After falling prey to overhyped books on the internet over the last few years (and consistently being disappointed by them), I made it a goal to source books from places other than social media. My 2024 reading year was immensely more satisfying. If you're curious as to how I find the books on my TBR list, I will link an old post here . For the last year, I've frequented my DC bookstores, perused the shelves for books that sound interesting, avoiding the stations of popular books. I've joined a local book club that showcases small press publishers or fiction that I have never heard of. I've scoured library book sales, picking up books that are intriguing and unknown to me. I've gone through lesser known titles of authors I enjoy, watching their writing arc develop over the years of publishing. Don't get me wrong, I've found a few favorites by picking up the overhyped Bookstagram books, but in general, I've realized that my expectations are usually too high when I see people rave about books on social media. Plus, I can get stuck in genre echo chambers when I focus too much on the content everyone is talking about. When I pick up a book I've never heard of, my expectations are lower and my mind is more open to the unknown. I encourage you to look outside of your comfort zone recommendations to explore what could be waiting unassuming in the background. So, here are the best books that I often don't see hyped up on the internet. A Thousand Acres by Jane Smiley With this goal of reading more books that aren't talked about as much on social media, I knew I could find some great ones by looking at backlisted titles. Backlisted is just a publishing term for books that have been in print for longer than a year, but I was looking for books that were published over a decade ago. I've had a lot of luck reading Pulitzer Prize winners from the 1990's and early 2000's (other favorites include The Goldfinch , The Road , and Middlesex ) , and picked up A Thousand Acres from the library one summer day a few years ago. Another amazing thing about backlisted books is they tend to be readily available at the library without an insane waitlist. This 1992 Pulitzer Prize winner snuck up on me slowly ---- it was a slow burn of characterization, anticipation, and tragedy. This was the novel that made me realize how much I enjoy a well-written and fleshed out family drama. A Thousand Acres  is a modern and feminist take on the Shakespearean play King Lear . It centers around the Cook family whose patriarch owns a thousand acres of farmland in Iowa. When he unexpectedly decides to split the land up between his three daughters, it ignites a fire that spreads to each member of the family, slowly burning each character and causing the family and the land to disintegrate. I have an affinity for stories that are set on a farm. When an author describes the way the sun warms the ground when it's beginning to rise, the smell of grass and wheat on a summer day, or the sense of space when looking out over a field, I can't help but feel nostalgic. I'm Polish and spent my summers in the Polish village my mom grew up in, where her family still owns and works a farm. I was reminded of those summers with this story -- riding the tractor, smelling the dill that is grown and harvested, and grilling kielbasa in the evenings, surrounded by my chaotic Polish family. But even more so, I thought of how important that farm is for my family's identity and history, and the pain and resentment that grew out of trying to split the farm up between siblings when my grandparents passed away. This novel showed how cutthroat farm life can be, from predatory lenders to abusive family members, and it did not shy away from the Cook family's harsh realities. It revealed how vital land is to some people's identities, like my family's, let alone their livelihoods. A farmer loses his land and he loses a part of his soul. The descent into madness looks different for each member of the Cook family, but no one is immune to the slow-burn destruction. It was an unnerving journey to watch unfold, but it was done masterfully, making this novel and its characters unforgettable. Once There Were Wolves  by Charlotte McConaghy   Thrillers and mysteries feel entrenched in the BookTok or online book communities. I thoroughly enjoy a good mystery but find that the ones I've been recommended on social media often feel similar to one another and leave me dissatisfied. Once There Were Wolves had a more unique premise that I found intriguing when I first picked it up. Inti Flynn is a biologist who moves to Scotland to continue her attempt at reintroducing wolves back into different wildlife areas. Inti also has a rare neurological condition called mirror-touch synesthesia, complicating her professional and personal life. Her brain makes her believe she is physically feeling the sensory experiences of other beings and animals. If she watches a deer get gutted by a hunter, she feels the knife going through herself as well. All of this, in addition to secrets that are revealed slowly throughout the story, mold Inti into a private and overly cautious woman. But she begins to open herself up to friendship and love in this little Scottish town, until the mysterious death of a local pushes her to protect the things she loves most. The mood and tone of this book was spectacular. I was glued to the page, both by McConaghy's beautiful descriptions of the wolves and native lands of Scotland, and the captivating storyline that weaves in and out of timelines. I felt like the characters were realistic and fleshed out. Inti is a flawed but likable character ---- I held onto the hope that she would find peace and happiness in the end. There are twists and turns, and I felt that secrets were revealed at perfect points in the story. Some readers may find certain scenes disturbing or gruesome, so a warning there, but I was able to get lost in Inti's world, which is exactly what I hope for in a fictional book. Why Fish Don't Exist by Lulu Miller I have been a lover of public radio since I was a kid. My dad used to drive me to school everyday and he would always have on the local NPR station in Durham, WUNC. When I listen to NPR, I think of him and those mornings. I originally wanted to work in radio and podcasting after discovering Radiolab in college. It still is, in my opinion, the gold standard of journalism, period. Even above all other kinds of mediums.... even books. There's something about hearing people's stories and learning about the world through voices that I believe is the most affecting. I have been moved to tears more times than I can count with Radiolab's stories of science, technology, and the human condition. Lulu Miller has been a reporter for Radiolab since I started listening a decade ago. She is an expert at crafting a beautiful story with her voice, experiences, and interviews. When I found out she published a book, I was ecstatic. I made sure to listen to the audiobook because I knew it would be remarkable. I was right. Why Fish Don't Exist  weaves together Lulu's own personal life, a scientific adventure, and the biography of a man who lived 100 years ago. It's a strange marriage of storylines but it comes together in the end in a way that made me cry. I'm in awe of the real people in this book. Despite heartache, despite grief, despite circumstances that seem unable to bear, these people are able to find beauty and joy every single day. It's books like this that give me perspective, it shows me how important it is to be resilient, to not let life beat you down, and to forgive and find a way to love and be gentle, even if the world hasn't been to you. If you're looking for an incredible story about human resilience, you have to try Why Fish Don't Exist , preferably as an audiobook, as Lulu's voice will make this book even more unforgettable. I Who Have Never Known Men by Jacqueline Harpman I am a big fan of science fiction but over the years, I began to notice there were less women authors being acclaimed in this genre. I wanted to specifically search out female authors in this category, and came across this short novel from the 90's. I Who Have Never Known Men is a haunting novel about a group of women living underground in a cage. It is guarded every minute by unknown keepers, and years pass without any markers. The story is told from the point of view of a young girl who cannot remember life before this grim reality, until one day, everything changes. This is one of the most eery and disturbing books I have ever read. I had an uneasy feeling in my stomach from the first page --- the details of the grim world were poignant and gripping. I don't want to give too much away but the ending was heartbreaking yet beautiful. I still can feel the weight of this book even a year after reading it. For fans of dystopian worlds full of grit and heartache, I highly recommend Harpman's evocative novel. A Certain Hunger by Chelsea G. Summers There was a period in 2023 where I got very into feminine rage books (if you read my last post , you'll know I was avoiding books that felt personal to my grief that year). I derived strange satisfaction from reading stories where women were angry, violent, even cruel. Perhaps it was my way of channeling my own anger and frustration at the world, and it felt very cathartic. My favorite of the handful I read was A Certain Hunger . Dorothy, a food critic and sexually liberated woman living in New York City, details her life and what eventually leads her to killing and eating men for pleasure. Okay, you might be shocked and disgusted and I will admit, the gruesome nature of this novel is not for the faint of heart. But this story was incredibly absorbing and fun. I did not take it as a call to action, literally or figuratively. Summers gracefully weaves a narrative whose content might be grotesque but the unfolding is delicious (pun intended). I loved seeing an intelligent, successful, charming woman become unhinged, finding power and vindication in the strangest of ways. I tend to enjoy morally gray or entirely dark characters, and there was so much to explore in Dorothy's psyche. If any part of this description intrigued you, I think you would be enraptured by this imaginative story. Lost & Found by Kathryn Schulz I have never seen anyone on social media talk about this book, and the only reason I came across it was because my sister sent me a list of books that were recommended for dealing with grief, and this happened to be on it. Lost & Found  is Kathryn Schulz's account of losing her father and finding her soulmate. The similarities