I read around 100 books per year, between audio books, e-books, and physical books. I am the “go-to” for friends who need a book recommendation. If you are looking to start a reading habit, here are the books I recommend to friends who are looking to get back into reading. These are light, easy, or fast-paced enough to keep your attention.
I’m sharing both fiction and nonfiction books, because I tend to have one of each type of book going at the same time. I read fiction in the evening or before bed, but I listen to nonfiction (true) in the car and on my walks. I have a hard time following an actual plot with audio books, so I prefer autobiographies, or random self-help or informational. That way, if my mind wanders, I don’t miss an important plot point. That being said, the majority of the women in my book club exclusively listen to our monthly book choice, whether it is fiction or nonfiction.
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Fiction Book Recommendations
These are light, easy, or fast-paced enough to keep your attention.
The Little Old Lady Who Broke all the Rules, Catharina Ingelman-Sundberg
A super funny book about friends in their golden age, who aren’t the sweet little old people you think they are. It’ll make you look at grandma a little bit differently!
Mother Daughter Traitor Spy: A Novel, Susan Elia MacNeal
I have lived in California my whole life and never realized that there was WW2 activity happening on the West Coast! This was a fun read for sure.
Did you know that the actress Hedy Lamarr served as a spy during World War 2? I didn’t! This fictionalized account of her experience has lots of drama and intrigue. And here’s a bonus recommendation – I’ve read (maybe) all of this author’s novels and they were all fabulous.
Did You Hear About Kitty Karr?: A Novel, Crystal Smith Paul
This book takes place during two time periods, and is set in both old and new Hollywood. It is just the right amount of fluff and fun, but there’s a deeper storyline as well. It has The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo vibes. If you like this book, read that next. If you liked that book, you’ll love this one too!
Remarkably Bright Creatures: A Novel, Shelby Van Pelt
I think I read this book in two days. It is an easy feel good read about a woman who opens herself up and is rewarded with connection and love. This book made me plan a family vacation to Seattle. I have no regrets. Bonus – once you’ve read the book, you can watch the movie on Netflix with Sally Field.
First Lie Wins: A Novel, Ashley Elston
I’m not really a mystery, thriller, or suspense lover, but this book had me hooked. I read it so quickly! If you’re looking for something fast paced, this is a good option.
Best of Friends: A Novel, Kamila Shamsie
I’m showing my age, but this book has a lot of flashbacks to growing up in the 80s and 90s. It’s about two besties who grow into very different people.
Nonfiction Book Recommendations
If you’re more interested in nonfiction, or don’t have the attention span to stick with an actual story right now, these are some of my favorite nonfiction books. Some of these are a little bit longer, but they are really engaging. I prefer to listen to nonfiction, especially when it’s an autobiography read by the author. There’s just something about hearing someone tell their story that draws me in.
I know it’s really long, but I loved listening to Ms. Obama talk about her life from her childhood on up. She has such a calming voice, and you feel like you’re listening to one of your best girlfriends. If the length scares you, I’ll share that I listened to this book while re-organizing my son’s messy room. I actually wanted to work on his room so that I could listen more!
The Year of Yes, Shonda Rhimes
I loved listening to Ms. Rhimes share how she pushed herself out of her comfort zone and did things that scared her, even at her level of success. It’s a great reminder for the rest of us!
The Happiness Project, Gretchen Rubin
This book won’t only pull you out of your reading slump, it may very well help you get your spark back. This is one of the few books I bought after reading, because I wanted to try the project for myself.
Note to Self: Inspiring Words from Inspiring People, Gayle King
This is great if you don’t have a lot of time or attention span. Ms. King invited famous people to write a letter to themselves, and hearing their perspective was uplifting. I ended up searching for many more books with a similar vibe after this one, since it was so enjoyable to hear short takes on someone’s life.
American Like Me: Reflections on Life Between Culture, America Ferrera
In times like this, it’s nice to hear some positive stories from immigrants, or children of immigrants about their lived experience. Similar to Note to Self, these are nice and short, so it is much easier to digest.
I hope this list helps spark your reading joy. I have so many more book recommendations to share, but I’ve started with books that are easy to pick up and get started back on your reading journey. Let me know what you think, or if you have recommendations for me!
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