Reading slumps are inevitable, especially for college students who are drained by endless textbook chapters, upcoming project deadlines and extracurriculars. In order to be successful, it is crucial that students have hobbies they enjoy.
If reading used to be your way to destress, but it now feels just as draining as schoolwork, it is time to find a novel that you cannot put down. This list features six books that will hopefully spark your love for reading once again.
Funny Story
Emily Henry’s “Funny Story” follows Daphne and Miles. The pair finds themselves as unlikely roommates after they find out their significant others have been cheating on them with each other.
Now Daphne is stranded in her fiancé's hometown of Warning Bay, Michigan, with his mistress’s ex-boyfriend. While Daphne is uptight and practical, Miles is chaotic and free-spirited. Once they devise a plan to make their exes jealous, a friendship begins to bloom.
The book explores themes of family trauma, feelings of inadequacy and embracing change, while playing with fake-dating and forced proximity tropes. This book is perfect for romantic-comedy lovers who appreciate complex characters and world building.
The Secret Life of Bees
“The Secret Life of Bees” by Sue Monk Kidd tells the story of Lily Owens, a 14-year-old white girl living in South Carolina in 1964. Lily’s life has been defined by the distorted memory of her mother’s death. After an incident with some of the most racist men in town, Lily and her black stand-in mother Rosaleen flee to the town that holds the key to Lily's mother's past. Lily finds refuge with three beekeeping sisters, drawing her into a rich new world of honey, community and healing.
This coming-of-age historical fiction novel addresses concepts such as race, grief and womanhood. Additionally, since the novel is set in South Carolina, it is especially interesting to see how the setting plays a role in the story. Historical fiction lovers will not be able to put this book down.
The Silent Patient
“The Silent Patient” by Alex Michaelides is told from the perspective of Theo Faber, a criminal psychotherapist. Theo is particularly interested in the case of Alicia Berenson, a famous painter who shot her husband five times in the face for seemingly no reason.
Following the crime, Alicia goes completely mute, giving no explanation for her actions. The case goes viral, and the price of Alicia’s art skyrockets. As Theo attempts to unravel the mystery, his motivation to find the root of the crime becomes distorted, and his search for the truth begins to consume him.
Known for its big twist, the psychological thriller is fast-paced and leaves readers dying to know what happens next. Additionally, the book does a good job of utilizing an unreliable narrator and time skips to truly develop the mystery.
Daisy Jones & The Six
Taylor Jenkins Reid’s “Daisy Jones & The Six” is set in the late 60s rock 'n’ roll scene. Daisy Jones is a singer who is gaining some attention due to her undeniable beauty and vocal talent. Lead singer Billy Dunne and his band, The Six, have also started to catch the eye of some producers. This leads to a producer realizing the best way to set up the musicians for success is by putting the two together.
The historical fiction novel encapsulates the rush of stardom, losing control and unexpected romance. The structure of the book is unique as it is written as an oral history, meaning that it is set up as if someone is interviewing each of the characters years after the band’s peak.
This unusual format might be less intimidating for those in a reading slump. It is also interesting how each character’s individual narrative is slightly different from the others. This book is a must-read for music lovers and those who feel they were born in the wrong generation.
Rita Hayworth and Shawshank Redemption
The classic Stephen King story, “Rita Hayworth and Shawshank Redemption,” is probably familiar. The book takes place at the Maine’s state penitentiary, Shawshank. Narrated by Ellis “Red” Redding, the guy who knows how to get things, the story tells a tale of overwhelming despair, liberating hope and the effects of institutionalization.
The novel begins when Andy Dufresne, a banker who has been convicted of killing his wife and her lover, arrives at Shawshank. Andy swears he is not guilty and has been wrongly convicted. Throughout the novel, Andy and Red form an unexpected friendship.
Even if you have seen the film adaptation, reading the book is a whole different experience. Also, choosing to read something you are already familiar with is a good strategy for getting out of a reading slump since it doesn’t require diving into something completely new. Additionally, this book is ideal for those struggling to get back into reading because of its short length at 128 pages, making it a quick read for someone trying to gain momentum.
Fourth Wing
“Fourth Wing” by Rebecca Yarros is a fantasy book set in the Kingdom of Navarre. The book’s main character, 20-year-old Violet Sorrengail, planned to join the Scribe Quadrant, where she would be in charge of preserving the kingdom's history and knowledge. Her plans were destroyed by the commanding general, Violet’s mother, who has forced her to join the Rider’s Quadrant, where hundreds are battling for a spot as one of the kingdom’s most elite dragon riders.
Now Violet must survive the brutal Basgiath War College. She is at a disadvantage due to her small stature and high expectations of her mother’s legacy. Outside the school, war is raging, and Violent begins to suspect that leadership is hiding a terrible secret.
This novel contains themes of friendship, enemies, and survival while intertwining traditional romance tropes and fantastical elements. Although this book is 517 pages long, it has short chapters, making it easy to take breaks and not get overwhelmed. Either way, the danger, dragons and romance will keep you interested the whole way through.
Other tips to get out of a reading slump include trying a new genre, rereading an old favorite and not being afraid to quit a book that you’re not enjoying.