between her situation and mine felt uncanny. Her father was a Jewish and Polish immigrant, who was loud and charismatic and was constantly forgetting where he put things. She has an older sister and grounded mother, the four of them being a tight knit group that, though not perfect, was loving and precious. If all these parallels weren't enough, the way her father passed was so eerily similar to mine that it was almost difficult to read. I cried very, very hard reading this book. But it might be one of the few books I will ever read that wholly understands my pain. Schulz was able to voice her grief in a way that I still can't do. I was shocked at how similarly we reacted to losing our dads --- with exhaustion and a painful quiet. Her words are haunting, beautiful, powerful, brilliant. Her grappling of death and what it means to those still living, was miraculous to read. Her realization of how precious life is, how fleeting, helped me process my own grief. I wish I could say we had even more in common. I desperately wish I could've met my partner before my dad passed, that he could've met the person I would spend my life with, the way Schulz's dad did. Those were perhaps some of the more painful parts to read. I felt jealous and crushed, the way I do every time I realize my dad will never know the person I marry, and that person will never experience the wonder that was my incredible father. He is such an integral part of who I am, let alone where I get my name from, that it haunts me knowing my future partner will never understand that precious piece of me. But to see Schulz find happiness and love after such intense sadness and loss gives me hope. And if I ever feel alone in my grief, I know I can turn to her to feel a little more understood. The Smallest Lights in the Universe  by Sara Seager I knew this book would become a favorite of mine by the second chapter. When I was browsing a shelf of memoirs at a used bookstore in DC one day, I stumbled across this one. MIT astrophysicist Sara Seager chronicles her life, from gazing upon the stars when she was young, to dedicating her career to finding life and planets elsewhere in the universe, to building a family with her partner from college. When both her father and husband succumb to cancer, she struggles to grieve while taking care of her two young children and keep her career afloat. It always amazes me when people can be incredibly intelligent, experts in their field, and somehow ridiculously talented writers. I have always had a love for the stars, and like Seager, still gaze upon them with reverence and wonder. The fact that Seager's story included the incredible determination to find exoplanets that could sustain or contain life made my nerdy, space-loving brain jump for joy. And yet, it's her story of grief, of losing people so precious to her, that shook me to my core. Seager's prose is direct, funny, somehow familiar. She speaks about grief in a way I have never been able to yet she could've taken the words from my own soul. She writes, “But when you lose someone, you don’t lose them all at once, and their dying doesn’t stop with their death. You lose them a thousand times in a thousand ways. You say a thousand goodbyes. You hold a thousand funerals.” Books like The Smallest Lights in the Universe  help me come to terms with the reality of grief. I never thought about it as holding funerals and saying goodbye a thousand times, but it is absolutely true. By Seager putting words to my pain, she told me she understands, it's okay, I'm not alone. And after all, isn't that the whole point? If you would like to get an email notifying you when I publish a new blog post, you can subscribe using the form below. Happy reading, y'all.

It's been over a year since I've published anything on this website. I didn't intend to take such a long hiatus but I didn't feel as passionately about the books I read in 2023, and I struggled for a while to find books I connected with or that brought out emotion in me. The emotional roller coaster of 2022 was somehow easier to deal with than the last two years (if you missed it, I go into detail in my Top Books of 2022 ). Losing my dad that year was a deep, expansive grief, but one that felt sharp and vivid, it burned hot and bright, and left me feeling alive and aware of the fleetingness of life. I traveled to places that left me in awe, I dreamt about my dad all the time, and I read books that provoked a depth of emotion that was raw and piercing. I felt like I was allowed to feel all those emotions because the loss had just happened, and the first anniversaries without him were new, pushing me to navigate life with the now heavy burden of grief. Things changed after that first year. The sharpness began to fade, and a dull ache took its place. I kept grieving but the world had moved on. I no longer felt entitled to my intense sadness or bursts of emotion, especially anger or bitterness. The farther away in time I was from my dad's passing, the more I felt I was losing him. His visits in my dreams became few and far between. I struggled to talk about him or my pain, and I was turning to books or experiences that would distract me instead of challenge me. I would often push down tears or words because I was sick of being sad. Thinking about my dad was too painful. I avoided things that would remind me of him, or stories that dealt with loss, heartbreak, or grief. It was exhausting. I don't want to trauma dump on the internet but I want to share what's been going on for a few reasons. One, my own personal life certainly dictates the books I choose to pick up and how I react to them. Two, I genuinely believe we don't talk enough about the long-term effects of loss and grief. Sure, the first initial pain and experience are often documented in books, movies, TV, and social media. But that dull, deep ache that somehow feels heavier is what we carry for the rest of our lives. And I really didn't know how to carry that pain. This past year was different. I had a few months in the beginning of 2024 to reflect and reevaluate. I could see that distracting myself and avoiding the sharp pain of my dad's memory was not helping. I've always struggled to talk about my feelings and that wasn't serving me anymore. I knew that listening to my gut, doing things that challenged me, allowing myself to feel the overwhelming sadness of missing my dad, and reaching for stories that may evoke that searing emotion were important for me to move forward. I was able to find books that spoke to my soul again. I learned that the blinding pain of remembering and grief is actually crucial, and is the thing that keeps me connected to my dad and my love for him alive. Grief is complicated, different for everyone, and strangely isolating, yet it unifies us all. We will all lose the ones we love, but it's that pain of loss that reminds us that we are capable of loving and remembering, how precious and remarkable it is to love and feel so deeply, and it's one of the most beautiful and most important parts of life. I hope I didn't scare you away with all these feelings, and I truly hope that those living with grief, however fresh or not, feel a little less alone. I see you, it's fucking hard, and I'm so sorry. With all that said, here are my favorite books I read in 2024. Honorable Personal Development Mentions If you follow my Goodreads or are one of my close friends, you'll know I've always loved personal development books, ranging from health and wellness to productivity to rest. They can teeter on the line of gimmicky, but it's always been a favorite morning ritual of mine to read a chapter of a personal development book with my coffee. I read a lot of them this year (33 to be exact). I moved out into an apartment on my own for the first time after living with my best friends for almost 6 years. Those moments in the morning were often lonely, but I knew that part of my routine that I've carried for years could help me feel more grounded and present. I didn't necessarily want to give a full review on these books, so I will recommend the ones I felt were the best. Health and wellness: Built to Move by Kelly and Juliet Starrett , 100 Ways to Change Your Life by Liz Moody , Ultra-Processed People by Chris van Tullekan , Smart Sex by Dr. Emily Morse , Hormone Intelligence by Aviva Romm . Productivity: Stolen Focus by Johann Hari Personal Introspection : The Good Enough Job by Simone Stolzoff , The Good Life by Robert Waldinger and Marc Schulz (made me cry). Normal People by Sally Rooney It's important for me to acknowledge that I will often avoid reading books when they're hyped up and popular in the moment. I usually find that my expectations are too high, I've read too many reviews, and struggle to formulate my own opinion when a book is all over the internet. It's one of the reasons I didn't read Normal People for so many years. I had also heard people say how much either the book or TV series emotionally broke them, and as we've discussed, I was avoiding that for a while. I chose to finally read it this year because Sally Rooney has been a popular author for many years now, and I felt I should at least be familiar with her work considering how influential she has become. I was purposefully looking for a story about love that wasn't romance. I read way too many of those in 2022 --- I needed books that I knew no one would die in the end and everyone would end up together and happy. The thing about romance, while I thoroughly enjoy the genre, is it's kind of like candy for me. Sweet, goes down easy, but too much of it and I will feel a little sick or disillusioned with the reality of love. I wanted something grittier, a little more painful, and even a little more open-ended. Now, Rooney is a bit controversial. Her writing leans towards stream of consciousness, she doesn't use quotation marks, and much of the story is coming from inside two or three characters' heads. However, this actually works phenomenally for a book about the love between two broken people. If for some reason you aren't familiar with the story, Normal People follows Connell and Marianne, as they navigate adolescence from high school to college graduation. Have you ever read a scene in a book that feels like it was taken straight from your own experience, so poignant and affecting that you burst into tears? That happened for me in this book. There was an eery similarity between Connell and Marianne's high school relationship and my own high school relationship, and I had almost forgotten about the painful shame from that time. But Rooney was able to articulate such