Read delicious books
By: Shannon Whitney
Tags: Readinglist, Book Review, Books, Reading, Book Recommendations

I’ve had two different friends reach out to me recently saying they really want to get into (or back into) reading this year. One said she knows she loves to read, but hasn’t finished a book in a long time. The other has a lot of half-finished books on her nightstand but keeps falling asleep.

Welcome to the rut. It’s real for people who once loved to read and people who always meant to discover their passion for reading. I know lots of people who like the idea of reading. They buy books and want to talk about it, but they also aren’t motivated to finish a book. That’s not my style, but I get it. I have those really good intentions and very little follow through in plenty of other areas of my life.

I told both friends the same thing- find a delicious book.

Don’t worry about the current book club pick or the business book you *should* be reading or the classic that you never got around to in high school. Those will come in time.

You need something irresistible to jump start your reading and it’s very likely that might be something easy or silly or paperback. To rekindle the flame and rebuild or establish the habit in the first place, you have to find a book you don’t want to put down.

A series would be even better so you’re ready to grab another as soon as you put down the first.

You need to want it. You need a book that will keep you up past your bedtime and have you reading instead of scrolling when you’re waiting at the dentist’s office. Get one you’ll gobble up, even if it’s not high brow.

Let the book draw you in, instead of carving out time to read everyday like a chore.

We do this with TV, and it’s called binging. I think that’s an unhealthy word for an unhealthy practice, but I’m guilty of doing it with books. I’m hungry for more info, more drama, more story. It’s not about the writing or the craftiness (usually), it’s more about more.

Get a book to binge. Eww, still don’t like that word. Find something you’re hungry for, even if it’s not on your nightstand yet.

I suggest some YA (Young Adult). It’s written at a lower reading level, so it’s going to read faster than that Pulitzer-winning novel you can’t seem to finish. There is so much out there right now. They aren’t all dystopian fantasy- although there’s tons of that if you love it. I fly through these and love to think about what 15-year-old Shannon would feel when reading them.

If that’s not your speed, have you ever read romance? As a genre, it’s not given much respect but don’t be shy. There are all different levels of spice, but as a whole they are quick reads. Get a recommendation since it’s a huge genre, I’m sure there are some duds.

If you’re looking not ready for romance, get as close as possible. I hate calling this “Chick Lit” because that is rude. Many of these are love stories with happy endings (does that technically make them Romance? I don’t know). Can I call them RomComs? I know that’s a movie term, but I think we can bring it to reading too. The books are lovable usually because the characters are so stinking lovable.

The last corner of the bookstore I’ll suggest is suspense or thrillers. Some of these are so good you HAVE to turn pages as quick as you possibly can read to figure out who the killer is or if they’ll survive the chase. These are often the reason I show up to work looking rough after a late night finishing “one more chapter.”

I guess the main thing I want to emphasize is that if you’re reading for fun, it should be, well, fun. No one should be pressured into lofty, old or hard books. Read what you like. I like a toughy now and then, but I’m going to sandwich it with lighter, faster novels.

I don’t mean to belittle any of the genres mentioned above or books listed below. They are great! I read them and enjoyed it, hence why I am suggesting them to you. It’s ok that they aren’t being discussed at length on NPR or in your book club. I’ve found that high brow stuff doesn’t read fast enough for me when I’m in a rut.

Some suggestions to get you started:

YA

Harry Potter by J.K. Rowling- Even if you read it as a kid, it’s fun and good and fast!

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins — Maybe another reread, maybe you saw the movie, but the books are quickies.

Pawn (and the Blackcoat Rebellion series) by Aimee Carter- This is similar to Hunger Games in my mind. I read the whole series in a couple days.

On the Come Up and The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas- Calling these YA is both true and unfair. They both deal with some big topics, but from a teen perspective.

Tell Me Three Things by Julie Buxbaum- This is a teen love story that is partly told through emails and gchat.

To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before by Jenny Han- Honestly, it’s so cute I could squeal. I love the treatment of the sisters in this one.

Romance

The Duke and I by Julia Quinn- Have you ever read romance before? My friend Julie talked me into this and I read the whole series so fast. She really builds up the tension and gives you just enough steamy scenes to keep you coming back.

Red White and Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston- This is another romance novel, but about two gay men. It’s funny and heartwarming, I promise.

RomComs

Evvie Drake Starts Over by Linda Holmes- This one will probably be a Netflix Original Movie in the next year. It’s lovable because you want the characters to win so badly.

Crazy Rich Asians by Kevin Kwan- This is just plain fun. Also, a love story, but mixed with travel and in-law drama.

The Wedding Date by Jasmine Guillory- More great characters in a silly set-up involving a wedding, naturally.

Seven Days of Us Francesca Hornak- This is more about a family lock-in than a love story. You know all these people.

Suspense

Timeline by Michael Crichton- This author is one of my all time favorites, and this is the fastest one. Jurassic Park is also wonderful.

Pretty Girls by Karin Slaughter- All of Karin Slaughter’s stories are MESSED UP, but in the best way.

Dark Matter by Black Crouch- This one is so quick you and your husband can both read it and still get it back to the library a week early.