6 Short Books to Break a Reading Slump

[@bookishmammabudgets]

I just read 84, Charing Cross Road and it was fantastic. It was like a warm hug and definitely one I will go back to read again and again.

[@iLiviesimone]

This kinds of videos are so helpful- recs for fixing a reading slump are the best recs! You have a good looking bunch here too

[@InkandPaperBlog]

Oh thank you :-)

[@BilingualBookworm]

84 Charing Cross Road is one of my great loves 💚 Super intrigued by Disgrace now. Thanks, love!!

[@InkandPaperBlog]

Reading soul mates :-) Disgrace is powerful and dark and crazy. You'll love it.

[@anthonym.7653]

Love the Spark one. Thanks for the other recommendations.

[@InkandPaperBlog]

More than welcome :-)

[@angelatircuit2355]

I found The Uncommon Reader at my library, and just fell in love with it.

[@patricejones8799]

I loved 84, Charing Cross Road. Just a delightful little book.

[@InkandPaperBlog]

Makes you feel so good. I adored it. I knew you would like it.

[@maggiechatsbooks9045]

The Uncommon Reader and The Housekeeper & the Professor sound very charming. 84 Charing Cross Rd is one of my favorite books. Even if you aren't in a slump sometimes you just want to read a short book. Thank you for the recommendations!

[@InkandPaperBlog]

You have good taste if you love 84 :-) Both Uncommon and Professor are just charmers and you will love them. Promise.

[@lesliebrophy2810]

I recently read The Uncommon Reader and loved it so much.

[@InkandPaperBlog]

It is so good.

[@Phillybookfairy]

Ohhh and i forgot : Wide Sargasso Sea by Jean rhys which made me fall in love with her writing! I was lucky to find a floppy trade paperback that has all her novels in it which i need to get to soon!

[@ALias-jg3mb]

Came across this video of yours not too long ago, and picked up The Uncommon Reader. It was so charming & witty & imaginatively written! Love your recommendations and thanks (again) for the great reading experience!

[@Phillybookfairy]

Im so.glad you did this video because thid is the number 1 way to get me out of a readimg slump - to read a fantastic short novel!

[@inquisitivemind8672]

I haven't read any of these books, Im definitely going to order the last 3 or 4, great review, this was my first of yours :)

[@InkandPaperBlog]

welcome to my channel! I hope you like all of them. And tell me all about it.

[@inquisitivemind8672]

Ink and Paper Blog Thanks, I will :)

[@inquisitivemind8672]

Ink and Paper Blog I read 3 books before this one, hence major delay....BUT had I known I was going to nearly cry on a Sunday evening after finishing this gem, I think I would've read a few others first, a little strategic procrastination 😁 This book was great, thanks for the suggestion, now I can trust you 😂 i hope to get around to the others ones soon. Thanks again 👌

[@timetoread1795]

Thank you for this!!! I completely agree that small powerful books really help get out of reading funks. And thank you for reminding me that I need to read some more Coetzee. It has been too many moons.

[@InkandPaperBlog]

time to read! I'm so glad you liked it! Coetzee is amazing!!

[@PhysiqueQuantique]

I absolutely love 84 Charing Cross Road. Great vid as always : ) Interesting balance of dark and charming books haha

[@InkandPaperBlog]

Oh thank you :-) I agree, a nice mix if you need one or the other.

[@dtovar2]

I really enjoy your KZbin postings. Thank you for your recommendations. I'm excited to read these short books!

[@InkandPaperBlog]

Thank you.

[@wanderingreader6941]

Thanks for the recommendations! The only one I have is Disgrace which I was planning to read for the Booktubeathon and I'm glad I put it on my TBR now! The rest I've just added to my wishlist... Lindsi xx

[@InkandPaperBlog]

I saw that - great minds think alike. BTW - did you get your book? The other two arrived. I hope yours did not get lost?

[@wanderingreader6941]

Ink and Paper Blog Yep, sorry I didn't let you know. It came a few days ago and I cannot wait to read it - it looks and sounds amazing! Thanks again, Lindsi xx

[@nicolereed2913]

I missed this post when it came out, but I am so happy it popped up on my list today! I just ordered used copies of every one of these books. You always have the best suggestions!