powerful yet quiet emotions in this book. I know a lot of people complain about the miscommunication between the characters, but I find that happens more in real life than people realize, especially in dating. I absolutely loved the ending, which was also controversial, and I didn't feel emotionally broken when I read the last page but somehow seen. Because in this ephemeral moment, we don't know the endings to our own stories, we don't know if we'll end up getting our happily ever after, and I want more books to reflect that reality. I will say, I also watched the Hulu adaptation of Normal People , and it was astounding. Paul Mescal in particular made me bawl my eyes out. It might be one of the best visual adaptations of a book I've ever seen (nothing tops Lord of the Rings , obviously). I definitely recommend watching the show but if you feel the itch to read the source material, I think you should. The Host by Stephenie Meyer You might be asking, Briana, isn't this the same Stephenie Meyer who wrote Twilight ? Yes, yes it is, but please, give me a second to explain. First off, I truly love every genre. Memoirs, historical fiction, romance, fantasy, biographies, ethnographies, young adult, thrillers. My favorite books are across the genre board, both nonfiction and fiction. This makes me an excellent book recommender because I can tailor the recs to any kind of genre someone loves or wants to get more into (if you ever want personalized recommendations, feel free to send me a request ). It also makes it exciting because my reading world is entirely open, I have endless choices, and so many ways to find my new favorite book. I loved Twilight growing up, no shame. At age 13, I thought it was captivating, unique, and was one of the first books I read about passionate, romantic love. I have yet to reread the series since but I believe it gets unnecessary hate, just like a lot of the romance genre. The first time I read The Host was when I was stuck in a Texas airport at age 15. I was traveling for the first time on my own, all the flights had been cancelled because of a storm, and I wasn't old enough to get a hotel room. I got a folding cot from an airport employee with a thin blanket and was told to wait out the storm in the airport. I was terrified. So naturally, what does a bookworm do? I went to the bookstore and grabbed The Host , figuring I would probably enjoy it because I enjoyed Twilight , and it would distract me through the distressing night. The Host is a romantic sci-fi novel about a post-apocalyptic world where alien entities called 'Souls' have taken over the bodies of humans. The story is told from the point of view of one Soul who inhabits the body of a human whose consciousness refuses to fade away. The Soul is able to see the memories of the human woman named Melanie, including her feelings of love and sacrifice for her family, and the Soul then decides to go rogue and find out if Melanie's family is still alive. I reread The Host in November and let me tell you, it absolutely holds up. It's just as good as I remember. Sci-fi is one of my favorite genres and I think this storyline is truly unique and engrossing. Stephenie Meyer is a good writer -- she includes beautiful details, fleshes out characters, and articulates complicated emotions gracefully. The characters are incredibly tangible, each having such a distinct personality. The romantic love in this book is unlike anything I have seen before, and she did an amazing job showing that love can look and feel differently than you imagined but that doesn't make it any less powerful or important. For lovers of the romance genre, readers of sci-fi, or if you're just looking for a damn good story, I highly recommend The Host . Why Fish Don't Exist by Lulu Miller I have been a lover of public radio since I was a kid. My dad used to drive me to school everyday and he would always have on the local NPR station in Durham, WUNC. When I listen to NPR, I think of him and those mornings. I originally wanted to work in radio and podcasting after discovering Radiolab in college. It still is, in my opinion, the gold standard of journalism, period. Even above all other kinds of mediums.... even books. There's something about hearing people's stories and learning about the world through voices that I believe is the most affecting. I have been moved to tears more times than I can count with Radiolab's stories of science, technology, and the human condition. Lulu Miller has been a reporter for Radiolab since I started listening a decade ago. She is an expert at crafting a beautiful story with her voice, experiences, and interviews. When I found out she published a book, I was ecstatic. I made sure to listen to the audiobook because I knew it would be remarkable. I was right. Why Fish Don't Exist weaves together Lulu's own personal life, a scientific adventure, and the biography of a man who lived 100 years ago. It's a strange marriage of storylines but it comes together in the end in a way that made me cry. I'm in awe of the real people in this book. Despite heartache, despite grief, despite circumstances that seem unable to bear, these people are able to find beauty and joy every single day. It's books like this that help me through my own grief, even if it doesn't look exactly like my own. It gives me perspective, it shows me how important it is to be resilient, to not let life beat you down, and to forgive and find a way to love and be gentle, even if the world hasn't been to you. If you're looking for an incredible story about human resilience, you have to try Why Fish Don't Exist , preferably as an audiobook, as Lulu's voice will make this book even more unforgettable. The Goldfinch by Donna Tartt Here again is an example of a book I've waited years to read because of all its hype. Granted, this book is now over a decade old, but considering it won the Pullitzer Prize and that I loved Tartt's other novel, The Secret History , I had high expectations. I wanted to make sure I was in the right headspace to tackle an 800 page book that deals with losing a parent --- and that didn't really feel right until December of this year. The Goldfinch is a coming of age novel about Theo Decker, whose life is thrown into chaos after he survives an accident in an art museum that kills his mother. His previously comfortable life in New York City suddenly becomes difficult and confusing. His only sense of peace comes from a small and ethereal painting he ends up stealing from the art museum --- which changes his life in ways he couldn't have imagined. I am officially part of the 'I love big books' club. I probably always have been, but this novel really cemented that for me. I love a sweeping novel that spans years, that shows a flawed character grappling with the world and those around them. The details in this book are astounding. I was consistently blown away by the poignancy on almost every single page. Theo's pain, the grief of losing his mother, the person he loved the most in this world, left me in tears. And yet, there was beauty to be found in the mundane, in the people who left him feeling less alone, and despite the world throwing so many shitty things at him, Theo clung to life as best he could. This book is truly a literary masterpiece. The only critique I have is that Tartt ends the book with Theo very explicitly talking about the meaning of life and love -- which was a bit too on the nose for me. I prefer authors to leave things up to the reader, or at least, not drone on about the moral of the story for over 10 pages. Regardless, this book was such a joy to read. I will always remember reading this book during the cozy nights of December, rooting for Theo for all 800 pages. The Smallest Lights in the Universe by Sara Seager I knew this book would become a favorite of mine by the second chapter. When I decided this year that I should be actively looking for books dealing with grief and loss, I stumbled across this memoir. MIT astrophysicist Sara Seager chronicles her life, from gazing upon the stars when she was young, to dedicating her career to finding life and planets elsewhere in the universe, to building a family with her partner from college. When both her father and husband succumb to cancer, she struggles to grieve while taking care of her two young children and keep her career afloat. It always amazes me when people can be incredibly intelligent, experts in their field, and somehow ridiculously talented writers. I have always had a love for the stars, and like Seager, still gaze upon them with reverence and wonder. The fact that Seager's story included the incredible determination to find exoplanets that could sustain or contain life made my nerdy, space-loving brain jump for joy. And yet, it's her story of grief, of losing people so precious to her, that shook me to my core. Seager's prose is direct, funny, somehow familiar. She speaks about grief in a way I have never been able to yet she could've taken the words from my own soul. She writes, “But when you lose someone, you don’t lose them all at once, and their dying doesn’t stop with their death. You lose them a thousand times in a thousand ways. You say a thousand goodbyes. You hold a thousand funerals.” I think that's the thing no one talks about. It's the thing I struggled to grapple with after that first year of my dad's passing. Grieving is not just the initial pain and suffering, it's the quiet loss that hits you in so many different moments, no matter how much time has passed. It's me sobbing after losing my job because the only person I wanted to talk to was my dad. It's eating a bagel sandwich in New York City, unable to finish it because remembering my dad's love for them causes a lump in my throat. It's finding joy and laughter remembering all the ridiculous things he would say with my mom and sister, yet ending in tears because that joy is entangled with sadness and pain. It's listening to his voicemails, probably the hardest thing I have done, hearing him say 'Hey banana,' talking about the mundane, and ending every single one saying 'I love you.' Books like The Smallest Lights in the Universe help me come to terms with the reality of grief. I never thought about it as holding funerals and saying goodbye a thousand times, but it is absolutely true. By Seager putting words to my pain, she told me she understands, it's okay, I'm not alone. And after all, isn't that the whole point? I hope I've inspired some 2025 reading, and I hope you know I'm always just an email away, happy to talk books or life or death ---- brianasbookshelf@gmail.com.   Happy reading, y'all.

