Books to read if you need a good distraction right now
WORDS BY DAISY HENRY
It’s time to turn a new page.
Reading slumps can happen to anyone. They’re almost unavoidable, sneaking up over random intervals, with little-to-no warning. When they hit, I can go from reading a book a week to struggling to finish one over an entire month.
A devoted Goodreads user, I’ve been well and truly behind my reading goal for the second half of this year. I finished 54 books in 2023, nine more than I was aiming for. But a collection of life events – like a new job, moving house and a seemingly shrinking attention span – has meant I’ve found it frustratingly hard to read consistently.
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Sometimes, you need to just ride the wave and let it pass. But if you’re finding that it’s been a little too long since you were able to sit down and actually finish a book, then it might take some strategic thinking to pull yourself out of a reading slump.
Because of my own experience in the trenches, I’ve been slowly building up a defence for when a particularly tough slump hits. So far, my criteria are: the book in question must be fast-paced, interesting and relatively easy to read. From short stories to memoirs and contemporary fiction, here are 12 of books to help you stop scrolling and kickstart your love of reading.
So Late in the Day by Claire Keegan
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I recently came across Claire Keegan and her short stories are an almost guaranteed one-way ticket back into reading. So Late in the Day is a humble 64 pages, perfect to read in one sitting with a cup of tea. It follows Cathal, an Irish man who reflects on the disintegration of his relationship. Though its short, her writing packs a punch and leaves you with plenty to ponder over. If you like this, try Small Things Like These next.
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All I Ever Wanted Was to Be Hot by Lucinda Price
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Lucinda Price (also known as Froomes) is a national treasure. Her memoir, All I Ever Wanted Was to Be Hot is like stepping into a time machine – no one has ever captured the feeling of growing up in 2010s Australia quite like Froomes. Tackling complex topics like beauty standards, plastic surgery and self-image, it reads just like a conversation with a friend.
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Blue Sisters by Coco Mellors
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From the author of Cleopatra and Frankenstein comes Coco Mellors’ latest contemporary fiction, Blue Sisters. The novel follows three sisters, Avery, Bonnie and Lucy who reunite in New York one year after their fourth sister, Nicky’s death. It’s a touching coming-of-age book with good dialogue and visceral characters.
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All Fours by Miranda July
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If you’re after a book that will cut through, look no further. All Fours follows a semifamous artist as she sets off on a drive from LA to New York. It gives a voice to women’s lives over the age of 40 who are looking for something more. It’s equal parts funny and bizarre, full of interesting commentary on marriage, parenthood, menopause, sexuality and freedom.
Get it here.
Simple Passion by Annie Ernaux
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Simple Passion is another short, bite-sized book with only 54 pages. It tracks the part fictional, part autobiographical account of a two-year affair with a married man, set in the heart of Paris. Annie writes about love, obsession and lust so insightfully and you’ll find yourself lost in her world from the first page. If you like this, she has an entire range of short stories to make your way through.
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Anna by Amy Odell
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I have never binged an audiobook as fast as I listened to Anna. I’d recommend this to anyone who loved The Devil Wears Prada, has an interest in media and fashion, or who generally enjoys hearing about the life stories of successful women. And don’t let the size intimidate you, Anna is incredibly fast-paced and full of plenty of juicy details to keep you hooked.
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The Work by Bri Lee
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If you’re after a fun, sexy contemporary fiction, then add The Work by Bri Lee to your list. Alternating between perspectives, the novel follows Lally, a successful art dealer in New York and Pat, as he tries to make a name for himself in Sydney’s art scene. Bri writes about interesting topics like art, culture and privilege without being overly descriptive or pretentious. It’s a fun, sexy read with great dialogue.
Get it here.
Yellowface by R. F. Kuang
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Yellowface was absolutely everywhere when it was released last year, but if it happened to slip you by, consider this your reminder to pick up a copy. The novel follows June Hayward who steals her best friend’s manuscript after her untimely death. The more successful June gets, and the more she leans into the ‘racially ambiguous’ image her publishers push for, the more her secret threatens to unravel. It’s an extremely pacy novel (I read this one in two sittings) and touches on themes of cultural appropriation, the publishing industry, social media trolling and success.
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A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas
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Sometimes, all you need is a highly dramatised fantasy to get you out of a slump – and in that case, consider trying A Court of Thorns and Roses (ACOTAR). Even if you’re not particularly fantasy-inclined, ACOTAR is a great place to start, easing you into the genre. Expect, fae, magic, battles and plenty of sex. With five books in the series, it’ll keep you busy for a while – and if you like this, try The Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros.
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Down the Drain by Julia Fox
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Julia Fox’s iconic memoir Down the Drain takes you from Italy to New York and back again. It chronicles Julia’s childhood, adolescence and life up until now, giving you an all-access look into her family and upbringing. It’s a deeply honest look into her life and although it can get heavy at times (be conscious of the heavy drug use), Julia’s writing and insights into life are addictive.
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Good Material by Dolly Alderton
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Good Material is just as hilarious as it is heartfelt. The novel begins just as Andy and Gen break up and follows Andy as he struggles to come to terms with the end of his relationship. It helps that Andy is a struggling comedian, so the story is full of funny and witty insights and ends with a raw and powerful final chapter from Gen’s POV. Though it’s a fun book to binge on the weekend, be prepared to feel all the feelings.
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Tomorrow, Tomorrow and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin
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Tomorrow, Tomorrow and Tomorrow is regularly praised as one of the best books of all time – in fact, I don’t know anyone who hasn’t loved it. It follows Sam and Sadie as they reunite and decide to build a video game together. And don’t let the gaming element put you off, I promise. It’s about far more universal and relatable topics like friendship, love, creativity and success and you’ll feel invested in the characters from the very start.
Get it here.
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