The New Year brings new reading challenges and if you’re anything like me, new books to add to your TBR. Maybe you’ve set yourself a numerical target or perhaps you are following a viral reading challenge, either way you’ll want to hit the ground running. But let’s be real: the post-festive slump is real. As we trade holiday coziness for the grind of daily routines, even the most dedicated bookworms can feel stuck. 🫠🫠
If this hits close to home, don’t worry – we’ve got you covered. Keep scrolling for a list of books guaranteed to reignite your reading spark and help you tackle that ambitious TBR like a pro. 😌⚡️
Our List of 15 Books To Get Out Of A Reading Slump
1. Weyward by Emilia Hart
Hart’s debut novel Weyward has been all over social media and setting book clubs ablaze since its release in 2023. Set in three different timelines: Atha in 1619, Violet in 1942 and Kate in 2019, the book follows each of the three women as they discover their power (literally) and connections whilst overcoming the men trying to hold them back.
I found the three timelines and the stirring voices of the lead characters made me read the novel at breakneck speed, as I was desperate to know what connected these women and what was next in their stories.
You’ll find yourself rooting for Altha, Violet and Kate in this generation-spanning novel that’s perfect for feminists and witch-lit fans alike. ✨ Add Weyward to your books to get out of a reading slump list – it’s definitely a magical escape! 🧙♀
2. Her Majesty’s Royal Coven by Juno Dawson
Continuing with the witch-lit theme is Juno Dawson’s Her Majesty’s Royal Coven. Described by Dawson as her ‘Spice Girl witchy novel’ the book is full of female friendships, 90’s nostalgia and girl power references. It’s the first in the HMRC trilogy (the finale drops in 2025!) and comes with a prequel novella, Queen B, tracing the coven’s history all the way back to Anne Boleyn.
At 464 pages, it’s a chunky read, but trust me – it flies by. The fast-paced action scenes and epic city-wide stakes blend seamlessly with themes of sisterhood, feminism, and self-discovery. Grab your comfiest blanket, brew a cup of tea, and dive into Her Majesty’s Royal Coven – it’s the perfect page-turner to reignite your reading spark. ✨
3. Diary of A Void by Emi Yagi
If shorter books are more your speed (let’s be honest, they’re a great way to smash that TBR), Japanese literature is always a solid choice to help shake off a reading slump.
Yagi’s Diary of A Void is a small book that packs a punch and tackles big issues with its ‘almost-too-strange-to-be-fiction’ storyline. The main character, Shibata, tackles issues of gender inequality at work, and her refusal to accept it leads to a rather peculiar lie. As her lie spirals out of control, the book explores how society views women and the expectations placed upon them – making it not just thought-provoking, but also unexpectedly hilarious at times.
It’s a fast read that’ll leave you with big questions and maybe a fresh perspective on life. Need a quick, thought-provoking escape? Diary of A Void is the perfect addition to your TBR list – give it a go and let it spark some new thoughts.
4. Bad Dolls by Rachel Harrison
Sometimes, a reading slump needs more than just a quick read or an exciting storyline. Sometimes, you need variety – and that’s where short story collections come in.
Bad Dolls by Harrison serves up four eerie tales, each centered around a supernatural item and the havoc it wreaks on those who encounter it. From an obsessive magic 8-ball to a cursed doll, each story offers a perfect blend of suspense and the supernatural.
It’s a great way to dip into Harrison’s catalog while clearing some goals from your reading challenge – because who says one story can’t check off multiple prompts? 📚
If you’re craving something a little different, Bad Dolls might be just what you need. Add it to your Bookly app and start ticking off your readathon prompts today! 📖
5. Strong Female Character by Fern Brady
Fiction isn’t everyone’s go-to, but let’s be real – it can be hard to find a non-fiction book that grabs you as much as a killer novel does. 😅
Strong Female Character however, knows exactly how to pull readers in. Brady’s memoir takes you through her journey before becoming a well-known female comic, weaving in her struggles with what she now recognizes as an ASD diagnosis. With her signature deadpan humor and sharp wit, she transforms what could be a tough read into a total page-turner.