Ah, my favorite time of year. Although the weather has not been cooperating, that still doesn't stop me from enjoying the best season. I've never been a fan of summer or the heat, so once September 1 hits, I immediately get excited and start leaning into autumnal spirit. No matter what kind of book vibe you're going for this month, I've got you covered. Here are my top recommendations for spooky season. Dark Academia The Secret History by Donna Tartt In my bookish opinion, this is the absolute godfather of all dark academia literature. I would even go as far as to say it is the first purposeful genre setting dark academia novel --- so many that I've read since are clearly influenced by this book, and for good reason. It has one of the most distinctly autumnal vibes I've ever encountered. The Secret History follows a young man as he enrolls in a college in New England and befriends a group of strange misfit students, all who worship their Greek professor. You learn from the first chapter that they commit a heinous crime, although the novel then goes back and tells the entire story, both leading up to the event and the years after. In theory, the mystery of 'who done it' gets taken away, but the thrill of this book continues long after the last page. The characters are very unlikable (at least for me). They are pretentious, careless, and consider themselves elite. It's strange to read an entire 559 page book and never grow to like the characters. But this is surprisingly what makes this book so impactful. There were so many points in the plot that I was screaming, that I was rolling my eyes, that I was pissed off at every single person, which made this book hit hard. The narrator's thoughts haunted me, as they haunted him, and the anticipation of them all getting caught was lurking behind every page. The ending shocked me, and the last few pages left an eerie feeling inside of me that I couldn't shake for days, and isn't that exactly what a great book is supposed to do? If We Were Villains by M.L. Rio This is a book that was so clearly influenced by The Secret History. It even follows a similar plot line, but I never minded because it was gripping and unique in its own right. If We Were Villains opens with a man who was in prison for ten years for murder, although it's clear from the beginning that his imprisonment might have been unjustified. The story goes back and forth between present-day Oliver, who is recently released, and his group of college friends from a decade ago. This Shakespeare-obsessed clan has secrets that spill through the pages at unexpected times, each member hiding their own motivations or desires. What a majestic, beautifully written, unsettling book. There were moments I was at the edge of my seat, anxiously reading and wondering if that chapter would hold the details to the murder, to who did it, and why. The thrill of 'whodunit' isn't necessarily driving the story --- it's more about the personality of each character, the anxiety I felt as I watched the events unfold. The moral quandaries felt remarkably relatable and believable, which I find is difficult in a book about murder. Try to read this book during a chilly and rainy night, and prepare for an intoxicating ride. The Starless Sea by Erin Morgenstern The Starless Sea was one of my favorite reads of 2020 and I never understand why it doesn't get more hype on the internet. The story centers around Zachary Ezra Rawlins, an introverted graduate student who is way too into his books and love of reading (sound familiar?). He discovers a mysterious book in his school library and reads something that shakes him to his core: a story from his own childhood. He begins a desperate search to find out how his own life came to be recorded in a book, and that search leads him to a secret club, an ancient library in New York, and a magical world that is hidden beneath the surface of the earth. Zachary learns of the sacrifices countless souls have made to preserve the sanctity of story-telling, and he begins to realize he may have to make a similar sacrifice. The Starless Sea has everything I adore about fiction ---- a story rooted in magical realism, a main character obsessed with books and adventure, and the most enchanting prose I've read in years. Time and time again, this book filled me with that giddy, heart-skipping excitement that I get when I read a story that makes me feel like the fantastical is hidden behind a door that I have yet to discover. I feel like a child again when I read books like this one, hopeful that magic exists if I'm observant enough to find it. Honestly, if I were to write a fictional book, it would be extremely close to this one, and the fact that I was able to dive into a story that speaks to my book-loving soul was the most marvelous reading experience I've had in a long time. If you're anything like me and relish the possibility that magic exists right under our noses, I think you will love this book. Witchy Fun The Rules of Magic by Alice Hoffman I watch the movie Practical Magic every single year ---- it is my all time favorite one-off witchy film. It wasn't until a few years ago that I decided to dive into the literature the movie is based off of --- and I started with the prequel. The Rules of Magic focuses on the Owens aunts who appear in the Practical Magic film, Jet and Franny (weirdly, their names are actually never said in the movie). It is set in NYC in the 1960s, and follows the sisters, as well as heir brother Vincent, as they all try to navigate their witchy powers, angsty adolescence, and young adulthood ---- all while avoiding a curse that kills the people they fall in love with. Alice Hoffman is a queen of witchy magical realism --- I've always loved a story that is set in the real world but magic happens to exist right under our noses (it's why I love Harry Potter so much). The added addition of family dynamics in most of her books helps ground it even further in reality ---- there's always so much to connect with, from Franny's boldness to Jet's strength, and their pain and happiness feel tangible and relatable. Honestly, any of Hoffman's books would be a wonderful autumnal read, especially one that exists in the Owens family world. Circe by Madeline Miller This book might be a bit out of the ordinary for a spooky book post ---- it's about the infamous witch Circe, who, in Greek mythology, took Odysseus as her lover and turned his men into pigs. Maybe it doesn't give off the typical spooky witch vibes, but the feminine power in this book is majestic. I find it fascinating when authors take well-known stories or myths and write from a different character's perspective. Especially for older stories that tend to squash the women characters into very tight and often misogynistic boxes, it's a delight to see those women fleshed out more. Circe goes deep into the background of this witch, from the moment she's born to when she's banished to an island, and her pain and hurt (mostly caused by men) along the way. I felt such excitement when she began embracing her powers, but she always held onto her humanity and empathy, despite the many heartbreaks she goes through. Rooting for a character that was previously misunderstood gives this tale much more depth than when I read The Odyssey in high school --- and the fact that it is a feminine witch makes it all the more fun. The Kiss Curse by Erin Sterling I had to throw one witchy romance book in this post. I haven't read many but This Kiss Curse was definitely gave the best Halloween-vibes, and the least cringey. Technically, this book is the sequel to The Ex Hex but I didn't enjoy that one as much. The Kiss Curse follows Gwyn Jones, a witch who lives in a small Georgia town, where she owns a witchcraft shop (that everyone believes to be just for fun), and also takes a few younger witches from the local college under her wing. As Halloween approaches, an man named Wells opens up his own shop across the street, sparking a rivalry between the two magical beings that is fun and filled with banter. I'm always down for a cute romance as long as it's not painfully cute --- this one hits that balance well. It made me want to cast my own spells with candles burning and perhaps a glass of red wine on a stormy autumn night. Creepy Vibes The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde What a deliciously creepy, spooky, and atmospheric classic. I'm actually surprised I haven't yet written about this book on my website. I read this novel when I first moved to NYC in the fall of 2016. I had just graduated college and was working at a restaurant in Rockefeller Plaza, desperately trying to figure out how to be an adult. I specifically remember sneaking in a few pages while on a break in the back of the restaurant because I was that