25 Books to Get You Back Into Reading

Last updated on 13 February 2023

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Finding yourself in a bit of a reading slump? Haven’t picked up a book in years? Hey, I get that! I’ve been there! And it can be rough when you want to read but aren’t sure what’s going to be the best book to pick up to restart your reading life. That’s why we’re going to take a look at 25 books to get you back into reading, and hopefully, these spark something in your bibliophile soul!

All the books in this list aren’t too heavy-hitting. They’re not too long. They’re not too intense. Don’t throw yourself into the deep end too quickly, otherwise, you’ll be back where you started – not having picked up a book in months or years.

I’ve broken them up into genres as best I can (as usual, many books fit across multiple genres, but I’ve picked out the one I think is the main genre for each), so you can jump to your fave genres easily.

25 books to get you back into reading

Fantasy

I’m a big fantasy fan. But at the same time, I don’t love a book that’s too long and too elaborate.

There are some fantasy books that I would love to read but the size of the book is a bit daunting and I’m really never ‘ready’ to pick it up. The books below are some of my favourite fantasy books that aren’t too heavy on all the back details and lore of the story, as many fantasy books are.

The Hobbit by JRR Tolkien

The Hobbit follows Hobbit Bilbo Baggins as he is swept off on an adventure (much to his dismay) with a whole squad of dwarves. He leaves the comfort of his Hobbit hole and ends up stealing treasure from dragons, meeting interesting creatures and people in Middle Earth, and finding a certain ring deep in the mountains.

It’ll get you back into reading because: It’s not too long, it’s a wonderful introduction to the world of Middle Earth, it’s funny, it’s creative, and it’s a lot of fun.

A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas

I would like to add here that Throne of Glass by Sarah J Maas is another great fantasy book that you could easily start with.

But A Court of Thorns and Roses is a story of Feyre. When she kills a wolf in the woods, she’s suddenly thrown into the world of treacherous magic, where immortal faeries have demanded retribution for her actions. As she moves from her human world into the land of the fae, everything changes.

It’ll get you back into reading because: It’s faeries, but not as you know them. Maas does a wonderful job at moulding and crafting a stunning world, and you’re sucked right into it. And it’s the beginning of a series, so if you like this one, there’s more where that came from!

The Princess Bride by William Goldman

“As you wish” is possibly my favourite line in any book, ever. Buttercup is ripped away from her love, Westley, and is going to marry Prince Humperdink. While she believes Westley to be dead, spoiler alert, he’s not. And when he comes to take her away from a potentially horrible marriage, the two meet quirky characters, fire swamps, pirates and magic-pill-giving village folk.

It’ll get you back into reading because: Even if you’re familiar with the movie, the book is just as fun. Some of the things are slightly different to the movie adaptation but when you pick up The Princess Bride you’ll be swept away once again by the story of Buttercup and Westley.

Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone by JK Rowling

Whenever I feel like I’m in a reading slump, I like to pick up something familiar. And to me, there are not many books that are as familiar as Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone. Harry Potter, a young boy of 11, suddenly discovers that he’s a wizard, and he moves from his horrible aunt and uncle’s place to a magical school called Hogwarts. It’s weird writing out a wee synopsis of HP … surely you know the general gist, right?

It’ll get you back into reading because: It’s short, it’s a brilliant introduction to this magical world if you haven’t already been swept away by it, and it’s a comforting book you can come back to if you haven’t been reading for a while.

A Darker Shade of Magic by VE Schwab

Kell is an Antari, one of the last magicians who can travel between parallel worlds. Travelling between Red, Grey and White London, he sends messages between the rulers of each but is never meant to take anything through, especially things that will disrupt the worlds.

When he accidentally takes a package through from one to another, bad things start to happen. One of them is Delilah ‘Lila’ Bard, the other being a relic from Black London which was destroyed. As the two of them pair up to head off on their adventure, it’s more than Lila bargained for, but not one she’s going to give up.

A Darker Shade of Magic is one of my favourite books, and was the start of me reading anything that VE Schwab writes.

It’ll get you back into reading because: It’s so magical, but it’s also full of adventure, action, and a bit of romance. The characters are so refreshing and the world that Schwab has created pulls you in and doesn’t let you go.

Dystopian

While dystopian (especially Young Adult dystopian) was at the height of popularity about 10 years ago, there’s still room in the library for these books.

In fact, I often find that coming back to these books is rather nostalgic and it reminds me why I loved them back in the day. I hope they do the same for you.

