Best Books to Get Out of a Reading Slump
It is always around this time of year that I start re-evaluating my reading goals. The beginning of 2025 was rough for my reading. I was in a real reading rut and could not seem to find the right books. I turned to Kirsten for help in picking some books to get out of a reading slump. By the end of 2025, my reading had picked up again! So, I decided to make a list of the best books to help you get back into reading. Not all of these are new books, but they have one thing in common. They are all unique, page-turning books.
Kirsten and I have some criteria for books to make it on this list. We did not want anything too heavy. If you haven’t read a book in a while, or haven’t been able to enjoy your book picks, the last thing you need is something that will weigh you down. But the book also needs substance. Each of the books on this list has great characters, great stories, and will keep you reading from the first page to the last.
So look no further for books to get out of a reading slump, these are all perfect picks!
The Best Books to Get out of a Reading Slump
Each colorful block below represents the best book in a subgenre. Click on the arrow to reveal my “best” pick in any category. You’ll also be able to use a page jump to see more books in that section.
The Best Fiction Book to get you reading again
The Correspondent by Virginia Evans- Jump to Section
The Best Historical Fiction to Kick Your Reading Slump
The Lost Vintage by Ann Mah- Jump to Section
The Best Page-Turning Mystery to Get You Reading
Happiness Falls by Angie Kim- Jump to Section
The Best Unputdownable Thriller to Get You Out of a Reading Slump
First Lie Wins by Ashley Elston- Jump to Section
The Best Fantasy Book to Get Out of a Reading Slump
The Enchanted Greenhouse by Sarah Beth Durst – Jump to Section
The Best Nonfiction to Get You Reading Again
My First Popsicle by Zosia Mamet- Jump to Section
*Post contains affiliate links. Purchases made through links result in a small commission to us at no cost to you. Some books have been gifted. All opinions are our own.
Fiction Books to Get Back Into Reading
The Correspondent
Author: Virginia Evans
Year: 2025
Genre: Fiction
More info: August 2025 Beyond the Bookends Book Club Pick
Age Range: 16+
Plot
Sybil Van Antwerp writes letters as a way of interacting with the world. She writes to her best friend, her brother, various authors, and the president of the university who will not allow her to audit classes, among many others. These letters are a record of her life and take place over nine years. Through these letters, we have an intimate look into Sybil’s life as she navigates through painful memories and declining eyesight.
Throughout this is a character-driven novel, Sybil writes a letter she has been writing for years to an unknown recipient. The beauty of these letters will make you feel like you are spying on Sybil.
Trigger Warnings
Death of a child, death from cancer
Why Jackie loves it
From the first page, I was absolutely drawn to this book! What an astonishing debut novel. The storytelling is wonderful and the pacing is perfect. Each of the characters had such a unique voice that I had no trouble differentiating them. I listened to and read this book, and I loved both versions in equal measure. The audio version is a full cast. The letters were written so beautifully, it made me want to start writing letters as correspondence. Gifted by PRH Audio
Why Kirsten loves it
Like Jackie, I adored reading this story. The audiobook narrators brought Sybil and her correspondents to life. The last 20 minutes I had tears streaming down my face. I can’t wait to discuss this with my book club!
Find this book in: Epistolary Novels / Best Fiction Books of 2025 / Giftable Books / Books About Mothers and Motherhood / Best Books of 2025 / Best Full Cast Audiobooks / Books to Get Out of a Reading Slump
Iona Iverson’s Rules for Commuting
Author: Clare Poole
Year: 2022
Genre: Contemporary Fiction
More info: New York Times bestselling author of The Authenticity Project
Age Range: 14+
Plot
Iona Iverson has rules for commuting on the train and they start with never talking to anyone. She brings her dog Lulu with her and that is all the company she needs although it does not stop her from giving the other regulars on the train nicknames. When a businessman (Smart-But-Sexist-Manspreader) starts choking on a grape, this all changes. As the characters get to know one another, we see them all change, evolve, and develop friendships. This feel-good book is heartwarming and delightful in every single way and we knew we needed to include it in our best summer reads 2023 post.
