13 Best Reads for a Lazy Afternoon

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A good book is undefinable by just one quality. Whether your favourite novel is engaging or just full-on exciting and thrilling, a good read is therapeutic and does wonders for the soul.

Books are easier nowadays. We can download them on our Kindle, or grab an audiobook from Audible. Whatever it is, our favourite stories are now readily available to us any time and any where. You can even listen to a few pages of your favourite book while driving back home from work!

Genre preference is pretty subjective so we grabbed a few from a couple of genres and picked our favourite 13 engaging reads that we know will definitely spice up any lazy afternoons.

#1 11-23-63: A NOVEL BY STEPHEN KING

As one of our most beloved authors, we have fawned over his novels such as Four Past Midnight and 1408. This book tells the tale of a time traveller whom goes back in time to stop the assassination of then president, John F. Kennedy on the date 11-23-63.

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#2 A SHORT HISTORY OF NEARLY EVERYTHING BY BILL BRYSON

Sometimes, science and the wonders of the modern world can be pretty hard to digest, especially if flowery, bombastic language and terminologies are used to explain it. Bill Bryson breaks down the science into easy-to-digest pieces in his book – A Short History of Nearly Everything, to cater to the masses.

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#3 HIDDEN BODIES BY CAROLINE KEPNES

If you are into thrillers, horror and maybe slight gore, Hidden Bodies is a compelling tale that will grip you right to the very last page. Brilliantly written, Caroline Kepnes aced this novel completely. Fans who prefer light stories will not love this book, though.

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#4 I AM MALALA BY MALALA YOUSAFZAI

Nobel prize winner, Malala Yousafzai is probably one of the most respected people in the entire world for her efforts in enforcing equality and education to women and the underprivileged kids in third world countries, and she tells her tale in this enthralling recount.

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#5 LITTLE PRINCES BY CONOR GRENNAN

This book recounts the story of the author, Conor Grennan’s life-changing trip to Nepal and how he helped with volunteering at the Little Princes Orphanage in the war-torn country.

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#6 MEMOIRS OF A GEISHA BY ARTHUR GOLDEN

Arthur Golden’s classic is a widely loved Literature novel, documenting the arduous journey that Chiyo-chan took to become the most highly acclaimed Geisha, Sayuri. Beautiful and timeless, this is one book we would read over and over again.

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#7 MODERN ROMANCE: AN INVESTIGATION BY AZIZ ANSARI

Aziz Ansari is one of our favourite actors and comedians for his charisma and witty remarks. This book has wonderful tidbits and in-depth research on the pleasures and perils of modern romance, with some of his comedic flair.

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#8 THE BIG SHORT BY MICHAEL LEWIS

Oscar-nominated film, The Big Short, was originally a book written by Michael Lewis and you get a more personal view on the whole situation via the book, as opposed to the film. While the movie is fantastic, this book has our two thumbs up.

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#9 THE GIRL FROM HOME BY ADAM MITZNER

Acclaimed author, Adam Mitzner, embarks on another spellbinding fictional story that follows a man from his flamboyant life of riches to his fall and what comes after.

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#10 THE TIPPING POINT BY MALCOLM GLADWELL

The Tipping Point discusses what blows up trends and starts a domino effect in different situations. This novel explains and explores this phenomenon is a creatively bewitching way.

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#11 TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD BY HARPER LEE

A classic. To Kill A Mockingbird is a Putlizer Prize-winning novel that has become a literary icon. Your life will not be complete unless you have completed this book.

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#12 TUESDAYS WITH MORRIE BY MITCH ALBOM

Of life lessons and valuable advice, Tuesdays with Morrie is a motivational read by Mitch Albom. In this book, you will learn about life’s preciousness through a dying man’s perspective.

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#13 WHO MOVED MY CHEESE BY SPENCER JOHNSON

A self-development book this is, Who Moved My Cheese is a very fun and pleasant read about how humans should cope with change in work and life. One of those self-help books that we always turn to when we need a little boost.