Five Books to Read if you are Burnt Out on Netflix and Chilling

Right now, you might be scrolling down to the very bottom of your Netflix page, searching and scouring Hulu, HBO Max, or another streaming service to find something that’ll interest you for the next week. I’ve done this more times than I care to admit and, by now, have finished most of the series that I’m interested in. More time has been spent desperately trying to find a new show instead of finding an alternative activity. Might I suggest books? 

You’re most likely groaning while reading this article, wondering how many people still read for fun. However, all it takes is a powerful and interesting book to transform you into a reader. Here are a few options if you are looking for a good page-turner to keep you motivated:

1. Turtles All The Way Down by John Green

If you are a John Green fan or interested in mystery stories, you are bound to like Turtles All The Way Down. This book’s main female lead, Aza, has an intense form of germophobia. Throughout the story, she has to deal with her phobia while also attempting to solve her friend’s dad’s missing person case. Critics review this book as a “…a glimpse into how it feels to live with mental illnesses” and “part adventure… a part love story,” according to NPR.

(If you like Green’s writing, consider checking out the Fault in our Stars or Paper Towns)

2. We Were Liars by E.Lockhart

The scene sets on a private family-owned island near Martha’s Vineyard, one that’s peaceful and filled with hearty laughs and sand between your toes. But is it really? Cadence remembers a lot about her family and their island but knows nothing about what led up to her massive brain injury. None of her family members want to tell her what happened, not even her close cousins. As the story unravels, it starts to make more and more sense why the family doesn’t tell Cadence what actually happened. Be prepared for a plot twist that will leave you jaw-dropping and itching for more of E.Lockhart’s thoughtfully crafted stories. (Check out Genuine Fraud if you find this book interesting.)

3. Me and Earl and the Dying Girl by Jessie Andrews

If you are looking for a book with a little humor, something short and easy to finish in a matter of days, and something with a grander meaning, check out Jessie Andrew’s Me and Earl and the Dying Girl. This artful book goes over the main character, Greg, and his new friend Rachel, diagnosed with leukemia. Greg goes over his life choices, friendships, and surviving high school in this quirky book. (Also, check out his book: The Haters, if you really like his style)

4. Calvin And Hobbes and works of Telgemeier

If you are looking for something extra quick and fun to read, check out Telgemeier’s sets of comics or maybe some Calvin and Hobbes. Telgemeier’s comics revolve around coming of age stories, whereas Calvin and Hobbes are about the adventure of a boy and his friend who is a tiger. These stories may not be quite as gripping as one of the novels mentioned previously, but they will still have you reading by the end of the day. Also, comic books usually get me into the reading spirit. After reading a few, it’s easier to transition to a novel instead of jumping right in.

5. Scythe by Neal Shusterman

This book delves into the far future when death by natural causes ceases to exist. To decrease the fast-growing population, this new society has scythes to kill (a.k.a. glean) civilians. If you are looking for a dystopian book to keep you interested 24 hours a day, check out any of Shusterman’s books. Trust me; you will devour them in a matter of days. (Check out Unwind or Dry if you like this book)

So, whether you are on the verge of losing it from spending too much time on Netflix, or are looking for an alternate activity to get you out of a drowsy quarantine funk, consider finding a book that will keep you going. Thank me later.