5 Easy Reads To Get You Out of That Slump!
If you’re like me and so often find yourself in a reading slump then this list of easy reads may just give you the inspiration to help you get your mojo back! Below are five books that I found super easy to read, and that propelled me back into my love of lit.
1. Book Lovers by Emily Henry
Genre: Romance
Pages: 416
Nora Stephens is the girl that men date before they settle down for their happy-ever-after. More in love with her job than any man, she has faced dating fail after fail. Keen to help her big sister, Libby urges Nora to take a holiday with her at Sunshine Falls - a small town straight out of a romance novel. Rather than bumping into an eligible stranger, Nora soon comes face-to-face with her work rival, Charlie Lastra who is, of course, the perfect example of a man written by a woman. (It’s not an Emily Henry book without one of those, I think it’s part of the rules.) As they navigate their differences and surprising similarities, it appears that everyone is keeping secrets. This is a certain kicking-your-feet-squealing read that is full to bursting with banter and undeniable chemistry.
If you’re looking to be transported to warmer climes, dark brooding MMC included, then Book Lovers is perfect for you. A super simple read with plenty of twists and turns to keep you hooked. I really loved the dynamic between Nora and her sister, Libby. It felt so real and just the tiniest bit heart wrenching. Sure to keep you guessing, and keep you reading - and if this is your first toe dip into the EmHen universe, I’m sure it won’t be your last.
2. The Finding of Martha Lost by Caroline Wallace
Genre: Coming-Of-Age
Pages: 320
Martha was discovered at Liverpool Lime Street Station as a baby - abandoned in a suitcase on the train from Paris. For sixteen years she has waited at the lost property office - still no one has come to claim her. Martha has never been to school, celebrated her birthday, or left the station for that matter - after all, it would collapse if she set foot outside.
Still, Martha is yet to give up hope - besides, there are plenty of mysteries to be solved to keep her busy. Every lost item that crosses her path as she works at the lost property office has a story and a mystery to solve. Take the suitcase that may have belonged to The Beatles. Or the secret tunnels that burrow under the station. And now someone is trying to communicate with Martha - someone who might be able to help solve the biggest mystery of all.
This is just the perfect book for someone looking for a lighthearted yet beautifully emotive read. With a joyous cast of rag-tag characters, Wallace is a master of the pen as she weaves this story with magic and creates an entire world within a train station.
3. Before the Coffee Gets Cold by Toshikazu Kawaguchi
Genre: Magical Realism
Pages: 213
Before the Coffee Gets Cold is a short(ish!) story which takes place in a basement cafe in the backstreets of Tokyo. The cafe once had a shining moment in the spotlight, claiming it could transport customers back in time.
There are only 5 rules:
1. The only people you may meet while back in the past are those who have visited the cafe.
2. No matter how hard you try while back in the past, you cannot change the present.
3. In order to go back in time, you must sit in that seat.
4. Once back in the past, you must stay in the seat and not move from it.
5. You must drink the entire cup of coffee before it gets cold.
Due to the rules, the cafe all but faded into myth. This book is split into four episodes, taking us on journeys of acceptance, understanding, forgiveness, and unwavering love.
Before the Coffee Gets Cold was one of my favourite reads of 2023. This books sucks you into a world like no other, and its limitations are its making. In the depths of the underground cafe we are presented with a series of human emotion, resilience, and our need to connect. This book is perfect for those looking for something short and sumptuous - guaranteed to leave you wanting more.
Read my spoiler free review for BTCGC over on my instagram
And my full analysis here.
4. The Thursday Murder Club by Richard Osman
Genre: Mystery
Pages: 400
Generally speaking, people go to Cooper’s Chase to live out a peaceful retirement, not to start solving murders. In The Thursday Murder Club we meet Elizabeth, Joyce, Ibrahim, and Ron; members of a little club wherein they get together to investigate unsolved murder cases. When a local property developer is found dead, The Thursday Murder Club suddenly have a real life murder to sink their teeth into, and trust me when I say they are more than able and possibly a little too willing, at least for the local police department. As they work together, and more bodies start to pile up, we soon learn a lot more about this unorthodox crew of detectives. But can they catch the killer before it’s too late?
If you’re looking to fall utterly in love with four pensioners then this is the book that will get you out of your reading rut. The mysteries are crafted so expertly, and the final twist always gets me. Every. Single. Time. Osman’s award winning series follows this bunch of troublemakers as they continue to solve murders and be a genuinely loveable joy to read about. I especially enjoy listening to the audiobooks of this series which are beautifully read by Fiona Shaw.
5. Divine Rivals by Rebecca Ross
Genre: Fantasy
Pages: 368
The gods are at war. All Iris Winnow wants in the world is to keep her family safe. But her brother has been drafted to fight for the gods and her mother is drowning in addiction. The only thing holding Iris upright in her tempestuous world is the mysterious letters that have been delivered to her through her wardrobe. When her world knocks off its axis, Iris signs up to head to the frontlines and report on the war. To her annoyance, she just can’t seem to shake her career rival, the cold, rich Roman Kitt.
Divine Rivals is a poetically stunning fantasy war romance. This book is effortless to read and gives so much back to the reader. With warm found family running through its core, this book is perfect for those looking to escape into another world of magic and intrigue. Prepare to be held in the palm of Ross’ hand as she creates a vivid world with lovable characters that you won’t want to leave behind.