Half-Japanese, half-African American teenager Madeline is living with severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID) under the close watch of her mother (if you’ve ever seen Bubble Boy, it's basically that situation but without all the inappropriate and racist content). One day, a new family moves next door. She develops feelings for the boy next door and decides that the risk of being exposed to the outside world may be worth it to experience what it's like to truly live. This book touches on abandonment, abuse, mental health, and loss but the words are gripping and have you rooting for the protagonist with every page.

2. The Summer I Turned Pretty - Jenny Han

When I say I absolutely devoured this book like it was a full course meal after starving for a century. I wouldn't say it's necessarily a fantastic book, but it was an easy, quick, romantic read that really placed me inside the setting of the novel. I ended up reading the whole trilogy in less than a day and it really tugged on the heartstrings of nostalgic memories I’ve had of summer. Late-night talks, summer crushes, and classic s'mores by a bonfire. It's not an experience everyone has had, but generally, it’s an idea everyone can understand and connect with in their life, making it a great book to get you back into reading. The trilogy has now been adapted as an Amazon Prime Original which gives it an extra layer of entertainment to compare and contrast.

1. Cinder - Melissa Meyer

I literally will never stop recommending this book. BIPOC characters, futuristic sci-fi, and a romance that will have you rooting for the protagonists from the moment they meet. A cyberpunk twist on the classic Cinderella, we follow the story of a world where humans live on both Earth and a colony on the moon called Luna. Ruled by a tyrannical monarch, Luna is constantly on the brink of war with Earth. Not only is the writing engaging, but the storyline is excellent, and there is a character for everyone to love. Highly recommended, and you’re missing out if you haven’t read it yet.

If you have ever been in a slump, and have no idea how to get out of it, it would be a good idea to try one of these books. If trying something new is daunting, reading something short (like 100 pages) or re-reading a book you loved is a great way to bring that passion back.

Article edited by Lindsey Huddleston.