When I read it in January 2024, I laughed, cried, and saw myself reflected in every page. It’s the kind of book that stays with you long after you’ve finished – and I’m sure you’ll want to pass it along too. If you’re looking for a memoir that will make you feel all the feels, Strong Female Character is one you won’t want to miss. 🥰
6. Carrie Kills A Man by Carrie Marshall
Sticking with non-fiction and books that helped me break out of a January reading slump, Carrie Kills A Man by Carrie Marshall certainly doesn’t disappoint.
Carrie Marshall, a journalist, rock star, dad, and transgender woman, shares her journey of deciding to live authentically as herself – no matter the challenges that have come her way. Her story is raw, powerful, and full of bravery. Plus, with her spot-on music taste, she’s created a killer playlist to accompany the read, making this memoir even more memorable.
Looking for an inspiring and heart-wrenching read? Carrie Kills A Man should be on your TBR list – add it to your Bookly app and let this incredible story fuel your 2025 reading goals! 🎶
7. Death of a Bookseller by Alice Slater
Death of a Bookseller by Slater flips the script on fiction by blending elements of both fiction and non-fiction. While the story itself is rooted in reality, its main characters – Roach and Laura – are both entangled in the world of true crime. Laura is connected to it through a tragic past, while Roach is obsessed with serial killers and true crime podcasts.
But what starts as a shared interest quickly escalates, and their two worlds collide in a dangerously thrilling way.
If you’re a true crime fan, this book is your perfect match – think Single White Female meets Natural Born Killers with an extra twist 🔪
8. The Family Upstairs by Lisa Jewell
Lisa Jewell is always a go-to for me when I’m in a reading slump, and in the realm of crime thrillers and family secrets, her novel The Family Upstairs is an excellent pick.
Decades after a tragic incident at a family home, Libby inherits her family’s townhouse and with it, the dark secrets of that fateful night. Part family saga, part gripping thriller, it’s bound to spark your curiosity and awaken a craving for the next thrilling read on your TBR. Bonus: there’s a sequel waiting for you once you finish!The twists, the secrets, and the suspense will keep you turning the pages – add The Family Upstairs to your books to get out of a reading slump list and dive into this chilling page-turner today. 🔍
9. Yellowface by Rebecca Kuang
Social media and book clubs are always ahead of the game when it comes to recommending the latest must-reads, and Yellowface by Rebecca F. Kuang has certainly earned its place at the top of the list.
Set in the cutthroat world of publishing, this novel offers a sharp, satirical critique of racism, tokenism, and cyberbullying. We follow June Hayward, an underachieving writer on the cusp of quitting, when an unexpected event practically hands her success. But can she keep up with the pressure of being a bestseller? And what happens when the darker side of fame inevitably catches up with her?
If you’re in the mood for a thought-provoking, page-turning read that tackles some serious issues, Yellowface is exactly what you need. 📖
10. A Helping Hand by Celia Dale
Whether you love them or loathe them, strong characters are the backbone of any great book – and A Helping Hand by Dale proves that you don’t have to like a character to be hooked. Every character in this novel has their own loathsome qualities, from the scheming couple Josh and Maisie Evans to the needy Mrs. Fingal and her selfish niece, Lena. No one escapes Dale’s biting cynicism.
With an essence of Shirley Jackson, Dale creates a seemingly perfect suburban world, but one that’s brimming with greed and an unsettling sense of claustrophobia.
If you’re looking for a dark, twisty read with complex characters you love to hate, A Helping Hand is definitely one to add to your TBR list. 💀
11. Metronome by Tom Watson
Watson’s debut, Metronome, carries that same sense of claustrophobia and unease throughout.
Exiled couple Aine and Whitney have been living in isolated solitude on an island, ever since committing a crime that still haunts them. Their only lifeline is the pills they must take every eight hours, and they return to their croft home only to survive.