intrigued. A man sells his soul to the devil in exchange for eternal youth and beauty, but the unexpected consequences slowly destroy his sanity. The vibes of this book are immaculate ---- such a slow descent into madness marked by feelings of eeriness and confusion. Oscar Wilde elegantly investigated what it means to be human, why beauty is often overrated, and how our limited time in this world makes it all the more precious. In a time where it feels like many people on the internet are doing whatever they can to stay young and beautiful, this story reveals the ugly truth behind that obsession. Mexican Gothic by Silvia Moreno-Garcia I remember seeing this book all over bookstagram when it was first published in 2020. I feel like the name is an accurate description of its vibe --- a story set in Mexico in the 1950s about a gothic haunted house. It's sometimes labeled as 'horror' but I don't think that would be the proper description. The atmosphere feels uneasy, creepy, mysterious ---- I didn't have nightmares after reading this book but it kept me on the edge of my seat. Noemi is a beautiful socialite who becomes concerned when her cousin writes to her claiming her new husband and his family is trying to kill her. Noemi goes to the estate to investigate these claims and attempt to take her cousin away from the off-putting Doyle family. The story is certainly more of a slow burn, which I actually preferred. It helped build tension and confusion before secrets are revealed in the latter half of the book, and the plot suddenly starts racing towards the finish line. It was an engrossing, entertaining, and suspenseful read that would be perfect for the month of October. The Road by Cormac McCarthy Ah, Cormac McCarthy. He is truly one of the greatest of all time. His words cut through your soul, his stories are devastating, yet there is somehow inexplicable beauty in all of his novels. I read The Road during the fall of my senior year of high school, and I will never forget the heart-wrenching ending that stayed heavy on my soul for weeks after I finished it. Okay, maybe I shouldn't be putting all of this in the beginning of the review and I don't want to scare you off, but I have to warn you, this novel is not for the faint of heart (none of McCarthy's works are). But the journey is so eloquent, so moving, so provoking, it's worth it. The Road is a post-apocalyptic novel about a man and his son as they journey across the barren land towards the coast in hopes of finding any remnants of human civilization. I've read a lot of post-apocalyptic fiction over the years, but no story has ever hit me the way this one did. It's simple in its premise and delivery, yet this somehow heightens the emotion and intensity. There's something about post-apocalyptic fiction that screams fall to me. The man and his son have to brave the elements in order to survive, creating a suspenseful atmosphere that makes me feel grateful to have a warm home. I remember turning the pages anxiously, sneaking reads in during my shift at the Durham restaurant Parizade, and finally finishing the entire novel in my car before I left work. I sat in my car for probably twenty minutes after I finished, attempting to process as tears streamed down my face. And that memory has never left me, that feeling has remained, and I have no doubt it would do the same to any reader who picks it up. Don't forget, you can shoot me a message through the 'Personalized Recs' page if you want more recommendations. Tell me some of your reading goals, favorite books, or what you want to read more of and I'll send you some recommendations I think you'll love. Happy reading, y'all.

I've found some great ways to feed my insatiable reading habit without breaking the bank. Here are my top tips on how and where to find inexpensive books. 1. The library I know you're sick of hearing it from me by now, but if you truly want to read more with absolutely no hit to your bank account, you need a library card. I mean come on, free and endless books in all forms, while also supporting a loved and local institution? It's really a no-brainer. I'll always be a lover of real books, but am also a proud Kindle owner because I can download library books from anywhere in the world and carry as many as I want on one little device. It's perfect for those who travel a lot, especially by plane. I know the pain of trying to pack multiple books into one little carry-on and it never ends well. Don't forget, you can also download library ebooks or audiobooks to your phone to have books on-the-go if you don't want or need an E--reader. It doesn't matter how you consume books (I'm not a form snob) because as long as the information is being absorbed into your brain, you will reap the benefits. 2. ThriftBooks.com My typical book-buying procedure is as follows: borrow a book from the library, read it, and if I end up loving it and want it in my possession forever, I will buy it from ThriftBooks.com. I'm not even sure how I stumbled upon this second-hand online platform, but I am so glad I did. You can choose whether you want the book in paperback, mass market paperback, or hard cover (I'm a paperback gal myself). You also are able to choose the book's condition (I tend to go for the newest depending on the price), and can even choose the cover edition based on the ISBN number. Typically, the books I buy are around $3 to $6, and the amazing thing about ThriftBooks is that once your cart hits the $10 mark, you get free shipping. As a bonus, if you sign up for their ReadingRewards program, you earn points for every book you buy and can end up getting a book for free once you reach a certain amount of points. I get that a lot of people love brand-new books, and there is certainly a novelty in that, but again, I can't afford to pay $20 for every book I read or wish to own, so buying second-hand has become my go-to. Also, it doesn't hurt that buying second-hand is better for the environment. I wish I could say I was sponsored by ThriftBooks but sadly, I am not. ThriftBooks, if you're reading this, please sponsor me. 3. Library book sales Ah, it is once again time for me to annoy you by singing the library's praises from the mountaintop. Okay, so most city libraries will have book sales once every month or few months. The Southeast DC Library has one on the second Saturday of every month. The Arlington Central Library has a giant one every spring and fall (the spring one is coming up in March, you know I'll be there). I just Googled and found that Durham County Library has one quite often (I'll link it here). If you do a simple Google search of your city's library sales, you can mark your calendar. Not only do you get books for $1 or $2, the proceeds directly go to funding programs at the library. So you're fueling your delicious reading addiction in a healthy and inexpensive way while also supporting your library and its patrons. It really can't get any better than that. 4. Donation stores While I am the atypical weirdo who hoards every book I've ever bought in attempt to overflow my future house with stories, a lot of people will donate their books to Goodwill or The Salvation Army. These stores may not be treasure troves for national bestsellers, but I have quite often come across some gems while browsing their bookshelves. There's actually something beautiful about picking up a book that was so clearly loved and read, with a well-worn spine and dog-eared pages. If you're into thrifting at all, try checking out the bookshelf of a second-hand store ---- you never know what you'll discover. 5. Borrow from your friends' bookshelves I'm sure everyone reading this has at least one bookworm in their life. If the bookworm is anything like me, they love to loan out their books to friends eager to read their favorite stories (with the understanding you're not one of those friends who will take forever to read the book and then forget to give it back). Honestly, half of the reason I end up buying the books I read and love is because I want to make sure I have a copy on hand to loan to a friend if they ever ask. I also find it extremely fascinating to browse anyone's bookshelf. I always find surprises, and often times ask to borrow a book I see on their shelf that's been on my TBR list for a while. Is it weird that I will spend a significant time at a party browsing the host's bookshelves? You can learn a lot about a person by seeing what books they keep in their home. Don't forget, if you're stuck on what book to pick up or how to start your reading journey, feel free to shoot me a message through the 'Personalized Recs' page. Tell me some of your favorite books, genres, storylines, moods, or tell me some of your reading goals, and I will send you some books I think you'll love. Happy reading!

