Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Admittedly, there was a phase where I found myself utterly detached from the magic of reading. It always happens this way, doesn’t it? You get caught up in life, your time is consumed by screens, and suddenly those massive bookshelves give you more top end furniture than you think of them as your portal to explore books in different dimensions. If you’re currently nodding your head along and experiencing the guilt of so many unread books sitting on the shelf collecting dust as closely as you have already, let me tell you that you are not the only one.

The only thing that makes it not hard to get back to reading is that it can be hard to even think about. What do you even do? Do you begin again with those weighty classic novels you deserted? Simply finish the series you never completed? Believe me, I’ve been there, looking at my bookshelf wishing the books would grow legs and walk away.

But what I have learned is: the best books to read when you’re wanting to get back your reading habit are certainly not the ones that everyone seems to be talking about or the unwieldy book which you think you “should” read. They are the books that make you to remember why you were in love with the stories in the first place.

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Feeling that Rejoining Reading is So Difficult

Before moving on to my recommendations, let’s talk about the reasons why it is such a challenge to return to reading. When I was having difficulty getting back my reading routine, I finally realized that the problem was me. I was the one who was putting unnecessary pressure on myself. I thought I had to read “important” books or keep the same pace I enjoy in college.

The truth of the matter is that our reading muscles would demand the time to gain strength again. You may not be able to concentrate as well as you used to, and that is completely okay. The important thing is that you select books that gently guide you back into the reading mindset without overwhelming you.

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My Carefully Curated List: 5 Books to Welcome Your Back

After doing the testing and failing, now I want to share the five books that, in my opinion, should be your top choice if you want to get back the joy of reading. They aren’t arbitrary – each one is designed to help you reshape that reading habit.

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1. Tom Lake by Ann Patchett – The Perfect Literary Comfort Food

Just imagine books like Tom Lake, which is like a soft blanket that you put on inside and outside. I picked my read during a very stressful period, and Ann Patchett’s storytelling felt like coming home to a dear friend.

The story tells of a mother who reveals her past to her adult daughters by sharing with them the cherries they picked during the pandemic, of which a play they were doing together was performed to the audience by the mother as a young woman, and of course, they were taking cherries together. I got this book’s main theme of how it layers story within story – the mother is talking about playing in Our Town with a young woman, but you are also the observer of this cherished family moment. That is the main thing that I admired.

Patchett’s writing is incredibly accessible without being simple. She has this gift for making you feel like you’re eavesdropping on the most interesting conversation at a dinner party. The tempo is slow but never dull, and that’s why it is one of the best books to read when you are worried about losing focus.

The great thing for returnees is that this book never requires your total attention every moment. You can always lay it down and pick it again without losing the thread. However, the beauty of the writing will make you not want to.

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2. Just for the Summer by Abby Jimenez – Romance That Captivates You Right Away

Now, I get that many of you could be thinking – romance novels? Seriously? But, do hear me out. Just for the Summer is a true page-turner that would remind you of your past that is too long without reading “just one more chapter.”

This contemporary romance revolves around Emma and Justin, who, both singles, make a deal to date each other for a summer in an attempt to stop their bad luck in their dating life with people who find their true love shortly after their breakup. It is originally a bizarre thing, and it is, but Jimenez manages a great balance between humor and emotionally driven moments.

One of the things that makes this a great book to try for reading returners is its compelling nature. The chapters keep a perfect pace, the dialogue sparkles, and the chemistry of the characters explodes right off the page. What happened to me was that I started to care for the characters, and that was the very reason that I should have been reminded of why reading prevails over watching the TV or scrolling through my phone.

Additionally, the book addresses some serious but relevant issues – mental health, family trauma, personal growth – without becoming preachy or heavy. It is like a speculative work tackling the idea of literary work that can be both entertaining and meaningful at the same time.

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3. James by Percival Everett – A Novel Look at a Classic

This is the point where all of it becomes really fun. James is Everett’s reimagining of The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn. This time, Jim is the narrator. Don’t freak out; this is not a boring history or painful philosophy. The truth is, this book holds in suspense.