With no one around and unable to stray far, the ticking of the metronome-like pills marks the passing of each agonizing hour in their exile. But then, one day, they realize they’re not as alone as they thought…
If you’re looking for books to get out of a reading slump, Metronome should be on your list! Add it to your TBR in the Bookly app and let this dark, tension-filled story pull you back into the reading groove. 🌑
12. Young Mungo by Douglas Stuart
If hard hitting prize winners with big themes always get your attention then look no further than Young Mungo, the second book from Douglas Stuart.
Focusing on Mungo, a teenager living in 1990s Glasgow, the book deals with themes such as poverty, neglect, masculinity and queer identity. While there are some trigger warnings to be aware of, the book is a heart-wrenching journey, and Mungo’s story will have you turning the pages faster than you can say “unforgettable“.If you’re looking to dive into a story that’ll stay with you long after you finish, Young Mungo is a definitely a must-read. 💔
13. Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus
If you haven’t already watched the TV adaptation of Garmus’ debut, I highly recommend reading the book first! Lessons in Chemistry will have you canceling plans just to finish one more chapter.
This is a captivating story about not letting societal beliefs hold you back from following your dreams. Set in 1950s America, the brilliant Elizabeth Zott is determined to become a scientist – and she has the knowledge to back it up. But when society pushes her into a TV cooking show aimed at housewives, she seizes the opportunity to educate the women of America not only about the chemical reactions they’re creating in their homes, but also about the power of following their dreams.
In need of a book that’ll pull you out of your reading slump? Lessons in Chemistry is the perfect pick to get your pages turning again. 💪
14. The Island Of Missing Trees by Elif Shafak
Every now and then, a book comes along with a concept so interesting that you can’t help but pick it up. Shafak’s The Island of Missing Trees was that book for me.
Set in alternating timelines between present-day London and 1970s Cyprus during the civil war, it tells the poignant tale of a blossoming romance between a Turkish Cypriot woman and a Greek Cypriot man.
What makes this story even more special is the inclusion of a fig tree, one of the central characters, which witnesses not only the war’s pivotal moments but also the couple’s life together. The blend of folklore and cultural identity creates a reading experience that’s both heartbreaking and soul-gliding.
The Island of Missing Trees offers the perfect escape to reignite your reading passion. Add it to your Bookly app and let this moving story sweep you away! 💫
15. The People on Platform Five by Clare Pooley
Sometimes, what makes a book truly magical is the everyday moments we can all relate to. The small routines, the little things that mirror our own lives. In The People on Platform Five, Pooley takes this familiar idea and adds a twist of the unexpected.
Picture this: on your daily commute, when no one speaks to each other, what if one day someone did? This chance interaction sparks a series of realizations for Iona and her fellow commuters, teaching them that first impressions aren’t always what they seem, and that friends can be found in the most unlikely of places. It’s a heartwarming, feel-good read – perfect for kicking off your year on a positive note.
Looking to break out of your reading slump? The People on Platform Five is the perfect pick to start your journey! Add it to your Bookly app, and let this delightful story remind you that the best friendships often come from the most unexpected encounters. 🚉
At the end of the day, while recommendations can be helpful, the best way to tackle a reading slump is to follow your mood. 🙌
Pick up the books that call to you, the ones that spark your curiosity and passion. Check out your favorite book and see what other readers have paired it with – whether it’s similar titles or works by the same author. Explore reviews to discover hidden gems others have suggested.
Before you know it, you’ll not only break free from your slump but also stumble upon a fresh read that you’ll love 🥰
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This blog post was written by our Bookly Pro Reader, Jenna. 💙
Ready to Kick That Slump to the Curb? 📖💪
If you’re looking for more ways to break free from your reading slump, we’ve got you covered! Check out our guide on How to Get Out of a Reading Slump in 10 Creative Ways for fresh ideas and motivation.
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