5 short books to make you fall back in love with reading

Listen, we get it—getting back into reading as a hobby can be truly overwhelming, especially if you haven't really read anything for pleasure for a while. Like, how do you start again? Where do you even begin?! 

But the good news is that getting started doesn't have to be a big commitment. It’s okay to take smaller steps before diving completely into the world of reading. So here are five short books (around 250 pages or less) that will give you a taste of the joy of reading without requiring a huge investment of time. Plus with a successful reading experience under your belt, you'll be motivated to explore further! 

Before the Coffee Gets Cold by Toshikazu Kawaguchi

This 2015 novel by Toshikazu Kawaguchi tells of a café in Tokyo that allows its customers to travel back in time, as long as they return before their coffee gets cold. It explores themes of love, loss, regret, and the power of human connection. So, if you're looking for a quick, heartwarming read that will make you think Before the Coffee Gets Cold is the perfect book for a cup of tea (or coffee, of course).

Tuesdays with Morrie by Mitch Albom

You know that book you find yourself returning to for comfort and inspiration? Tuesdays with Morrie might just become that book for you. This heartwarming memoir chronicles the author's final visits with his former college professor who is battling ALS. It's a life-affirming story about the importance of relationships, ageing, and facing mortality, perfect for curling up on a cosy night. 

Mrs Dalloway by Virginia Woolf

Clocking in at around 200 pages, this modernist classic is a captivating exploration of a single day in the life of Clarissa Dalloway, an upper-class Londoner. Woolf's stream-of-consciousness writing style offers a unique glimpse into Dalloway's thoughts and memories. While a more demanding read, Mrs Dalloway is a rewarding experience for those seeking a literary masterpiece.

I Want to Die But I Want to Eat Tteokbokki by Baek Se-hee

Having read it during a reading slump myself, I can tell you that this book is an honest and engaging read that will stay with you long after you turn the last page! Through conversations with her psychiatrist, the author explores themes of depression, self-doubt, societal pressures, and the search for self-acceptance. If you're looking for a book that's honest, relatable, and utterly unforgettable, definitely give this one a try. 

On Earth We're Briefly Gorgeous by Ocean Vuong

This award-winning novel is a poetic exploration of family, memory, and first love. Written as a letter from a Vietnamese American son to his illiterate mother, it delves into themes of sexuality, cultural identity, and masculinity in a way unlike I've seen before. It's a longer read than the others on this list, but if you're craving a deeply personal story that will make you laugh, cry, and everything in between, reminding you of the messy beauty of being human, On Earth We're Briefly Gorgeous is a must-read. 

Lead image: Unsplash

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