If you are not a self-proclaimed book lover, here are four novels that will not intimidate or overwhelm you. I included books belonging to four different genres that are known in the literature scene for being quick, easy reads.

Romance: “Beach Read” by Emily Henry

In my experience, when I pick up an Emily Henry novel, I have to resist the urge to completely tune out reality and continuously read until I reach the epilogue. When it comes to Emily Henry’s writing, millions of readers, particularly those who belong to Generation Z, have described her novels as vulnerable, filled with humor, addicting and unable to put down. Her novel “Beach Read” is no expectation.

“Beach Read” follows January Andrews, a romance author who is stuck in a serious case of writer’s block and her academic rival from her college days, Augustus Everett. Since their time in college together, Augustus has become a critically acclaimed writer whose published work, in the eyes of January, is the polar opposite of hers. Their creative lives seem to differ in almost every aspect possible until one chaotic summer when they discover they are each other’s neighbors in a Michigan beach town. January and Augustus find themselves almost completely unable to avoid each other’s presence, but the similarities do not stop there. The two novelists soon find out they both suffer from a recent and severe case of writer’s block and are also both seemingly broke. Trying to make the best of an odd situation, the two decide to start a summer-long challenge that they hope will launch them back into their creative rhythm and will lead to finished manuscripts (definitely not love).

“Beach Read” is a quick, witty and vulnerable romance that will have you turning page after page. Vulture credits Henry for cracking the modern romance novel, and I must say, I completely agree. If you want a heartfelt, witty romance, “Beach Read” will not let you down.

Fiction: “The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo” by Taylor Jenkins Reid

If you are hesitant to buy into the hype surrounding Taylor Jenkins Reid’s “Book Tok” sensation, just look at the numbers. As of 2022, the glamorous and scandal-filled novel has sold more than a million copies worldwide, according to theglobalmail.com. On the popular reading and review app Goodreads, 2,433,718 users have read Reid’s phenomenon of a novel, with an average 4.4 out of 5-star rating.

The novel follows Hollywood legend and icon Evelyn Hugo as she sets out to finally expose the truth of her paparazzi-followed, scandalous life, including the truth behind her notorious seven husbands she had married and divorced throughout her decades-long career. Her story is told through the narrative lens of unknown journalist Monique Grant, tasked with recording Evelyn’s story and writing a tell-all book. But Monique wonders, “Why would she be picked out of all the journalists in the world to record the icon’s story, and why, after decades of being in the spotlight, is Evelyn choosing to tell her story now?”

With the novels’s chapters and timelines being organized by the husband and supplied with fictional newspaper clippings to tell parts of Evelyn’s story, “The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo” is known for being a quick read, and it is highly likely you will find Evelyn’s story as intoxicating as the other millions of readers around the world have.

Suspense/thriller: “The Silent Patient” by Alex Michealide

Alex Michaelide’s psychological thriller “The Silent Patient” follows the eerie story of Theo Faber, a psychotherapist who easily becomes obsessed with the institutionalized, notorious artist Alicia Berenson. Theo becomes eager to break down the psychological drives that led Alicia to the night she allegedly brutally murdered her husband. Theo is quickly filled with a professional and emotional need to have access to the mentally ill woman’s full story. However, he is faced with a major dilemma; ever since the dark and chaotic night Alicia’s husband was shot, she has refused to speak a word aloud to anyone, and Theo, her new psychologist, is no exception.

The award-winning novel is filled with disturbing characters, an obsession with secrets of the past and contains one of the most shocking literary twists of the past few years to grace the publishing industry. I assure you, once the plot is set in Michaelide’s “The Silent Patient,” you will be eager to find out the truth behind Alicia’s past and will be left in shock at the twists and turns the novel throws at you along the way. “The Silent Patient” does not end with its last page; its hypnotic, suspenseful story will stay with you, haunting you long after you discover Alicia’s truth.

Fantasy: “ACOTAR”

“A Court of Thorns and Roses,” the first book of Sarah J. Maas’ “Book Tok” famous series, is a simple, fast-paced, lore-filled read. If you are hesitant to read Maas’ addicting, spell-binding fantasy, let the sales speak for themselves; her books have sold over nine million copies worldwide and have claimed the number one spot on multiple bestseller lists, according to Fully Booked Online.

“A Court of Thorns and Roses” follows the fantastical world of Feyre Archeron, a huntress set on making sure her family survives her village’s harsh winter. After killing an animal that appeared not as it seemed, Feyre has to deal with the harsh consequences of the mistake she made to ensure her family’s survival. She is kidnapped and taken to the magical, dangerous world of Prythian, a land crawling with powerful and, as Feyre was told, evil creatures. Her capturer,​​ Tamlin, takes Feyre back to his closely guarded court, where she slowly learns about his past and the curses laid on him and all his subjects. As she learns about the man who altered her life forever, she cannot help but find herself peeling away the layers of hate she holds for him.

I understand why those wanting to get into reading would hesitate with some of the literary scene’s most popular fantasy series. “Harry Potter and The Sorcerer’s Stone” is known for being a children’s book, and George R.R Martin’s “A Song of Ice and Fire” series, while brilliant, is known for its overwhelming amount of characters and kingdoms to keep track of. “A Court of Thorns and Roses’ is the perfect choice for those looking for a light, simple fantasy read. With a non-complex writing style, elements of romance, and a captivating lore that makes the reader want to discover the secrets and past behind the centuries-old characters, Sarah J. Maas’ “A Court of Thorns and Roses” is a great choice of book if you want to become acquainted or re-acquainted with the adult fantasy world.