[@InkandPaperBlog]

Nicole Reed oh I’m so glad! I hope you like all of them. 😊😊

[@tomlabooks3263]

VERY useful! I’ll get the Housekeeper and the Professor. Thanks.

[@InkandPaperBlog]

It is so good. One of my favorites of all time.

[@justjuanreader]

Very interesting and helpful video! I will be reading Disgrace in the upcoming months.

[@InkandPaperBlog]

+Just Juan Reader thank you.. you won't regret it.

[@coenraadwalters1990]

I am so pleased you included Disgrace by J.M. Coetzee. It is a hard book to read, but so compelling that one can only carry on reading! Another by him I read and appreciated greatly is Diary of a bad year. Also: 84 Charing Cross Road is an endearing favourite!

[@BethKnight664]

I've read (and loved) The Uncommon Reader, 84, Charring Cross Road, and The Housekeeper and the Professor, which was a cover buy. I was so happy that the cover attracted me because the inside is just as beautiful as the outside. I own Disgrace but haven't read it yet, and I'm putting the two other books on my TBR list on GR. Thanks for making videos. You're one of my favorite book tubers!!!

[@InkandPaperBlog]

Beth Knight oh thank you so much ... that made me smile at work! I think you will love Disgrace as much as one can.... I cannot wait to hear what you think about the others!

[@jessicawatson7360]

I read The History Boys for English lit A-Level and loved it but, have never considered reading any of his other stuff, but I defo should now you’ve reminded me of it.

[@bookssongsandothermagic]

The Housekeeper and the Professor looks really interesting! Great video as always.

[@InkandPaperBlog]

It is so amazing. I love that book as always.

[@LiaMahony]

I have just added all these to my TBR. Thank you as always for the recommendations.

[@InkandPaperBlog]

You are more than welcome - hope you love them all :-)

[@GettingHyggeWithIt]

I loved 84. It was so sweet and uplifting. Perfect if you're going through a life slump too!!! Definitely going to pick up The Uncommon Reader!

[@InkandPaperBlog]

I think you will love it! Let me know!

[@winnieci]

Thank you for these recommendations. I have had such a bad reading year so far. I will try some of these books. 84, Charring Cross Road and Train Dreams sound fascinating.

[@InkandPaperBlog]

Oh, 84, Charring Cross Road will just warm your heart promise.

[@susiekidd9183]

I read "Uncommon Reader" recently, cute tale, & will seek out the others. So much appreciate hearing about these titles, for future reading slump and can work for so many other reasons: to integrate between longer works, for when real life distracts from reading time, to keep in a bag, give as a little gift, as a little story when not feeling well, at end of year in case I don't quite meet my Goodreads goal.... thanks so much, Russell!

[@InkandPaperBlog]

I am so glad you liked them. I think that everyone needs a few books to have as back up :-) I cannot wait to hear what you think. And short books help us with our Goodreads goal at the end of the year LOL.

[@donnanevins1442]

I immediately ordered 84 Charring Cross Road - loved the movie - and The Housekeeper and the Professor. Wonderful video!

[@InkandPaperBlog]

Oh I cannot wait to hear what you think. Thank you so much!

[@tanisha4823]

Where have you been :( your last video was 2 months ago. I really enjoy your knowledge of intellectual books

[@InkandPaperBlog]

tan oh that’s not true! Go to my page... I have a few videos a week up

[@ABearandaBeeBooks]

I absolutely agree! A short novel can definitely push you out of a reading slump! I’ve been meaning to read The Driver’s Seat. I’m glad to hear that you enjoyed it.

[@InkandPaperBlog]

I think you will love The Driver's Seat ... I was at a bookstore today and recommended it to some one

[@ABearandaBeeBooks]

Ink and Paper Blog - Nice! I want to get to The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie too but I figured the Driver’s Seat was a good place to start with her.

[@Elinasmind]

I love videos like these! a fantastic selection, and some I have never heard of before!! can't wait to read them for myself, thank you for the suggestions !

[@InkandPaperBlog]

Thank you so much. I cannot wait for you to tell me what you think of all of them.

