Falling into a reading slump happens to the best of us. Maybe life got busier than usual or every book you picked up just didn’t grab you. If “just one episode” somehow turned into “I finished three seasons,” and you want to read more this 2026, you’re not alone. The good news is your screen time habit can actually help you pick your next read. Here are five books that can gently pull you out of your reading rut.
1. For fans of John Wick who want a high-octane read
Book to try: Assassination’s Anonymous by Rob Hart
If your screen time has been filled with slick action, secret rules, and morally complicated assassins, this is the book to grab first. A sharp, high-concept thriller can shake you out of autopilot fast. This one delivers tension and twists from the very beginning and its darkly funny premise makes reading feel as fun and intense as watching an action movie. Perfect when you want a jolt of momentum to remind you why you love stories.
2. For Harry Potter lovers craving grow- up magic
Book to try: Ink Blood Sister Scribe by Emma Törzs
If you miss the feeling of stepping into a magical world but want something more mature than a rewatch, reach for a story that blends enchantment with real-life stakes. This novel wraps family secrets, powerful books, and atmospheric magic into one immersive read. It has that same transportive feeling that made you fall in love with fantasy in the first place, but with a quieter, adult edge. Ideal when you want wonder without feeling overwhelmed.
3. For Desperate Housewives fans who live for family drama
Book to try: Pineapple Street by Jenny Jackson
If you love shows full of secrets, status, and complicated relationships, a character driven novel is the easiest way back into reading. This book follows a wealthy Brooklyn family and the people orbiting around their privilege, giving you sharp observations, messy emotions, and plenty to talk about. It is light enough to read after a long day of binge watching, but well crafted enough to keep you curious. Great when you want to swap one juicy storyline for another, this time on the page.
4. For fans of Downton Abbey style slow burn stories
Book to try: The Secret Book of Flora Lea by Patti Callahan Henry
If you like period pieces that unfold gently but still keep you invested, a historical mystery can be the spark you need. This novel mixes memory, loss, folklore, and hope in a way that feels tender and layered. It has the same quiet pull as a show like Downton Abbey where the emotions, secrets, and setting matter just as much as the plot. Ideal for readers who want a soft, comforting reentry into books that still deliver an emotional payoff.
5. For Fleabag fans who love messy, heartfelt stories
Book to try: The Wedding People by Alison Espach
If your comfort watches lean toward sharp, funny, emotionally honest dramedies like Fleabag, this contemporary novel is your bridge back to reading. It’s charming, witty, and grounded in just enough real-life chaos to feel real. The tone stays hopeful even when things get complicated, giving you that mix of humor and heart that makes you care deeply about the characters. Perfect for anyone who needs a gentle lift and a reminder that reading can brighten your week.
A good story is often all it takes
Getting out of a reading rut does not need to feel like work. Whether you reach for action, magic, family drama, soft mysteries, or feel-good fiction, the right book can restart the habit in no time. Think of this list as your remote for 2026 reading: instead of tapping “Next episode,” try “Next chapter” and see where your next story takes you.