25 Books Likewisers Swear Will Get You Out of a Reading Slump

Matt Haig’s "The Midnight Library" offers a mesmerizing journey through numerous lives shaped by different choices. It blends enchanting storytelling with existential philosophy, drawing readers into a world where every book holds the potential of a different life. For those considering the impact of their own life decisions, this book provides both comfort and introspection.

Brit Bennett weaves a gripping narrative in "The Vanishing Half," exploring themes of racial identity, family, and secrecy with profound insight. Spanning decades from the 1950s to the 1990s, it delves into the lives of twin sisters who lead distinctly different existences. This novel is a brilliant examination of identity and legacy.

Kristin Hannah's "The Nightingale" is an evocative tale of survival and resistance during World War II. Focusing on two sisters separated by ideals and experiences, it beautifully portrays their courage in war-torn France. This unforgettable novel honors the quiet battles women face and highlights the indomitable human spirit.

Madeline Miller's "The Song of Achilles" takes readers into the heart of ancient Greece, offering a vivid retelling of The Iliad. The novel richly imagines the deep bond between Achilles and Patroclus, featuring breathtaking prose and emotional depth. It is a love story full of heroes, gods, and epic battles.

In this psychological thriller by Alex Michaelides, "The Silent Patient" intricately examines the mind of a woman who, following a violent act, ceases speaking. The novel unravels the mystery of her silence alongside the therapist tasked with helping her, delivering a suspense-filled narrative of hidden motives and dark pasts.

Ta-Nehisi Coates' debut novel, "The Water Dancer," intertwines history with magical realism, portraying the grim realities of slavery and the resilient pursuit of freedom. It tells the story of Hiram Walker, whose mysterious powers guide him through an epic journey of liberation and self-discovery.

Delia Owens' "Where the Crawdads Sing" combines a coming-of-age story with an intricate murder mystery. Set in the coastal swamps of North Carolina, it follows the reclusive "Marsh Girl" as she becomes embroiled in mystery and scandal, celebrating nature and the drives of human nature in equal measure.

Victoria Aveyard's "Red Queen" is a gripping tale set in a world divided by blood—in which common Reds serve the ruling Silvers. It's a thrilling saga of power, rebellion, and identity centered on Mare Barrow, a Red who unexpectedly manifests her own powerful abilities, and challenges the established order.

Kiley Reid delivers a thought-provoking exploration of race and privilege in "Such a Fun Age." Set around an incident involving a young Black babysitter accused of kidnapping the white child she cares for, it deftly critiques transactional relationships and social perceptions with humor and empathy.

In V.E. Schwab's "The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue," a timeless tale unfolds of a young woman cursed to be forgotten by everyone. Her centuries-long quest for remembrance leads to a touching narrative of self-discovery and resilience, culminating when a man finally remembers her name.

Ernest Cline's "Ready Player One" transports readers to a virtual reality realm packed with 1980s nostalgia and thrilling adventure. As protagonist Wade Watts embarks on a high-stakes quest to inherit control of an enormous digital world, he battles adversaries in a narrative that blurs the lines between fantasy and reality.

Oyinkan Braithwaite’s sharp noir thriller, "My Sister, the Serial Killer," is as darkly comedic as it is thrilling. Following Korede and her sister Ayoola, suspected of being a serial killer, this novel explores familial bonds, loyalty, and the complexities beneath its dark humor.

Andy Weir's "The Martian" is a testament to human resilience and ingenuity, chronicling the survival saga of astronaut Mark Watney on Mars. Using wit, science, and relentless determination to survive, this gripping story is both a thrilling adventure and an embodiment of survivalist fiction at its best.

Gillian Flynn's "Gone Girl" astounds with its sharp examination of marriage gone awry. Through shifting narratives, the story dives into the mysterious disappearance of Amy Dunne, revealing layers of deception and unexpected twists that redefine psychological thrillers as a genre.

Anna Todd’s "After" captures the tumultuous emotions of first love and self-discovery against the backdrop of college life. As Tessa navigates new experiences and encounters the enigmatic Hardin, this novel reveals the complexity of passionate yet unpredictable relationships.

Sarah J. Maas introduces an intriguing universe in "House of Earth and Blood," intertwining thrilling mystery with a sizzling romance. In Crescent City, as demon-slaying protagonist Bryce seeks justice for her friends, the plot entwines love, betrayal, and a supernatural cityscape in an enthralling narrative.

Anthony Doerr's Pulitzer Prize-winning "All the Light We Cannot See" follows the intertwined destinies of a blind French girl and a German soldier during World War II. Through luminous prose, the novel captures both the quiet resilience of the spirit and the devastating impact of fate and war.

Sarah J. Maas's "A Court of Thorns and Roses" is a captivating blend of romance and fantasy. It follows Feyre, a mortal entangled in the world of faeries, where she discovers love, treachery, and the challenge to alter destinies in a realm ruled by immortal intrigues.

Tomi Adeyemi’s "Children of Blood and Bone" invigorates the fantasy genre with its West African-inspired universe where a young heroine, Zélie, embarks on a dangerous journey to reclaim magic. Themes of oppression and destiny play out in a spellbinding narrative of courage and hope.

E. Lockhart crafts an intense mystery in "We Were Liars," blending suspense and poignant drama focused on a wealthy family shrouded in dark secrets. On a private island, a tragedy unfolds, inviting readers to unravel the complex layers of truth and deception surrounding the Liars.

Paula Hawkins' "The Girl on the Train" takes readers on a thrilling ride of suspense and psychological intrigue. It follows Rachel, whose daily observations from her train lead her into a tangled web of mysterious events, challenging conceptions of memory and truth.

Angie Thomas' "The Hate U Give" is a poignant and powerful exploration of systemic racism, police violence, and the struggle for justice. Narrated by sixteen-year-old Starr Carter, it addresses the impactful themes of identity, activism, and the courage to speak out in times of inequality.

Casey McQuiston’s "Red, White & Royal Blue" sizzles with passion and wit as it portrays the romance between America's First Son and the Prince of Wales. This heartwarming narrative examines the challenges and triumphs of love across nations, layered with humor and a timely examination of public and private identities.

Stieg Larsson's mesmerizing "The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo" marries classic mystery with modern themes. A multi-layered thriller, it combines the talents of journalist Mikael Blomkvist and the enigmatic hacker Lisbeth Salander in a riveting investigation into a family's dark past.

Tara Westover's memoir "Educated" presents a powerful narrative of her struggle for knowledge against the constraints of a survivalist family. It captures the journey from isolation in rural Idaho to achieving success in higher education, offering a candid reflection on the transformative power of learning.