The world observes literacy day on 8 September. Why not celebrate all month long?

For those who love reading, it’s a time to celebrate favourite authors, re-read cherished books, or discover new stories. And for those who don’t particularly enjoy literature, it’s a time to change that!

If you’ve never quite understood the joy of reading, but want to try, here are five books to help ease you into reading.

The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy

Humorous books are great gateways into reading. If Douglas Adams’ vision of the universe in this science fiction classic doesn’t keep you flipping the pages, his tongue-in-cheek humour definitely will. The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy begins a six-part series but can easily be enjoyed on its own for a fun, quick read.

Description: Just before Earth is demolished to make way for an intergalactic freeway, Arthur Dent is plucked from the planet by his friend Ford Prefect, a researcher for the new edition of ‘The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy’ who has been posing as an out-of-work actor.

The Harry Potter Series

There’s a reason the Harry Potter series is beloved by people of all ages, cultures and creeds. JK Rowling crafted a deeply realistic world of magic that will have you falling into its pages. While the length of these books may seem intimidating, the writing is easy to follow, and the story is so compelling you’ll be hooked before you know it.

Description: Young orphan Harry Potter lives in the cupboard under the stairs at his heartless relatives’ house. But his fortunes change when he receives a letter inviting him to study at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.

Milk and Honey

Poetry may seem like the least accessible writing of all. Luckily, there are collections like Rupi Kaur’s New York Times bestselling, Milk and Honey.  Kaur has become a millennial darling; her poems, which tackle a range of experiences from violence to love, femininity and loss are short, simple and effective. The book also includes Kaur’s illustrations, which add a visual layer of meaning to the words.

Description: Divided into four chapters that each deal with a different kind of heartache, Milk and Honey addresses the most difficult moments in life and how we can find healing and sweetness in them. 

The Secret Life of Bees

Sue Monk Kidd’s acclaimed novel is thoughtful, readable and engaging. The characters in this coming-of-age story of love and divine femininity are so well-realised that you’ll be too invested in their story to put the book down.

Description: Set in 1960s South Carolina, white-14-year-old Lily Owens’ life has been shaped by the blurry memory of her mother’s murder. When her black stand-in mother Rosaleen insults a group of racists, they flee to Tiburon, South Carolina and are taken in by a trio of eccentric black bee-keeping sisters. Unbeknownst to Lily, Tiburon holds the key to her past. Lily is drawn into their beautiful world of bees, love and feminine power.

A Raisin in the Sun

Reading plays can be another manageable way to start enjoying books through flowing dialogue and scenes you can vividly imagine. Lorraine Hansberry’s 1959 family drama is an American classic that will have you feeling the emotions of its rich characters as they struggle to realise their dreams.

Description:  The acclaimed play depicts the experience of a mid-century African American family. Set in 1950s Chicago, the Younger family tries to improve their circumstances with the payout from the deceased Mr. Younger’s insurance.

This September, challenge yourself to try reading again. These five books are a great place to start!

Sources: Odyssey, Bustle, Real Simple, Romper, Goodreads, Amazon, Penguin Random House, and Thought Co.