The Giver, by Lois Lowry

The Giver is a classic dystopian tale of Jonas a young boy who is about to become a Twelve in their society.

On the day of the Ceremony of the Twelve, Jonas is lined up with all the others in his age group, ready to receive their Assignments. When it comes to Jonas, he is skipped over and put on hold until the end. When he eventually is given his assignment, it is one of the highest honours – he is to become the next Receiver of Memories.

It’ll get you back into reading because: It’s short and sweet, but also packs a punch. It’s probably a middle-grade book, as the characters in the story are quite young (unlike the movie, where they bump them up in age a little), but it really gets you thinking.

Tomorrow, When the War Began by John Marsden

I’m not 100% if this IS dystopian, but it’s definitely a ‘what would happen if … ‘ sort of story.

Tomorrow, When the War Began is the story of Ellie and her friends who return from a camping trip in the Australian mountains to discover that their country has been invaded, and everyone in their town has been taken captive. Do they run and hide? Or do they give themselves up to be with their families? Or perhaps they fight back?

It’ll get you back into reading because: If you like the first one, there are 6 more books to enjoy. They’re pretty short, but they’re also action-packed.

Graphic Novels

Perhaps going straight from no-reading to reading-all-the-words isn’t going to work for you. That’s where graphic novels can be really handy. While I haven’t read too many graphic novels in my time, the ones below are stories that I LOVE and so enjoying diving into.

Nimona by ND Stevenson

ND Stevenson is a wonder when it comes to storytelling. And Nimona is a brilliant graphic novel.

“Nimona is an impulsive young shapeshifter with a knack for villainy. Lord Ballister Blackheart is a villain with a vendetta. As sidekick and supervillain, Nimona and Lord Blackheart are about to wreak some serious havoc. Their mission: prove to the kingdom that Sir Ambrosius Goldenloin and his buddies at the Institution of Law Enforcement and Heroics aren’t the heroes everyone thinks they are.” – Goodreads

It’ll get you back into reading because: Nimona is so FUN. It’s a wonderful combination of hilarity and whacky tales, and also a beautiful story of soft-hearted villains, and chaotic teenagers.

Pumpkinheads by Rainbow Rowell and Faith Erin Hicks

I re-read Pumpkinheads every year in October. It’s the perfect Halloween and Fall read.

Deja and Josiah are on their very last shift at the pumpkin patch, and they’re going to make the most of their last day. We follow them around the pumpkin patch as Deja is determined to help Josiah finally talk to the girl who worked at the fudge station.

It’ll get you back into reading because: Not only is it a wonderfully seasonal graphic novel, but it’s hella cute and the illustrations are so beautiful! It’s a sweet story of friendship and it’ll melt your heart.

Heartstopper Series by Alice Oseman

You might have already seen the Netflix show by the same name, but the graphic novel series by Oseman is a true joy to read.

Heartstopper follows the story of Charlie and Nick and their time together, coming out to their parents, trying to do this ‘boyfriend’ thing, and tackling the dramas of high school.

It’ll get you back into reading because: The characters are wonderful! Oseman has this wonderful talent of creating beautiful, diverse characters, and somehow you just want to be in there in the book, taking part in the story, even if it’s just a side-character.

Lore Olympus by Rachel Smythe

If you’re into Classics or Greek mythology, this is the graphic novel for you! What started off as a web-comic has been published into a paperback graphic novel, and it’s such a fun story.

In Lore Olympus, we follow the Greek myth of Persephone and Hades. While the graphic novel takes some creative liberties on the (various versions of) Greek myth, it gives you really nice overview of the general story … but with a wonderful ‘modern’ spin on it.

It’ll get you back into reading because: If the art doesn’t pull you in, the storyline definitely will. Especially if you like mythology.

Romance

Now, I’m not a big romance reader, but there have been some books that I’ve read that I would class as a romance that has gotten me more into the genre. I’m always taking suggestions too, so hit me up in the comments and let me know what you’d add to this section!

The Wisteria Society of Lady Scoundrels by India Holton

The Wisteria Society of Lady Scoundrels is a hilarious romance-come-adventure novel set in the Victorian era. Cecilia Bassingwaite is a pirate, and Ned Lightbourne is out to assassinate her. But when they two pair up, it’s not just their houses that are flying (sparks. Sparks fly. And their houses fly. The pirates magically fly their houses about England … I tried, okay? You’ll just have to read it.)

It’ll get you back into reading because: It’s quirky as FLIP. The characters are fresh and whacky, and the whole idea behind the story is super unique.