Choosing books that reflect a season is tricky but I've come up with 6 books that remind of the wonderful parts about spring ---- renewal, warm weather, spending time outside, and growth. If you need a pick-me-up read, here are my top picks. The Dirty Life by Kristin Kimball The Dirty Life is a memoir by Kristin Kimball who was a writer living in New York City when she interviewed a young farmer outside of the city and they quickly fell in love. While she knew nothing of growing vegetables, caring for animals, or the incredibly hard work that goes into sustaining a farm, she agreed to leave NYC and join her new boyfriend on his quest to buy land and turn it into a CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) farm. I know ---- this sounds like the plot of a charming Hallmark movie, but Kimball gives the gritty details of the difficult yet rewarding life of a farmer. She paints a vivid picture of her everyday life, down to the color and flavor of the crops, and the tools and techniques they use. The book reflects the first year of her relationship and the farm, breaking it up by season. She explains the obstacles and themes of each season and what is most important to accomplish, even though the work of a farmer is never-ending. Kimball breathes such animated life into her words that I felt like I was there with her. My only qualm with this book was that I wished it was longer because I absolutely loved living in her world. If you're looking for the perfect spring book that will make you wish you could also fall in love with a farmer, raise chickens, grow crops, and spend the majority of your time on your feet and outside (wait, was that just me?), I couldn't recommend this book enough. The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett When I was brainstorming books for this post, the first one that popped in my head was this children's classic. It completely embodies the themes of spring like growth, renewal, beauty, and blossoming. I've reread it as an adult and am still so in awe of the magic and charm of this book. Published in 1911, The Secret Garden is the story of Mary Lennox, a little girl who loses her parents to sickness in India and is given over to the care of her curmudgeon uncle. Mary was spoiled by neglectful parents and is introduced to the story as an ill-tempered, selfish girl. However, when she discovers a secret garden in her uncle's large estate that is in ruins, she begins to work on the garden to bring it back to life, thus learning the value of hard work and patience. She shares the secret garden with her crippled cousin, who gains strength by being outdoors and also cultivating the garden. Both children find solace and vitality in their work, showing how physical work and sunshine can bring healing. Although this book is a children's classic, it still instills a sense of wonder, magic, and the itch to go outside and build something, no matter what age the reader. The Last American Man by Elizabeth Gilbert Surprise, Elizabeth Gilbert has written more than just the controversial Eat, Pray, Love. I've actually read the majority of her books and I do think she is a talented writer. This book in particular is a favorite of mine. Gilbert gives an in-depth look at the fascinating life of Eustace Conway, an American naturalist living in the woods of North Carolina. Conway lives his life on the fringes of society, with little technology and a heavy reliance on nature and his own two hands. There are obvious Into the Wild influences, but what I love most about this memoir is that it moves beyond the details of Conway's naturalistic life (which are captivating on their own), and looks into modern masculinity. What does it mean to be a man in today's society, what do we expect of men, and what do they expect of themselves? I think many of us reminisce on this idea of a dying out 'mountain man,' someone whose livelihood depends on his physical capabilities and who has a desire to live off just the basics and as close to nature as possible. However, Gilbert shows that there are outdated convictions that can accompany this idolized character, many of which are shown through Conway's complicated and failed relationships with women. Regardless of the patriarchal questions of 'the good ole days,' this book made me miss my days in the Colorado mountains where I spent the majority of my work and personal life outside. There is something rewarding from physical labor (I was a zip line guide a few years ago), a feeling you don't get from sitting on a computer all day. If you're looking for a story that will inspire outdoor adventure, try this one out. The Most Fun We Ever Had by Claire Lombardo I spoke in-depth about this new favorite in my January 2020 Wrap-up. I adore this book and now recommend it to almost everyone I know. This multi-generational novel dives deep into the Sorenson family, a suburban Chicago family with four daughters. The book jumps back and forth between the years of 1970, when the parents Marilyn and David met, and the present day when all girls are fully grown with their own families. The story goes through each character's life, looking at the same situation from several perspectives. I chose this book for a spring recommendation because I think it really beautifully develops the emotional growth of a family in suburban America. Lombardo has an amazing talent for writing about the messy and uncomfortable parts of life and love, and she is able to put emotions into words like few authors I've seen. I watched as each member of the Sorenson family struggled with their own demons, mess up many times, but inevitably emerge at the end with more empathy and understanding towards one another. This story might be just what you need to find hope and renewal this spring season. Evvie Drake Starts Over by Linda Holmes Evvie Drake Starts Over is about a woman named Evvie who loses her husband in a car accident, although you learn early on that she had intended to leave him on the day she finds out he has passed. She carries guilt, shame, and sadness with her for two years, unable to forgive herself. In walks Dean, a former New York Yankees pitcher, who has been struggling with "yips" and is unable to throw on the level he used to and he banishes himself to Evvie's small Maine town. The two become friends as they share their struggles with one another and of course, inevitably fall for each other. I loved both Evvie and Dean, and Holmes created a world I easily slipped into, describing the characters' mundane, everyday lives in a beautiful and engrossing way. The characters felt relatable, and their emotional reactions to their circumstances made sense to me. There is something about a book that puts detail into the small things, like the color of the coffee cup or the way a character uses their hands to describe something, that makes a book feel wonderfully realistic and tangible. It was easy to get lost in Evvie and Dean's story and I was left feeling warm, hopeful, and content, which is how I also feel about the spring season. If you're a fan of contemporary romance, or if you just want to get absorbed into a good love story and forget about your own life, I definitely recommend Evvie Drake Starts Over. The Nature Fix by Florence Williams A little background on this book: I lived in NYC for a time after college. While I love NYC and it will always hold a special place in my heart, I was miserable living there. I started to despise the skyscrapers and their grey hues, my crowded commute on the subway, the lack of any greenery, and the constant noise and lights. I missed open space, trees and rivers, being able to see the stars at night, and I felt exhausted and burnt out. I happened to come across The Nature Fix in my attempts to cure my nature ache, and while it was not available at the library, I decided to buy it on a whim and downloaded it onto my Kindle. I distinctly remember reading the majority of this book on my subway commutes, finding revelation and refuge in the author's conclusion that humans need nature like we need water and oxygen. This book is a wonderful blend of historical research, ethnographic studies, and the author's personal experience. It dives into nature's psychological and emotional affects and how important greenery is to our well-being. Everyone has varying environmental needs, but after reading this book, I realized how important it is for me to have some kind of greenery around me at all times. I was so convinced of nature's ability to heal all wounds that I decided to quit my NYC job and move out to Colorado to be a zip line guide for the summer. I'm not saying this route is for everyone, but I will say that it was one of the best summers of my life. Living in the Rocky Mountains, being on my feet outside everyday in the sunshine, and camping and hiking to my heart's desire really did heal me. While my path has inevitably led me to my wonderful life in DC (which does a much better job at fulfilling my nature needs than NYC did), I now know that I need to get out into nature as often as I can, especially when I feel stressed or claustrophobic. This book shows what humans can do to build a future that incorporates more nature, and what we can all do on an everyday basis to fill our nature needs. If none of these recommendations pique your interest, shoot me a message through the Personalized Recs page and I can recommend books based on what you specifically want. Happy reading, y'all.

