We’ve all been there. You want to read. You know how much you enjoy it. But every time you sit down with a book, nothing seems to click. That reading slump can feel impossible to escape, but don’t worry—we've got the perfect picks to reignite your love for books. Whether you crave fast-paced twists, heartwarming stories, or pure escapism, these seven books offer something uniquely engaging to break you out of that slump and keep you turning the pages.

1. The Last Mrs. Parrish by Liv Constantine

Genre: Psychological Thriller

If you need a book that hooks you from the first chapter, The Last Mrs. Parrish is a must. This story follows Amber Patterson, a woman determined to steal the glamorous life of Daphne Parrish, a wealthy woman married to the perfect man. Amber worms her way into Daphne’s world, but not everything is as it seems.

Why It’s Great for a Slump:

This book is packed with juicy, delicious drama that makes it impossible to stop reading. The twists are shocking, but the writing is breezy enough that you don’t have to work too hard to enjoy the ride. It’s like binge-watching a high-stakes TV drama in book form.

2. Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman

Genre: Contemporary Fiction

Eleanor Oliphant leads a perfectly ordered, solitary life. She works her office job, spends her weekends alone with frozen pizza and wine, and avoids social interactions at all costs. But when an unlikely friendship shakes up her world, Eleanor begins to confront her past and realize she might not be “fine” after all.

Why It’s Great for a Slump:

Sometimes you just need a character to root for, and Eleanor’s quirky, awkward charm will have you invested from the start. This story’s emotional depth is wrapped in warmth and humor, making it an uplifting yet thought-provoking read that’s hard to put down.

3. The House in the Cerulean Sea by TJ Klune

Genre: Fantasy/Feel-Good

Linus Baker is a by-the-book caseworker for a government agency overseeing magical children. Tasked with inspecting an orphanage for extraordinary kids, Linus is enchanted by its unusual inhabitants and drawn to their caretaker, Arthur Parnassus. Slowly, Linus learns to open his heart and challenge everything he’s believed.

Why It’s Great for a Slump:

This book feels like a warm hug for your soul. It's charming, whimsical, and packed with lovable characters. The fantasy elements are easy to follow, and the story’s wholesome message about love and acceptance is just what you need when you’re feeling creatively drained.

4. Verity by Colleen Hoover

Genre: Romantic Suspense/Thriller

Lowen Ashleigh, a struggling writer, is hired to finish a bestselling author’s manuscript after a tragic accident. But as she sorts through the author’s notes, she finds an unpublished autobiography filled with dark, disturbing secrets. The deeper she digs, the more tangled her life becomes with that of the author’s husband.

Why It’s Great for a Slump:

Nothing pulls you out of a reading rut like a jaw-dropping, page-turning thriller. Verity is fast-paced and utterly addictive, with every chapter leaving you desperate to find out what’s next. The mix of romance and suspense makes it an unconventional but gripping read.

5. An Absolutely Remarkable Thing by Hank Green

Genre: Sci-Fi/Contemporary

April May’s life changes forever when she discovers a giant, mysterious sculpture in New York City and dubs it “Carl” in a viral video. When Carls start appearing all over the world, April becomes the accidental face of a global phenomenon, dealing with fame, fear, and the mystery of what Carl really is.

Why It’s Great for a Slump:

This book is quirky, fresh, and brimming with humor. The short chapters and conversational narrative make it a breeze to read, even if your focus has been all over the place. At the same time, its exploration of social media, fame, and human connection gives the story extra depth.

6. The Unhoneymooners by Christina Lauren

Genre: Romantic Comedy

Olive Torres is the unlucky twin, overshadowed by her sister’s golden life. When her sister’s wedding results in a massive food poisoning incident, Olive ends up on her sister’s honeymoon trip with the groom’s insufferable brother, Ethan. What starts as a tense arrangement soon transforms into something neither Olive nor Ethan saw coming.

Why It’s Great for a Slump:

Rom-coms can work wonders for a reading slump, and this one is no exception. The snarky banter and fake-dating hijinks make it as funny as it is heartwarming, and the tropical setting adds a bit of escapist delight. It’s the perfect blend of lighthearted fun and swoon-worthy romance.

7. Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo

Genre: Fantasy/Heist

Kaz Brekker, a criminal prodigy in the gritty city of Ketterdam, assembles a crew of misfits for an impossible heist that could make them all rich beyond belief. With high stakes, morally gray characters, and secrets waiting to unravel, the mission could destroy them before they even begin.

Why It’s Great for a Slump:

If you’ve been craving a story to fully immerse yourself in, Six of Crows is the answer. The pacing is fast, the characters are unforgettable, and the world-building is rich without being overly complicated. It’s a true escape-from-reality read that will remind you why you love books in the first place.

The key to curing a reading slump is picking up a book that feels fresh, exciting, and easy to get lost in. Each of these titles offers something unique, from mind-blowing twists to laugh-out-loud moments, from immersive worlds to unforgettable characters.