10 books that will get you out of a reading slump, from ‘Wonder’ to ‘Red, White & Royal Blue’
- Find it hard to concentrate on a book? From tales about Old Hollywood to heartfelt novels that will make you cry, these picks will keep you turning the page
- Kick back, relax and detach from your routine with these impossible-to-put-down reads
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A list of top 10 books that will help you get rid of your reading slump in the end of the year. Photo: ShutterstockWe’ve all been there – the dreaded reading slump where it feels impossible to even pick up a book, let alone finish one. Well, fret not because here are 10 books guaranteed to get you out of your slump before the year ends.
The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid (2017)
Evelyn Hugo, an old Hollywood starlet, takes the spotlight in this novel. As the daughter of Cuban immigrants, she had to work from the ground up, doing whatever she could to make it to the top. On the way, she marries seven husbands, hence the title, managing to outlive them all and finally tell her story.
Fans of Marilyn Monroe and Elizabeth Taylor will love Evelyn Hugo just as much. It’s a heart-wrenching story about the highs and lows of an actress surviving and thriving in the Golden Age of Hollywood.
Daisy Jones & the Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid (2019)
Loosely based on British-American rock band Fleetwood Mac, Daisy Jones & the Six follows Daisy, a carefree and talented singer, and a band called The Six, led by Billy Dunne. Set in the 1960s and 70s, they find success in the music industry, putting out hit albums and going on tours. But one night, everything comes crashing down, and the band breaks up.
Formatted in the style of an interview transcript, it’s a quick and easy read but simultaneously engaging and unforgettable. (And yes, Reid appears twice on this list; her books are just that good.)
Red, White & Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston (2019)
Alex Claremont-Diaz is the first son of the United States. Henry is a British prince. They have hated each other since the moment they met. But what happens when international relations are under threat, and they are forced to fake a friendship? And what happens when they fall in love amid the most important election of the year?
Written by a queer author, it’s no surprise that the book is full of amazing queer representation.
On Earth We’re Briefly Gorgeous by Ocean Vuong (2019)
If you’re looking to have a good cry after all that romance and fun, look no further.
Written as a heartfelt letter from the narrator, Little Dog, to his illiterate mother, On Earth We’re Briefly Gorgeous is a semi-autobiographical recount of Ocean Vuong’s life. It touches on topics such as race, class, and sexuality and reads like poetry. Divided into multiple vignettes, each captures a short memory or a period in Little Dog’s life. It’s impossible to put this book down.
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Love on the Brain by Ali Hazelwood (2022)
Fans of Hazelwood’s previous book, The Love Hypothesis, will treasure Love on the Brain even more. This time, we follow Bee, a neuroscientist, who is forced to work with Levi, her old nemesis, on a project that will potentially skyrocket her career.
It is a great, lighthearted read that guarantees a good time. By the time you’re done with the book, you’ll have fallen in love with the characters and be completely out of your slump.
Other Words for Home by Jasmine Warga (2019)
A verse novel told from the perspective of Jude, a Syrian girl who immigrates to the United States to escape the war, it’s a memorable story about rediscovering yourself, adapting to new changes, and overcoming the challenges that come with it. Culture is a huge part of the plot, which tackles issues still present in today’s social climate, all tactfully and movingly.
Bunny by Mona Awad (2019)
Samantha, a student at Warren University, is stuck in the same creative writing cohort as a group of insufferable girls who call each other “Bunny”. At first, Samantha does everything she can to avoid them, but when they invite her to a gathering one night, she finds herself saying yes. From there, her reality starts to alter in the strangest ways.
If you’re looking for a gory book more on the creepy side, this is perfect for you. With darkly funny and satirical themes that are immensely enjoyable, there are plot twists at every turn of the page. It’s extremely difficult to put this book down.
Wonder by R.J. Palacio (2012)
August was born with a facial difference that makes him stand out from the crowd, and for the first time in his life, he’s going to school with other kids. The book follows his experiences dealing with bullies, making friends, and all the other “normal” things August has longed for his entire life.
The short chapters make it very easy to fly through the book, and the way the point of view alternates between Auggie’s sister, classmates, and others amplifies the emotions in the novel. It’s memorable, realistic, and hard to dislike.
Five Feet Apart by Mikki Daughtry, Rachael Lippincott and Tobias Iaconis (2018)
This thin book can be read in one night. It follows two teens, Will and Stella, both of whom have cystic fibrosis, meaning that they must stay six feet apart at all times due to their weakened immune systems. However, the distance doesn’t stop them from falling in love, which presents further complications for their possible future together.
The characters are lovable, and the story is romantic, emotional, and gripping, making it easy to keep reading. After you read the book, make sure you also check out the 2019 movie adaptation, starring Haley Lu Richardson as Stella and Cole Sprouse as Will.