Revitalize Your Reading Habit: Discover These Top 5 Books

As promised last week, here are my top 5 books to get you to escape from your reading slump. I hope this list helps you as a guide or to spark your interest. Finding the right book can reignite your love for reading and perhaps even kickstart a new habit. Whether you're looking for something emotional, magical, or thought-provoking, there's something for you.

?These selections are inspired by popular reviews, renowned publications, and my own reading experiences.

1.???? To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee

Genre: Fiction, Coming-of-Age, Legal Story | Published: 1960 | Pages: 281

Why: My good friend gifted me this book about four years ago, and it was the one that helped me start my reading journey. The Pulitzer Prize-winning novel explores serious issues such as racial injustice and moral growth in a profoundly moving and accessible way. It was an emotional journey that left me in tears and profoundly impacted my view on justice and empathy.?

2.???? A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman

Genre: Fiction, Contemporary, Humor | Published: 2012 | Pages: 337

Why: This novel is one of my favourite books because it is a heartwarming and humorous story about Ove, a grumpy yet lovable older man whose solitary world is turned upside down when a young, funny and patient foreign family moves in next door. I cried and laughed so hard (I haven’t had that experience before in any other book). Everyone would resonate with this story about love (not romantic), community, and second chances.

3.???? The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger

Genre: Fiction, Coming-of-Age | Published: 1951| Pages: 214?

Why: I recommended this one to my husband when he was in a reading slump, loved it and found it helped him empathize more with his younger sister. It's a must-read for its exploration identity. It captures teenage angst and rebellion, modern literature, and the journey of complex emotions (more impactful, knowing this was written after WWII). After this book, he started his reading journey and passed it on to a friend in the same situation.

4.???? The Sun Also Rises by Ernest Hemingway

Genre: Fiction, Modernist Novel | Published: 1926 |Pages: 251

?Why: This book explores the disillusionment and angst of the post-World War I generation. While it wasn't my favourite, it serves the purpose of entertaining. Even if you don't fall in love with it, you'll appreciate Hemingway's concise description and the historical context. It’s worth a read, and who knows—it might resonate with you more profoundly.

?5.???? Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone by J.K. Rowling

Genre: Fantasy, Young Adult | Published: 1997 | Pages: 309

Why: This book is the first in the Harry Potter series and introduces readers to the magical world of Hogwarts. (J.K. Rowling) ability to create an enchanting and immersive universe that captivates every reader. Although, I haven't read it yet, its universal appeal and positive reviews make it a top choice for anyone looking for a fantastical adventure.

P.S. If you're looking for more suggestions to start the habit of reading, consider these additional recommendations: The Martian by Andy Weir, The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien, The Stranger by Albert Camus, and The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald, and of course Atomic Habits by James Clear

Remember, there's no timeline for reading—each journey is different. Happy reading, and enjoy your week!

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