If you’re trying to get into or back into reading, the hardest part is not finding a “good” book; it’s finding one that actually keeps your attention—the kind where you want to keep turning pages instead of looking at your phone. For me, that has happened multiple times throughout middle and high school, and today, I have read every single day since. So if you’re in a reading slump, here are six books to get you out.
One of the easiest ways to get back into reading is to start with something fast-paced like “Never Lie” by Freida McFadden. It follows a couple trapped in a snowstorm who take shelter in a renowned psychiatrist’s house, who vanished without a trace four years earlier, where they discover patient recordings that reveal disturbing secrets. It is quick, full of twists, and doesn’t waste time, which makes it perfect when you’re trying to rebuild your focus.
If that kind of fast-paced, twisty storytelling hooks you, you might want to stay in that lane a little longer and read “The Housemaid” and “The Housemaid’s Secret.” Both books are also by Freida McFadden and are even more addictive. The first book is about a woman who takes a job as a housemaid for a wealthy family, only to realize something is very wrong in the house. The second continues the story with new secrets and even high stakes.
Once you’re back in the rhythm of reading, it can be nice to shift into something a bit deeper while still staying engaging. For something a little more emotional and layered, “The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo” by Taylor Jenkins Reid is a great choice. It tells the story of a famous Hollywood actress who reveals the truth about her life and her seven marriages to a journalist. It’s loosely inspired by the life of Elizabeth Taylor, but it is still completely fictional. This was the book that got me into reading back in middle school, and it’s easy to see why, because it’s full of emotions, drama and plot twists.
If you enjoy stories that blend strong emotions with compelling reveals, moving back into mystery with that same depth is a great next step. If you want a book that pulls you deep into a mystery, “The Only One Left” by Riley Sager is one of my favorite books I’ve read. It is about a caregiver who is assigned to look after an elderly woman accused of murdering her family decades ago, and as she communicates with her, long-hidden truths begin to surface. It’s a little longer, at almost 400 pages, but the constant twist and suspense make the length worth it.
Lastly, if you’re ready for something more serious and impactful after getting comfortable with reading again, you can turn to a story that actually stays with you. “The Women” by Kristin Hannah is a more emotional and powerful read that follows a young nurse who serves during the Vietnam War and deals with everything that comes after. It covers heavy topics, but it’s written in a way that makes you feel like you’re right there with her, which makes it impactful.
Getting into reading is not about choosing the most advanced or impressive book; it’s about finding something that makes you want to keep reading. Once you find books you enjoy, reading starts to feel fun again rather than something you have to do.
