Help - I want to start reading again but have no idea where to start

[Dancergirl]

I read a lot as a child but gradually got out of the habit over the years. I read a bit on holiday but not much at home. I am now in my forties and don't feel well-read at all and I want to address this.

I have no idea where to start. Classic fiction or more contemporary? I don't want to start reading heavy going novels as I know I won't finish them, but on the other hand I don't want to read trash.

I like real life books as opposed to fantasy. I quite like thrillers and crime too.

Any suggestions for some starting points please?

[berkshyre]

I got out of the habit while having young children. Also having a smart phone doesn't help as it's always there for 'easy' reading.

I think start with books that are well-written but not too taxing, so that you'll actually finish them and not give up. Then when you realise you are a reader again you can move on to weightier works. Or not! Nothing wrong with reading whatever you find enjoyable.

Right now, I highly recommend Big Little Lies by Liane Moriarty. It's very gripping and funny, while dealing with some serious issues.

I also enjoyed the Robert Galbraith (JK Rowling's pen name) detective novels. They have a breezy tone but keep you reading to the end.

[User543210]

If you want to start with thrillers these aren't too long and really interesting!

Misery - Stephen King
Mine - Robert R McCammon

[elephantoverthehill]

I would suggest Maeve Binchy, a bit chick lit but some good undercurrents. Or re visit children's fiction, I loved rereading the 'Swallows and Amazons' series and 'Malory Towers' and 'St. Claire's'.

[AdaColeman]

For thrillers and crime try The Shardlake series by CJ Sansom, or (not quite so well written but still fun) something by Gordon John Thomson.

[AdaColeman]

A couple I've enjoyed recently are The North Water by Ian McGuire and The Light Between Oceans by M L Stedman.

Happy reading!

[LiveLifeWithPassion]

I think thrillers are quite good to help you get back into reading. I started off with books like Gone Girl and Apple Tree Yard. The 'page turning' element help.
I agree that smartphones don't help! They're too distracting and don't help with concentration levels.