Why Jackie loves it
I have to say that I think this feel-good book was my favorite pick of 2022. The writing, the characters, and the storyline are all outstanding and I loved every minute of this book. If you are looking for books about friendship, this one will make your heart sing.
Find this book in: Books About Friendship / Ultimate Beach Reads 2023 / Ultimate List of Feel-Good Books / Books Set on a Train / Books to Get Out of a Reading Slump
Mrs. Quinn’s Rise to Fame
Author: Olivia Ford
Year: 2024
Genre: Fiction
Spice Rating:💋
Age Range: 14+
Plot
At 72, Jenny has decided to secretly enter a reality TV show, Britain Bakes (AKA The Great British Baking Show.) To her utter shock, she’s selected as a contestant! As she diligently works to prepare her bakes each week, she struggles to keep the secret of being on the show to her friends and neighbors. But that’s not all she’s struggling with.
Each chapter is named after a recipe and sprinkled throughout the modern-day narrative are flashbacks to her youth – including a secret she’s kept from her husband for more than 50 years.
Why Kirsten loves it
This story was delightfully charming. I loved the behind-scenes look at a baking show, I drooled over the many delectable bakes, and I was utterly obsessed with Jenny’s journey on the show and in her personal life. This story felt like a warm hug. It has heartwarming lessons wrapped up in funny and poignant moments.
Find this book in: Best Fiction Books of 2024 / The Best Books of 2024/ Reality TV Novels / Books to Get Out of a Reading Slump
Historical Fiction Books to Get Back Out of a Reading Slump
The Lost Vintage
Author: Anne Mah
Year: 2018
Genre: Historical Fiction
More info: Bestseller
Spice Rating:💋
Age Range: 16+
Plot
Kate is working to become a certified wine expert and the only thing standing in her way are the Burgundy wines at her family’s estate (and her first love who lives nearby).
While dealing out the basement filled with generations of belongings, Kate starts to learn about her family during the WWII occupation. Of all the WWII books, this is the one we recommend the most and we have never had anyone not love it.
Why Kirsten loves it
This mystery book feels like a warm hug. A little bit of historical fiction, a little bit of mystery, and a little bit of romance. It was so lovely to read at sunset with a glass of wine.
Why Jackie loves it
This book has a little bit of everything and kept me turning the pages non-stop. I completely agree with Kirsten when she says this book feels like a warm hug. I loved every bit of it and was sad when it ended.
Find this book in: Fiction Books About Wine / Feel-Good Books / Books to Get Out of a Reading Slump
The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo
Author: Taylor Jenkins Reid
Year: 2017
Genre: Historical Fiction
Spice Rating:💋💋
Age Range: 16+
Plot
A tell-all about a fictional Elizabeth Taylor-
Evelyn Hugo has asked an unknown reporter, Monique Grant, to write her life story in a no-holds-barred book. There is a bit of mystery around why Monique was chosen and Evelyn certainly has her fair share of hardships as she claws her way to the top.
The drama and suffering add dimension to the story that makes it so much more than fluff, though the inner workings of Hollywood were fun to read too. The story seems so candid that I forgot that Evelyn Hugo was not a real celebrity.
Trigger Warnings
Domestic Abuse, Homophobia
Why Kirsten loves it
Taylor Jenkins Reid slays with this story finding the perfect balance of glamour and grit. Evelyn seeks to change her life and in doing so, changes for the better. Every person who has read this book at my recommendation has loved it
Adaptation Information
Not much is yet known about the movie adaptation except that Maggie Betts is set to direct while Liz Tigelaar is working on the script.
Find this book in: Best Romance Novels of All Time / Best Books to Read on Beach / Old Hollywood Books / Taylor Jenkins Reid Books Ranked / Epistolary Novels / Books Becoming Movies / Hollywood Novels / Books Inspired by The Life of a Showgirl
Find books similar to this in: Books like The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo
Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Society
Author: Mary Ann Shaffner and Annie Barrows
Year: 2008
Genre: Historical Fiction
Spice Rating:💋
Age Range: 18+
Plot
This story about the island of Guernsey’s occupation during WWII features a book club that started to deceive the German soldiers. The members of the book club quickly become friends. Can you think of a better book for book clubs than one about a book club?
