Three Recent Books I Read That Got Me Out of My Reading Slump!

After a recent reading slump, I knew I needed to read really good books to get myself back into reading. And I was able to do just that with some of the best new books released in 2025. So, keep reading to find out the three recent books that got me out of my reading slump!

Everyone falls into a reading slump for one reason or another. I was traveling a lot more than usual and while I could have read, I decided not to. The book I was reading was interesting but not as much as I would have liked.

Luckily, I am always browsing the various lists released every week and had saved some amazing books as a result. These books helped me get back into reading and getting me back on track to reach me reading goal. You can see the full list below!

Three Recent Books I Read That Got Me Out of My Reading Slump!

• People Like Us by Jason Mott
• Wild Dark Shore by Charlotte McConaghy
• The Emperor of Gladness by Ocean Vuong

People Like Us

When I started reading People Like Us by Jason Mott, I did not know what I signed up for. The book is not a memoir but it feels like one as we follow two protagonist and their adventures. And there are connections to Mott’s life so it is hard to make sense of what you are reading.

Both protagonists are writers and one is in on a book tour in Europe while another is giving a speech at a school after a school shooting. And while their stories might not seem connected, overacting themes bring their stories together in a hilarious and sad story.

There were tones of great quotes in this novel and you can see that Mott has a lot on his mind. A big theme of belonging is central to the novel and one that shapes all of the characters in the novel.

Wild Dark Shore

I enjoy reading thrillers and a good mystery novel and one that I read I loved a ton was Wild Dark Shore by Charlotte McConaghy. As the reader, you don’t know all the information and don’t really know who to trust. And that leads to an amazing story.

Rowan washes ashore on an island that is occupied by four people. Dominic Salt and his three children. Dominic and his family tend to Rowan’s wounds but don’t know what to make of her. Neither party full trusts each other and as they spend more time together, they realize that secrets hang in the air between them.

Why did Rowan wash ashore to this remote island and what is her goal. On the other end, Rowan can feel that something is wrong. Why isn’t there anyone else on the island?

But as they live together, they can’t help but feel like one big family. But the secrets between them may tear them apart. The writing, plot, and storytelling make this novel an amazing read and easily one of the best books I read in 2025!

The Emperor of Gladness

The Emperor of Gladness was released in 2025 and was one of the best books I read this year. It is no surprise that it has made multiple end of year lists and I do hope it wins awards next year. This novel does a wonderful job of tackling heavy themes and you will likely cry a few times.

The story is about a nineteen-year-old teenager named Hai who is about to jump off a bridge. But before he can, an old woman named Grazina tells him to come down and he suddenly finds himself living with her as her caregiver.

The novel does a great job of making everything feel natural. The Emperor of Gladness is easily one of my favorite books of 2025. Few authors tend to understand trauma and mental health but in this novel, you can tel Ocean Young knows what he’s writing about.

Conclusion

These are the three recent books that got me out of my reading slump. They all happened to be released in 2025 and that was a coincidence. With so many new books crossing my radar, I have been trying to read them and have been lucky that my picks were all amazing.

That is why I recommend choosing books often from lists or from recommendations from others. People will only share books that they can’t stop thinking or talking about. I will be reading a bunch more books, new and old and share them with you as I finish them. Until next time, happy reading!

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