Journal

In the last two articles in this series, I mentioned various ways in which to overcome a reading slump, but I didn’t give any books in specific. Although I mostly deal with challenging books, I thought I’d bring you a few books that can help you on your way to reading more. These are books that have either helped me in the past or books that I’ve read that I think would help for various reasons (mentioned below). Geek Love by Katherine Dunne I mentioned this in the first part of this mini-series as being the book that helped lift me out of a rut. Not only is it off-the-wall bonkers on every level, but it’s also incredibly fun from a far-removed kind-of-way. Filled with a freak family who travels America performing incredible feats, the book manages to be both heart-warming and genuine. Author Katherine Dunne became a cult writer after this book was popularised by the likes of Kurt Cobain and Terry Gilliam. Água Viva by Clarice Lispector A free-flowing poetic novel that follows the musings of a former Brazilian fashion journalist. Themes range from ageing and mortality to parallel universes. Surreal by nature, but precisely the sort of book that gets you out of a slump. The Giver by Lois Lowry Dealing with a young boy who grows up asking questions of the world around him, only to realise they’re all being controlled. These sorts of books, along with 1984, Fahrenheit 541 and Animal Farm always have a habit of resurfacing when current events deem them relevant again. Before I Go To Sleep by S.J. Watson An easy-going thriller focussing on a woman who loses her memory every time she goes to sleep. With only her husband for guidance, how can she begin to put together the pieces of her life again? Although not the greatest mystery out there, this one is easy enough to digest due to its use of whodunit tropes. The Hellbound Heart by Clive Barker If horror is more your thing, then you should definitely check out the classic from Clive Barker. Initially written as a short story, it was later expanded into a novella (but still relatively short). Easy to read and enough gore to keep any horror taste buds satisfied. Barker went on to direct a feature film, Hellraiser, based upon his own book. Kiss Me, Judas by Will Christopher Baer One of my absolute favourites. Pulp-fiction at its finest. Urban legends, erratic drug dealers, killer prostitutes and the narrator; an ex-cop that would give them all a run for their money. It’s also the first in a three-part series, so you have a clear direction to go in should you want to continue reading Baer’s work. More tips? That’s my list of books that can get you out of any reading slump. Do you have any other suggestions? What book(s) do you turn to for a pick-me-up? Let me know in the comments below. If you enjoyed this mini-series, then please consider subscribing at the bottom of the page for email notifications of future articles and reviews. It’s free, and you’ll automatically be entered into all my book competitions (plus 10% off your first shop purchases). Until next time, Stay safe.

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