3 Captivating Books to Get You Out of A Reading Slump

A few months ago, I made my first ever summer bucket list. One of the items on the list was to read three captivating novels, because I was in a reading slump and wanted to rekindle my love for books and discover new stories. I’m proud to share that I surpassed my goal and read a total of six books this summer! This was easier to do than I realized, because each novel I read left me wanting more. I was taken back to age 13, when I would stay up until 2am with my eyes glued to the pages of a Wattpad fiction (if you know, you know). 

So, I thought I’d share my recommendations for captivating, easy to read novels to get you out of a reading slump or to simply add to your reading list. 

1. The Bandit Queens

The Bandit Queens is perhaps the best book I’ve read this year and an amazing selection to break a reading slump. It’s inspired by the real-life story of Phoolan Devi, a dacoit turned politician.

The book follows Geeta, a widow living in a small village in India. Geeta’s husband disappeared a few years ago, and most of the villagers suspect that she killed him. However, Geeta isn’t bothered by her husband’s absence since he was an abusive alcoholic during most of their marriage. She’s content with her newfound independence and does her best to not let an isolated life affect her.

But Geeta’s life takes an unexpected turn when some village women discreetly approach her with a rather unusual request: they ask her to help them get rid of their own husbands. This thrilling, clever, hilarious, and thought-provoking tale delves into themes of womanhood, friendship, India’s caste system, and the struggles of marginalized communities. I couldn’t put it down.

2. Highly Suspicious and Unfairly Cute

If you love young adult romance and the enemies-to-lovers trope, then you’ll love this adorable, laugh-out-loud story of a quirky content creator and a charismatic athlete testing their abilities to survive the great outdoors—and each other.

Bradley Graeme is basically perfect. He’s a star in football, handles his OCD quite well, and excels in all his classes, except the ones he shares with his former best friend, Celine.

Celine Bangura is really into conspiracy theories. She has a bunch of social media followers who love her thoughts on things like UFOs and holiday excess, but she’s still not considered cool by the popular kids. That’s why Brad left her to join the popular crowd years ago, at least in Celine’s eyes.

These days, they mostly exchange petty insults and compete in their classes. So, it’s a surprise when Celine and Brad end up together in a survival course in the woods. They’re forced to team up for a shot at a big prize, and they have to work through not only the dirt and mud but also their messy history. As they go through this adventure, they start to remember the good times they had. But has too much time passed, or maybe just enough to start a new kind of relationship?

3. The Secret Lives Of Baba Segi’s Wives

This novel by Lola Shoneyin, which has become a staple in contemporary African literature, tells the story of multiple women in a polygamous marriage in modern-day Nigeria and how complex relationships like these can be. 

Baba Segi is a polygamist who sees his many wives and numerous children as a sign of his prosperity, success, and proof of his manhood. His household is generally harmonious, with everyone coexisting peacefully. However, the balance is disrupted when his fourth wife enters the picture.

Bolanle, the only wife with a university degree, is immediately disliked by the others. Baba Segi’s excitement at marrying a graduate only worsens the situation. To make matters more complicated, Bolanle’s arrival threatens to uncover a well-guarded secret that the other wives are determined to protect, no matter the cost.

The book is perceptive, entertaining and eye-opening, with a juicy plot twist that left my jaw hanging with every page turn. 

Closing Thoughts

If you’re looking to break a reading slump, any of these books is guaranteed to help you rediscover the joy of exploring new worlds and characters. What book would you recommend to someone who wants to rekindle their reading hobby? I’d love to know in the comments.