Are you like me, feeling burnt out from the constant screen time and digital overload? Sometimes we all need to unplug and give our brains a break. One of the best ways to do that is by picking up a good book.

As a young child, I was an avid reader. I could be found with a flashlight under my covers, turning a few more pages before falling asleep. I made frequent trips to the local library, participating in many library programs and checking out the maximum number of the Baby-Sitters Club series books allowed at one time.

I hadn’t picked up a book in many years until 2021 when I was invited to join a book club.

Joining a book club made me realize the power of audiobooks, and I am still hooked! I can vividly remember specific parts of my life and what book was playing through my AirPods.

“Something in the Water” by Catherine Steadman played while I pulled weeds in the garden at my old house. “The Giver of Stars” by Jojo Moyes was read through my car’s speakers as I drove to visit my friend Allie. “Open Book, A Memoir” by Jessica Simpson had me fascinated with the celebrity while I painted the fireplace surround in my current house (more about that fireplace surround here).

If you were once a reader or if you’ve never finished a book, there are stories for you! Here are a few tips to get started reading:

1. Choose books that interest you.

   Whether you prefer thrillers, romance, self-help, or biographies, there's something out there for everyone. I have found that I love listening to thrillers and memoirs and reading hardcopies of historical fiction. I am also not afraid to stop listening to a book that I just can’t get into.

2. Utilize your local library.

   I’ve had three library cards as an adult, one for each city I’ve lived in. Buying books can be an investment but libraries are a great way to rent a hard copy. I also use the Libby app, which allows me to connect my library card and rent audiobooks.

3. Join a book club or start one with friends.

   Talking about books with others can give you a fresh perspective and help you get recommendations. It’s also a great way to stay in touch with friends. A virtual meet-up is a great way to connect with friends who don’t live close to you.

4. Sign up for Goodreads

   Goodreads is a virtual bookshelf that is free to join and allows you to record and give recommendations on the books you’ve read. I also love following authors of books that I love so I can read their entire selection.

And now, for some book recommendations! Here are a few titles that I loved reading recently:

• “Things We Never Got Over” by Lucy Score: a romance, a small-town mystery, and a life that’s falling apart. What more could you ask for? I’ve already pre-ordered the third book. I recommend you read this as a hard copy!

• "Woman on Fire" by Lisa Barr is a mystery featuring a journalist who works to uncover the truth behind a Hollywood scandal in the art world while balancing her personal relationships.

• “House of Eve” by Sadeqa Johnson: a fascinating look into the 1950s and how two young women navigated segregation, education, and becoming adults.

I’d love to connect on Goodreads to see what books you’re loving. Want more recommendations? Read here!