When a young novelist finds out about their society, she begins a correspondence and eventually visits them to learn more. The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Society must remain secret for their safety rather than by choice.
Trigger Warnings
War, Death
Why Jackie loves it
The story is told entirely in letters and was recently turned into a Netflix movie! I love this heartwarming novel. If you have not read this cozy book, I highly recommend it to anyone who loved The Jane Austen Society by Natalie Jenner.
Find this book in: Secret Society Books / Books About WWII / Friendship Books / Books About Books / British Books / Epistolary Novels / Books with Food in the Title
Mysteries to Get You Back into Reading
Happiness Falls
Author: Angie Kim
Year: 2023
Genre: Mystery
More info: September 2023 Good Morning America Book Club Pick
November 2025 Beyond the Bookends Book Club pick
Spice Rating:💋
Age Range: 15+
Plot
Happiness Falls is a captivating and heartwrenching tale about a Korean-American family in Virginia. When her dad mysteriously vanishes, Mia is convinced there’s a logical explanation. But as the search unfolds, family secrets unravel, and Mia’s younger brother, who is non-speaking Autistic, becomes the only witness.
Packed with shocking twists and thought-provoking questions, this book explores love, language, disabilities, and the lengths a family will go to understand one another. It was more than just a mystery. It was an exploration of the bonds of family.
Trigger Warnings
Death of a parent
Why Kirsten loves it
I love the portrayal of this family. Not only is this book filled with twists, it delves into the complexity of family and expressions of love.
Why Jackie loves it
As a speech-language pathologist I was captivated by this book from the first page. I love Kim’s emphasis on the importance of communication and the brilliant writing. The mystery is so good, and the characters are complex and unique.
Find this book in: Best Family Drama Books / GMA Book Club List 2023 / Best Books for Book Clubs / Best Books of 2023 / Books With Neurodivergent Characters / Books to Get Out of a Reading Slump
Thursday Murder Club
Author: Richard Osman
Year: 2020
Genre: Mystery
More info: Book 1 of 5 in Thursday Murder Club Series
Age Range: 14+
Plot
In a retirement village, in the puzzle room, four septuagenarians meet weekly for the Thursday Murder Club. They discuss and try to solve cold cases. When a local developer is found dead, the Thursday murder club has its first real case.
Soon, the bodies are piling up, and it’s up to the TMC to find the killer and stop them before it’s too late.
Why Jackie loves it
There was not much about this book that I didn’t love. The characters are smart and multi-dimensional. The plot is both intelligent and funny. I easily read this book in two days. This is the perfect cozy mystery book.
Find this book in: Books with Older Protagonists / Cozy Mystery Books / Books to Get Out of a Reading Slump
The God of the Woods
Author: Liz Moore
Year: 2024
Genre: Literary Historical Mystery
More info: New York Times Bestseller
New York Times Notable Book of 2024
People Magazine’s #1 Book of the Year
Age Range: 18+
Plot
Early one morning in August 1975, a camp counselor discovers that Barbara Van Laar, the daughter of the camper owners, has gone missing. Fourteen years earlier, her brother also went missing, and he was never found.
As the story flashes between the investigation into Barbara’s disappearance and the events leading up to Bear’s, detectives, family members, campers, and staff members’ lives are unfolded in a way that makes the mystery one of many threads woven into a masterful tale.
Liz Moore captured my attention from the very beginning and kept me engaged throughout as each secret and discovery unfolded into further mysteries.
Trigger Warnings
Child Death, Domestic Abuse
Why Kirsten loves it
I’ve not read many literary mysteries, but I can say that I like this subgenre of literary fiction. The mystery of what happened to Barbara and Bear was a fascinating central point, but I was so invested in each character’s story that I sometimes forgot what crime was being solved. I can see this not being for everyone though — there are lots of characters and sub-plots buried within. It’s no cozy mystery but that’s exactly why I think it’s one of my favorites of the year.
