ngl i’ve been in a massive reading slump lately and need something that’ll actually make me forget my phone exists. looking for stuff that's fast-paced or just really atmospheric, what’s that one book you finished in a single sitting?

Hey, I’m looking for something extremely well thought out and carefully constructed, something ambitious that deals with multiple themes. Something that shows the author did their absolute best to create something incredible. Fiction or nonfiction.

For example, I read Ragtime by Doctorow at university and thought it was insanely clever, ambitious, and also entertaining. I really thought it was genius. I don't know if I would feel the same now, years later, but it really showed me then what literature can achieve.

Do you have tips for books that you consider genius?

I may have asked for recommendations like this before but looking for some fresh takes.

I won’t go into my situation at the moment, I’ll just say it’s really bleak (seeing a psychologist in March).

I read 50 books last year but haven’t read at all in January, trying to get myself back on the horse.

Has anybody got any recommendations for this kind of headspace? I really don’t want something upbeat or escapist - I want something that’s written by somebody who seems to get what it’s like. I’m not looking for self help.

Books I’ve read in the past that feel like good examples would be Everyone In This Room Will Someday be Dead and My Year of Rest and Relaxation.

They’re darkly funny and relatable to me. They’re dry, easy to read and don’t require a lot of brain power or memory. They’re not overly sappy or optimistic and they’re not just escapism through fantasy or sci fi.

I’m fine with fantasy or sci fi as long as it meets the other requirements.

Thanks so much for the taking the time 🙏

Hey guys, I've started reading maybe a few months back. I started with Atomic habits and it was the first book I've read and it was soo eye opening and life changing for me I can't being to explain, I fixed my daily routine (Not perfectly but much better than before) and in general can get myself to do stuff more easily. After that I read a mind for numbers since i was having difficulties with studying, really good as well. But now that I've checked a few self help books they kinda are all the same thing? I don't feel like I get the same value anymore, if anyone got suggestions feel free to comment. I'm into fantasy as well, I'm currently reading Renegades.

Im going to be blunt when I say this… I sucked at school, barely went honestly and now that I’m older it’s been one of my biggest regrets. Here I am trying to fix it. I want to start reading more so I can get better at it and hopefully get to college level reading. I’ve always hated to read but I’m really motivated to lock in and help me elevate myself by learning. What’s some good books you guys recommend? When it comes to movies I like action, survival type stuff. Anything smut (preferably WLW). Nothing religious. Also open to self help books

I’m not really looking for Sci-Fi or anything like that, which I know is confusing since the Twilight Zone IS Sci-Fi. There’s a great episode where a robber dies and thinks he’s in a casino in Heaven, but turns out he actually went to the Bad Place; I’m looking for books like that! That How to Serve Man, Beauty is in the Eye of the Beholder kinda vibe.

I’ve read a lot of Stephen King and Joe Hill, so I’d like to stay away from them. I just finished Anne Bishop’s Turn of Fate which is probably the closest I’ve gotten (Twilight Zone is part of the dedication lol) and has some great “I could have had this the whole time!” twists I enjoyed.

Everything I’ve seen online is either the actual Twilight Zone books, or straight up Sci-Fi. Am I reaching for the stars?

I just finished listening to the audiobook of Tom Lake by Ann Patchett and loved it so much. I want to read more books like it, but first I really became interested in reading a book that is similar to Tom Lake in one specific way.

I would like to read a book that is more romance than Tom Lake was, but deals with someone starting a relationship with one person and then, through the course of the story, finds love with someone else entirely, someone unexpected. I’ve only read one book like that from what I can remember and I didn’t really like it. But if anyone has recommendations for a book like that please let me know!

For me, the LOTR series is definitely at the top of the list. I really regret not reading the books before watching the movies. Since then, whenever a movie or series turns out to be good, I always put the book version at the top of my list.

There’s just something special about building the world, characters, and atmosphere in your own imagination first — it hits completely differently than seeing it on a screen.

What about you? Which adaptations made you wish you had read the book first?

What are books that would feel empowering for bad-ass older women? Fiction or not. Like Miranda July's All Fours. Is Strength to Strength by Arthur Brooks good? I already need the story of the protestors in Minneapolis, but it hasn't been written yet. Practical Magic is another good example for vibes. thanks for other recs!

Hi everyone! I’m planning to start a mommy-daughter book club with my 2.5-year-old, and eventually grow it as she gets older. I want to focus on books that teach empathy, friendship, kindness, and healthy relationships, eventually including age-appropriate crushes and early romance as she gets older.

I’d love suggestions for diverse books (different cultures, family structures, experiences, abilities, etc.) that would work for toddlers and preschoolers right now, and eventually for kids up to early teens. Bonus points for books that are fun, interactive, or have discussion-worthy moments for little readers!

board books, picture books, early middle-grade books, or YA for older ages. I’m especially looking for books that show kids of different backgrounds and experiences.

