Struggling to get back into reading

I was just thinking Ruth Rendell. I also agree about Barbara Pym and Alexander McCall Smith - all his series.

P G Wodehouse? Or is that too fluffy?

MissAdventure

I think I'd like to reread What Katy Did, now I'm a grown up.

Yes I loved What Katy Did, I read it over and over when I was young, it was my mum's one of her childhood books. Damn! I wish I still had it.

Also a huge fan of Ruth Rendell/Barbara Vine, she really was quite unique same with Agatha Christie both the best in their genre in my humble opinion.

Georgette Heyer Regency romances, JD Robb In Death series, slightly sci-fi detection

I find it difficult to concentrate with a new book at first, I have to write down all the characters and a bit about them as I go, then after the first few chapters I’m fine

I enjoy Ruth Rendell.

(I like detective fiction myself).

kittylester

I was ill a couple of years ago and have still not quite managed to get back into reading. I buy books that might appeal and, when they don't, donate them to the village library so it isn't quite as bad as it might be.

On that note, maybe visit a library and browse.

Yes, I agree, visiting a library and having a browse is a good idea. Or quick skim through popular reads on Amazon might tempt you? Buying electronic books for your kindle is so cheap now.
I used to read at least a book a week on my train commute to work but since then I'm just out of the habit, though I'd love to get going again.
If you have younger female relatives you could ask them to pass any books on to you, though so few people seem to read now.

It is so personal! I am sure somewhere in this thread are authors you will enjoy. I love Clare Chambers, and you could also try David Nichols, and lots of others. For an easy read, though I have not read her for many decades, you could try Agatha Christie. And it might help to re-read a book you have enjoyed in the past as some of it is already there somewhere in your memory - re-reading can be a huge pleasure. It is worth it to get back into reading, which for me is one of the great pleasures in life. It opens doors to other lives.

Have you tried short stories rather than a whole novel. Break yourself in gradually by increasing the story lengths. Maybe try short stories in magazines etc

Although my go to is always historical fiction, I occasionally find I need a break of some fluffy reading. I quite like Anton du Beke's novels, Reverend Richard Cole and that type of thing. Another easy reading, and quite hilarious, set of novels which aren't too long are the Howard of Warwick novels, all about a Monk in the time of Harold/William the Conqueror, who becomes an extremely reluctant investigator. I was crying with laughter at some of the predicaments he and his friends got into.

Richard Hammond’s books are really good and easy to read and also short chapters. I’ve read them all and they have the same characters running through each book and are very amusing.

What about something by Cressida McLaughlin or Cathy Bramley? I have enjoyed all their books as a light read. There are the Canal Boat series and the Lemon Tree Cafe.

I think I'd like to reread What Katy Did, now I'm a grown up.

I love all the Miss Read books! Fairacre and Thrush Green seem lovely places to live in!

i joined an Enid Blyton group on f/book and have dug out my old series of hers, dated i know but v nostalgic

MJ Hyland. Her books are written so well and are very engaging. “How The Light Gets In” is incredible. She only wrote three books and I’m gutted but the ones she did write are easy to get into and they stay with you.

If it's actually sitting down and concentrating that's the issue you could try audio books to get you back to enjoying a story. I tend to listen when I'm doing stuff around the house, cleaning, crafting, gardening, cooking or even just walking to the shops, I've always got headphones on and a book or
podcast on the go.

What were those books set in the Cotswolds?

Oh yes, Agatha Raisin books by M C Beaton.
Might be worth a try.

I highly recommend Dorothy Whipple. A friend gave me Someone at a Distance, published in 1953 and it was a revelation. Very easy reading but so well written. It turned into an expensive habit as her books have been republished by Persephone Books and they ain’t cheap!

It's very relaxing, listening to to a book being read.
I tried to listen to 1984 the other night, but even found that too much like hard work..

I’ve enjoyed some of Maggie O’Farrell’s books and also Sarah Dunant.
Matt Haig is another ‘easy read’ author.

me too i try diifferent ones till i can read one
karin slaughter for some reason right now
also english language versions of scandi crime
some reason i can do those????
doc said retraining my brain after 2 strokes

I have loved books throughout my life but in recent years find I can’t concentrate on them any more. I know I keep saying I plan to do it but don’t get round to it but I am going to subscribe to audible and listen to books instead.

You're obsessed with cake! Eating it, reading about it...

Oh - have you tried apple cake?
Delicious.

Sorry, eggplant
I've made courgette cake but never aubergine cake.

Back to the thread:
The Cake Shop in the Garden by Carole Matthews.