[@jessicatvordi]

Great choices! I picked up Disgrace this spring, but I completely forgot I had it. Thanks for the reminder. :)

[@InkandPaperBlog]

You'll have to tell me what you think when you get to it. Dark but brilliant.

[@BooksandLooks]

The Drivers Seat is AMAZING! You are very right, I DID NOT see any of the turns coming hahah. I am adding all of these to my goodreads, thank you!

[@InkandPaperBlog]

Right! So good. I want more people to read it. I should read more Sparks.

[@curioushmm9027]

your impish laughter about the driver's seat is enough to sell the book for me!

[@InkandPaperBlog]

Impish - have not gotten this before. I will take it. I cannot wait to hear what you think.

[@curioushmm9027]

will certainly let you know as i'll be thinking of you when i read it..but it may be awhile down the line...

[@hdean86]

I just picked up Muriel Spark's The Driver's Seat from my local library today. I think I heard of it from Jen Campbell's channel? I was pleasantly surprised to see that the copy was a first edition from 1970 that was still in excellent condition. I find it interesting to see how book covers have changed over time. Anyway, to get back on topic, I love reading short stories to help me get out of a reading slump. Something like "The Yellow Wallpaper" by Charlotte Perkins Gilman or "A Good Man is Hard to Find" by Flannery O'Connor always seem to get me back into the mood to read again.

[@InkandPaperBlog]

Simon Savidge also loves The Drivers Seat. Book covers are like a form of art. Don't you think? Such a creepy little book. The Yellow Wallpaper is crazy good!

[@nashwas5761]

I just bought three of these books for my kindle while watching this! The second you mention dark, I'm sold! :D

[@InkandPaperBlog]

Yeah! 3 is amazing. I hope you just adore them all and come back and tell me all about it.

[@OlyBliss]

the housekeeper sounds cute and the cover is pretty. instead of a slump I'm in a stall at the moment I feel like I don't have enough mental space for reading at the moment, I'm reading a nice light YA novel at the end of the night which is helping me unwind but I'm often to tired to read much :-s I'll be out of the stall sound but I like this approach of small enable sized books to keep the brain ticking and the heart feeling :-)

[@InkandPaperBlog]

+Oly Bliss I think you would get all the feels from Housekeeper ... I was stalled last week... just didn't have the energy to read - not that I didn't want to. Life has a way of just being so busy sometimes. I cannot wait to see you finalized banner!!

[@chrislong5392]

Train Dreams is one of my favorite books of this millennium. The audiobook is especially well done.

[@MsLiliCPeach]

I loved the Ann Bancroft/Anthony Hopkins adaptation of 84 Charring Cross Road. I cried snd cried at tbe end.

[@InkandPaperBlog]

Oh, it is so so good. I loved it too!

[@audreyh7892]

Just loved 84 Charing Cross Road and it's sequel!

[@InkandPaperBlog]

+Audrey H I need to read the sequel..... but 84 is just so perfect for book readers 😊

[@Comfycozyup]

I haven't read any, but I will be adding them to my list. They all seem interesting.

[@InkandPaperBlog]

I hope you like them... they have all gotten me out of a slump.

[@Gwyndon]

Just found your channel, great video! The Driver's Seat sounds right up my alley! So glad to discover a channel that isn't only YA books.

[@InkandPaperBlog]

Thank you so much for watching. The Driver's Seat is one crazy ride. But I loved it. There are so many people that do YA way better than I do! So, I stick to what I love! I am glad you like it.

[@Phillybookfairy]

Omgoodness i havent read ANY of these but they all sound so lovely esp the ones about books and bookstores. Heres my short story list of recs, youve prob read them (please let me know if you have) : Of Mice and Men (John Steinbeck - when u mentioned the Train book i thought of Steinbeck), Tin Man (Sarah Winman), Come Closer (Sara Gran), the Guernsey&potatoPeel Society (not so short but written in letter form makes for quick and charming read).... i know im forgetting one or two but those books were so quick and picked me up out of slumps.

