“We should always make time for the things we like. If we don’t, we might forget how to be happy.”
Have you lost your passion for reading? Whether life got in the way or you simply haven’t found the right book lately, it’s never too late to fall in love with reading again. Sometimes, all it takes is the perfect story to reignite your joy for turning the pages. Which is why we here at What We Reading we’ve pulled together our favourite books to discover your love for reading, featuring unforgettable characters, captivating plots and stories that remind you why books are magic. From page-turners for casual readers to poignant masterpieces that linger with you long after the final chapter, these picks are perfect for anyone looking to get back into reading. Whether you’re breaking out of a reading slump or just want to reconnect with a long-lost hobby, these books are sure to inspire!
Daisy Jones & The Six – Taylor Jenkins Reid
First up on our list of books to fall in love with reading again is Taylor Jenkins Reid’s Daisy Jones & The Six. Told through a unique oral history format, this book chronicles the rise and fall of a fictional 1970s rock band, exploring fame, ambition and the complex relationships behind the music. At the centre of the story is Daisy Jones, a free-spirited singer-songwriter, whose passion captures the attention of the band, The Six, led by the brooding Billy Dunne.
When Daisy joins the group, their chemistry helps to conjure unforgettable music but also ignites tension, jealousy and personal struggles. The novel delves into themes of creativity, addiction and the sacrifices made in the pursuit of greatness, helping to make it a deeply compelling read.
The Humans – Matt Haig
The Humans by Matt Haig is a poignant and witty exploration of humanity through the eyes of an alien visitor. The story opens with an extraterrestrial being landing on Earth to inhabit the body of Andrew Martin, a brilliant Cambridge mathematician who has just solved a revolutionary equation. The alien’s mission is clear: eliminate anyone who knows about this discovery, as it poses a grave threat to the universe.
Initially, the alien is appalled by their first impressions of humanity – our obsessions with money, meaningless rituals and flawed relationships – and begins its task with a cold detachment. However, the more time it spends in Andrew’s life connecting with his wife, Isobel, and troubled son, Gulliver, it begins to understand the beauty in humanity’s imperfections. From music and love to grief and hope, the alien discovers what makes life truly worth living. The Humans offers the perfect blend of heartwarming storytelling and thought-provoking themes and is perfect for readers who have lost their passion for books.
Swing Time – Zadie Smith
Zadie Smith’s Swing Time is a deeply moving novel about friendship, identity and the pursuit of dreams. The story follows two girls growing up in London, both captivated by the power and beauty of dance. The unnamed narrator and her best friend, Tracey, share a childhood bond moulded by their love of rhythm; however, their paths take different turns as they grow older. While Tracey pursues her dream of becoming a professional dancer, the narrator takes a different route, finding a job as an assistant to Aimee, a globe-trotting pop star with grand philanthropic ambitions.
As the narrator navigates her own identity, questions of privilege, ambition and belonging bubble to the surface. The novel whisks readers between London, West Africa and New York, painting a vivid portrait of how race, class and culture intertwine in the lives of the characters. With rich prose and complex relationships, Swing Time offers a profound exploration of human connections and what defines us.
Yellowface – R.F. Kuang
June Hayward is a struggling white writer, and Athena Liu is her immensely successful Asian American friend and literary rival. When Athena dies in a freak tragic accident, June finds herself making a fateful decision: she steals Athena’s unpublished manuscript, edits it, and publishes it under a racially ambiguous pseudonym.
As the book becomes the latest literary sensation, June basks in the success she has always craved and thought she deserves. But, questions about cultural appropriation, authenticity and morality soon begin to close in on her as her deception slowly unravels. Fast-paced, provocative and impossible to put down, Yellowface is a brilliant critique of power and privilege, making it an ideal go-to for readers looking to reignite their love for bold and compelling storytelling.
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The Five People You Meet In Heaven (The Five People You Meet In Heaven #1) – Mitch Albom
The Five People You Meet in Heaven by Mitch Albom is a heartwarming and reflective novel about the meaning of life and the interconnectedness of human experiences. The story follows Eddie, an elderly maintenance worker at an amusement park, whose life appears to be perfectly ordinary and full of regrets. On his 83rd birthday, Eddie dies in a tragic accident whilst trying to save a young girl.
In the afterlife, Eddie sets out on a journey of understanding, encountering five individuals whose lives were intertwined with his in ways he never realised. Each encounter reveals a lesson about love, sacrifice, forgiveness and the ripple effect of our actions. Through these meetings, Eddie learns that even his seemingly insignificant life has had a profound effect on others. With its poignant themes and heartfelt storytelling, The Five People You Meet in Heaven is a powerful reminder of life’s value and a perfect pick for readers looking to rediscover their love for meaningful uplifting books.
