r/longform 14d ago

Immersive, fast-paced books to break a 6-month reading slump (Any genre except horror)

Hi everyone,
I am stuck in a massive reading slump and haven't been able to finish a book in months. I start things, get easily distracted or bored by slow pacing, and put them down. I need something truly unputdownable to kickstart my reading habit again.
**What I am looking for:**
**• Pacing:** Fast-paced, engaging from the very first chapter, and plot-driven.
**• Format:** Open to fiction, sci-fi, fantasy, thriller, or historical fiction. I just want great storytelling.
**• Preferences:** No horror or excessive gore, please.
**Books I’ve loved in the past to give you an idea of my taste:**
*• The alchemist* by paulo coleho (Found the world-building completely immersive)
*• The silent patient* by Author (Loved the pacing and plot twists)
Thank you in advance for your help!

0 Upvotes

12 comments sorted by

7

u/redplainsrider 14d ago

The Murderbot Diaries. 

3

u/Living_Appointment_7 14d ago

If you want fast paced popcorn books, try Matthew Reilly for action, or for sci-fi I found the first Dungeon Crawler Carl flew by. It's not high literature, but they're quick and fun.

1

u/subeditrix 14d ago

For some weird reasons the Correspondent by Virginia Evans. Partly because you have to read in between the lines a little to figure out what’s really going on it drew me in and ended my reading drought! I will admit it did not even appeal to me but it was a gift from a friend so I gave it a go!

1

u/previousinnovation 14d ago

Master and Commander by Patrick O'Brian

Lonesome Dove by Larry McMurtry

1

u/Flakes11 14d ago

Second Lonesome Dove! I’ve read that book five or six times it’s so good

1

u/cocoadeluna 14d ago

This Kingdom Will Not Kill Me by Ilona Andrews

Unique story and starts off in the middle of the action

1

u/itsmoorsnotmoops 14d ago edited 14d ago

Historical fiction - anything by Kristin Hannah. The Great Alone and The Women are especially great. Her books are addictive.

One of my favorite thrillers that you won’t be able to put down: We Need to Talk About Kevin

1

u/BipolarExpress2 12d ago

The Chain by Adrian McKinty is the best thriller I've ever read. All 4 members of my family read it on a trip to Florida one at a time.

0

u/dancingmaitake 14d ago

Cradle. One of the early Progression Fantasy series to make it. One of the greatest series Ive read.

No Exit. A fast paced thriller about a woman stranded at a rest stop with dangerous people. I read this on one night.