7 Books for People Who Want to Start Reading Again

Whether life got too busy, your attention span got hijacked by screens, or you simply forgot the magic of a good story, getting back into reading is one of the most rewarding habits you can rebuild.

At its core, reading reconnects us—to ourselves, to others, to deeper thinking. The right book can make that first step not only easier but irresistible. Below is a list of 7 books for people who want to start reading again.

1. Wonder by R.J. Palacio

Wonder tells the story of August Pullman, a boy born with facial differences, navigating school and society with courage and heart. Written with warmth and simplicity, it’s highly approachable for returning readers. Palacio’s narrative alternates perspectives, giving insight into empathy, kindness, and human resilience. The book is moving without being heavy, and its themes of acceptance and understanding resonate universally. For those reintroducing themselves to reading, Wonder is a reminder of the transformative power of stories—how they can teach compassion, expand perspectives, and make reading an uplifting, deeply human experience.

2. The Midnight Library by Matt Haig

It’s a compelling, gently philosophical story about regret, mental health, and the infinite potential of our choices. The novel is short, beautifully structured, and deeply moving without being complicated. Haig’s style is simple and conversational, making it incredibly approachable. This book resonates with anyone feeling stuck in life and is ideal for reengaging with reading because it delivers both introspection and hope in bite-sized, digestible chapters.

3. The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho

It reads like a spiritual fable, blending philosophy, mysticism, and universal wisdom in clear, poetic prose. Coelho’s storytelling is deceptively simple but incredibly profound. This is a book that stirs the soul while requiring very little effort to read, making it perfect for people easing back into literature. Whether you’re seeking motivation or introspection, The Alchemist inspires readers to listen to their hearts and trust the journey—something we all need to remember.

4. Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens

Blending lush nature writing with a compelling murder mystery, Where the Crawdads Sing is both haunting and beautiful. Kya’s resilience and connection to nature create an emotional core that resonates deeply. Owens’ prose is vivid but accessible, and the dual timeline keeps the pace engaging. The book’s themes of loneliness, survival, and identity make it especially impactful for those seeking more than just a story—this is a book that lingers in your heart.

5. Atomic Habits by James Clear

Atomic Habits is a groundbreaking self-help book that offers a practical framework for building good habits and breaking bad ones. James Clear presents his ideas with clarity, real-world examples, and scientific backing—making behavior change feel not just possible but manageable. Each chapter is short, direct, and packed with actionable insights. The book’s structure is ideal for readers reentering the world of non-fiction, especially if they want tangible results in everyday life. Whether you're trying to read more, exercise, or quit procrastinating, this book delivers the tools to do it—without ever feeling overwhelming or overly academic.

6. The Rosie Project by Graeme Simsion

His logical “Wife Project” takes an unexpected turn when he meets Rosie, who is everything he’s not looking for. The book is witty, fast-paced, and endearing—making it a joy to read even for reluctant readers. Simsion’s narrative voice is delightfully unique, and Don’s evolution is both hilarious and heartwarming. With its humor and heart, The Rosie Project is a perfect re-entry into reading—it’s light, lovable, and refreshingly different from typical romance novels.

7. Educated by Tara Westover

Tara Westover’s Educated is an astonishing memoir about growing up in a strict, survivalist family in rural Idaho with no formal education—and her eventual journey to earning a PhD from Cambridge. Her story is a powerful testament to resilience, identity, and the transformative power of learning. Westover writes with elegance and brutal honesty, pulling readers into a world most can’t imagine. Despite its serious themes, the narrative is compelling and fast-moving, almost like a novel. For anyone looking to return to reading with a true story that grips the mind and soul, Educated is both devastating and inspiring.

Why These Books Matter

In a time when our attention is constantly fractured by notifications, news cycles, and endless scrolling, reading offers something rare and powerful: presence. It reconnects us with deeper thought, emotional nuance, and the human experience in ways few other activities can.

The books we’ve chosen aren't just popular or critically acclaimed—they matter because they meet readers where they are. Whether you’re feeling disconnected, overwhelmed, unmotivated, or simply out of the reading habit, these books act as gentle bridges back to the joy of reading.

Final Thoughts

Getting back into reading isn't about pressure—it's about permission. Permission to slow down. To explore. To reconnect with your imagination, your curiosity, and your inner world. In a world that constantly pulls our attention in every direction, picking up a book is an act of quiet rebellion—and self-care.

The seven books we've recommended aren’t just stories or guides; they’re doorways back to yourself.

So pick one. Just one. Start small. Let the story pull you in. Because once the habit takes hold again, you’ll remember what you’ve been missing all along—not just words on a page, but perspective, depth, and the kind of magic only books can offer.