Hello!

I know for a lot of people, reading was something they stopped doing at school – reading time was compulsory, studying books destroys any enjoyment and making time for reading in adult life can be super hard.

But as the new year fades and any resolutions of ‘spending less time on my phone’ or ‘reading every night before bed’ lose all initiative, I thought I’d share some tips I came up with (for a TikTok video) on how to find books you may enjoy as an adult if you’re trying to get back into reading!

One – if there’s a TV/film adaptation you love, read the book!

Adaptations can always be hit or miss, but often the book is difficult to beat because things get cut or missed out, so if there’s a show or a film you love why not try giving the original source material a go!

Or alternatively, many TV and film adaptations have accompanying book tie ins – I loved ‘Stranger Things: Suspicious Minds’ by Gwenda Bond which is officially part of universe of the TV show. This book in particular explores the circumstances leading to Eleven being left in the facility that gave her the powers she has and I don’t even have the words how much I enjoyed it. It added so much to what we as viewers understand about the Stranger Things universe and I couldn’t recommend it more. But if you love Stranger Things, there’s also accompanying books about Hopper and Eddie.

Two – Read a book from your childhood!

There are so many series that we read and enjoyed that are middle grade or young adult books and just because we’re not that age anymore doesn’t mean we can’t enjoy them! A lot of books written for those age groups are more of a guideline and there’s no upper limit to enjoying books.

My husband is currently reading the Skulduggery Pleasant series by Derek Landy which was originally published in 2007, but the 16th book in the franchise is due for release in March so not only is it still going (and arguably has grown up with the audience whilst still being suitable for a middle grade) but it’s got that nostalgia factor as well! I’m planning to do a reread / catch up on the newer releases at some point, but it’s a big commitment and I’m not ready yet 😂

But the familiarity and nostalgia can be a great way to encourage a reading habit!

Three – get a blind date with a book!

If you know what genres you like and you’re a bit overwhelmed by how many options there are in Waterstones, try getting a blind date with a book! I know they have some on TikTok shop but there’s LOADS of them on Etsy, sometimes you’ll find them in the Works or indie bookshops, but they’re a great way of removing that element of decision making that can make choosing one book!

It’s a fantastic way to try a book that you wouldn’t necessarily have tried otherwise and you can find a surprising favourite.

Coming back to reading as an adult after feeling like school has absolutely ruined it can feel intimidating – there’s so many options and it can be baffling to know where to start, but it’s such an enjoyable hobby and a great way to spend less time on social media if that’s something you’re interested in!

Thank you so much for reading,

Sophie xx