After my insane reading year in 2022, I severely burnt myself out on books (can't believe I'm saying that). I've read a handful so far in 2023, but none have really captured my attention or have been able to lift me out of my reading slump. If you're also in a reading slump, I've got a post on my top tips on how to get out of one --- but the most important tip on there is to pick a book you would love to get lost in and that immediately engages you and pulls you in. That's a rare feat so I wanted to highlight the top 10 most absorbing books I've ever read in hopes you'll fall into the wonderful world of these stories as quickly as I did. Fiction Dark Matter by Blake Crouch Dark Matter has one of the most unique and mind-bending storylines I have ever read. It follows a brilliant scientist as he questions the decisions he has made in his life and where it has brought him. He has a wife and son he loves dearly, but at times feels like he gave up a different, more successful life in the field of physics. The central theme is one every reader can relate to, but Crouch goes deeper when he chooses to explore the question of "Are you happy in your life?" The story goes down the insane rabbit hole of the multi-verse, the idea that there are infinite universes existing at this very moment, and how each decision we make alters the universe just a little bit. I remember staying up until 3 AM to finish this book because I absolutely could not put it down. And the ending did not disappoint. I sat by myself for days contemplating the nature of my reality (hello, Westworld), and all the decisions I've made that have led me to where I am today, and what would be different if I had decided differently. It's a mighty feat for a book to make me feel all those feels, but Dark Matter did and did it beautifully. I have no doubt that even if you are not typically a sci-fi reader, you will get snatched up by this book. Looking for Alaska by John Green If you read my latest post about the best books I read in 2022, you'll know that I am a firm believer that books will hit different based on your season of life. I recognize that Looking for Alaska effected me deeply because I read it when I was 16 --- I was young, reckless, and feeling all the emotions of life so intensely (the last part is still true even at 28). But I've reread it as an adult and was still just as engaged and absorbed by this story as I was over a decade ago. Looking for Alaska is the story of Miles aka Pudge, as he searches for his Great Perhaps as a new student at a boarding school in Alabama. He befriends a small group of misfits, including the beautiful and mysterious Alaska Young, and is thrown into a world of pranks, cigarettes, and life contemplation. The exciting and poetic plot barrels towards an event that, once occurs, changes everything, and nothing was the same after. I could probably give a list of the top 5 books that made me bawl my eyes out, and this would absolutely be one of them. The raw adolescent emotion of this book is so incredibly powerful that it stays with you long after you finish the book. It also has my favorite last few pages of any book ever. Pudge reflects over the events that have taken place as he grapples with his grief, and writes that “When adults say, "Teenagers think they are invincible" with that sly, stupid smile on their faces, they don't know how right they are. We need never be hopeless, because we can never be irreparably broken. We think that we are invincible because we are." My 16-year-old self absolutely relished those words. At the time, I felt intoxicated by that feeling of invincibility that Green writes about. I did many dumb, teenage things during those years, but reveled in them because I knew I would never be this young and stupid ever again. And even when I reread the book today, I get that same incredible feeling of power, of promise, of adventure despite the harrowing end. I remember how it felt to be young and reckless, but I also remember that I do not have to lose that feeling as I get older — I just find new ways to experience that thrill of life. The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins If you're really looking to get lost in the reality of a fictional world, reading a series is the way to go. I'm always going to scream about Harry Potter if someone wants a difficult yet uplifting journey, but if you're looking to get lost in a more complicated story, I couldn't recommend The Hunger Games enough. I read this series in high school and at the time, it was years away from being turned into movies and not many people had heard about or read them yet. These books might be the most engrossing I have ever read in my life in terms of plot and pacing. I'm sure you've heard of the story --- Katniss Everdeen lives in a dystopian society that pits the children of its districts against one another in a fight to the death. I distinctly remember reading the first book with my eyes wide open in disbelief, glued to the page, absolutely unable to put it down. I've never seen an author make a scene feel so immediate and intense as Collins. The unique story line was one I had never imagined before in my life, and Collins created characters that were complicated and flawed, emotional and angry. I was hooked. I also have a very vivid memory of finishing the third and final book, Mockingjay, and sobbing into my mother's arms because I was so distraught. There's something about the ending of this series that just really effected me, showing me that war can destroy every inch of a country and a person, but that there are ways to rebuild and find hope. Although The Hunger Games is labeled as young adult, its themes of war and grief reach beyond any age. It is a deeply moving and thrilling story of rebellion, leadership, loss, and how to move forward in the aftermath of destruction. If you're looking to immerse yourself in a powerful fictional tale that makes you think long after the last page, I highly recommend this series. Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir This was one of the best books I read in 2022, and it is arguably the best sci-fi book I have ever read. It's one of those books where the first page immediately grabs you, and keeps your attention throughout the entire journey. The story follows Ryland Grace, who realizes after waking up from a medically induced coma, that he is the sole survivor of a space mission to save Earth from destruction. He is millions of miles from home, and feels the crushing weight of being alone in the galaxy he is hurtling through --- until he learns he might not be as alone as he thought. I am floored by Andy Weir. How can a guy know so much about science, math, and physics yet also be able to write the most perfect science fiction novel to ever exist? His writing is so rare for the genre --- it is sarcastic, engaging, has emotional depth, and had moments I laughed and cried. I felt so connected to the two main characters. The plot was so clever yet reasonable (as reasonable as a journey in outer space can be). The ending was perfect, perfect. I cried so many beautiful tears. The friendship in this book is one of my favorites of all time. This story encompasses what it means to have empathy, to sacrifice, to love, and to care deeply and wholly. Project Hail Mary reminded me why I love fiction so much. A great fiction book can feel more real than nonfiction. It can engross you in its world, yet make you feel more connected to reality and those around you. I truly believe anyone would love this book, no matter what genres usually capture your attention or what season of life you're in ---- it's a modern masterpiece for everyone. The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides (my copy is currently being read by my wonderful mama) I enjoy a good thriller every now and then but none have engrossed me or shocked me more than The Silent Patient. The book opens with words from a woman's diary --- words that would feel familiar to anyone who has ever attempted to keep up with one. "I don’t know why I’m writing this. That’s not true. Maybe I do know, and just don’t want to admit it to myself. I don’t even know what to call it – this thing I’m writing. It feels a little pretentious to call it a diary. It’s not like I have anything to say." The reader soon learns that the woman narrating her diary, Alicia, supposedly killed her husband of seven years and is spending the rest of her life in a psychiatric hospital. The story goes back and forth between two points of view: Alicia's diary, although the entries seem to take place before the murder; and Theo, her psychotherapist, who is desperately trying to figure out why Alicia committed such a heinous crime. I have never read a thriller like this before. The plot sounds stereotypical of the genre, but I realized about a third of the way through the book that this was unlike any book I'd ever read. It's difficult to explain what makes this story so compelling without revealing spoilers, but the twist crept on me slowly and when I realized what was happening, I was floored. The ending haunted me, completely threw me for a loop, and I finished the entire book in two sittings because I could not put it down. Nonfiction Bad Blood by John Carreyrou This page-turning expose chronicles the ridiculous scandal of Elizabeth Holmes, her startup Theranos, and the winding and deep fraud that surrounded the company. First of all, this is simply an incredibly well-written story. I finished it in three days because I couldn't stop reading it. When nonfiction reads like fiction, you know it's going to be memorable. John Carreyrou is actually the journalist who originally broke the story for the Wall Street Journal back in 2015 and it's astounding