[@frannieforthoughts9527]

The housekeeper and the professor sounds so sweet :)

[@raincityreads4933]

I absolutely ADORE The Uncommon Reader and 84, Charing Cross Road (book and film). Both are charming, funny in places, and full of a gentle devotion to the written word with which I can completely agree. Have you read Helene Hanff's memoir, Q's Legacy? It's similar to 84, but because it's a composed memoir rather than epistolary it flows more evenly and has more background on her life and the development of her love of reading. I love 84, but I think I might actually be an even bigger fan of Q. Well worth checking out if you haven't already - and perhaps also one to lay by in case of future slumps! Great list, thanks for sharing!

[@InkandPaperBlog]

I am so glad. I loved the film as well. I have not read her memoir - but I should. I think that the epistolary nature of 84 makes me love it more. I will see if I can find it. Thank you so much for watching.

[@raincityreads4933]

I actually watched the film well before reading the book (I don't think I even knew it WAS a book for years). I adored it. It is one of those films I watch when I'm down or sick or just in need of something familiar and comforting. I get how the epistolary format is appealing - the relationship between Helene and Frank (as well as the other bookshop employees) is just so wonderful to experience through their letters. And I completely understand if you prefer to keep it at that - it has its own special magic. For me personally, I wanted more of her writing tone and enthusiasm for books, as that was what appealed to me more than the format. I found that in Q, and I liked that it filled in some of the questions I had about Helene's life before and during the time of writing the letters. It is also auto-didactical (if that's even a term) in that she discovers a book in the library intended for scholarly use, but she ends up using it to guide her own reading experiences (its author's name starts with the letter "Q" hence the title of the book). So it echoes 84 in that it is about her relationship (though imagined this time) with someone who helps along her literary pursuits. I found it similar enough to 84 that I could love it, but different enough that it didn't ruin 84 for me at all. If you do ever read it I'd love to know what you think, however I completely understand if you prefer to re-visit your own favourite! :)

[@donlevy8960]

I think the idea of reading a short book if you are having a reading slump is a great idea. I have The Uncommon Reader and Disgrace in my collection.

[@InkandPaperBlog]

Thank you -- I hope you love The Uncommon Reader and Disgrace.

[@epuresoul]

ty

[@kevinkent5266]

I didn't realize how much I needed this video. I'm working on my bachelors in literature and burned myself out reading slave narratives and chapters on theory.... I miss reading for fun and this just sparked my interest again

[@InkandPaperBlog]

I got my bachelors in literature - I remember being burned out on required reading often. Find your reading guilty pleasure and make sure to throw one of them in every now and then.

[@SavidgeReads]

Completely agree with you on The Uncommon Reader, for slumps that's a perfect book. I also love 84 Charing Cross Road, another good choice as both those are quite gentle to get back into books with. Not sure I would agree so much on Coetzee. Ha. I looooooove The Drivers Seat. Fan of The Housekeeper and the Professor too. I did Iliterati on my way to Petosky back in 2015. Aww the memories.

[@InkandPaperBlog]

Literati is an amazing little store. Coetzee will kick start something LOL. I had a feeling that you would like all the other titles.

[@LouiseReader]

What a fine video this is, with such great recommendations (not that I'm surprised, just appreciative). I've read half- The Uncommon Reader, 84 Charing Cross Road (which I loved too) and Disgrace, most quite some time ago. I do remember not liking Disgrace all that much, but not why. I'm intrigued by the other three. I do have Housekeeper and The Professor in the house but haven't read it yet, and I've not heard of the other two. I've never even heard of Denis Johnson. The Drivers Seat sounds amazing. I have The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie, again really quite some years ago, and I thought it was ok, but don't remember loving it. There's just so many good books for us readers to look forward and to enjoy!

[@InkandPaperBlog]

Louise AStrongBeliefinWicker right! I love all the choices.

[@cherylclough4309]

I LOVE 84 Charing Cross Road!

[@InkandPaperBlog]

Isnt it amazing.

[@joannoriol6444]

I recommend the book by Elizabeth Berg, a short little honest book. It is now running neck and neck with my favorite book of a lifetime. This is a very human character study about getting old and how an old person can be a guiding light to a young lost person. It also deals with a romance revisited. The book is entitled The Life of Arthur Trueluv. My favorite book of all time is The Memory Of Running, It is a character study of a 45year old man at his coming of age story when he is 45. Late bloomer I guess. It's about the multiple tragedies that set out the man. Very overweight, not successful and an over drinker,who because of these tragedies get on his childhood bike and just goes and goes and goes across America. It's about all the people he meets and their stories. It follows his childhood and young adulthood so and how his sisters mental illness shadows his entire life. It is complete, well written and truly a little gem. You see all the changes and find yourself loving this character. Love you channel I love your reviews and soft spoken ways, i love that you pick books that no one else it reviewing. Please read memory of running, you will love it and also the little book too. ❤️😌

[@InkandPaperBlog]

I have read a book by Berg .... I think... it has been some time ago. I will look at both of these titles.

