In a world lit by blue light and a flurry of notifications, it is often easy to confuse quiet with rest. But as many readers already know, good books are one of the simplest and most effective ways to transition from the chaos of the day to the calm of the night.
In our first article, we established the criteria for choosing the perfect book before bed, laying the groundwork for our discussion.
Reading before bed doesn’t just soothe the mind; studies show it can reduce stress, improve sleep quality, and even increase empathy.
Now, we turn to the what: five titles that aren’t just engaging, but particularly suited to that twilight zone between waking and dreaming. Some are lean towards thought-provoking, others emotionally ‘challenging’ — but all offer something ideal for nighttime consumption.
Exciting Times by Naoise Dolan (2020)
Sharp, dry, and millennial to its core, Exciting Times follows Ava, deeply entrenched in her job teaching English in Hong Kong, as she navigates relationships with a wealthy but emotionally distant banker and a magnetic lawyer.
The novel explores issues of class, sexual identity and wealth disparity. Examining the ever-present problems of non-heteronormative relationships. Dolan’s prose is pared back but psychologically rich, perfect for reading in short, impactful bursts before bed.
To me, this is a perfect next step if you ever found yourself mesmerised by Sally Rooney’s ‘Normal People’, one of the highest accolades a fan of young adult fiction can give!
Mr Salary by Sally Rooney (2019)
Speaking of, Sally Rooney stands alone as the queen of understated tension, capturing the emotional tug-of-war between a young woman and the older man who helped raise her.
A short story spanning only 33 pages could be easily overlooked. However, size does not always matter, and for this reason, it would be easily consumed over time.
Mr Salary is vintage Rooney: unspoken longing masked by restrained language and emotionally loaded moments. It’s a brilliant one-sitting read, making it an excellent choice for a quiet night’s reflection.
The Trees by Percival Everett (2021)
A darkly satirical and genre-bending novel, The Trees begins as a murder mystery in a small Mississippi town, but quickly evolves into something more complex and powerful.
Intertwining racial justice, history, and the supernatural, Everett’s ability to seamlessly mix them without it coming across as forced or borderline unusual is impressive. It is grounded and poignant, commenting on the borderline dystopian nature of attitudes that are once more rearing their head in the modern age.
It’s the kind of book that lingers in the mind — not always a gentle read, but a meaningful one.
Billy Summers by Stephen King (2021)
While best known for horror, King inevitably makes the list, and due to his divergence from his genre of choice, a suspenseful novel about a hitman with a conscience is my book of choice.
Billy, a war veteran, takes one last job while hiding out under the guise of writing a book, and the result is as much about personal redemption as it is about crime. At first glance, the plot may seem gimmicky or clichéd.
But surprisingly tender Billy Summers is immersive without being overwhelming — perfect for long stretches of evening reading.
A Silent Voice by Yoshitoki Oima (2013)
This graphic novel series stands out in my recommendation list due to its unique genre. The means of delivery in Western culture is very much associated with my childish content.
But with bullying, guilt, and social isolation, it blossoms into a refuge of forgiveness and connection. It follows Shoya, a former bully, as he tries to make amends with Shoko, a deaf girl he once tormented.
Coupled with its beautiful visuals, A Silent Voice is heartfelt and highly accessible — a strong contender for graphic novel fans looking for something moving but digestible before bed.
