With the semester starting back up again, returning to our normal routines and habits is certainly an adjustment. For those of us looking for something specific to revive our reading routines, these books are the answer.

While I wouldn’t normally recommend reading classics to get you out of a reading slump, “Little Women” by Louisa May Alcott is a timeless classic; it’s the perfect read for anyone looking to get into the genre. Since it was technically written as a children’s book, the language is easy to understand and isn’t muddled with the antiquated English that some readers may struggle with. It centers around four sisters: Jo, Meg, Beth and Amy March. The story follows their lives as they navigate through childish arguments and devastating losses.

In addition to the book, there are several film adaptations, including the 2019 film featuring Saoirse Ronan, Timothée Chalamet, Florence Pugh and an ensemble of other renowned actors. With it being one of my favorite novels and films, “Little Women” is always one I recommend to those branching out to classic literature. This book is a must-read for anyone who cherishes tales of love, hope and enduring family bonds.

If you’re a fan of romance, “Book Lovers” by Emily Henry is the perfect read for hopeless romantics looking for an escape. The story follows Nora Stephens, a successful literary agent who is convinced by her sister to take a month-long trip to the idyllic small town of Sunshine Falls, North Carolina. Her plans are quickly disturbed when she keeps running into Charlie Lastra, a brooding, stuck-up book editor she knows from New York.

While their past interactions were anything but friendly, the two quickly realize they have more in common than they thought. Alongside her developing feelings for Charlie, Nora grapples with familial relationships and her fear of change. “Book Lovers” is a witty, heartfelt exploration of love and personal ambitions. It is a great pick for fans of romance and anyone who appreciates clever storytelling and bookish characters.

If you find yourself interested in the horror genre, “Monstrilio” by Gerardo Sámano Córdova is a twisted tale of a boy who transforms into a monster. It records the different stages in his life as he navigates his new form and those around him who are adjusting to his second chance at life. With elements of horror and magical realism, the story examines the fine line between monster and human, serving as a thought-provoking meditation on grief and acceptance.

“Monstrilio” is a deeply emotional and unsettling tale that blends literary fiction with speculative elements, making it a unique and emotional exploration of what it means to love and lose. Even if you are not someone particularly drawn to the horror genre, this novel is so much more than a cliché — it tells the powerful story of being a human and the all-consuming love we can have for one another.

If you aren’t dead set on a specific genre and are looking for something more in the general fiction realm, “Notes on an Execution” by Danya Kukafka is the perfect solution. While it is labeled as crime/thriller, the overall story has much more to do with the gripping complexities of morality and justice. It follows Ansel Packer, a death row inmate awaiting execution for the heinous crimes he committed. The novel delves into the psychology of a killer while challenging readers to see beyond the surface of evil.

By intertwining his last moments with the voices of his victims and their loved ones, Kukafka weaves a nuanced exploration of the systemic failures and traumas that may lead to tragedy. A profound meditation on accountability and the possibility of redemption, “Notes on an Execution” is anything but the typical crime novel.

For those of us looking for something other than fiction, Tara Westover’s “Educated” is a powerful memoir recounting the author’s journey from growing up in a strict and abusive family in rural Idaho to earning a Ph.D from the University of Cambridge. At 17, she was finally able to step into a classroom for the first time, standing up against her survivalist Mormon family.

While I would give a warning for some extremely dark themes and mature content, this memoir is an absolute must-read. It is one I will always recommend as it changed my perspective on further education and made me understand the lengths some people must go through to receive what many of us are privileged to have. “Educated” is deeply vulnerable and personal, offering a powerful testament to the transformative power of knowledge and resilience.

Incorporating even one of these books into your routine can be the spark that reignites your love for reading. Whether you’re drawn to gripping thrillers, heartfelt memoirs or tender love stories, the right book is waiting to pull you out of your slump. So, grab a cozy spot, open that first page, and let yourself fall back into the magic of reading.