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Books Worth Your Time
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items I’m excited to share a selection of books that I’ve loved and can’t stop thinking about. This list features a diverse group of authors, spanning a variety of genres, voices, and perspectives. Whether you’re drawn to dark fantasy, twisty thrillers, he...
These are affiliate links, so I do get a small commission when you purchase an item off of my list. Thank you! I appreciate you!
These are affiliate links, so I do get a small commission when you purchase an item off of my list. Thank you! I appreciate you!
Sections
5
My favorites
African American Writers
Light Reading, Romance, Love Stories
Kindle
V.E. Schwab
My favorites
I love to read and these definitely left a lasting impression. I recommend them all the time to people!
A gripping, twisty thriller that pulls you into a small town full of secrets, suspense, and danger. Perfect for fans of dark mysteries and stories that keep you guessing until the very last page.
Wild Dark Shore (Reese's Book Club Pick)|Hardcover
A poignant, character-driven story about family, resilience, and the unexpected ways life tests us. Wally Lamb’s masterful storytelling keeps you invested in every twist and turn.
The River Is Waiting (Oprah's Book Club)|Hardcover
ATE THIS UP! A fast-paced, gripping story full of secrets, twists, and unforgettable characters. Perfect for fans of suspenseful, addictive reads that keep you turning pages late into the night.
The Favorites: A Novel
Enjoyed this a lot! A dark, gripping fantasy packed with danger, betrayal, and high emotional stakes. Perfect for readers who love intense worlds, morally complex characters, and stories that don’t pull their punches.
We Who Will Die: A Novel|Hardcover
Fitting for the time we're in. A dark, gripping tale of mystery, magic, and intrigue. Perfect for fans of suspenseful fantasy with high stakes and unforgettable characters.
Blood Over Bright Haven: A Novel|Paperback
Truly a story that will stick with you. Incredibly moving.
The unforgettable, heartbreaking story of the unlikely friendship between a wealthy boy and the son of his father’s servant, caught in the tragic sweep of history, The Kite Runner transports readers to Afghanistan at a tense and crucial moment of cha...
The unforgettable, heartbreaking story of the unlikely friendship between a wealthy boy and the son of his father’s servant, caught in the tragic sweep of history, The Kite Runner transports readers to Afghanistan at a tense and crucial moment of cha...
The Kite Runner (10th Anniversary Edition)|Paperback
A tense, twisty thriller full of secrets, suspense, and unforgettable characters. Perfect for readers who love dark, gripping stories.
One Dark Window|Paperback
A gripping, suspense-filled thriller with dark secrets, clever twists, and complex characters. Perfect for fans of high-stakes mysteries that keep you turning pages late into the night.
Two Twisted Crowns|Paperback
I love this book so deeply. I buy it for anyone I know who's going through the profound loss of a friend, family member or pet. The elegantly interlocked tales of loss, survival, and fierce rebirth center are the basis of this book. Told with gracefu...
The Faithful Gardener: A Wise Tale
A journey to self-discovery of epic proportions, Circe is a retelling from the queen of mythology herself: Madeline Miller. A lyrical, action-packed dive into the origin of an unforgettable and unparalleled woman, Circe cements herself in the pantheo...
Circe|Paperback
One of the most acclaimed books of our time: an unforgettable memoir about a young woman who, kept out of school, leaves her survivalist family and goes on to earn a PhD from Cambridge University
Educated: A Memoir|Hardcover
Jason is not having a good day. Or maybe it’s the best day ever. In this dark and twisty science fiction thriller, reality may be blurred, but the takeaways never are. Wake yourself up in a surprisingly real and really surprising tale of missed chanc...
Dark Matter: A Novel by Blake Crouch, Paperback
Glamorous enough to enchant any reader, The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo is a glimpse into the life of a Hollywood starlet better known for her romantic endeavors off the screen. At the heart of this scandalous novel is the bond between two lovers f...
The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo|Paperback
“Life, like a poem, is a series of choices.” In her memoir You Could Make This Place Beautiful, poet Maggie Smith explores the disintegration of her marriage and her renewed commitment to herself. The book begins with one woman’s personal heartbreak,...
You Could Make This Place Beautiful|Paperback
Worth the hype!
Broken Country (Reese's Book Club)
A former slave determined to claim her freedom. A reclusive fire-wielder who no longer believes in justice. And a ruthless magical Order that will bind their fates in blood and flame.
When Tisaanah escapes captivity, she risks everything to save the...
Daughter of No Worlds (War of Lost Hearts #1)|Hardcover
War leaves no hands clean—even when fought for the right reasons.
Bound by a blood pact, Tisaanah is forced to fight the Orders’ war, gambling with dangerous, ancient power to secure an impossible victory. When betrayal shatters Ara, Max is thrust i...
Children of Fallen Gods (War of Lost Hearts #2)|Hardcover
The war ends here.
After a crushing defeat, Tisaanah and Max are torn apart—she fighting to free her people, he imprisoned and unraveling within enemy walls. In the Fey lands, Aefe is pulled back by a king who would burn worlds in her name.
As huma...
Mother of Death and Dawn|Hardcover
Yes yes yes yes!
Dire Bound|Hardcover
African American Writers
These have been some of my favorite books by African American writers. I just started tracking my reading in 2025, so stay tuned for new additions!
My favorite read of 2025! A brilliantly crafted, immersive fantasy with unforgettable characters, a unique magic system, and twists that keep you hooked. Thought-provoking, intense, and impossible to put down.
The Broken Earth Trilogy: The Fifth Season, The Obelisk Gate, The Stone Sky|Paperback
Another amazing African American author! A fast-paced, magical adventure that blends modern-day fantasy with rich history and mythology. Tracy Deonn crafts unforgettable characters and a story full of twists, action, and heart — perfect for fans of e...
