Five Books I’ve Read That Helped Me Love Reading Again
When we’re little, it’s easy to get lost in a good book. But as we get older, the love for reading dies and we often feel like it’s a chore. Why is that? There’s no simple answer, but one thing is true. Unless you’re reading something you’re interested in, picking up a book will continue to feel like something you have to do instead of something you want to do. So instead of grabbing that dusty copy of A Tale of Two Cities off of your shelf, try one of these instead.
Beach Read by Emily Henry: This was one of the first books I read last fall. As I was getting acquainted with high school life, I didn’t really make time for any reading, nor did I want to. My mom actually recommended me this book, and it was then I learned that she is probably my best source for recommendations. The characters, January (resident Rom-Com enthusiast) and Gus (brooding literary fiction guy), are complete opposites who decide to write a book in the other person’s genre to combat their writers’ block. Throughout the process, they learn a lot more about each other, but also themselves. With summer arriving, this is the perfect book to read while perched in a lounge chair in the sand.
The Comeback by Ella Berman: This book was an unexpected love for me. I picked it up because the main character is an actress, and I have a love for knowing more about the Hollywood Life. However, instead of focusing on premieres and parties, Berman takes you through the mind of Grace, who has been up against her perverted director for years. She takes a year back at home to reflect, and soon decides that she isn’t the problem. The book follows Grace as she (rightfully) gets sweet revenge on all of the gross factors of Hollywood. This book is definitely a lot deeper, but I loved the fresh perspective it presented. I also think the moral of the story is super important today.
Gossip Girl By Cecily Von Zigesar: I know what you’re thinking. [A) Gossip Girl has books? B) How much can you actually get out of reading one of these?] I like to call these books reintroduction books. Whenever I don’t feel like reading something super deep or meaningful, I dive into one of these. It keeps me off of my phone and the gossip is so interesting that I can usually finish one in a day. The books are actually pretty different from the show, and whether you’ve watched or not, I highly recommend these for anyone who’s in a slump. (P.S. Pretty Little Liars is also based on a book series, and those are pretty interesting and quick too.)
Little Women by Louisa May Alcott: I should start this by saying that this is one of very few classics I’ve been able to get through and enjoy and I’m pretty sure I know why. Surely, most of us have seen the beauty that is Greta Gerwig’s Little Women. Whether you watched for the story or for Timothée Chalamet, the experience was pretty enjoyable. My battle strategy is: if you’re not a classics person, either watch the movie before reading or plan to watch it afterwards. I promise, it makes things easier. (Tip: this exact process also works for Dune.)
Malibu Rising by Taylor Jenkins Reid: Best for last, always. I can comfortably say this is my favorite TJR book, and they’re all pretty good. This one follows the children of Mick Riva (Remember him from Evelyn Hugo or Daisy Jones?) as they grow up in Malibu, living in and out of the spotlight. TJR manages to write some of the most believable characters I’ve read about. This book shows a tight-knit group of siblings, living in sunny California, hosting one of the biggest parties all year. It really is Malibu personified. If you’re looking for a fun one, this is it.
All five of these books helped me find what I like in books. You may notice the common Rom-Com/glamour themes, but what can I say, it’s interesting. I hope you read one of these books and when you do, let me know what you thought of it!