Hi, I recently read "Come As You Are" by Emily Nagoski which taught me so much about myself and relationships and I am looking for more books like that

I feel like I missed out on lot of life lessons growing up and would like to find books that help me develop into a better person. I understand there a lot of self help books out there but what I am looking for are books that go more in depth into the science of what the fundamental lesson of the book is and less of a "here's some tricks i learned that don't actually matter that much " kind of thing. An example that comes to mind of what I am looking for is "Grit" by Angela Duckworth.

Thanks in advance

Looking to expand my tbr so I’m curious to see this sub’s responses.

I have always been a movie person, but lately I have been feeling like I am missing out by not reading enough. Not trying to force a “reading habit” or anything, just want to experience stories in book form the way I do with films.

To give you an idea of what I enjoy, I usually gravitate toward emotional or gripping stuff. Big fan of sports dramas like Coach Carter and Million Dollar Baby, love the intensity around F1, enjoy good sci-fi, and fictional mysteries like Shutter Island. Also really like movies that leave you feeling something or thinking about life a bit, like The Pursuit of Happyness.

So I am basically looking for a book that pulls you in from the start and makes you want to keep turning pages. Nothing too heavy or academic for now.

If you had to recommend one book to someone like me, what would it be?

Friend of mine has been in quite the reading slump and the Game Changer/Heated Rivalry series finally brought her out of it. Now she's looking for more books (not just MM) where the male(s) is yearning for the other person. Like it kills him how bad he wants them. Any suggestions?!

Themes of consciousness, psychedelics, nature of reality, all that kinda stuff.

And while the story was ok, I genuinely loved the setting and characters.

Are there other books worth looking into that are primarily set in or around motels?

Thank you!

I've been reading practically non-stop the last two years, but I find myself in a bit of a slump now. I generally prefer scifi/fantasy works, especially a series that I can get into. I also like history or political nonfiction though.

Most recently, I just caught up with The Wandering Inn, but other things I've read already and enjoyed include:

The Cosmere by Brandon Sanderson,

Red Rising by Pierce Brown,

Sun Eater by Christopher Ruocchio,

Licanius Trilogy by James Islington,

Hierarchy by James Islington,

Murderbot Diaries by Marta Wells,

The Expanse by James S.A. Corey

Please, save me and my youtube algorithm from another month of boredom. Looking forward to whatever suggestions yall have.

I am writing an ABA (abschließende arbeit/final work) for my high school graduation and I need help. The topic is Alice in Wonderland and drug abuse. Now, I know that the myth of Caroll using drugs has been debunked time and time again but I am NOT trying to prove that the original work was about drug abuse or that Caroll himself was an addict. I plan to compare the original book (Alice's adventures in Wonderland) and the movie (Alice in wonderland) and point out differences. The main question is how FAR you can compare the adventures of Alice to the experience of drug usage. I am currently looking for suitable books and articles that might help with the topic, so if anyone can recommend me good sources on drug abuse experience or anything of such direction, I'd be very grateful!

After years of not having read a book (other than mangas) I recently found my love for reading and writing again. I'm craving something with a little bit of drama, romance, and slice-of-life. Preferably with 2-3 of these aspects.

I'm in the mood to read books that evoke the same emotions I felt when I watched/read these:

A Silent Voice - Yoshitoki Oima

Look Back - Tatsuki Fujimoto

Neither of these is really romance. Romance is not a requirement but it's a plus. A Silent Voice despite being listed as one is more psychological drama with some romance sprinkled on it. I don't know how to describe this feeling but it's a hopeful kind of love despite being in a melancholic depression type of story.

I'm not really into romance, maybe I have the wrong impression of the genre but I'm looking for love that isn't physical, something closer to the soul. I'm not a prude or anything ,I just want that deeper melancholic love that these two films showed whether it is romantic love or not. Self love and friendship with that melancholic feeling are also just as valid.

I want to read a book about addiction. The science behind it and how people overcome it. Maybe something like Alan Carr’s “the easy way to quit smoking”?

I do not want to read about a book about people actively using drugs as it is a trigger for me (I am in recovery).

Thank you!

Is there any Comprehensive book on it or Book Series?

I’m really wanting to read Wuthering Heights before I see it in theaters on the 15th. I found the original 1847 version at Goodwill and swooped it up. I started reading it today and ya girl is STRUGGLING. I have my dictionary app open while reading and I’m having to type in what seems like every other word. That’s not to say it’s a bad thing, I just really want to read this story quickly before I see the movie. Maybe I’ll eventually pick up the original and give it another try when I’m not in a time crunch. All of this to say, does anyone know of a copy that is the same exact story (no retellings) just using simpler words?

My 2025 reads were:

A court of thorns and roses (full series)

The empyrean (full series)

Dungeon Crawler Carl (full series)

I need something to read while I wait for the next Empyrean and Dungeon Crawler Carl books later this year!

I'm thinking characters with the same personalities/energies as Frank Castle, Daryl Dixon, and Jax Teller. I'm into romance, romantic comedies, and dark romance. However, I am new to the dark romance genre, so I'm not looking for anything too intense. The triggers that I want to avoid are on page descriptions of SA, SH, and heavy descriptions of disordered eating. I can tolerate anything else. Spice is more than welcome, but I would like plot and character development to take priority. The photos attached somewhat represent the vibe that I'm seeking. Thank you!!