These Books WILL Get You Back Into Reading

Do you remember relishing the crisp smell of new pages and losing yourself in an exotic magical world as a child? Every reader has had a phase where they couldn't get enough of their favorite books; and reading came as second nature to them. However, most people buckle under the weight of mundane responsibilities as time wears on. Reading becomes a long-lost love that reminds you of its existence every now and then. However, try as you might, you just can't seem to get back into it. Being an avid bibliophile, I know how debilitating that feeling can be. Therefore, I have compiled this list of books that will definitely reignite your affection for literature. 

1. The Ten Thousand Doors of January, by Alix E. Harrow

As the name suggests, this book is a pristine representation of our innate longing for escaping into foreign realms where magic rules and wonder runs wild. When January Scaller finds a strange book; a whole universe of possibilities opens up before her. The novel is reminiscent of childhood fairytales that we sincerely held on to in order to find a reprieve from our boring everyday lives. Before you even realize it, you will find yourself turning the pages and wanting to believe in the magic embedded within them. Harrow's enchanting prose flows like water and creates such arresting imagery that one can't help but fall in love with it. The Ten Thousand Doors of January has the profound power to make stony hearts come alive with a newfound appreciation for the human imagination; and sometimes, that is all you need from a story. 

2. Greenglass House, by Kate Milford

There is nothing cozier than a middle-grade mystery set in an inn during the winters. Greenglass House is exactly that, and a lot more. As Milo's house (the inn) begins filling up with weird guests, he sets out to solve the mystery of what exactly they are up to. This book feels like a warm blanket embellished with nostalgia and joy. The crackling fireplace, the guests sharing stories over cups of steaming hot chocolate and our amateur sleuth's detective work all come together to create a bewitching atmosphere that will fill your heart up to the brim. All that aside, the actual plot is nothing short of impressive. Contrary to expectations, Greenglass House is an extremely well thought-out mystery, with multiple twists that keep the reader on their toes. Once you start reading it, you won't be able to stop. What's more, it is actually the first book in a series! You can move on to the sequels and keep holding on to the heartwarming cadence of Greenglass House. 

3. The Humans, by Matt Haig

Narrated by an extraterrestrial visitor impersonating a mathematician, The Humans is essentially an ode to the human race. It is a book that shines a light on our flawed beauty in an incredibly quirky but charismatic manner. It has so much to say, yet is manages to deliver the intended commentary without turning heavy-handed. There are tons of comical and wholesome moments scattered throughout the short novel. It gives you a chance to observe humans from an outside perspective, which is a rare experience in and of itself. The reason as to why it will review your love for reading is the simple fact that it is both deeply insightful and highly amusing at the same time. The Humans will reinstate the power of quality literature in your mind and prompt you to dive back into it in full swing. It is oddly relatable, perhaps because it serves as a clear mirror that reflects our best and worst qualities. This novel needs to be on every reader's list, regardless of whether they read a book a day or haven't picked one up in ages. 

4. The Kite Runner, by Khaled Hosseini

I feel honored to be able to place my all-time favorite book on this list. The Kite Runner follows the jagged course of a twisted friendship through the years. It is essentially a narrative of love and redemption, bravery and devotion. Set against the harrowing backdrop of Afghanistan's invasion by Russia, The Kite Runner is a whirlwind of difficult emotions that completely sweep the reader of their feet. Khaled Hosseini has such a way with words that his stories don't just tug at your heart stings, they barrel into your heart and settle in it forever. Once a book makes a dent so deep in your soul, there is no going back. As you shed tears and contemplate the tragedies that await you in the novel, you will certainly fall head-over-heels in love with literature all over again. Stories like The Kite Runner exhibit the unwavering influence of words on our sensitivities. It is not possible to do justice to the book's greatness unless you have experienced it for yourself. Needless to say, I highly recommend it to anyone and everyone. 

5. Days At The Morisaki Bookshop, by Satoshi Yagisawa

This 150 pager can only be described as a love letter to books. Twenty-five year old Takako finds solace in her uncle's bookshop after going through a rough patch in life. It is a quiet and tranquil story about the moving impact of literature that almost every reader can relate to. It is honestly surprising how a book so simple can be so effective at communicating exactly how books heal a broken heart. Reading about it will undoubtedly strike a chord with anyone who has fallen out with their literary pursuits. The author truly understands the ins and outs of perusing hundreds of books, and then settling on the one that you are willing to commit to. The brevity of the novella only adds to its efficacy, and it makes it an ideal read for someone whose reading muscles have become rusty from disuse. A sequel, called "More Days At The Morisaki Bookshop" has been released recently, which means that the show can go on! 

CONCLUSION

Even if this article helps one person find their way back to reading, I will consider it's purpose accomplished. After all, the whole point of blogging about books is to spread the love of literature far and wide. If you have any recommendations of your own to add to the list, mention them in the comments below! 

Happy reading folks!