Are you tired of reading peer-reviewed research papers and historical primary sources in your courses? Well, as important as those texts are, being assigned too much reading can make it feel like a burden rather than a hobby you enjoy.
As an English major, I know the feeling. Sometimes, you have no interest in the content your professor requires you to read, and it makes your 10-page assigned text feel more like 20 pages. However, reading can be fun when you research books or stories where you can choose the world you would like to immerse yourself in.
Whether you like fantasy, horror, or sci-fi, from a quick read to a full-on novel, here are seven reads that are more tailored to getting you to binge-read because of suspense or excitement instead of reading something that is purely educational or informative.
Never Lie by Freida McFadden– “A Popcorn Thriller”
Never Lie is a psychological thriller about a newlywed couple, Ethan and Tricia, searching for an adequate home. When a snowstorm hits and the realtor never shows for their appointment, they become stranded inside the house they were supposed to be viewing. While there, Tricia discovers recordings that belonged to the home’s former owner, a psychiatrist. As she dives deeper into the recordings, she begins to uncover secrets that reveal what happened to the previous owner.
This was my first-ever psychological thriller book, and I finished it in three days. It kept me on the edge of my seat with each chapter, and the ending was not predictable, which is something that some thrillers tend to lack when it comes to their big reveals.
Read it if you want:
- A fast-paced story
- Suspense and thrills
- An unpredictable ending
- Short chapters with different character points of view
Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros– For the Romantasy Addicts
What if, instead of focusing on your academics in college, you had to choose a quadrant and focus on military strategy?
Fourth Wing follows Violet Sorrengail as she chooses to become a Rider at Basgiath War College, where students compete for the chance to live as dragon riders. Violet’s life is on the line as she tries to graduate while dealing with riders who want her dead, physically demanding challenges, unexpected dragon bonds, and complicated relationships.
If you enjoyed Divergent or Harry Potter, then you will likely be able to dive into this book. It is a good mixture of romance, fantasy, and action if you prefer a plot with a diverse mix of genres.
Read it if you want:
- Dragons and magic
- Fighting and competition
- Enemies-to-lovers
- A dystopian setting
The Monkey’s Paw by W.W. Jacobs—A 1902 Horror Story
If you aren’t in the mood for a 300-500 page novel, then here’s something shorter to start off with.
In The Monkey’s Paw, a family receives a monkey’s paw from a family friend who tells them that it supposedly grants three wishes. However, wishing for what you desire doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll get what you want.
This short story is a classic and is a great choice if you liked the 2025 movie Obsession and want to pick up something with a grim ending.
Read it if you want:
- Something short
- Suspenseful and fatalistic
- Gothic horror
Ender’s Game by Orson Scott Card– Military Training in Outer Space and Aliens
Ender’s Game follows a six-year-old genius, Ender Wiggin, who is recruited into a military training program to save Earth from losing a war against an alien army. Ender faces extreme pressure as he carries the weight of the world on his shoulders while the program tests his intelligence, ability to lead, and strategic decision-making.
I bought this book from Dollar General for five dollars and it took me about a year to get around to reading it because of college life and work. Picking it up again made me feel accomplished, since it had been collecting dust. The main character’s development is so well-written, and the setting’s premise is amazing. I would recommend this even more if you’ve enjoyed Star Wars or The Maze Runner.
Read it if you want:
- Aliens and science fiction
- A gifted young protagonist facing world-dependant challenges
- A futuristic timeline
- Strategy and philosophy
The Sniper by Liam O’Flaherty—Suspense Meets Realism
The Sniper is set during the Irish Civil War and follows a Republican sniper trying to survive against an enemy sniper across the street in a building ahead of him. The tension builds quickly and leads to a sickening ending.
This short story was actually assigned to me by my teacher in high school, but it was so suspenseful and memorable that I would recommend this to someone who wants to feel moved and shocked by the end of the story.
Read it if you want:
- A quick read
- Immediate suspense
- War and realism
- An unsettling ending that will leave you thinking
Wabi: A Hero’s Tale by Joseph Bruchac—An Indigenous Folklore Adventure Story
Wabi: A Hero’s Tale is about Wabi, a young owl who possesses the ability to shapeshift into a human after falling in love with a young girl from a nearby village. It draws from indigenous storytelling, folklore, and traditions while focusing on Wabi’s journey to becoming a hero and fighting to protect the girl he loves as part of a coming-of-age story.
I recommend this underrated book to everyone because it is my favorite book ever written. I read it at a time when I wasn’t connected to reading, and it got me into discovering more books. The book is fast-paced, and the chapters are very easy to follow. If you like epic stories, specifically The Odyssey, you will find this to be a decent read.
Read if you want:
- A heroic adventure
- Indigenous folklore
- A courageous warrior who fights for love
- Cultural exposure
Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo—A Vast Universe
This book series is for anyone who wants to escape into an expansive dark fantasy universe.
Shadow and Bone introduces readers to the Grishaverse, a fantasy world filled with humans who can manipulate matter and elements while navigating the dangers and political unrest within their lands. Alina Starkov is the protagonist, and her life changes when she discovers that she possesses a rare power that could save her country after believing she was an average soldier.
If you want an entire book universe and series to dive into, I would give this series a try. It expands beyond Alina’s story with another book series, Six of Crows, which follows a group of thieves attempting to pull off an impossible prison break. There is also a Netflix series based on this book universe that spans two seasons if you appreciate seeing book series come to life on screen.
Read if you want:
- A vast, dark fantasy universe
- Magic and romance
- Political conflicts
- A strong and ambitious female lead
Start to Read for Your Enjoyment, Not just Because Your Professor Assigned It
If you want to get into reading, it doesn’t mean you have to start with a lengthy novel. Start with short stories, novels, poems, and other written works that genuinely pique your interest. If you think you’ll like a psychological thriller with a twist, try Never Lie. If you want something that only takes 30 minutes to an hour to finish, try The Monkey’s Paw or The Sniper.
You don’t want to read a book just because it’s something to add to your reading list. You want to be able to talk about the story excitedly if someone asks you about it.
Give the List a Try
Try to choose one book from this diverse list and give yourself 20 to 30 minutes to sit down and read it. If you aren’t interested after those 20-30 minutes, then try another one. Don’t just give up because reading can be beneficial.
Which book interests you the most? Share this list with a friend who wants to pick up reading or needs a new book recommendation!