Why Jackie loves it
I will admit that it took me a little longer than usual to get into this book. As Kirsten mentioned, there are a lot of characters and subplots so it took longer to get into the heart of the story. You need to persist with the slower beginning of the book. Once you are 75 pages in, you won’t be able to put it down. The plot development is so well done as the stories from the past and present come together.
Find this book in: Books about Camp / The Best Books of 2024 / Historical Thrillers / Books to Get Out of a Reading Slump
Thrillers to Get Back into Reading
First Lie Wins
Author: Ashley Elston
Year: 2024
Genre: Thriller
More info: January 2024 Reese Witherspoon Book Club Pick, New York Times Bestseller
Age Range: 18+
Plot
Evie Porter knows the rules for survival: the first lie wins. Her mysterious boss, Mr. Smith, will first send her a name and then a location. She gets one piece of information at a time and is never sure what the end game is. She knows that she owes Mr. Smithe everything.
This time, her mark is Ryan Summer. But she is starting to feel like there might be something real with him. But, she cannot make any more mistakes. She is already on thin ice because of how she screwed up her last job. Soon, she is following twisted pathway and is not sure who to trust. Can she even trust herself?
Why Jackie loves it
This is unlike any thriller I have read. It is not a murder mystery thriller, but rather a fast-paced, secret-identity thriller where you will feel like you are one step behind the entire book. I listened to this on a road trip with my husband he loved it as much as I did. #gifted
Find this book in: Ultimate List of Beach Reads 2024 / Best New Thriller Books / Best Reese Witherspoon Books / Reese Witherspoon Book Club List 2024
Everyone is Lying to You
Author: Jo Piazza
Year: 2025
Genre: Thriller
Spice Rating:💋💋
Age Range: 16+
Plot
Lizzie and Bex were best friends until Bex disappeared after college graduation. Now, fifteen years later, Bex has transformed into a “traditional” wife and influencer with millions of followers, a ranch, a husband named Gray, and a brood of children. When Bex calls Lizzie to invite her to do an exclusive interview, it may be the big break her career needs.
Curious about not just the exclusive, but also why Bex abruptly ended their friendship, Lizzie heads to the MomBomb conference to reconnect with her. But when Gray is found murdered and Bex goes missing, Lizzie finds herself in a world of momfluencers and backstabbing.
Trigger Warnings
Infertility
Why Kirsten loves it
A #tradwife murder mystery from the amazing Jo Piazza? Yes, please!!! Jo is a genre-shape shifter who can effortlessly amp up the suspense factor while pulling back the curtain of influencing. I’m not sure what impressed me more, that BANANAS ending or the social commentary on Tradwives and the lies we are all sold by the influencers of the world.
This is the chocolate-covered bonbon of a book that only Jo could write. I guarantee you will be on the edge of your seat as you reevaluate all you know about influencers. #gifted by Dutton
Why Jackie Loves it
I do not know how Jo does it! Every book she writes is directly on the pulse of what is going on in the world. This book had EVERYTHING I could have hoped for from Jo and more. The book is fast-paced, the characters are so much fun to read and the social commentary is just beyond. #gifted
Find this book in: Beach Reads 2025 / Best Thriller Books of 2025 / Books Inspired by The Life of a Showgirl / Giftable Books
Fantasy Books to Get You Back into Reading
The Enchanted Greenhouse
Author: Sarah Beth Durst
Year: 2025
Genre: Cozy Fantasy Romance
More info: The Spellshop #2
Spice Rating:💋💋
Age Range: 14+
Plot
This is a standalone fantasy set in The Spellshop world. Terlu cast an illegal spell and created a sentient plant earning her a punishment of being turned into a wooden statue. But Terlu wakes up on an island of hundreds of magical greenhouses, having been awoken by the lone human inhabitant – a gardener, Yarrow. He’s brought her here to help her stop the enchanted greenhouses from failing. As she works to save the various plants, she begins to fall in love with Yarrow despite his grumpy exterior.
Why Kirsten loves it
Like her previous novel, this story is like a warm hug of a book. I read it in spring when my own garden began to bloom and it brought the magic of the season to life in a fun way. I adored the talking plants and the slow, sweet romance between the main characters. You don’t have to have read the previous book by any stretch, but there is a sweet check in on those characters at the end of this story.
