Last year, I read about 5-6 books before the year ended. For 2023, I set a goal to finish at least 12 books this year or one book per month. The goal should have been achievable with my record the previous year.
I only finished one book, The Odyssey, in the first half of 2023, and I have been reading that book since December 2022.
With the help of a friend, I finished two books in the last month, The Ninth House—just in time for the spooky season last October—and Book Lovers just a week ago. But that means I am 8 books away from my goal.
Comparing my numbers from last year, I took one step forward and ten steps back. How can six books in the last half of a year lead to only three books after ten months? Was work too much? Was I doom-scrolling too much? Why did I stop?
So, I asked my friend to help me out of a reading slump. She happily picked out three different books! Here is the list of books that may free you from your slump and how my reading slump has been going so far:
1. The Ninth House by Leigh Bardugo
The start was dragging. It was like someone glued my feet to the floor. I wanted to stay still with all the friction. Suddenly, the 50% mark pushed me free. And I kept rolling downhill until the end hit me like a brick wall.
My friend gave me the first part of a Trilogy. She knew what she was doing! Trying to pull me all the way out of that slump with a whole series to hold on to! And how I hate her for it, haha!
Now, I want to drown myself in the second book. I was absorbed into the word of Galaxy Stern, and some questions needed answers. So, if you are into ghouls, ghosts, and the black magic in alchemy, this book is for you! A great read for the spooky season!
As much as I wanted to stay in the universe of Yale University and its secret societies, I still had to go through the last two books in the three-book slump-freeing set my friend let me borrow.
2. Book Lovers by Emily Henry
I started this book right after I completed The Ninth House. In the first few pages, flashes of my mother’s favorite pastime ran through my brain. The premise revolved around the single plot of her afternoon Hallmark Movies. But with a twist, of course.
Even if it promised it was not your Hallmark movie plot, all signs still pointed in that direction even as I was nearing the end of the book. Not to spoil, but what else would you expect from a book that revolved around the feel-good romance of a Hallmark movie?
Like The Ninth House, the story was dragging (with the whole Hallmark idea nagging at the back of my brain). At first, I could not fully engage with the characters and the story, thinking of the cliches and stereotypes the author even poked fun at throughout the story.
Things only turned around once other characters were fleshed out and when you began rooting for the main character’s love interest.
Although I am not one to choose romance novels—I am more drawn to love stories tied with the thrill of adventures, dramas, and old classic love stories like that of Jane Austen—I will not deny that I enjoyed this book. As a friend said, the story was full of fluff, and those small joys are undeniable.
I decided to read this book next as a break from the seriousness the Ninth House carried. And it served its purpose. It was a light-hearted rom-com that did not fail to entertain, even if it felt cringe at first.
Spoiler Warning:
If you aren’t into reading a little smut, this may surprise you (like it did me).
3. The Cruel Prince- by Holly Black
The third book in the three-book slump-freeing set was what I was told to read first. I know her recommendation would be something I would not put down. As a stubborn person, I saved the best for last.
This book is also the precursor to another three-book series, which I am not happy about.
That means I will have to go down these rabbit holes to satisfy the itch in my brain to complete their stories—whether I like it or not. Of course, I would love to be in these worlds, but I am afraid I do not have all the time to fall down rabbit holes of two different series!
…I will definitely have to make the time for it.
This tactic to entice me with the 1st installment of a series is now a proven solution to free myself from a slump. I know it would—unless you start procrastinating the next installments to the point that you no longer crave to read them.
With two new series on my plate, I am torn between which to finish first. Thanks a whole lot! Don’t get me wrong. That is a dilemma I am happy to have.
I am only five chapters into The Cruel Prince, and the 1st few pages screamed Harry Potter! Oh, how excited I was to dive headfirst into the abyss of the Faerie world, its intricate history, and vast kingdoms!
Excited and yet scared to be left hanging in the end, that is what this book feels like. The poetry, the world-building, and the graphic design of the chapters filled me with excitement. I know (since it was recommended by a friend, bless her soul) that it would not disappoint!
I feel like I am 80% out of this slump and excited to be reading left and right after this. If you feel stuck like me, these books may work for you, too!
P.S. The Great Divorce by C.S. Lewis was also lent by a friend and I devoured it within 24 hours last week. You may want to check it out too!
Keep the reading alive!
Busyzi 