#mainstream and classic authors tend to integrate these considerations more into their narratives

[attheexactlyrighttimeandplace]

I feel your pain, I've been reading so slowly lately, it's almost a slump for me too.

These aren't recent books, so chances are you've read them before, but in case it helps…

The Silmarillion by Tolkien: enjoyed it so much last year (after watching Rings of Power) I had to slow down a few times to not finish it too fast and stay immersed in this perfect world. I still retain these feelings and although the desire to read it again is intense, I do not give in because I want to continue dreaming. I thought it was just an extension of the LoTR universe, in fact it's the opposite. LoTR is only a small part of the ambitious project designed by Tolkien, and the Silm is definitely the peak. I don't really know what to say: if you've already read it, it's already useless, but if you haven't, it's going to be a treat!

The Parable of the Sower by Octavia E Butler: I finished it in May or June and it was by far the most intense read of that year. It was a punch in the face. I wanted to write a review about it (which doesn't happen often) but I'm still trying to make sense of my feelings. It's an astonishingly written dystopia, with a strong and impressive female lead (as usual with Butler), but its violence was at times unbearable. Maybe I'm too sensitive, but I really felt it physically and figured it wasn't for the faint of heart. I highly recommend Kindred by the same author, which is even better.

Really solid and even brilliant sci-fi :

The Gone World by Tom Sweterlitsch: the story is a mix of horror and sci-fi genre, and the plot merges procedural crime with time travel. It's a true thriller, a page turner full of twists and turns: no wonder it won the Shirley Jackson Prize few years ago.

The Silo series by Hugh Howley: i've only read the first book Wool but enjoyed itso much! The concept, the execution and the character development are on point. I totally see why a tv show was made of it. I haven't watched it yet but the reviews seem quite positive so far.

had anyone read something they couldn't put down? i am in a slump and nothing on my shelves appeals to me