Why Jackie loves it
I listened to this book and was capticated from the first moment. The characters are endearing and the descriptions of the food, the flowers, the magic, and the greenhouses felt like I was there. Kirsten’s description of the book being like a warm hug is perfect. It is such a feel good story that is perfect for all ages. My daughter was in the car listening with me and insisted we listen to the entire book together. Gifted by #Macmillanaudio
Find this book in: Isolation Novels / Beach Reads 2025 / Fiction Books About Gardens and Gardening
The White Octopus Hotel
Author: Alexandra Bell
Year: 2025
Genre: Historical Fantasy
Spice Rating:💋
Age Range: 18+
Plot
This dual-timeline story takes place at a gorgeous hotel in the Swiss Alps, where Eve Shaw, an art appraiser in 2015, is visiting after meeting Max Everly, a man who shares the same name as her favorite composer, born over 100 years earlier.
When she arrives at the White Octopus Hotel, Eve is thrown back in time to 1935 as she tries to undo a mistake from her past, avoid falling in love with Max, and head back to her own time.
Trigger Warnings
Child Death, War, Grief
Why Kirsten loves it
This fantastic novel was steeped in such creative magic that I could vividly picture everything. The Art Deco hotel would have been a treat on it’s own, but adding in the magical paintings, objects, and others items really made it immersive. I was swept away by this charming story.
Find this book in: Hotel Novels / Historical Fantasy Books / Books Like the Night Circus / Best Books of 2025
Non-Fiction Books to Get Out of a Reading Slump
My First Popsicle: An Anthology of Food and Feelings
Author: Zosia Mamet
Year: 2022
Genre: Essays
Age Range: 18+
Plot
This Anthology of stories is all centered around memories associated with food. Some of these stories are funny and some are quite poignant as they highlight how central food is to our culture, lives, and memories.
Trigger Warnings
Eating disorder
Why Jackie loves it
This book is different from any of the full cast audiobooks that I have listened to because each story is written and read by a different narrator. It is a quick read (or listen).
Find this book in: Full Cast Audiobooks / Beach Reads 2023 / Books to Get Out of a Reading Slump
Plot
This coming-of-age book had me thinking about it for DAYS. I mean truly, DAYS. This story shows the impact a lack of education can have on generations. Tara tells her life story about growing up with her survivalist family, having little contact with the outside world.
Tara’s journey was inspiring, heartbreaking, and thought-provoking all in one. This nonfiction book about cults had great insight into more extremist religions and survivalists.
Trigger Warnings
Child abuse
Why Kirsten loves it
I don’t usually read memoirs but I heard great things about this book. I loved it so much- it made my list of favorites for the year. It is an amazing story that reads like a novel rather than nonfiction.
Find this book in: Books about Cults / Books about Poverty / Coming-of-age Books for Adults / Best Books of 2018 / Best Books for Book Clubs to Read / Best Nonfiction Books
Expert Tip
Getting out of a reading slump can be difficult. Whether you are trying to get back into reading after a hiatus or you just cannot seem to find a book you love, the struggle is real. Kirsten and I have a few suggestions for books to get out of a reading slump.
- Kirsten and I read all of these books. Have a look at the descriptions and pick one that sounds appealing
- Do you normally love fiction? Try something a little different. Sometimes all you need is a book unlike anything you have read before.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best books to get out of a reading slump?
Fast-paced books with addictive plots and characters are the best books to get out of a reading slump. Are you looking for a fiction? Try The Correspondent by Virginia Evans. Do you love thrillers? Try reading First Lie Wins by Ashley Elston.
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Epilogue
How many of these books to get back into reading are you planning to read?
A great list of books – and I agree with many of them. The Night Circus is an all time favourite book of mine, and you just fall into it so easily; encompassed in the magic. Educated was probably my favourite nonfiction books of last year – such a brave & powerful story. I’m currently listening to The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo on audio, and am loving it, so I can see why that was included also.
The pull of great characters & a great story definitely makes it easier to fall back into books.