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Recommend me a book to make me love reading again

64 replies

Tatlletoot · 11/01/2022 20:30

Since I’ve had my 3 young children (all under 5) I have found I have so little attention or motivation to read. I used to love to read, could not get enough of it, funny how I could spend hours on mumsnet reading threads.

My new years resolution is to try to spark this love again.
I usually read thriller type books but have always had a special love for Jodi Picoult books. Not really into rom coms, just need to something to hold my attention.
Please recommend me your absolute favourite book so that I can order a few to kick off this year as I mean to go on. Thanks

OP posts:
MalfunctioningRobot · 11/01/2022 20:36

A couple I’ve read recently that I enjoyed were The Snow Child and The Night Circus.

The night circus is really good for keeping your attention and makes you want to keep reading.

Arren12 · 11/01/2022 20:37

I like John Grisham and Lee child. Lee child's jack reacher books can get a bit samey but I still enjoy them anyway. John Grisham I love. He was talking about his time working as a lawyer in the USA before he became a writer on radio 2 recently and some of his books are close to some real life experiences/cases but still gripping fiction.
I also like chris mooney for horror/thriller.

Seriouslymole · 11/01/2022 20:41

I second John Grisham- he is my “go to” for easy but gripping reading. I’m currently reading The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo after watching the film. I am loving the book.

Interested in this thread?

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AColdDuncanGoodhew · 11/01/2022 20:42

I'm trying to get back into reading too, I've read one book this year which was The Couple at No.9 by Claire Douglas which I really enjoyed

GemmaRuby · 11/01/2022 20:43

I really enjoyed Thursday murder club by Richard Osman. Not the absolute best book ever, but easy enjoyable reading

Newforestdonkey · 11/01/2022 20:45

Hamnet

Lacedwithgrace · 11/01/2022 20:46

Not sure if you'd be into it but I read Eleanor Oliphant is completely fine recently and loved it. It's easy to follow and even if you put it down for a week you can pick it up and carry on

ANameChangeAgain · 11/01/2022 20:46

I don't get to read very often, but I really enjoyed Jamaica Inn over Christmas.

yoshiblue · 11/01/2022 20:49

Come over to 'What We're Reading' section of chat for loads of ideas. Both 50 or 26 in 2022 threads.

I've gone from reading 5 books in 2020 to 37 in 2021!

From the last year my favourites were

Hungry - Grace Dent
Small Pleasures - Claire Chambers
All The Light We Cannot See - Anthony Doerr
Fifty Fifty - Steve Cavanagh (gripping legal thriller)

stripetop · 11/01/2022 20:51

I've just finished American dirt. Had it on my kindle for maybe a year and wasn't sure. First book in many years I could not put down.

dementedma · 11/01/2022 20:58

Second Fifty Fifty. Kept me guessing until the end

mamabluestar · 11/01/2022 21:09

Books written by Sharing Lapena and Lisa Jewel hold my attention.

EmmaStone · 11/01/2022 21:19

Couldn't put American Dirt down.

oobedobe · 11/01/2022 21:21

American Dirt is amazing and gripping.

A recent one I loved was The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue

ashorterday · 11/01/2022 21:23

@Lacedwithgrace

Not sure if you'd be into it but I read Eleanor Oliphant is completely fine recently and loved it. It's easy to follow and even if you put it down for a week you can pick it up and carry on
I agree
CheshireChat · 11/01/2022 21:28

Circe by Madeline Miller
The Hunger Games

Matbest · 11/01/2022 21:29

Good thread - have saved a few to my wishlist!

I find Emma Donahue really readable, also quite enjoyed The Midnight Library. Currently enjoying Hamnet - Maggie O'Farrell is great.

MsChatterbox · 11/01/2022 21:29

I've struggled for years to get back into reading. Finally got what that's hooked me... "the silent patient"

Tyrannosaurusdrip · 11/01/2022 21:33

I second the night circus, it's great.
If you like Jodi Picoult, you've already read the Giver of Stars? A similar book is The Book woman of Troublesome Creek. Loved it.
I read a book called the dictionary of lost words last year, it was so interesting and had great personal stories.
Hope you find something!

alpaca44 · 11/01/2022 21:34

Agree. Loved both American Dirt and Small Pleasures recently.

SofiaAmes · 11/01/2022 21:36

The Celeste Ng books, if you like Jodi Picoult. If you like Audiobooks, I LOVED everything by Elizabeth Acevedo read by the author.

CallMeK · 11/01/2022 21:36

Following closely, also a mum of 3 littlest and trying to get back into reading for pleasure. I just finished Midnight Library & it was great!

SofiaAmes · 11/01/2022 21:37

By the way, audiobooks are perfect for parents of little ones. You can take them to the park and keep an eye on them while listening to your audiobook.

realhousewifeofmodor · 11/01/2022 21:38

The kite runner and a thousand splendid suns.

Just finished the beekeeper of Aleppo- jt was good but not quite as awesome as the above.

AgathaMystery · 11/01/2022 21:38

Thursday Murder Club! I loved it.