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Book Recommendation To Get Back Into Reading

18 replies

PurpleDiva22 · 25/07/2024 18:23

Hey everyone.

I used to be a keen reader but life got in the way. I have a bit of time freeing up and want to get back into books. I am looking for a simple read, something with one main storyline and not many side storyline, and that gets the readers interest immediately. Any suggestions?

Posting here as the book forums seem to be rather quiet.

OP posts:
PurpleDiva22 · 25/07/2024 18:25

Forgot to add:

I like a variety of genres, drama, romance, crime, thriller...

OP posts:
Santasbigredbobblehat · 08/04/2025 11:41

Elly Griffiths Norfolk series. Easy to read and loads of them if you enjoy.

Can you suggest some books you remember enjoying?

GameOfJones · 08/04/2025 12:03

A Court of Thorns and Roses got me back into reading. I ended up reading the entire series in under a month after having had a reading lull.

The Housemaid by Freida McFadden? A simple book to read.

I also really loved Ask for Andrea although it is upsetting in parts and is told from multiple characters' point of view. It is about three women that have been murdered by the same man and are now ghosts trying to stop him hurting anyone else. Sounds a bit of a silly storyline but I actually really enjoyed it.

Interested in this thread?

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HRTQueen · 08/04/2025 12:18

Yellowface by R.F. Kuang got me back into reading

its an amusing satirical thriller, fast paced and easy to follow

I am struggling again but Ask for Andre sounds good shall go and purchase it now

EineReiseDurchDieZeit · 08/04/2025 12:40

American Dirt by Jeanine Cummins. Grabs you from the start and doesn’t let go. I’ve recommended it on here to thanks before although someone did tell me that I should have mentioned that parts of it need a content warning whereas I hadn’t seen it like that. Gripping.

GroovyChick87 · 08/04/2025 12:41

I second Freida McFadden. They're predictable and probably a bit too basic to some readers but they are easy to follow, fast paced and gripping. Also, Lisa Jewell.

EineReiseDurchDieZeit · 08/04/2025 12:44

I would also recommend None Of This Is True by Lisa Jewell as a gripping read. It’s not a great work of literature but it really hit the spot for me at the time and would be a great “re-entry” to reading I think

HundredPercentUnsure · 08/04/2025 12:47

I signed up to a subscription with The Teatime Bookshop for this. A new book is delivered every month which is quite motivating to read them and pass them on before the new one arrives, and it's a little treat in the post ☺️

teatimebookshop.co.uk/

Gundogday · 08/04/2025 12:48

Seven sister series - Lucinda Riley (or her other books).

i wouldn’t opt for American Dirt - Good book but very long. Yellow face also had mixed reviews in our bookclub.

The best advice I can give though, if you’re not taken with a book, give yourself permission to stop reading it and find something else.

SparklyBrickViper · 08/04/2025 13:19

I’ve just finished reading The Canterbury Cullings (first novel by a new author Anwen John).

Really great police/crime story; I think will become a series.

urghhh47 · 08/04/2025 13:33

I have enjoyed every book by Lisa Jewell - I listen rather than read but she has got me back into fiction. Also Anni Jones - also really good.

Augustus40 · 08/04/2025 13:33

I just discovered Lisa Jewell she is ace! Psychological thriller style. I have just finished The Family Upstairs. Gripping!

Santasbigredbobblehat · 08/04/2025 13:34

BigDahliaFan · 08/04/2025 12:53

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/57001545-still-life

this gave me back a joy of reading.

Yes this is great.

I found Yellow Face awful and didn’t finish. People love it though.
Lisa Jewell is an easy read. I

GameOfJones · 08/04/2025 18:40

Also, The Light Between Oceans is one I couldn't put down and has stayed with me. I just checked my Kindle orders and I read it 9 years ago but still remember it well. It's emotional though and probably not right if you want something lighthearted.

Alwaystired2023 · 08/04/2025 18:43

I've got back into reading this year - 12 books since Jan and reading my 13th now. Really enjoyed Last One at the Party, read in 2 days (would have been sooner if it wasn't for these pesky kids) also Hunted that was good. And a series by Cara Hunter about DI Adam Fawley, complete page turner police thrillers (like reading A Line of Duty)

Alwaystired2023 · 08/04/2025 18:44

Oh and Eye for an Eye that was really good. And Appletree Yard, so readable and a great twist

onemorecupofcoffeefortheroad · 08/04/2025 19:01

The Song of Archilles by Madeline Miller.

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