The Flatshare by Beth O'Leary

The Flatshare was the first book by Beth O’Leary that I read, but I definitely think it’s a book to get you back into reading.

Tiffy is still living in the flat of her ex-boyfriend and needs to move out, stat. But finding somewhere in London on a budget is no mean feat. She finally finds somewhere that might work: a flatshare with a man named Leon who works the night shift at the hospital.

The agreement? Leon has the flat between 9am and 6pm, and is away on weekends. Tiffy gets the flat during the nights on weekdays and at the weekends. And they share a bed. One side each.

It’ll get you back into reading because: While you know what’s going to happen – it’s not too hard to work it out – it’s still one of the most wonderful books I’ve read in the past decade. Something about it just captivated me.

Historical Fiction

Another genre that I’ve not read a lot of in the past, but in the last 5 or so years I’ve gotten into a bit more. Again, taking suggestions in the comments of other books to get you back into reading that fit this genre!

The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid

Okay, so is Taylor Jenkins Reid a genius? Coz this book was.

The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo is a story within a story. Journalist Monique is called to Hollywood icon, Evelyn Hugo’s house for the interview to end all interviews. Hugo is finally ready to tell her story, to tell the truth about her glamourous and glitzy and scandalous life. And boy, is it a story!

It’ll get you back into reading because: Even as someone who didn’t read this sort of book, it hooked me in and didn’t let me go. I read this in just a few sittings I loved it so much. It definitely made me excited to read more of Reid’s books, and I think it’ll help you get back into reading!

The Book Thief by Markus Zusak

When I read The Book Thief by Markus Zusak, I think I read it in a day, max two. It was winter in England and I was snuggled up in bed next to the heater and I devoured this book.

Liesel Meminger lives in Nazi Germany with her foster parents, and The Book Thief tells of her life and the people on her street. But it’s narrated by Death, which is something that makes this book really interesting.

It’ll get you back into reading because: It’s a stunning story, a bit heartbreaking, but also a really interesting and captivating perspective of war times in Germany.

Science Fiction

I’ll tell you a secret (okay, it’s really a secret): I don’t actually like Science Fiction books that much. But I do love a Sci-Fi movie. There’s just something that I don’t like about launching myself into space (in a literature sense).

Having said that! I think these books were brilliant, so if you’re anything like me and you’re not really into Sci-Fi but you’re trying to get back into reading, then give these ones a day!

An Absolutely Remarkable Thing by Hank Green

An Absolutely Remarkable Thing was a remarkable book.

The Carls came out of nowhere; towering giant sculptures just dotted around the world. When April May stumbles across one at 3am, she and her friend Andy make a video with it … and it snowballs from there.

It’ll get you back into reading because: This book had everything: action, mystery, sci-fi, aliens, nerds, humour, and even a little romance. It was also a very interesting look at fame, and what that can do to your mental and physical well-being.

Ready Player One by Ernest Cline

Perhaps a classic in its own right, Ready Player One by Ernest Cline was a superb read. Again, as one who isn’t really into Sci-Fi, this was a wonderful book.

After James Halliday, creator of the OASIS virtual reality multi-player game dies, information comes to light that he’s hidden an Easter egg inside the game. The person who finds it will receive Halliday’s immense fortune and company. Wade Watts has been wandering through the game for the past five years since the death of Halliday, until one day he stumbles upon a clue, a clue which will put him on the gaming leader board and alert the world that the chase is on.

It’ll get you back into reading because: It’s adventure-driven but inside a game world. It’s creative and fun and a bit of a treasure hunt at the same time.

The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams

Now, The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy isn’t for everyone. But is incredibly quirky and a really fun read.

A galactic freeway is being built right in the middle of Arthur Dent’s home, and that is not okay. Lifted out of his house in the nick of time by his friend, Ford Prefet, Arthur is suddenly on the space adventure of his life.

It’ll get you back into reading because: This book is crazy, yes, but it’s also somehow endearing and magical all in one. It’s a great start to Sci-Fi because nothing is taken seriously.

Mystery

When I was growing up, especially in my teenage years, I loved read Agatha Christie novels. I think I read nearly all of her Poirot novels, and while I never quite got into Miss Marple, there was a time when all I got out of the library was Poirot books.

I think this sparked my love of mysteries, whether they be murder mysteries or mysterious disappearances, or anything! The following books brought me much joy when I read them, and I definitely wanted more than they ended. I reckon they’re great books to get you back into reading again.

