3 Books to get you out of a reading slump
And reconnect to the joy of reading
Whenever I talk with friends or even people I’ve met, I often bring up books because I’m genuinely interested to know what role books play in a person’s life.
Most often, people will share with me that they love reading, but that they wished they read more.
Does this ring true for you?
For one reason or another, people often share that they don’t have the time for reading, or they haven’t really landed on a book that grabbed their attention, or they simply prioritized other areas of their life.
Whatever the reason might be, the common thread is that people wished they read more.
If you find yourself relating to this (which I think many of us do because we know the joy of reading a really great book), you’re clearly not alone.
If you do find yourself thinking, well yes, I’d like to read more - but how do I start?
I have some guidance to share and a couple of books that I believe could spark that joy of reading in you.
How to get out of a reading slump
First of all, reading this article itself is a sign that you’re curious and want to make the step, but perhaps don’t know how.
I’m here to tell you that all it takes is one really great book that’s going to match your mood and mindset.
Great. But how do you find that perfect book for your particular case?
I believe that intuition and synchronicity are an important part of our live.
If you allow yourself to be curious and open minded, the right book will inevitably show up to you. It could show up in the form of a friend recommending you a book, seeing it somewhere online, walking by it at the aisle of a store, or even through someone you seek guidance from, like a bibliotherapist.
Whichever the medium, the right books will come to you if you seek them.
This might sound a little vague, but I really do believe it’s true. There’s been many times where books have come into my life at just the right moment to help me see a situation in a new light, to understand myself in a different way, or to move forward and make a change. Whatever was the case, I have many examples of this happening to me, and I’m sure you have at least one example of this.
Reconnect to the joy of reading
The next step in the process, is to read! And what better way to get started, then to reconnect to the joy of reading and books that celebrate that.
Without further adieu, here are 3 of my favorite books that celebrate the joy of reading.
1. The Little Paris Bookshop by
I found this book unexpectedly at an airport bookshop which usually has a pretty basic selection of books but if you dig a little, you can usually spot some gems.
Although the title is a little cliche, the story and plot are sweet and innocent; Monsieur Perdu is a man of literature, so committed that he has a bookstore on a boat on the Seine. To his guests he prescribes novels for the hardships of life, the only one he can’t prescribe to is himself, as he’s still struggling to work through his heartbreak after the love of his life ran away mysteriously.
From my goodreads review, I wrote “I recommend this book to book lovers who truly believe in the magic of reading. Also for those that may have lost hope in love and life..this book will be a gentle reminder.”
I hope this book can work some of its magic on you the way that it did for me.
2. What You Are Looking For Is In The Library by Michiko Aoyama
Another absolute favorite book of mine. This is a collection of short stories that explores the lives of characters who are all in different phases of life, yet somehow all end up at their neighborhood library seeking a book.
This book particularly touched me because of the central character who is a quirky librarian. She has a particular knack for recommending the most random books to people, yet every time they end up super intrigued and invested in the book she’s recommend her.
I particularly relate to this book because of the message that, “books can have a major impact on the timeline of our life - that is, if we’re curious enough to seek them.”
Did I mention that this book is by a Japanese author? All the more reason to dive into this gem.
3. The Dictionary of Lost Words by Pip Williams
This particular book surprised me with its unique story about the making of the oxford dictionary, and a girl whose life is intrinsically tied to it.
The story follows Esme, a young girl whose father and his colleagues are collecting words for the very first Oxford English Dictionary. Esme begins to collect other words that get misplaced, discarded or have been neglected by the dictionary men.
Over time, Esme realizes that some words are considered more important than others, and that words and meanings relating to women’s experiences often go unrecorded. While she dedicates her life to the Oxford English Dictionary, secretly, she begins to collect words for another dictionary: The Dictionary of Lost Words.
If you’ve lost your love for words, then this particular novel will help you regain it.
The right books will come to you if you seek them
As I said before, I truly believe that if you’re curious and open minded, the right books will come to you. Stay curious my friends and if you’ve lost your love for reading or simply haven’t read in a while, it’s never too late to pick up a book - you never know how it might surprise you.
So, let’s turn the page together?
Until next time,
xx Tonislava