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Please help me get back into reading

20 replies

burnthebrassica · 04/01/2019 23:22

Hi all, I hope this is the right place to post this, I'm new to this section but I thought here would be a good place to get some advice Smile

I've always enjoyed getting into a good book but I'm not very good at finding books that draw me in so I don't read as much as I'd like to. I'm not really sure why or where I go wrong, I often start a book but as I can't get into it I just end up favouring the TV or social media which I would really like to stop doing and I think finding some good books would really help me get out of this bad habit.

I find I get into books based on real life events mostly, (it's probably not very high brow but one of my favourite books is 'mister teacher' by Jack Sheffield) but other than this I don't really know what I'm really looking for in a book and I get overwhelmed with choice so I never end up pinning anything down to even start reading.

So to get to the point, can I ask you to recommend some good, easy to read page turners. Sorry, I know I haven't really given you much to go on but I don't really know where to start so I'd be grateful for any suggestions, thank you.

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burnthebrassica · 04/01/2019 23:41

Sorry, I should add that I need something up lifting, nothing like my sister's keeper iykwim

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JiltedJohnsJulie · 05/01/2019 09:27

I’m currently reading Britt Marie Was Here. Although it’s not based on real life events, it is a very easy and enjoyable read Smile

Do you have a kindle or a kindle app? I sometimes download a sample to see if I like the style of the book before I buy.

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JiltedJohnsJulie · 05/01/2019 09:37

I’ve just thought of a book book that is based on RL events that you might enjoy, sorry the old brain is a little slow this morning Smile

It’s Tulip Fever. I read it a few years ago and thoroughly enjoyed it.

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ILiveInSalemsLot · 05/01/2019 09:42

When I got back to reading, I enjoyed thrillers like Gone Girl, Into the Darkest Corner and The Girl on the Train.
I also enjoyed No1 Ladies Detective Agency and 44 Scotland St by Alexander McCall Smith.
I’ve found it hard to get that ‘Getting absorbed’ into a book after kids. Im not sure if it’s because I’m always on standby for the kids or my phone has wrecked my focus on long texts. I’m getting there though.

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sparklepops123 · 05/01/2019 10:28

I love reading but have had a lapse lately. I like Cathy Glass ( she's a foster carer) you do get sucked into the stories, also Casey Watson is very similar

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JiltedJohnsJulie · 05/01/2019 10:30

I also enjoyed No1 Ladies Detective Agency. If I’ve ever had a break from reading and want to ease myself back in gently, I know that one of these books will do the trick Smile

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missyB1 · 05/01/2019 10:50

You need books that have some action or very engaging characters right from the start. I'm no good with a slow burner - I always give up! I recommend
Big Lies Little Lies - Lianne Moriarty
A Spark Of Light - Jodi Picoult (i'm reading this at the moment).

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BagelGoesWalking · 05/01/2019 11:10

Lisa Jewell, Jane Fallon & Diana Chamberlain are three I'd look at. Not real life stories but really good stories, engaging characters and easy to read.

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MozzchopsThirty · 05/01/2019 11:21

Watching with interest OP
I used to love reading, now end up fannying about on my phone or watching Netflix which is no good for sleep hygiene

I enjoyed Gone Girl and the girl on the train
Loved reading this is going to hurt (true life) which had me laughing out loud on holiday

Keen to see everyone's recommendations

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Hoosh · 05/01/2019 11:44

I read a lot, but also can go for ages without reading when life gets in the way too much, so I know why you mean, OP.

When I feel like I need to get back into reading I ease myself into it by re-reading an old favourite or something by an author I know I like. I know I'll enjoy it & it gets me warmed up to tackle something new/more challenging.

How about something like an Agatha Christie? She writes dialogue brilliantly and just cracks on with the story. Her plots are always faultless and they're very easy reading.

I read a lot of non-fiction but it's mostly about polar exploration and mountaineering, so a bit niche. I can recommend a ton of books (fact and fiction) about Antarctica Grin

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missyB1 · 05/01/2019 12:19

Hoosh is right Agatha Christie is easy reading. I love a Miss Marple when my brain is frazzled and I need to chill out!

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JaneJeffer · 05/01/2019 14:03

I find a diary style book is good when you haven't read for a while as you can read a little bit at a time until you get drawn in.

I'm reading No I Don't Want to join a Bookclub by Virginia Ironside at the moment.

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burnthebrassica · 05/01/2019 22:01

Ah thank you so much you're all brilliant, so many fab recommendations! Sorry I'm rubbish on MN so I don't know how to tag or high light but I'll try and reply to you all.

I would never have considered Agather Christie but I will def give them a go now Grin

Having children has definitely made it harder for me to get into reading but my youngest is now into books big-time so I feel I should be leading by example.

I don't have a kindle but I do have a rudimental tablet that offers free trials on Google books so now I've got some ideas of what to look for I will defo be giving your recommendations a try Smile

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Nuffaluff · 06/01/2019 11:08

If you’re want uplifting, a recent bestseller is Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine. Most people who I know that have read it absolutely love it.

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Nannyplumbrocks · 06/01/2019 12:14

Would also suggest Eleanor Oliphant and The hearts invisible furies, both are all rounders and fantastic

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burnthebrassica · 06/01/2019 21:33

Oh thanks, I'll have a look at those! I started reading the free trial of 'this is going to hurt' last night and I think this will be a good starter for me 😁 but I've lots to look forward to reading now! I've decided that this will be my new years resolution 😊

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JiltedJohnsJulie · 07/01/2019 16:34

If you have a tablet, it’s worth looking gob see if your local library lends ebooks Smile

I liked Eleanor Oplphant too and it got my DN back into reading.

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BagelGoesWalking · 10/01/2019 23:58

Would be great if you joined a local library - if you still have one. Sounds like you and the kids would enjoy it.

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FabulousGuineaPig · 16/01/2019 00:22

What about autobiographies? I always find these quite compelling.

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ritzbiscuits · 16/01/2019 09:46

Watching this thread with interest as I'm also trying to get back into reading over the past year.

Personally I thought Eleanor Oliphant was overhyped. It was a good read but certainly didn't wow me.

Enjoying Heart's Invisible Furies (as also mentioned above), This is Going to Hurt was also an enjoyable, funny read from last year.

I'm listening to Becoming by Michelle Obama on Audible at the moment. This is fantastic and enjoying it in audio form.

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