Life gets busy. Between work meetings, grocery runs, endless notifications, and maybe even trying to get eight hours of sleep, finding time to read can easily fall by the wayside. Before you know it, that once-beloved hobby is gathering dust on the metaphorical shelf. But if you’re feeling the tug to fall back in love with books, you’re not alone—and you’re definitely in the right place.

At Once Upon a Book Club, we believe it’s never too late to reignite your passion for reading. Whether it’s been a few months (or a few years!) since your last reading binge, we’re here to make the journey back joyful—and dare we say, a little magical. With the right book, it takes just one page to remember why you fell in love with stories in the first place.

We can’t wait to share our top 5 easy-to-read books for adults that are perfect for welcoming you back into the wonderful world of books.

Why Returning to Reading Feels So Good

Rediscovering reading feels like reconnecting with an old friend—you wonder why you ever lost touch. And science backs it up: studies show that reading not only reduces stress (by up to 68%, according to the University of Sussex) but also increases focus, empathy, and creativity.

In a world buzzing with constant screens and endless scrolling, sitting down with a book gives your brain something it craves but rarely gets—depth, calm, and imagination. Even ten minutes of reading a day can spark new ideas, transport you somewhere magical, and create space for yourself in an often hectic world.

And honestly? Curling up with a good story feels a lot better than doomscrolling for the hundredth time. Just saying.

Beach Read by Emily Henry

A romance writer who no longer believes in love and a literary writer stuck in a rut agree to a summer-long challenge that just might upend everything they thought they knew about happily ever after. Beach Read by Emily Henry brings together January Andrews, queen of the rom-com, and Augustus Everett, destroyer of fictional worlds, as they swap genres for the summer—cue lots of hilarious (and heartfelt) chaos.

Beach Read is like literary sunshine. With its witty banter, genuine emotional stakes, and feel-good pacing, it’s the kind of book that reminds you reading can be both fun and moving. Plus, the slow-burn chemistry will have you rooting for these characters as if they were your best friends. It’s the perfect mix of swoon and substance—light enough to breeze through, deep enough to stick with you.

The Wishing Game by Meg Shaffer

Lucy Hart has spent her life finding solace in the magical world of the Clock Island series. Now grown, she’s working as a teacher’s aide and struggling financially, determined to build a better life so she can adopt her beloved student, Christopher. When reclusive Clock Island author Jack Masterson offers a life-changing prize in a whimsical competition, Lucy gets a chance to rewrite her story—if she can survive ruthless competitors and the mysterious (and handsome) Hugo Reese.

The Wishing Game taps into childhood nostalgia while offering adult readers a hopeful, fairy-tale-adjacent journey. It’s absorbing, whimsical, and brimming with heart—the kind of story that reminds you why books felt so magical when you were young, and why they still can be now.

Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir

Ryland Grace wakes up light-years from Earth with no memory, two dead crewmates, and a monumental task: save humanity. As he pieces together his mission, he discovers an unlikely ally—and an epic, interstellar adventure unfolds.

If you loved The Martian, Project Hail Mary will have you hooked instantly. Fast-paced, inventive, and loaded with humor, this survival story in space delivers on heart, suspense, and jaw-dropping wonder. It’s the kind of high-stakes adventure that makes you forget to check your phone—and honestly, isn’t that the dream?

The Five-Star Weekend by Elin Hilderbrand

After tragedy shatters her picture-perfect life, food blogger Hollis Shaw organizes a “Five-Star Weekend” on Nantucket, gathering friends from every stage of her life. But as secrets surface and old wounds reopen, Hollis—and her guests—must confront the messy, beautiful truths about love, friendship, and second chances.

Hilderbrand’s novels are like a vacation in a book, and The Five-Star Weekend is no exception. With its breezy pacing, heartfelt revelations, and lush Nantucket setting, it’s the perfect kind of read to remind you that even the most complicated lives deserve a little laughter, love, and forgiveness.

The Housemaid by Freida McFadden

When Millie takes a job as the Winchester family’s housemaid, it seems like a fresh start. But behind the marble halls and manicured smiles lurk secrets far more dangerous than her own. As the walls close in and the truth unravels, Millie learns that not everything is as perfect as it seems—and some secrets are deadly.

If you love psychological thrillers that practically turn their own pages, The Housemaid is for you. With its tight chapters, gasp-worthy twists, and addictive pacing, this book is the definition of a one-sitting read. (Bonus: it’s perfect for a weekend binge!)

Tips to Make Reading a Habit Again

Getting back into reading doesn’t have to be overwhelming or intimidating. Here are a few easy, gentle tips:

• Start small: Even 10–15 minutes a day is enough to rebuild your reading muscle.
  

• Set the scene: Create a cozy nook. A warm drink, a soft blanket, and a book you’re excited about can make all the difference.
  

• Give yourself permission: It’s okay to DNF (did not finish) a book if you’re not feeling it. Reading should be a joy, not a chore.
  

• Join the OUABC Community: Reading with others—or even just seeing what they’re reading—can be incredibly motivating!

Gift Yourself the Joy of Reading

If you need a little extra incentive (or just want to make reading feel even more magical), why not treat yourself to a full experience? Our Adult Book Subscription Boxes and  Ready-to-Ship Boxes bring stories to life with page-timed gifts that pull you even deeper into the narrative.

Every book you rediscover is a gift—and you deserve to unwrap something wonderful! Book box subscriptions are a wonderful way to reignite your love for all things bookish. 

Ready to Fall Back in Love with Reading?

Rediscovering your love for books isn’t about how fast you read or checking off a list—it’s about finding stories that remind you of how powerful, beautiful, and healing words can be. It’s about remembering that, with just a few pages, you can travel anywhere, become anyone, and imagine anything.

📚✨ Browse Once Upon a Book Club’s Selections today and take your first page-turning step back into the world of stories. We’ll be right here, cheering you on.

If you enjoyed this blog, you’ll definitely want to check out our blogs on The Ultimate Guide to Adult Book Box Subscriptions and Exploring Genres with Adult Book Boxes!