[@curioushmm9027]

oh and i'm with you on junot diaz and if you and he both love the professor and the housekeeper i better get on that one too....

[@InkandPaperBlog]

Junot Diaz is brillant. So, we both cannot give bad advice ;-)

[@josegiovanni9310]

Just found your channel. Really great stuff

[@InkandPaperBlog]

Thank you so much!!! I am glad you like it.

[@jng66]

How do you do it? The Uncommon Reader is one of my favourite books! You always bring a smile to my life :)

[@InkandPaperBlog]

Magic. LOL - isn't it an amazing book! I adore it so very much.

[@jilll1287]

Three of my favorite books made the list! Did you read the sequel to 84? Not as good, but still delightful. The Housekeeper and the Professor just is so wonderfully warm and lovely. I always thought the housekeeper was wise in her simplicity,. I'm a baseball fan, so I enjoyed that part of the story. Must read more from her. Also need more Muriel Sparks it seems. I've only read Memento Mori. Cleverly wicked!

[@InkandPaperBlog]

I did not read the sequel - I did not want to spoil the perfection of 84. Maybe I should just do it though. Her other books are very very dark... so different but equally as good. Sparks is great.

[@MameysMedley]

Epistolary books are one of my FAVS!!! So 84 Charing Cross Road will be ordered ASAP! But, they all sound very intriguing. Russell, my husband is going to file for divorce if I keep ordering books!!!!! LOL. (Just teasing) Thanks so much for another GREAT video!

[@InkandPaperBlog]

Mamey you need to read 84 - you will love it. I think you can get it at almost any used bookstore too. I am sorry you will be getting a divorce but books are work it LOL ;-)

[@MameysMedley]

LOL. I will tell him you said so!! LOL. Ya know, he would think something was wrong with me, if I wasn't ordering books! LOL. Thanks so much for responding Russell. You are a breath of fresh air, my friend!

[@InkandPaperBlog]

LOL.. the same with my husband. If I don't go to the bookstore he starts to take me just so he feels better. And of course and I responded. :-)

[@MameysMedley]

Well at least they know us well enough!!

[@cheryllovestoread]

Central Valley = 106 degrees 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥 I have The Uncommon Reader on my tbr. I think it's next up after my current read.

[@InkandPaperBlog]

106 is awful Cherl! I think you will love The Uncommon Reader.

[@michaelhearn1676]

Russell, "Train Dreams" is Denis Johnson's best.

[@InkandPaperBlog]

It is amazing.

[@thereadingneed2421]

Train Dreams yeeeeees!! Best.

[@InkandPaperBlog]

+The Reading Need so good right! And not enough people have read it!

[@Ayumi669]

I usually end up in a reading slump when I am depressed. Disgrace is not the best book to read if you're depressed. Especially if you are fond of dogs and if you are a victim or sensible towards topics like abuse or rape. I can acknowledge that it is a good book, but it is not treating those subjects with sensitivity. this criticism is not directed towards your channel but the book. I just stumbled upon your channel and really like it so far. BTW: The stuffed turtle is really cute!!!!

[@InkandPaperBlog]

You are so right out about Disgrace. Not an upbeat book. I do think it shows the brutality that peppers the world in a very visceral way. Thank you so much about the turtle. I adore it and turtles. Kind of like my spirit animal.

[@rrludman]

I didn't know Denis Johnson just passed away in May at the Sea Ranch in Gualala, CA.

[@InkandPaperBlog]

+Ryan Ludman I knew he had passed , but I didn't know he was so close. I need to read more of him.

[@GlowLight14]

OMG, WARNER!

[@jessicawatson7360]

It’s Charing Cross Road a reference from a famous book? Can’t think what it is...