Everyone In My Family Has Killed Someone (Ernest Cunningham #1) – Benjamin Stevenson
Ernest Cunningham is a man who discovers that every member of his family has been involved in a murder – whether as the killer or a victim. When Ernest’s brother, an infamous criminal defence lawyer, is found dead under suspicious circumstances, Ernest finds himself hauled into a messy web of intrigue and family secrets.
As Ernest digs deeper into the mystery, he uncovers stunning revelations about his family’s dark past and their connections to the murders that have plagued them all for generations. With sharp wit, unpredictable twists and a page-turning narrative, Everyone in My Family Has Killed Someone is an intricate exploration of guilt, morality and the complex dynamics that bind us. Perfect for readers who enjoy suspense, dark humour and a fresh take on the classic mystery genre, this cosy thriller is sure to make you fall in love with storytelling again.
Lessons In Chemistry – Bonnie Garmus
Bonnie Garmus’ Lessons in Chemistry is a delightful and thought-provoking novel that will captivate readers who appreciate strong, complex characters and unique storytelling. The story orbits around Elizabeth Zott, a brilliant chemist in the 1960s, who faces both societal and professional challenges as a woman in a male-dominated field. After a string of setbacks in her scientific career, Elizabeth is unexpectedly recruited to host a cooking show.
However, her approach to the show isn’t just about recipes, it’s a platform for teaching chemistry, breaking down barriers and redefining how women are seen in both the science world and society as a whole. Lessons in Chemistry is an uplifting and empowering read that blends humour, heart and science, making it one of the best books to fall in love with reading again.
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The Night Circus – Erin Morgenstern
Set against the backdrop of a mysterious travelling circus that only opens up at night, The Night Circus follows two young illusionists, Celia and Marco, who are bound by a magical rivalry. Both are trained in secret by powerful mentors and pitted against one another in a high-stakes game of skill, where the circus itself becomes their playing field.
As the circus grows, so do the stakes of their competition, with the lives of the people they love hanging in the balance. Amid the wonders of the magical tents and fantastical performances, Celia and Marco’s destinies are intertwined, leading to a fateful and heart-wrenching finale. With lyrical prose and an enchanting setting, The Night Circus is a whimsical story sure to make you fall in love with reading again on the back of its exploration of magic, love and rivalry.
The House In The Cerulean Sea (Cerulean Chronicles #1) – T.J. Klune
Linus Baker is a by-the-book social worker for the Department in Charge of Magical Youth, who is sent on a secret mission to evaluate an orphanage on a mysterious island. The children living there are anything but ordinary – among them are a shape-shifting boy, a gnome and a child who is capable of controlling the weather.
As Linus gets to know the children and their guardian, Arthur Parnussus, he discovers a world of kindness, acceptance and love that shakes his rigid worldview. With its charming and hopeful message, T.J. Klune’s Cerulean Chronicles is a beautiful and enchanting tale of belonging and transformation that provides a comforting escape that is sure to reignite the passion for storytelling.
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The Bromance Book Club (Bromance Book Club #1) – Lyssa Kay Adams
Lyssa Kay Adams’ The Bromance Book Club follows Gavin Scott, a professional baseball player whose marriage is on the brink of falling apart after his wife, Thea, discovers he’s been hiding his emotions behind his tough exterior. To win her back, Gavin turns to an unlikely source of support: a secret book club made up of men who read romance novels to understand women better and improve their relationships.
With the help of the group and its cast of eccentric members, Gavin sets out on a mission of self-discovery, learning how to communicate better, embracing being vulnerable and rekindling the passion in his marriage. The Bromance Book Club is a delightful rom-com that mixes laughter with heartfelt moments, making it a perfect choice for those looking to rediscover their love for reading and sample a fresh take on romance.
Where The Crawdads Sing – Delia Owens
Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens is a hauntingly beautiful novel that will captivate readers and spur their love for immersive storytelling. Set in the remote swamps of North Carolina, the story centres around Kya Clark, otherwise known as the mysterious ‘Marsh Girl’, who grows up isolated from society after being abandoned by her family. As Kya matures, she develops a deep connection with the natural world around her, finding solace in the peace of the swamp.
When a local man named Chase Andrews is discovered dead, Kya finds herself as the prime suspect in the resulting investigation, and the story unfolds with a mix of mystery and coming-of-age elements. As the investigation into Chase’s death progresses, Kya’s past is unearthed, and the novel delves into its themes of loneliness, survival, love and the enduring power of nature.
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Part-time reader, part-time rambler, and full-time Horror enthusiast, James has been writing for What We Reading since 2022. His earliest reading memories involved Historical Fiction, Fantasy and Horror tales, which he has continued to take with him to this day. James’ favourite books include The Last (Hanna Jameson), The Troop (Nick Cutter) and Chasing The Boogeyman (Richard Chizmar).
