Struggling to get back into reading

I too would definitely recommend short stories as a way of getting back into reading. One of my favorite authors is Elizabeth Taylor (not the actress!) her short stories are very readable and not "fluffy" as are her full length novels..
A book that I have treasured for years is a collection of articles by the late Mirror journalist Cassandra. . The book" Cassandra at his finest and funniest" is sadly out of print but if you Google it you will find copies are still available from bookshops. It is a wonderful book to dip in and out of and has been my go-to book to get me back on track after a non-reading spell

Why don't you start with Children's Books. They are easy to read, tell a good story such as "War Horse" by Michael Portegeo
A good way to start reading again.

Glenfinnan

I love all the Miss Read books! Fairacre and Thrush Green seem lovely places to live in!

Oh, me too! Over the years, my lovely late husband bought the whole sets for me in hardback, both the Fairacre and the Thrush Green ones. They reminded me of my Nana’s village in Wales which seemed to be much the same. The trouble is, they look so good and so new that I tend not to read them and stick to my old paperback versions instead! Stupid, or what?

If you can try and listen to audio books.My husband listens to them with headphones and over the years hadgot through hundreds of titles.He started off listening to them while driving when he worked.Since retiring he wears his headphones while gardening, tinkering in the garage and when out for his daily walk.It has been a game changer.

LaCrepescule

Lots of votes for Lessons in Chemistry, I agree, recently read it and found it very engaging and an easy read. Nice for us Boomers too, because of the era.

Just come across this thread - must check out this book then.

I had found a solution to getting back into reading and joined a book group and that could be one way to go about getting one's mojo back.

Unfortunately, I lost the club because of Lockdown - ie it stopped meeting and when it started up again the chair of it insisted everyone that came should be jabbed/masked/etc and told me he knew I wouldnt have done any of that and he forbade me coming again ever!!!!!!!

So I'm still looking for a replacement book club - with a fair-minded leader this time.

Meanwhile I think a decent detective book fits the spot when I can find one - as I can focus on who-dun-it and then see if I'm right.

Or Richard Osman's Thursday Murder Club series. They got me back into reading again

Another vote for the Miss Read books. I haven't read them for forty years but they are always on my list to re-read.

And another vote for Maggie O'Farrell.

Also, Margaret Forster. Her book, 'My life in houses' was a great read.

I think the title 'Lessons in Chemistry' is a bit off putting. It's a great book.

I also enjoyed Dear Mrs Bird by AJ Pearce. There are another two in the series now. It is set during WW2 but it isn't too depressing.

Charlotte Butterfield writes some interesting books. I enjoyed, 'You get that from me' and 'By this time tomorrow'. Her later books are better than the earlier ones which are a bit 'fluffy'.

If you like thrillers, Lisa Jewell writes some proper page tuners. She has been my go to author when I have lost my reading mojo.

*page turners

I’ve also struggled to get back into reading. However, I find talking books and podcasts much easier to process. You may be able to listen/download audio books from your local library. BBC sounds also has a good range available to listen to.

Marcia Willett, nice comfortable & 'homely' books, set in Devon. Nothing complicated, all easy reading.

I subscribe to Kindle unlimited and get books for free. Great way to find out if you like something…

I’ve enjoyed all of FREYA SAMPSON’s books. There’s four out now and a fifth due out in June 2025.
Believable characters and the plot develops beautifully. Not been disappointed with any of them.

Another read I really enjoyed was ^^Medusa ^^by JESSIE BURTON. Fantastically written from Medusa’s viewpoint and just 224 pages long.

Then there’s the moving story ^As Long as the Lemon Trees Grow ^^by ZOULFA KATOUH, but that may be a read for when you get into reading again.

Thanks too for recommending the books you’ve enjoyed too. I shall be giving a couple of them a try.

Greyduster

As light but entertaining reading, and not too long, the “No1 Ladies Detective Agency” books by Alexander McCall Smith with their gentle, amusing characters are very good.

I agree. These are gentle, undemanding but enjoyable books. I would also recommend Elizabeth Taylor (no, not that one) Complete Short Stories. I've always loved reading but I experience poor concentration at times and this is always a good book to dip into, I find. Hope you get your reading mojo back

Danielle Steele. Fluffy but gripping. Wide spurned but not, I believe, the world's top selling author for nothing. Everyone is rich and good-looking and a super businesswoman.
They are all either divorced or widowed and over the course of the book they meet a new partner, easily spotted on page three. Also I the course of the book their children break up with what the heroine considers unsuitable partners and find someone much nicer. What more do.you want?

I've just gone far far back and rereading Enid Blyton. I also lost my mojo for reading. I joined a book club thinking that would help but they keep choosing really heavy historical stuff and its hard ploughing my way through them.

My favourite author for comfort reading is Deborah Moggach. I find some of her work so funny, I end up laughing out loud.

Soozikinzi I was going to suggest Quick Reads too, they’re usually available at the library.

Graham Norton and Jenny Eclair are celebrities who are also first class writers. I would recommend any of their books. Graham has a new one out.

I have prime kindle so lots of free books on there also Audible if I can’t get into a book. I listen while I am chilling or going for a walk.

Please try Fannie Flagg - the names of the characters are sometimes a little difficult but I am on my fourth re-reading of her books; they just make me feel contented and happy with the world.

I'm going to surprise you. Try Charles Dickens. He is a master of characters, story telling and yes, humour. He wrote for the common people so it could not be complicated. They are dirt cheap on Kindle. Try a sample and read the first paragraph of any of them. You will be hooked.

Games and Rituals by Katherine Henry, short stories wonderfully written. I Am, I Am, I Am by Maggie O'Farrell. Anything by Anne Tyler, love her writing. Easy reading modern takes basically on Pride and Prejudice themes by Emily Henry if you like that sort of romantic story. I love Liane Moriarty books too, easy to read with a deal of wit and observation of character.

littleowl I totally agree about Charles Dickens. In my opinion he is the best author that has ever lived. His stories are gripping and everything is rounded off at the end. Although written years ago, they are easy to read and follow.

Veronica Henry, Fanny Blake, Rosin Meaney ......all uncomplicated easy reading. Jo Jo Moyes..... fantastic.

I've joined a local book to help me get back to reading. It's really helped. Loved Hamnet by Maggie OFarrel and Small Things Like These by Claire Keegan.