The Legendborn Cycle (Boxed Set) - Tracy Deonn
An absolute must read for everyone. Octavia Butler is incredible. A time travel narrative is an enthralling and devastating deep dive into the horrors of slavery and the ripples that still rock the modern world and beyond.
Kindred|Paperback
This is set in 2024, but written in 1993. It's mind blowing how accurate it is.
This is a haunting look at a post-apocalyptic world ravaged by climate and economic catastrophes. Thought-provoking and brilliantly written, Parable of the Sower is a warning about what the future of Earth could look like if climate change is not tak...
This is a haunting look at a post-apocalyptic world ravaged by climate and economic catastrophes. Thought-provoking and brilliantly written, Parable of the Sower is a warning about what the future of Earth could look like if climate change is not tak...
Parable of the Sower|Paperback
The acclaimed graphic novel adaptation of Octavia E. Butler’s groundbreaking dystopian novel, Parable of the Sower, is a don't-miss classic that resonates today more than ever. As The Washington Post noted: "A 1993 dystopian novel imagined the world ...
Parable of the Sower: A Graphic Novel Adaptation (Hugo Award Winner)|Paperback
the thrilling sequel to The Parable of the Sower—a cautionary novel ahead of its time, perfect for fans of The Broken Earth trilogy (ALSO RECOMMENDED IN THIS LIST!!)
Parable of the Talents|Paperback
This gripping graphic novel adaptation of Octavia E. Butler’s groundbreaking dystopian novel stands beside the acclaimed previous graphic novel adaptations, Kindred, a #1 New York Times bestseller, and Parable of the Sower, winner of the Hugo Award
Parable of the Talents: A Graphic Novel Adaptation|Hardcover
This was an incredible story. I personally liked reading it more than I enjoyed the audio, but I did both!
A powerful story of family, home and freedom. Percival Everett has flipped the script on an American classic as Huck Finn steps to the side and Jim — James — takes center stage.
A powerful story of family, home and freedom. Percival Everett has flipped the script on an American classic as Huck Finn steps to the side and Jim — James — takes center stage.
James (2024 B&N Book of the Year) (Pulitzer Prize Winner) (National Book Award Winner)|Hardcover
Light Reading, Romance, Love Stories
I love a love story and romance book, especially for a pallet cleanser after a long series. They usually keep me reading versus falling into a slump after a great series. These were some of my favorites.
A heartfelt, uplifting read about finding joy, self-discovery, and embracing the little things that truly matter. Perfect for anyone looking for a feel-good, inspiring story.
If It Makes You Happy by Julie Olivia, Paperback
A captivating, emotionally rich story that explores love, identity, and the delicate complexities of human connection. Taylor Jenkins Reid delivers her signature heartfelt storytelling that stays with you long after the last page.
Atmosphere: A Love Story (GMA Book Club Pick)|Hardcover
I loved this. It's perfect for a pick me up or a pallet cleanser. Great little romance novel.
First-Time Caller|Paperback
One of my favorite 2025 reads. I couldn't put this down.
Ashley Poston went from ghosts and ghostwriters in her adult debut The Dead Romantics to time travel and beautiful matters of the heart. There’s no time like the past, present, or future to fall in love.
Ashley Poston went from ghosts and ghostwriters in her adult debut The Dead Romantics to time travel and beautiful matters of the heart. There’s no time like the past, present, or future to fall in love.
The Seven Year Slip|Paperback
Kindle
My favorite kindle accessories!
I love this kindle case! It provides a cover for the face if I'm throwing it in my bag, but pops off easily if I want to use my popsocket.
Magnetic Case for 7'' Kindle Paperwhite 12th Gen
I swear to you, I use this every single day. It was a christmas gift and I've wanted it for several years. Someone finally got it for me and I love it.
Adjustable Tablet Pillow Stand w/Snack Bowl
This with the kindle lap stand and you're set for the best reading experience of your life!
Remote Control Page Turner for Kindle & Kobo
I couldn't live without my kindle. I was a physical book girly for years, but now I prefer my kindle. I still go back and forth, but if I can get it via my kindle I'm going to! Mine is pink and I love her!
Amazon Kindle Paperwhite 16GB 7" Glare-Free
V.E. Schwab
One of my favorite writers. I love everything she does.
V.E. is the author of more than 25 books, spanning MG, YA, and Adult, though she’s never been keen on labeling stories for a certain audience. Plenty of young readers like Vicious, and plenty of older ones like Cassidy Blake, and she believes the bes...
Vampires! But better. A dark, atmospheric story full of suspense, secrets, and unforgettable characters. Perfect for fans of haunting, twisty tales that linger long after the last page.
Bury Our Bones in the Midnight Soil|Hardcover
Tore through this. VE Schwab is just incredible. A dazzling, fast-paced fantasy full of adventure, magic, and unforgettable characters. V.E. Schwab weaves multiple Londons, high stakes, and thrilling twists that make this series impossible to put dow...
Shades of Magic Collector's Editions Boxed Set: A Darker Shade of Magic, A Gathering of Shadows, and A Conjuring of Light|Hardcover
This is the new series, but a follow up/interconnected story to VE Schwab's Shades of Magic series. It has all your favorite characters, plus some new, badass, female characters added.
The Fragile Threads of Power (B&N Exclusive Edition)
One of my favorite books.
With her signature wit and deliciously wicked imagination, V. E. Schwab is one author we just can’t get enough of. In The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue, prepare to be mesmerized by Addie — our unflappable heroine, cursed to be forgotten by everyone s...
With her signature wit and deliciously wicked imagination, V. E. Schwab is one author we just can’t get enough of. In The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue, prepare to be mesmerized by Addie — our unflappable heroine, cursed to be forgotten by everyone s...
The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue|Hardcover