We’ve all been there: taken one long look at the humungous, ever-so-slightly-intimidating doorstopper of a book waiting for us on the shelf and gulped. Particularly when you’re out of the habit, sometimes all you’re really after is an entertaining, addictive romp of a read to speed through.
So, as we emerge from the winter gloom and into spring, let’s get back into the swing of things and kickstart your bookish adventures with our list of easy recommended reads to reinvigorate, motivate, and rediscover your reading mojo.
Every Day Is a Fresh Beginning – Aoibhin Garrihy
Perfect for digesting in gentle bite-size chunks between the madness of everyday life, this collection has been beautifully curated by Aoibhin Garrihy – and is sprinkled throughout with her delightful commentary. Spark your imagination in a few short lines. Whatever your mood, you’ll find a poem that speaks to you.
Karma – Boy George
Because there’s few things more enjoyable than simply sitting back and letting one of modern music’s great raconteurs tell you tales from across his storied life. Riotously entertaining and unflinching, you’ll power through this memoir chock-a-block with pop gems.
Pace Yourself – Amy Arthur
With all the excitement of the holidays and these long dark evenings, it’s totally natural to start the new year feeling, well, a little worn out… Science journalist Amy Arthur’s Pace Yourself is the perfect pick-me-up, unpacking all aspects of personal energy and outlining the concept of pacing as a simple tool to combat fatigue and find balance within our lives in the months to come.
Parenting Hell – Rob Beckett & Josh Widdicombe
A book to breeze through with three hundred-odd pages of belly laughs. Reading this (or indeed listening along to the bestselling audiobook) is like hanging out with two brilliantly funny mates having a conversation and inviting you into their delirious, sleep-deprived post-baby lives.
Shiver Point – Gabriel Dylan
Looking for the next series to read along to with your young bookworms? Try Gabriel Dylan’s Shiver Point. Enter world of spooks, screams and small-town middle grade horror as Alex and the gang investigate a meteorite that has brought a dangerous passenger along for the ride. The first in an addictive new series for fearless readers.
Wild Hope – Donna Ashworth
The latest collection from the UK’s bestselling poet. Dip in one line at a time, and take comfort from the warm and wise words of Donna Ashworth. Preaching self-care and self-acceptance and offering hope in the darkest of days, these poems are a pocket-sized delight.
Anatomy of a Breakthrough – Adam Alter
A great book for teaching good habits. Adam Alter artfully weaves together scientific studies, anecdotes, and interviews in this ground-breaking guide to help readers fulfil their full potential. Shake off the winter blues and get unstuck one page at a time.
Virtual Strangers – Sam Canning
Ada and Fraser both spend their days working from a coffee shop. Is love brewing in between the flat whites? Sam Canning’s dazzling romcom puts the hot into hot desking, and the spice into spiced latte. We guarantee you’ll fall for these deeply-relatable characters – and be booking a trip up to Edinburgh to walk in their footsteps.
Strong Female Character – Hanna Flint
Film journalist Hanna Flint premieres an insightful memoir that interweaves personal stories with a critical eye on cinema’s representation of women and minorities on screen. The fierce, and funny Strong Female Character is filled with quick chapters and film-infused lessons perfect for dipping into between your latest episode on Netflix.
The Lost Girl – Rosie Goodwin
Some books take you on a journey, your favourites feel like home… Draw the curtains on a busy day and lose yourself in beloved saga author Rosie Goodwin’s latest adventure – the supernatural story of Esme that will both break and warm your heart.
Glow up Lara Bloom – Dee Benson
Struggling to find the energy to pick up a new book? Why not instead try tricking your brain into thinking you’re poking your nose into someone’s diary? Get to know ‘teenage catastrophe’ Lara Bloom, as she uploads her deepest thoughts and darkest confessions to an online journal in this heart-warming tale of friendship, crushes and learning to love yourself.
Main Character Energy – Fats Timbo
A book to help any reader get their mojo back full stop. Comedian and social media sensation Fats Timbo delivers her ten commandments for living a fearless life. Anyone who has seen her viral sketches will know what to expect: quickfire wit, empowering life lessons, and a clarion call to be the hero your story needs.
You Had Me at Halloumi – Ginger Jones
Because how can you not want to pick up a book with that title?
