Five Books Recommendations For Anyone Ready to Make Reading Their New Favorite Hobby

By: Caitlin Hancock

Did you write ‘pick up a new hobby’ on your New Years Resolutions or list of 2025 goals? Reading is the perfect way to build up a new hobby and is one of my absolute favourite pastimes. There’s nothing quite like getting completely lost in a good book, itching to pick it back up and continue with where you left off. It’s great for your mental health and an easily accessible hobby - there are recommendations in every corner of the internet- from blogs, celebrity recommendations and the mass rise of ‘Booktok’. I’m here to share 5 of my favourite most recent reads to hopefully give you some inspiration if you’re stuck on what to divulge in next!

Intermezzo – Sally Rooney (2024)

Written by the acclaimed writer of bestseller ‘Normal People’, ‘Intermezzo’ is a beautifully moving story of grief, family and love, focusing on Irish brothers, Ivan and Peter, dealing with the loss of their father and the effect on their familial and romantic relationships. As an avid Sally Rooney enjoyer, this latest instalment in her literary works certainly didn’t disappoint.

Talking at Night – Claire Daverly (2023)

For fans of ‘One Day’ and ‘Normal People’ (can you tell I’m a ‘Normal People’ fan?), ‘Talking at Night’ tells a tender story of an all consuming and transformative first love that will completely immerse you and leave you rooting for Will and Rosie and eager for more.

Blue Sisters – Coco Mellors (2024)

As Bonnie, Avery and Lucky navigate their sister Nicky’s unexpected death and the potential sale of their childhood home, they find that only by returning to each other can they traverse the struggles of their collective grief, addiction and heartbreak.

A deeply poignant story that WILL make you want to call your siblings and tell them you love them immediately after reading (take it from me).

The Burnout – Sophia Kinsella (2024)

A hilarious, escapist romcom.

Something slightly more lighthearted now; if you’re looking for an easy, fun read for spring break or this upcoming summer, this is the perfect recommendation for you.

The Family Across the Street – Nicole Trope (2021)

‘Sometimes the most perfect families are hiding the most terrible secrets. How well do you know the people next door…?’

Quite possibly my favourite on this list – a recommendation from my mum! This gripping, twist packed, psychological thriller unlike anything else I’ve ever read. No spoilers but let’s just say my jaw DROPPED reading this book.

Need more hobby inspiration or looking for ways to break the doomscroll cycle? Check out more on MUUZ!