https://medium.com/the-sunday-journal/8-books-to-r...

That article’s core idea is simple: doomscrolling works partly because we crave stories and novelty, so books can replace the same “what happens next?” impulse with something more satisfying and memorable. The author especially recommends starting with short, gripping, or emotionally immersive books rather than forcing yourself through a huge classic. (The Reader Life)

The 8 books are:

1. Keep It in the Family — John Marrs — fast thriller, best if your attention span feels shot.
2. The Song of Achilles — Madeline Miller — immersive, emotional mythology retelling.
3. The Bell Jar — Sylvia Plath — slower and introspective; good when the internet feels too noisy.
4. The Language of Thorns — Leigh Bardugo — six dark fairy tales, so you can read one at a time.
5. Funny Story — Emily Henry — light, warm romance and an easy escape.
6. We Have Always Lived in the Castle — Shirley Jackson — short, eerie, and highly absorbing.
7. Convenience Store Woman — Sayaka Murata — short, quirky, thoughtful, and uncluttered.
8. Lessons in Chemistry — Bonnie Garmus — witty, engaging historical fiction with strong momentum. (The Reader Life)

The practical suggestion I liked most is the “one-scroll replacement”: when you’re about to open Instagram/TikTok/Reddit, put the phone aside and read one chapter or one short story instead. No ambitious two-hour reading goal. The point is to make books easier to start than scrolling. (The Reader Life)

If you want, I can also rank these 8 by easiest to get hooked on, or recommend 5 similar books based on what you normally enjoy.