Books To Get You Out Of Your Comfort Zone
- Charli Thomas
- Aug 25
- 5 min read
When I joined the Chapter 25 book club earlier this year, I did so for two main reasons; firstly was to meet new people and make new friends (tick!) and the second was to broaden my reading horizons (You can read more about this here!). I was looking for that extra nudge to try new authors and genres outside my comfort zone. Although I’m still on this discovery journey, I’ve learned some simple steps along the way that can help anyone begin exploring different kinds of books.
This article is an ‘if you like this, then try that’ guide, where I’ll match your current favourites with some potential new loves. Full disclaimer: I haven’t personally read every book on this list, but I’ve quizzed plenty of bibliophile friends and spent hours diving into Goodreads research. If you do pick any of these up, I’d absolutely love to hear what you think!
If you loved “Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow” by Gabrielle Zevin, try a psychological thriller...
Zevin’s beautiful novel is full of big themes, such as friendship, creativity, and grief. It weaves them all together in a way that’s clever but still emotional. If that is your vibe, you may enjoy a psychological thriller.
Why? Because the best thrillers don’t just throw twists at you, they dig deep into the characters as well. Books like “The Silent Patient” by Alex Michaelides or “Notes on an Execution” by Danya Kukafka have the same layered storytelling and emotional weight, with a slightly darker edge. A great next step if you want a gripping page-turner that is still thoughtful.
If you love historical fiction, try “Project Hail Mary” by Andy Weir...
This one has been on my TBR list for a very long time now. I’ve been nervous to delve into my first sci-fi, but I have been assured that “Project Hail Mary” isn’t all about spaceships. It’s about problem-solving, survival, memory, and an unlikely friendship that’s genuinely heart-warming.
Like great historical fiction, which is one of my go-to genres, it’s full of detail, imagery and scene painting. It jumps between timelines, has a central mystery, and is emotional in all the right places. Think of it as a soft, friendly introduction to science fiction, which is ideal if, like me, you’ve been curious about the genre but didn’t know where to start.
If you love romance or chic-lit, try a retelling of Greek mythology...
This one might surprise you, but stay with me. Our July Chapter 25 read was “Clytemnestra” by Costanza Casati and it introduced me to the world of Greek mythology retellings - I can safely say I am now hooked!
This genre reimagines ancient myths with a fresh, often feminist, twist. They're full of big feelings that you often find in romance novels, like love, heartbreak, betrayal, and resilience. They also often focus on women navigating power, relationships, and identity too. Both genres often explore family dynamics, love and marriage in their plot lines too and, ultimately, both focus on an emotional journey. If you're looking for something a little more epic and deep, but still all about the characters, this is a great direction to explore.
If you loved “Foundryside” by Robert Jackson Bennett, try a romantasy...
If you love fantasy read, with all it’s magic and world-building, but want something a bit lighter, a romantasy might be your perfect in-between. Yep, it’s a bit of an obvious one, but it is well worth including in this list. It was a conversation in one of our recent Chapter 25 book club meetings as one of our avid fantasy readers was looking for the ideal sunlounger novel, that would be light and easy for their holiday. Romantasy can offer all the magical stuff you love, but with a hefty dose of romance, tension, and (let’s be honest) swoon.
Try “Fourth Wing” by Rebecca Yarros or, if you have so far avoided the hype, “A Court of Thorns and Roses” by Sarah J Maas. They're fun, easy to get into, and seriously addictive - perfect for a holiday or when you’re in a reading slump.
If you loved “The Thursday Murder Club” by Richard Osman, try “The Word Is Murder” by Anthony Horowitz...
If cosy crime is your thing, you’ll probably enjoy something a little more twisty, that still has all the clever and entertaining elements of a book like Osman’s.
Horowitz’s books feel like a step up in complexity without losing the humour or charm. “The Word Is Murder” (and the whole Hawthorne series) has a similar playful tone but digs a bit deeper into the darker side of crime. It’s like going from a puzzle to a murder mystery with sharper edges, but still loads of fun to solve.
If you love memoirs, try “Piranesi” by Susanna Clarke
This might seem like an odd jump, going from autobiographies to a fantasy book, but hear me out. “Piranesi” reads almost like a diary. It’s written in chronological, journal-like entries by a character trying to make sense of the strange world in which he lives. There’s a quiet, poetic nature to it, and if you love the personal, reflective feel of memoirs, you’ll probably find yourself drawn in.
While it is technically fantasy, it’s gentle and mysterious. It is not heavy on plot, but instead it is more about atmosphere and discovery. A perfect for autobiography-lovers who want something new.
If you usually stick to classics, try contemporary fiction with classic vibes...
If you’re all about Jane Austen or the Brontë sisters, but fancy something more modern, try “Queenie” by Candice Carty-Williams. It’s funny and sharp, with a strong FMC that has similar vibes to Elizabeth Bennet. It also explores similar themes as many classic novels, including love, class, identity, and mental health - all the things that make classics so enduring. But it does it in a way that’s relatable and fresh, with a heroine you can’t help but root for. I have seen the book described as “Bridget Jones meets Toni Morrison,” and it’s a brilliant example of how contemporary fiction can feel just as timeless and thoughtful as the classics.
If you love character-driven novels, try a mystery...
If you are a fan of novels like “Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine” (which you will already know is one of my favourites), you’ll know how powerful a book can be when it focuses on a single, complicated character.
Mysteries can do the same thing, but they add a layer of suspense to keep you turning pages. For example, “The Secret History” by Donna Tartt is beautifully written, deeply character-focused, and has a chilling murder story at its core. If you want something that is still introspective but with a side of intrigue, this is a great next step.
I hope, after reading this article, you have added a new title (or two?) to your TBR. Or perhaps, I have given you some wider inspiration for trying something new. Regardless, I want to hear from you! Please let me know if you do try something new and how you get on with it. Happy reading, everyone!
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