To want to be able to actually read a book again - recommendations for a phone addict

[Noideawottodo]

I used to love reading and read a couple of books a week. Over the last couple of years I've slowly stopped - seems much easier to go on my phone and scroll mindlessly. I do listen to audio books - enjoyed American Dirt recently.

What books can you recommend to tear me away from my phone? I did an English Literature degree hundreds of years ago so still enjoy things that are well written, but it's got to be pacey, gripping and bonus points for a bit spooky.

The Midnight Library

Last year I read all of the Game of Thrones books (beware that the books only go as far as season 5ish if you’ve seen the programme). It took me months!

The Seven Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle - I would say it ticks all those boxes. Really enjoyable.

I also loved Eleanor Oliohant is Completely Fine.
Currently reading BirdBox, which is good.

@ChazP

The Seven Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle - I would say it ticks all those boxes. Really enjoyable.

I also loved Eleanor Oliohant is Completely Fine.
Currently reading BirdBox, which is good.

I've actually read all those! I think they are three of the six books I've read iver the last few years!

Definitely The Testaments- wasn’t a huge fan of The Handmaids Tale (preferred the series to the book ) but The Testaments was fantastic- I read within a week which I can’t remember ever having done since pre children

A little life. I was gripped and bereft when it finished. It’s very Donna Tartt for me too so would also recommend the goldfinch if not read already (assuming you have read a secret history).

What about Melmoth? Definitely spooky! And very well written.

The Silent Companions....gothic, spooky and it had me chuckling in parts too!

Ok this is quite embarrassing considering my OP but I've read and enjoyed all these

Not Melmoth though!

Queenie was brilliant. Relatable, lived-in characters, and hilarious despite being about a woman's breakdown.

Dark matter by Michelle paver is SO gripping

@ShirleyPhallus

Dark matter by Michelle paver is SO gripping

I agree! I listened to the audiobook, it was very good.

The little stranger by Sarah Waters, beautifully written and genuinely unsettling.

I would start with some short stories to get the habit back.

@YellowandGreenToBeSeen

I would start with some short stories to get the habit back.

Good idea!

OP, I am currently reading The Immortalists by Chloe Benjamin and although I'm only part-way through, so far it seems to tick your boxes.

@SwayingInTime

A little life. I was gripped and bereft when it finished. It’s very Donna Tartt for me too so would also recommend the goldfinch if not read already (assuming you have read a secret history).

A Little Life ruined my life. In a good way.

Kate Atkinson Life After Life and God in Ruins will have you gripped. Everyone in our book club loved both

Yes also second A Little Life and Goldfinch. Ann Patchett The Dutch House also very good

If you liked Little Life read Christadora. Amazing.

We also all loved The Immortalist too

Once Upon A River
Station 11

Sorry but I disagree about The Testaments. We read in in our book club and we all felt it was just Margaret Atwood cashing in on the recent success of The Handmaids Tale. It wasn't a patch on the original book. Although it was interesting to see how the main characters turned out...

Older books you may have missed? Beyond Black by Hilary Mantel is a creepy favourite of mine. Thin Air by Michelle Paver is creepy but the work of a couple of hours at most. The Gustavo Sonata is lovely and blackly humorous. Also enjoyed ‘the good people’ and ‘Burial rotes’ by Hannah Kent for atmospheric reading.

@MsTSwift

If you liked Little Life read Christadora. Amazing.

Thank you, will keep an eye on this thread for tips!