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Original poster

I used to devour books and want this feeling back but did not get on with the Goldfinch like most on here

37 replies

delayrepayagain · 01/09/2025 19:39

I want to spend my commute reading rather than working to improve my work/life balance.

In the 90s I’d devour books, getting through at least 2 a week.

However I’ve tried some recommendations on here eg the Goldfinch and just not got on with it though persevered. Could not get beyond first few pages of Captain Corelli either.

The last book I read which made a impression on me in was All the Light We Cannot See. Over the years I’ve enjoyed travelogues (Lonely Planet did a great series of these back in the day), most of Sebastian Faulkes, Jeffrey Archer (yes, really!). I would always buy Jo Jo Moyes latest books (because of Ship of Brides) but these got a bit samey.

I actually miss not wanting to go to sleep to carry on turning the pages.

Please share with me your page turners.

OP posts:
Original poster
delayrepayagain · 01/09/2025 20:22

Very probably @AlphaApple

I just need that page turning book to get me started again. Lots of ideas here which I’m adding to a list. I’m going to read actual paper books too. I think that’ll help.

OP posts:
AlphaApple · 01/09/2025 20:18

Have you lost your reading muscles? I spend too much time jumping from screen to screen at work so I have to force myself to read an actual book when I’m on holiday. Once I get past the first 50 pages I am back into the swing of reading but it takes discipline.

runningslowlyuphill · 01/09/2025 20:17

I was in the same position as you a couple of years ago. I set myself a reading challenge on Goodreads (the first year it was a really modest one) and took it from there. Now I'm back to my old reading ways (almost pre-kid levels, not quite), any spare 10 mins will be with my book. Amongst my favourites have been

Demon Copperhead
Ordinary Human Failings - Meg Nolan
Soldier Sailor - Claire Kilroy
Green dot - madeleine gray
Katherine Heiney books
Anne Enright (everything she's done)

Also I mix it up with a lot of non fiction too....have discovered the essays of Elissa Gabbert which I love, and quite a few political books (love the Tim Shipman ones and Gabriel Pogrund to
Also love book podcasts ... "Weirdos Book club" with Sara Pascoe and Cariad Lloyd v good...always gives me ideas

HermioneWeasley · 01/09/2025 20:14

Have you read anything by Barbara Kingsolver?

also signature of all things is wonderful and everyone Ive recommended it to has loved it

SereneLilac · 01/09/2025 20:03

My favourite novels of the last year or two:

Still Life, Sarah Winman
The Glassmaker, Tracey Chevalier
How to Build a Boat, Elaine Feeney

Original poster
delayrepayagain · 01/09/2025 19:55

I’ve seen her recommended here a fair bit. I think I’ve read some of hers over the years but not that one. It’s on the list, thank you.

OP posts:
GrumpySparkler · 01/09/2025 19:54

Big Little Lies by Liane Moriarty was the book that got me back in to reading after a very long hiatus!

Original poster
delayrepayagain · 01/09/2025 19:53

Thank you for those recommendations. I do like some depth to a book and a good pace too. I’m currently reading Victoria Hislop’s second book as remember enjoying The Island. It’s telling that I can’t remember its name without going upstairs to look.

OP posts:
fruitpastille · 01/09/2025 19:48

In terms of authors, you might like Lisa Jewell? Also Emily Henry books are quite easy reading. Another author I love but has a bit more depth is Curtis Sittenfeld.

I found American Dirt a real page turner. I also enjoy the Cormoran Strike books.

Original poster
delayrepayagain · 01/09/2025 19:44

I did try this with Memoirs of a Geisha (which I loved at the time) but it just didn’t feel the same. I’ve reread a few over the years too which had same impact.

Only ones I particularly enjoyed again was Bill Bryson, mostly for the humour and ease of reading.

OP posts:
AlwaysFreezing · 01/09/2025 19:43

Some suggestions.

Bel Canto by Ann Patchett
The Bee Sting by Paul Murray
Prodigal Summer by Barbara Kingsolver
Hamnet by Maggie O'Farrell (total marmite book!)

fourelementary · 01/09/2025 19:40

Could you go back to ones you enjoyed before? Comfort reading? To help ease you back in…

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