Is the reading slump hitting you hard after the festive season? Don’t worry, dear reader, we’ve all been there. Reading slumps are tough to get out of, but not impossible to beat. If you pick up the right books, your reading mojo will come back. And we’re here to help, these 7 engaging and fast-paced books will get you out of a reading slump. 

1. The Aunt Who Wouldn’t Die by Shirshendu Mukhopadhyay

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Set in Bengal, this is the story of 18-year-old Somalata who gets married into the ‘lazy’ Mitra family. The Aunt Who Wouldn’t Die is a funny tale of love, family and freedom that revolves around three generations of Mitra women. They constantly surprise you at every turn and also make you laugh out loud. The story is not only interesting but also ends in just 143 pages, making it a perfect short and crispy read. 

2. Sex and Rage by Eve Babitz

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This novel is like a dose of sunshine with a side of sass. Set in the sultry world of 1970s Los Angeles, Sex and Rage follows a young woman as she navigates love, self-discovery, and the wildness of her youth. The writing is so sharp and lively that you really feel like you’re living with her in LA, you see the events unfolding right in front of your eyes. If you need something fun and liberating, this is your book.

3. The Grownup by Gillian Flynn

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Thrillers are the best books to get out of a reading slump, so we have included a book by the queen of the genre, Gillian Flynn. The Grownup is about a woman who pretends to read people’s futures but gets caught up in a mystery that could change her life. It’s clever, suspenseful, and just the right length (64 pages) to get you started. If you’re in the mood for something a little dark and very gripping, Flynn will not disappoint.

4. Aunties of Vasant Kunj by Anuradha Marwah

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Making for a warm, funny, and utterly charming read, you’ve got to try this book. It gives a peek into the lives of three middle-class women living in Vasant Kunj, Delhi. The book is hilarious, witty and gripping. Aunties of Vasant Kunj deals with themes of identity, infidelity and sexual harassment in a witty and easy-going manner and will keep you hooked.

5. The Illicit Happiness of Other People by Manu Joseph

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This one is quite relatable. The Illicit Happiness of Other People follows the life of a dysfunctional Malayali family. Their conversations with one another are exactly like an average Indian family’s, so you’ll be nodding along. This book is a mix of drama, humour, and romance. It’s not particularly easy to read but offers beautiful prose that keeps you engaged.

6. Daura by Anukriti Upadhyay

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If you’re craving something a little different, Daura is a beautifully written novel set in rural Rajasthan. The story revolves around a District Collector and an encounter that sucks him into the dark side of the desert. The writing is pretty easy to read, exploring familiar themes of corruption and bureaucracy in India. The plot keeps you hooked from start to finish. It’s deep and thought-provoking, a perfect choice if you want a story that lingers long after the last page.

7. Men Without Women by Haruki Murakami

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Murakami is a master at capturing the complexities of the human experience, and Men Without Women is no exception. This collection of short stories explores themes of loneliness that men without women in their lives feel. Murakami’s writing is always so absorbing, and these stories are no different – they’ll pull you in and keep you engaged without overwhelming you. It’s perfect for when you want to read something short but impactful, with a touch of his signature magic realism.

These books will get you turning the pages again and get you out of a reading slump quite easily. Grab a cup of tea, curl up on the couch, and let these stories bring you back to the wonderful world of reading.

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Related: 5 Short Books That You Can Read In 45 Minutes Or Less On Your Way Home From Work