5 Fast-Paced Books To Get You Out Of a Reading Slump!

Every reader knows the exhilaration of excitedly flipping over pages, desperate to consume more of an amazing plot, unravel a mystery, see the two main characters finally get together, or any number of narrative releases. When you’re in moods like these, you can read book after book without getting tired. But then, a particularly boring novel or uninteresting chapter has you slowing down, no longer experiencing the desire to read or the spark that comes along with it. You might go weeks, or even months, without finishing another novel. It may seem impossible to get out of a reading slump, but all you need to pull you back up is a novel that makes you remember why you used to get so excited about reading. Below are 5 addictive reads to break your reading slump!

1. One by One by Freida McFadden

This short thriller follows three couples, each with their own secrets, going on vacation to a remote inn in the middle of the woods. Their plans go awry and the six of them end up lost, where they end up getting picked off one by one (as the title suggests). The writing style is easy-to-read and interesting, making for a page-turning experience. All the tension and mystery builds up to a big reveal in the end that you won’t see coming. A quick and thrilling read. 

2. Love In The Time of Serial Killers by Alicia Thompson

Though not exactly groundbreaking when it comes to contemporary romance, that’s part of what makes this novel so perfect to get out of a slump. In this novel, a true crime-obsessed grad student convinces herself that her neighbor is a serial killer, only realizing when she gets to know him better that what’s most dangerous about him is his ability to make her fall in love. The premise is unique enough not to feel hackneyed while also sticking to the classic romance novel conventions in a way that feels like a warm hug. The interpersonal relations are great and it’s just the right level of emotional. You’ll want to tear through this and then keep reading afterwards. 

3. Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros

If you are anywhere near Booktok – or anything book-related for that matter – you have heard about this wildly popular romantasy. This novel is wildly entertaining and will turn you into a voracious page turner, the 500 pages blurring past before you know it. What makes this book so good is that it’s un-put-downable. If you’re into romance or fantasy at all (especially if you love dragons), this novel is sure to bring you out of a slump, so you should definitely read it if you haven’t already. If you have read Fourth Wing and know that you enjoy it, that might make it an even better book to remind you why you like reading.

4. Carrie by Stephen King

This very short book is mysterious, meditative, supernatural, and, at its climax, slightly horrific. Even since this conception of the character, Carrie’s story has been all over pop culture. Reading this book will allow you to see where the bucket of pig’s blood thrown on the prom queen comes from. While being a good referential text, Carrie is also fast-paced and intriguing, perfect for fans of thrillers and horror. 

5. Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir

I cannot recommend this book enough. The writing is so clever and witty, sucking you in from the get-go. In this novel, a man wakes up on a spaceship to dead crewmates and absolutely no clue how he got there. The mystery of the situation will draw you in and then keep you on your toes even once everything is revealed. The plot is unique and emotional and absolutely adorable. Written by the author of The Martian, I truly believe Project Hail Mary is the type of book that every type of reader will love. 

Happy reading!