Everett’s creation is not just good; it is great. He takes known stories and flips them around and gives voice to the character who has been silent in the original. The writing is sharp, often funny, and always engaging.

This is one of the key books to pay attention to because it shows that “literary fiction” need not be hard to digest. Everett is dynamic, and his Jim is a character that is fully developed with bright ideas, humor, and depth. You will end up reading pages after pages because you are into this new version of an already familiar journey.

Not only that but the book also does something good for the ones who are returning to reading as it re-establishes the joy of finding out how a talented author can create familiarity and entirely new significance. It is a kind of reading experience that stays in your memory for the rest of your life.

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4. Orphan Train by Christina Baker Kline – A Historical Read That Makes a Mark

Kline’s Orphan Train is an intriguing tale that tightly intertwines the lives of Molly and Vivian. The former is a teenager in a contemporary foster care system, while the latter is an elderly woman who was part of the historical orphan train movement. The story that reflects on the two is a real meditation on family, home, and resilience.

Kline’s storytelling is a masterclass, though not shown off. She allows the story to speak for itself, and indeed it is an extraordinary story. The historical element of the book is attractive; I had no idea that among 1854 and 1929 orphan trains were established across the East Coast Cities to the rural homes of the Midwest.

This is one of those books to read that will make you realize the strength of historical fiction. It is not solely about the past but rather the echo of the present. The bond between Molly and Vivian is portrayed naturally, and their friendship is the heart of the story.

What I like especially about this book for returning readers is how it balances multiple elements – history, character development, social issues – without ever overwhelming it. It is catchy enough to make you feel fulfilled and at the same time simple enough to keep your pages turning.

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5. When Stars Are Scattered by Victoria Jamieson and Omar Mohamed – A Graphic Memoir That Opens Hearts

To finish up, I am putting something else on the table – a graphic memoir. When Stars Are Scattered is based on the true story of Omar Mohamed who lived in a Kenyan refugee camp during his youth with his younger brother Hassan, who was non-verbal and had severe disabilities.

Don’t be misled into thinking that the graphic novel format means this is some sort of “easier” reading. This memoir is strong, devastating, and beautifully executed. Jamieson’s illustrations work hand in hand with her story, and together they make something that lies in between both accessible and supremely impactful.

This book is one of the best reads to experience because it demonstrates the power of storytelling through visuals. By combining text and images, they create an immediacy that brings you directly into Omar’s experience. You will also find yourself being completely consumed in his strength, hope, and the power of education story.

In addition, it should be noted that this aspect is particularly well suited for returning readers as it is about using visual storytelling to stretch the definition of what a book is. It is a way to remember that fantastic storytelling can take on many forms and that great stories sometimes come from the intersection of word and image.

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Make Your Reading Comeback a Success

Now, aside from these five great books, I want to share a few tricks that made my reading comeback successful:

• Start small. Don’t push yourself to read for hours. It’s even more important to read briefly for 15-20 minutes a day to help you to form a reading habit again.
• Create a cozy reading space. Designate a reading spot, whether that is a couch corner or a chair by a window. This basically tells your brain that it’s time to focus.
• Do not be guilty about not finishing. If a book is not working for you, your choice is to put it aside and try something different. The end goal is your love for reading to be rekindled, not to punish yourself with books that you are not enjoying.
• Mix it up with formats. Sometimes listening to an audiobook or using an e-reader can help when physical books feel too much. The most important thing is to engage with stories again.

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Your Reading Journey Starts Now

Getting back into reading is not about proving anything to anyone or checking items off a list. It is about rediscovering the joy of reading, the satisfaction of having turned the pages, and the simple pleasure of the time spent in the company of characters that become friends.

The five books to try on are selected with great care to ensure you slide back into reading life with ease. Each of them offers something different – comfort, excitement, intellectual involvement, emotional depth, and open-mindedness. Together they are a perfect foundation for rebuilding your reading habit.

So pick one book that you feel most attracted to, find a corner or a comfy chair for yourself, and let the adventure of reading come back to life.

I assure you, your future self will be grateful for starting today. Reading, you are welcome back among us.

Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

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