Want To Stop Brain Rotting? Here Are 50 Books To Make You A Reader

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Never considered yourself to be an eager reader but secretly wished you would become one?

Or do you find yourself stuck in the endless loop of doom-scrolling on TikTok or Instagram, eager to break free from this habit?

Beyond making a deliberate effort to unplug from social media, choosing the right books can be a powerful motivating factor.

We have compiled popular, easy reads surrounding themes of personal growth, healing, witty humour, and some gold classics.

Here are 50 books to make you a reader.

Easy Wins: Books Under 300 Pages

For beginners, lengthy books can be daunting. But fret not!

These books prove that great stories don’t need to be long.

Here’s a list of short books that offer quick yet impactful journeys that are perfect for busy schedules, reading slumps, or anyone looking for a satisfying literary win.

Fiction (Modern & Classic):

The Sense of an Ending by Julian Barnes – 163 pages

Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck – 112 pages

We Have Always Lived in the Castle by Shirley Jackson – 160 pages

Animal Farm by George Orwell – 112 pages

Convenience Store Woman by Sayaka Murata – 176 pages

Non-Fiction (Mindset, Society, And Tech):

The Dip by Seth Godin – 96 pages

Make Time by Jake Knapp & John Zeratsky – 240 pages

Four Thousand Weeks: Time Management for Mortals by Oliver Burkeman – 224 pages

The War of Art by Steven Pressfield – 190 pages

How to Do Nothing by Jenny Odell – 240 pages

Quirky, Modern Reads For “Book-Tok” Lovers:

These aren’t your conventional reads, and nope, I’m not talking rom-com Wattpad style pipelines.

Think offbeat humour, unique voices, and short and profound themes of healing, self-discovery, and everyday melancholy.

Definitely a refreshing take for experienced readers and beginners alike.

Before the Coffee Gets Cold 213 pages

Welcome to the Hyunam-dong Bookshop – 288 pages

The Grand Hotel of Feelings – 160 pages

I Want to Die but I Want to Eat Tteokbokki – 208 pages

This Book Is For You: I Hope You Find It Mildly Uplifting – 144 pages

Save Me an Orange – 160 pages

I Love This Version of Myself That You Brought Out – 240 pages

I Used to Have a Plan But Life Had Other Ideas – 128 pages

Days at the Morisaki Bookshop – 160 pages

The Convenience Store by the Sea – 224 pages

Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow – 416 pages

Old But Gold: Timeless Classics Worth Reading

Classics that never get tired, my personal favourite is Heidi!

Whether you are revisiting an old favourite or discovering it for the first time, these books remain essential reads for anyone seeking depth, beauty, and enduring wisdom.

Little Women – 112 pages

The Secret Garden – 331 pages

Heidi – 300 pages

Black Beauty– 255 pages

The Great Gatsby – 180 pages

Franny and Zooey – 201 pages

Breakfast at Tiffany’s – 160 pages

Jane Eyre – 400 pages

The Metamorphosis – 100 pages

The Picture of Dorian Gray – 254 pages

A Room of One’s Own – 120 pages

To Kill a Mockingbird – 281 pages

Pride and Prejudice – 279 pages

1984 – 328 pages

Modern And Meaningful Self-Help Books

Lastly, but most certainly not least, are some self-help books for those looking for personal growth in 2025.

When the going gets tough, the tough get going. Take heart, fellow readers!

Atomic Habits – 320 pages

The Mountain Is You – 250 pages

The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck – 224 pages

Think Like a Monk – 328 pages

Good Vibes, Good Life – 304 pages

The Four Agreements – 160 pages

Make Your Bed – 144 pages

The Gifts of Imperfection – 160 pages

You Are a Badass – 256 pages

Untamed – 352 pages

The Comfort Book – 272 pages

Ikigai: The Japanese Secret to a Long and Happy Life – 208 pages

Tiny Beautiful Things – 400 pages

Deep Work – 296 pages

Never Split The Difference: Negotiating As If Your Life Depended On It– 288 pages

Whether you’re rekindling an old habit or just beginning your reading journey, we hope these 50 titles offer the perfect entry point. Grab a book, settle in, and may a new chapter begin.

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