The only book I remember that completely held my attention was the hunger games honestly.
Since then- every book I try I stop mid way through. It’s hard for me to find a book that keeps my interest. I also get so overwhelmed by the vast number of books out there I can never pick one to read- I get frustrated and give up. Please help with some suggestions!
by bexxx36
11 Comments
What other books have you tried that didn’t work out?
*The Mist* by Stephen King
It’s short and action packed. There’s a really good movie based off of it (something to look forward to after you finish the book) as well. Or maybe watch the movie first so you have good visuals for the book?
Maybe novellas and short story collections might be something more suited to you. Sometimes I go through phases where I can’t concentrate on a full length novel but still want to read so I read one of those instead. It scratches the reading itch without adding to my half-read and then later abandoned book pile
If you enjoyed the hunger games you should for sure look into the prequels that have recently came out, maybe those could be a vibe. You could also stick with YA type books while getting into the habit of reading more,
The Maze Runner by James Dashner
Divergent by Veronica Roth
The Giver by Lois Lowery
*Stolen Focus* –Johann Hari
you should consider novellas /light novels of your favorite genres: mostly <200 pages.
I’ll give you Convenience Store Woman by Sayaka Murata as a recommendation, but feel like this is an issue no book can fix, this one probably lies more with your habits/mindset. Sure reading should be enjoyable, but there’s definitely a bit of resistance training with it. EVERY BOOK has it’s slower parts that you have to get through.
What do your reading habits look like? When, where, how much, how often do you read?
You want fast pacing, high stakes, and zero filler. Forget “literary” for now—lean into books that grab you by the throat from page one and don’t let go. Try:
* *One of Us is Lying* by Karen M. McManus – high school murder mystery with a tight plot and drama that reads fast
* *They Both Die at the End* by Adam Silvera – emotional gut-punch but super bingeable
* *The Selection* by Kiera Cass – Hunger Games meets The Bachelor, surprisingly addictive
* *The Maze Runner* by James Dashner – same survival thrill as Hunger Games, nonstop action
* *Verity* by Colleen Hoover – psychological thriller with short chapters and serious “just one more” energy
These are built for momentum—not dragging you through 50 pages of backstory before anything happens.
What interested you about hunger games?
– people banding together – maybe Maze Runner series or Six of Crows series
– Badass female lead – Divergent Scholomance series
– also had cool movie or tv show- mortal instruments series or Percy Jackson series
– hunger games vibes but more adult – emperyean series
-Wild card for something completely different: did you like Scooby doo growing up? If so, I recommend Meddling Kids by Edgar Cantero. It’s basically grown up Scooby gang gets together to right an old mystery. Super easy to read and familiar/comforting like I think a lot of people feel reading hunger games but funny and fast paced enough to keep attention hopefully.
An important read is “The Gift of Fear” by Gavin De Becker
Some other, interesting choices that you might like –
Mary Roach: “Stiff, the Curious Lives of Human Cadavers”
Caitlin Doughty: “Smoke Gets in Your Eyes and Other Lessons From the Crematory”
Rose George: “Ninety Percent of Everything, Inside Shipping, the Invisible Industry that Puts Clothes on Your Back, Gas in Your Car . . . “
Judy Melinek: “Working Stiff, two years, 262 bodies, and the making of a medical examiner“
Other YA books would keep your interest. Look up similar authors to the HG author.