Overview
Speaker shares practical tips and beginner-friendly book recommendations to help new readers build a daily reading habit and enjoy reading.
Getting Started: Mindset and Habits
- Read for enjoyment; this is not school or work.
- Customize your reading experience; do what fits your preferences.
- It is okay to DNF books; soft or hard DNF based on interest.
- Pick books aligned with current interests (genres, shows, universes).
- Set small, attainable daily goals (chapters, pages, or minutes).
- Use audiobooks to read while doing chores or commuting.
- Visit bookstores to boost motivation and enjoy the atmosphere.
- Try background music or themed playlists to enhance immersion.
Audiobook Options
- Audible: monthly credits; some titles included for free.
- Spotify Premium: limited included audiobook hours.
- Libby: free audiobooks/ebooks via local library card on multiple devices.
Personalization and Experience
- Annotate or keep books pristine; your choice.
- Choose music with or without lyrics to match focus needs.
- Embrace different tastes; disagreements on books are normal.
Romance Recommendations: No Smut
| Title | Author | Type | Tropes/Notes |
|---|
| Better Than the Movies | Lynn Painter | YA | Fake dating; enemies to lovers; quick read; high school setting |
| The Summer I Turned Pretty (Trilogy) | Jenny Han | YA | Love triangle; summery vibe; quick, <300 pages |
| The Summer of Broken Rules | K.L. Walther | YA | Summery vibe; fast-paced; light, sweet story |
Romance Recommendations: Adult (With Smut)
| Title/Series | Author | Tropes/Notes |
|---|
| The Love Hypothesis | Ali Hazelwood | Fake dating; low spice; strong banter; beloved couple |
| The Worst Best Man; The Wedding Crasher | Mia Sosa | Ex’s brother; fake dating; fun plots; read in either order |
| The Love Wager | Lynn Painter | Strangers-to-friends-to-lovers; fake dating; fast-paced |
| Eden Series | Devney Perry | Romance with light mystery/crime; Kindle Unlimited |
| The Deal (Off-Campus #1) | Elle Kennedy | Hockey romance; caring MMC; strong romance arc |
| The Seven Year Slip | Ashley Poston | Magical realism time split; emotional, immersive |
| MU University Series | Multiple authors | Short hockey romances; quick, fun reads; Kindle Unlimited |
| Twisted Series | Ana Huang | Brother’s best friend; bodyguard/princess; enemies to lovers; fake dating/stalking element |
| Hooked (Never After #1) | Emily McIntire | Dark romance; Peter Pan retelling; fast, ~300 pages |
| Archer’s Voice; Travis | Mia Sheridan | Emotional; redemption arc for Travis; read Archer’s Voice first |
Fantasy Recommendations: No Smut
| Title/Series | Author | Notes |
|---|
| Avatar Novels (Kyoshi, Yangchen) | F.C. Yee | In Avatar universe; engaging for show fans |
| Harry Potter Series | J.K. Rowling | Great gateway series; familiarity helps |
| Heavy Is the Crown | Lindsay | Modern teens in medieval realm; big cliffhanger; beginner-friendly |
| Divine Rivals | Rebecca Ross | Romantasy; strong romance and plot; KU read referenced |
| The Grimrose Girls Duology | Laura Pohl | YA dark academia + fairy tale elements |
Fantasy Recommendations: Some Smut
| Title/Series | Author(s) | Notes |
|---|
| The Laanfeur Series | Robin D. Mahle, Elle Madison | Four books; simple, accessible fantasy; strong romance subplot |
| A Court of Thorns and Roses (ACOTAR) | Sarah J. Maas | Slow start in book 1; excellent series post-50%; assess your patience for worldbuilding |
Mystery/Thriller: YA and Adult
| Title/Series | Author | Type | Notes |
|---|
| The Inheritance Games (Trilogy) | Jennifer Lynn Barnes | YA Mystery | Puzzles, riddles, short chapters, captivating |
| Murdered at 17 | Christine Conradt | YA Thriller | Rage disorder, blackout suspicion; engaging plot |
| The Lake | Natasha Preston | YA Thriller | Favorite; wild ending; accessible thrills |
| You Will Be Mine | Natasha Preston | YA Thriller | Page-turner; solid tension |
| The Haunting | Natasha Preston | YA Thriller | Halloween setting; copycat killer vibe |
| The Perfect Marriage | Jeneva Rose | Adult Thriller | Husband accused of killing mistress; lawyer wife; shocking ending |
| One of Us Is Dead | Jeneva Rose | Adult Mystery | Character-driven; who-died reveal structure |
| The Housemaid | Freida McFadden | Adult Thriller | Fast-paced; bingeable; first in series |
Sci-Fi Recommendation
- Star Wars novels: great entry point for franchise fans; multiple well-loved titles exist.
Practical Tips Recap
- Align book choice with current interests for easier engagement.
- Use small daily goals to build consistency and reduce overwhelm.
- DNF without guilt; switch to something you enjoy.
- Leverage audiobooks and ambient music to fit reading into life.
- Visit bookstores and read in cozy environments to boost motivation.
Action Items
- Pick one book aligned with a favorite show, movie, or sport.
- Set a daily goal (e.g., one chapter or 20 minutes).
- Choose an audiobook source (Audible, Spotify, or Libby).
- Create or find a themed reading playlist matching your chosen genre.
Decisions
- Reader should personalize the reading experience and prioritize enjoyment over completion.