Truly Devious by Maureen Johnson

One of my fave books of 2018 was Truly Devious. It tells of Stevie Bell who gets accepted to go to Ellingham Academy, a school in the mountains for exceptional students. She’s there to do one thing: solve the kidnapping of the founder’s wife and daughter in the 1930s.

It’ll get you back into reading because: It’s so clever! You’ll read this up in a sitting or two, and can dive straight into the rest of the series. It’s light enough to be entertaining but heavy enough to be nail-biting.

Murder on the Orient Express by Agatha Christie

Couldn’t not in clude a Christie novel. There are many great books by Christie, but Murder on the Orient Express is one of her more famous ones.

As Hercule Poirot boards the Orient Express, he’s thrown (once again) into a crime to be solved. But which one of the many train-travellers did it?

It’ll get you back into reading because: Christie’s mysteries are always top-notch, and while the writing is in a style that’s not quite as modern as you might like, it’s a wonderful story that really has you second guessing everything.

The Inheritance Games by Jennifer Lynn Barnes

I read The Inheritance Games and its sequel over the course of a weekend. It was that addicting.

When Tobias Hawthorne dies, he leaves his fortune to Avery Grambs, a teen girl who has no connection to the Hawthorne family whatsoever. The book follows Avery as she meets the family (and the sons), and tries to uncover the mystery of why Tobias left her with everything.

It’ll get you back into reading because: It’s un-put-downable. And even if you haven’t picked up a book in a while, you’ll be drawn into the story really quickly.

Middle-Grade

It would be remiss not to include some great middle-grade books in this list. Whether you have middle-grade-aged kids who you think might be book lovers at heart, or you yourself love a good MG book (I mean, same!), these books are a lot of fun.

A Series of Unfortunate Events, by Lemony Snicket

This is a wonderful series to help you get back into reading. They’re short, they’re quirky, they’re sad but also somehow ingenious.

A Series of Unfortunate Events: The Bad Beginning (and the rest of the 13-book series) tells the story of Violet, Klaus and Sunny Baudelaire, sudden orphans put into the care of various adults. But Count Olaf is out for their inheritance and will stop at nothing to get it.

It’ll get you back into reading because: You can’t help but want to know how this series ends. Will the Baudelaires escape the clutches of Count Olaf, or will their misfortune continue to follow them wherever they go?

Beyond the Deepwoods by Paul Stewart and Chris Riddell

Beyond the Deepwoods by Paul Stewart and Chris Riddell (and the books that follow it), is a book that not many I speak to have read or even know about. But it was one of my favourite series as a young person.

While the first book (now actually book 4 – think like Star Wars, how prequels became movies 1, 2 and 3 – similar situation here) tells the story of Twig who was abandoned by his parents is raised by woodtrolls in the Deepwoods, the other books tell the tales of various other characters in the same world.

It’ll get you back into reading because: The Edge Chronicles, as they’re called, are a magical mix of sweet stories and terrifying monsters. There so many wonderful stories in this series that you’ll be hooked from this, the first book.

City of Ghosts by VE Schwab

Another great book by VE Schwab, this one is aimed at Middle-Grader readers but is equally as enjoyable for adults wanting to get back into reading.

Cassidy Blake can see ghosts. And her best friend, Jacob, just happens to be one. As Cass heads to Edinburgh with her ghost-hunting parents to film a season of their show, The Inspecters, Cass is thrown into a different world where her responsibilities suddenly skyrocket and the danger does the same.

It’ll get you back into reading because: It’s a quick read with a wonderful storyline and brilliant characters. There are 3 books in this series, so you can keep reading when you’re finished!

Holes by Louis Sachar

I remember my intermediate teacher reading us Holes when I was about 12 years old, and I absolutely fell in love with the story of Stanley Yelnats and his no-good-dirty-rotten-pig-stealing-great-great-grandfather.

When Stanley is snapped up for a crime he didn’t commit, he’s sent to Camp Green Lake. And what we thought didn’t sound like a bad way to serve his time, turns out to be quite different. THere’s more to Camp Green Lake (and his family’s story) than meets the eye.

It’ll get you back into reading because: Holes is so wonderfully written, with multiple stories intercepting in a way that sort of blows your mind. It’s such a joyous read, and I really do think it’s one of those books to get you back into reading.

So there we have it! What do you reckon? If you haven’t picked up a book in a while and you’re looking for books to get you back into reading, then I think some of these would do the trick!

What else would you add to this list? Pop them in the comments!