Books have never been been my greatest love, but this new passion from last few years have taken a huge turn. But, like all great loves, it sometimes requires patience and rediscovery. Recently, my reading habit took a little detour—not because I stopped loving books but because life with my ten-year-old son kept me on my toes. Movies became our shared escape for a while.

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Flashback..

It started with the action-packed movie Back in Action, a film my son was eager to watch.( Cameron Diaz Came back after a decade so yeah l was also bit excited) Anyways as soon as we ticked that off, I found myself captivated by The Wonder, a beautiful yet haunting film that left me reflecting for days. Then, during a rare, quiet evening, I re-watched Little Women, a classic that always leaves me nostalgic.

Somewhere between these moments, I realised it was time to return to my first love—books like Jane Austen Books !!

Now that I feel settled, content, and, dare I say, comfortable again, I’ve returned to reading with a renewed heart. When I opened Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice, a book that had been waiting patiently on my shelf, I was reminded of why I fell in love with reading in the first place.

The Austen Magic: Finding Myself in Her World

The moment I stepped into the world of Elizabeth Bennet and Mr Darcy, something shifted. Jane Austen’s writing feels like a warm embrace—timeless, intelligent, and deeply human.

In fact, she’s the reason I fell in love with slow living in the first place. That’s how I always imagined it—like living inside one of her novels, where life moves at a gentler pace, filled with long walks, meaningful conversations, and a certain elegance in the everyday.

To be honest, my English is much better these days thanks to all the period novels I’ve read over the years. I even read Shakespeare back in when I was in 8th grade !!

The reason Why l read Jane Austen actually lies in her ability to create stories that feel both deeply personal and universally relatable even though it’s written hundreds of years ago. It feels like a slow conversation with an old friend that invites you to pause, reflect, and savour the moment.. so in a similar way for me, reading is more than a pastime; it’s an act of self-care. It’s a way to slow down and immerse myself in a world far removed from the chaos of daily life. And in Austen’s pages, I found that joy again.. she takes me to a different world.

As a mother, I know how challenging it can be to carve out time for yourself. Watching films with my son is a special bonding experience because we both enjoy and we have something to talk about to be precise Orels he gets bored 😦 .. but reading gives me something equally precious—time to nurture my own soul. It took me a month to get back into the rhythm of reading, and that’s okay. Sometimes, life demands flexibility, and sometimes, we need a little nudge—like the comfort of a favourite movie—to remind us of the things we love.

Tips to Rekindle Your Reading Habit

If you’ve been away from books for a while and looking a way back .. How to get back into reading , here’s what worked for me:

1. Start Small: Don’t pressure yourself to finish long novels. A novella or a short story collection is a perfect start. Try books like The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald or any book of your choice.

2. Create a Reading Ritual: For me, it’s a cup of tea, a cosy corner, and no interruptions. Find what makes reading feel like a treat. One of my favourite spots is a quiet nook by the window, with fairy lights adding to the charm.

3. Go Easy on Yourself: It’s okay if you don’t read every day. Life happens, and it’s the joy of reading that matters.

4. Choose Joy: Pick books that excite you. If a classic like Austen doesn’t appeal, explore other genres—mysteries, thrillers, or even lighthearted romances. Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia or A good girl’s guide to murder by Holly are wonderful places to start. Agatha Christie is my all time favourite if you into mysteries.

The Quiet Joy of Rediscovery

Reading Jane Austen has reminded me of why I adore books—their ability to transport us, challenge us, and make us feel deeply. And while life’s demands may sometimes pull us away, the beauty of books is that they’re always there, waiting patiently for us to return.

Here are a few reading recommendations that pair beautifully with a cup of tea and a quiet afternoon:

• Emma by Jane Austen: If you loved Pride and Prejudice, you’ll adore the playful matchmaking antics of Emma Woodhouse.(Classic literature recommendations)

• The Little Book of Hygge by Meik Wiking: Perfect for those who want to create cosy, mindful moments while reading.( am yet to finish this one due to my son winter break)

• The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid – A glamorous and heartbreaking journey of love and fame.

• It Starts With Us – The sequel to It Ends With Us, offering a deeper dive into Lily and Atlas’ story.

So go grab a book, dive in, with a cup of tea or coffee or whatever suits you !! Trust me, there’s nothing quite like it.

But hey, if books aren’t calling your name right now, no worries—just come hang out on my blog instead.

Honestly, I’m here, typing away, hoping you’re loving these little ramblings of mine as much as I love writing them.

Lots of Love,

Dolly