Not Keen On Reading? No Problem …

Although this is a blog on all things books, we understand that not everyone is a natural bookworm. For some, a night fuelled with TV is better than any book you can read, but for others, they’ve always dreamed of giving reading a try.

Many people around the world want to get into reading, but they haven’t found the right book that piques their interest. This may be down to the fact that they feel scarred by dull, repetitive school novels that were made into a chore – or perhaps they just can’t get through to the end and struggle with concentration.

Whatever the reasons are, you are never too late to transform yourself into a total book nerd. The best part about it all is that you don’t need to be a literary critic or own a deeply personal Kindle bookshelf to become a reader. You just need to pick a genre that draws you back for more.

We’ve rustled up five book genres that are perfect for people who don’t usually read but want to. From fast-paced fun to emotional rewards – keep reading for the ultimate list for beginners!

1) Thriller

It’s just like watching a Netflix series but in book form! If you’re someone who loves to get lost in a good old crime documentary or murder mystery, then crime fiction novels are calling your name. These types of books are created to draw you in from the very first page, so you have no worries about the first page flop. There are absolutely no slow literary intros here, just cliffhangers and action that make these reads impossible to put down.

My top three in this genre?

The Girl on the Train by Paula HawkinsGood Bad Girl by Alice FeeneyThe Family Across The Street by Nicole Trope

2) Casino Crime

Hands up if you’re a Bond fanatic or movie lover.

If this is you, then casino crime novels are created just for you! Now I’m not saying that you need to understand the poker lingo back to front, or be donning a three-piece suit just to start – but having an interest certainly may help.

The stories on the market are slick and usually involve cons, heists, or clever twists that keep you flicking the pages. It’s like Ocean’s Eleven in book form, only better.

The stakes in these novels are always sky-high. Why? Because you’re watching the cards, you’re watching people double-cross each other, and you’re spotting geniuses faking their way to fortunes. With internal monologues and an overview of the whole picture, you can read through an entire blackjack game with more intensity than the real deal.

But if you want to get a feel for the high-tension games these protagonists are living in and try your own luck at the table? Then why not mix your reading time with live entertainment and hop online for a blackjack game ? You can lap up the thrill of risking it all, the psychology of a bluff and the real-world feelings that these players live through.

If you play a round of blackjack before you start reading, you may just go into the whole experience feeling even more immersed than before.

My top three in this genre?

As obvious as it may sound – because it is! – Casino Royale by Ian FlemingThe House Always Wins by Brian RouffSin City by Frank Miller

Alternatively, check out these 3 true life gambling stories.

3) Romantic Comedy

For anyone after feel-good reads.

If you’ve ever sat in on a Friday night and watched Bridget Jones, Love Actually, or The Holiday (we know, undisputed classics), then you already get this genre. Romantic comedies are the perfect entry point for people who want something light and emotionally satisfying – so they are great for people who are new to reading.

My top three in this genre?

The Hating Game by Sally ThorneThe Spanish Love Deception by Elena ArmasBeach Read by Emily Henry4) Horror-Lite

A little spooky, but not full-on gore!

If you’re not quite ready for Stephen King and his pretty traumatic reads, don’t worry; there’s a lighter genre available. These books offer ghost stories, haunted houses, and eerie vibes without the gorey, graphic stuff that can put you off.

If you like Stranger Things but hate The Exorcist, then this is for you.

My top three in this genre?

The Family Upstairs by Lisa JewellHome Before Dark by Riley SagerThe Haunting of Hill House by Shirley Jackson

5) Short Story Collections

Sometimes long books are intimidating, especially for those that balance work and real-life dramas. Short stories are the perfect solution for busy individuals as you get the complete satisfaction of finishing a read, minus the commitment of 400 pages.

Plus, you can dip in and out between commutes, coffee breaks, or even fit in half an hour before catching some Zzzs.

My top three in this genre?

Interpreter of Maladies by Jhumpa LahiriHer Body and Other Parties by Carmen Maria MachadoThe Secret Pilgrim by John le Carré

These books are quick and can be completed in record time, making them perfect for those who feel intimidated by the longer reads. With these, you can really have your cake and eat it too!

Remember That Reading Doesn’t Have to Feel Like Homework!

The ticket to becoming a great reader is to not force yourself. There’s no such thing as a bad reader, only the wrong book.

And don’t forget … If you want to recommend YOUR top 3 book picks on this blog, check out BEST OF 3.

Enjoy!