how much detail he was able to collect to accurately tell this daunting story, and daunting it is. Elizabeth Holmes was America's Silicon Sweetheart for the years she pretended to have invented a technology that would be able to run hundreds of tests on one drop of blood. I think America wants so desperately to have more successful women in the world of technology and startups that it was willing to look past Holme's suspicious activity and demeanor. Can you blame it? Even the people within the company who began to realize that the technology was not working seemed to want Elizabeth to succeed despite her lies. It's a telling account of how far people are willing to go to keep a secret, and how blind people can be because they wish something to be true. A Very Punchable Face by Colin Jost Colin Jost, one of the host's of SNL's Weekend Update, isn't necessarily someone I was super familiar with before reading his memoir. I haven't watched SNL in years and the times I have watched Weekend Update, I wasn't crazy about his humor or demeanor. However, I've enjoyed memoirs quite a bit over the last few years and I believe one of my friends, Alison, raved about this one and I wanted something that could make me laugh. This now one of my favorite memoirs of all time. I listened to the audiobook version, which I definitely recommend, and was shocked at how engrossing Colin's stories were. He talks about his upbringing on Staten Island, going to a fancy private school, getting into Harvard, and finding his way to SNL. All of those facts might deter you from picking this up (it certainly made me wonder how I could relate to a guy like this), but please reconsider. I laughed out loud so many times, I even cried a few times. The story of his mother as the Chief Medical Officer of the NYFD during 9/11 really moved me (that's where the tears came in). His ridiculous antics kept me entertained and engaged the entire book, and I don't know if I've ever enjoyed a memoir quite as much. If you're in a slump, or need a companion on your daily drives or walks, I highly recommend Colin's memoir. Born to Run by Christopher McDougall Even if you're not runner but you enjoy nonfiction, I believe you would still find this book wonderfully engrossing. It's an unusual mix of human evolution, memoir, and ethnography, but it somehow is executed perfectly. McDougall effortlessly moves from talking about his own struggle with running injuries, to the science behind movement, to the practices and culture of the Tarahumara Indians, and finally about an off-the-cuff road race he pulled together in Mexico. There different parts of the book are woven together with tension and stakes, which makes it incredibly engaging. However, if you are a runner or would like to do more of it, you need to read this book. It made me appreciate my body and its potential, and I feel like evolution is on my side whenever I lace up my running shoes and head out the door. Evicted by Matthew Desmond Evicted follows eight families and their landlords in Milwaukee in 2007-2008 as they struggle to pay their rent and deal with the cycle of poverty. The reason this book is so remarkable and convincing is because it is told through the third person. Matthew Desmond is completely silent in this book (until the epilogue and notes). His voice is nowhere to be found. Instead, the stories unfold through the voices of those involved. The book reads like fiction: there are direct quotes, thoughts from inside people’s head, pictures painted from all sides of the rent equation. I have never read a nonfiction book like this before, and I believe it is the main reason why it is so powerful. It is difficult to feel like a reader is getting an objective story when it is told through the eyes of the author. By removing himself from the narrative, Desmond was able to present the harsh and authentic reality of renting in an American city. Poverty is a story best told through the people it affects, and Desmond understood this so well. But he also knew that in order to show the whole picture, he also had to show the lives of landlords and rental managers. Instead of filling this book with just facts, figures, big ideas, and vague details of the lives of those in poverty, Desmond made sure to squeeze empathy out of readers. He described the people and their personalities, their past struggles and mistakes, their hopes and plans for the future. He showed that they are real. These are not fictional characters. The people in this book are real and the horrors they go through are painful and impactful. I will always remember the names of every person in this book - their story, their struggle, their desperation, and their resilience. The end result is astounding. I don’t say this very often, but I believe this is a book that should be read by every American. It shows such a devastating and important part of our country, but a part that most do not ever see or understand. Evicted opened my eyes to the reality of poverty, it changed my mind about underlying and systemic injustices that keep the renting industry where it is, and it evoked anger in me. But instead of ending the book with no solutions, Desmond actually offers up ideas he believes could help solve the problem. Although a harrowing book about poverty, Desmond was able to end on a hopeful note, making it one of the most absorbing books I've ever read. Under the Banner of Heaven by Jon Krakauer Under the Banner of Heaven is one of my favorite books of all time, period. Nonfiction or fiction. I don't think I could ever fully articulate what this book did to me as a person. It changed me in the most unexpected ways. It is one of the most engrossing and well-written books I have ever read. Jon Krakauer is probably one of the most famous (and arguably best) biographers of all time, and his work has won countless awards and been on numerous 'Best of' lists, most notably Into the Wild. But there is something about Under the Banner of Heaven that connected with my soul in a way few books have, let alone a nonfiction book. The Goodreads page calls this book "A multilayered, bone-chilling narrative of messianic delusion, savage violence, polygamy, and unyielding faith," and I really could not have described it better. It is absolutely bone-chilling. It centers around a haunting narrative of two Mormon fundamentalist brothers murdering their sister-in-law and one-year-old niece, which in and of itself is a winding and complicated story. But it is also about faith, human behavior, and religion's battle with modernity. While this story and its history is fascinating on its own, it is so much more gripping because of the way Krakauer pieces the narratives together. He is no doubt a master storyteller, somehow creating anxiety and anticipation in a story that has a well-known ending. I read this book one summer when I was 19 and working as a lifeguard, stealing away into the break room to read just one more chapter. I distinctly remember finishing the book on a lounge chair on my back deck during a cloudy afternoon. I remember this feeling of horror, and of fascination, and of disbelief. I remember processing the story piece by piece, trying to understand the battle that seemed to be waging in my soul over the humanity of the story. Even today, I am still struck by the weight of this book that I read so long ago. I am still heavy with the reality of what happened, and what it means for the human psyche, of what it means for me personally. There will never be a nonfiction account that hits me like this one, making it one of my favorite books of all time. Don't forget, if you're ever in a reading slump and need some inspiration, send me a recommendation request. Tell me what mood you're in, what your reading goals are, or the last book you loved and I will recommend options I think you'll love. Happy reading, y'all.

In the spirit of Valentine's Day, I'm going through my favorite books that deal with every kind of love story. Whether you need a read to help you heal, give you hope that love indeed exists, or even want a book that will break your heart, I've got you covered. Wholesome Love Stories Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen I had to start with this classic. Although novels from the 19th century can seem unappealing to many, the prose of Jane Austen's famous novel is light and accessible. It has one of my favorite love stories in all of fiction, a classic romantic trope of slow burn love. Mr. Darcy is one of the most loved male leads in literary history, and Lizzie Bennett is equally as charming. Slow burn love is probably my favorite love stories because it feels much more realistic than characters who meet and immediately feel attraction and undeniable chemistry. For Mr. Darcy and Lizzie, they detest each other from first meeting but slowly learn that first impressions are not always correct, which makes it all the more fun to watch their story unfold. I also adore the 2005 movie and think it is a superb adaptation of the beloved book. Don't feel like picking up the novel but want to fall in love with the story? Honestly, go watch the film. It's one of the few times I believe a movie adaptation gave its source material justice. But, if you're looking to dive into one of the most beloved love stories of all time, I couldn't recommend Pride and Prejudice enough. Red, White, & Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston This book caught the bookstagram world by storm in 2019, and for good reason. Red, White, & Royal Blue is a contemporary romance novel with an unusual twist ---- the son of America's first woman president falls in love with the Prince of Wales. Not only does it explore the complicated world of fame and politics, it tackles homosexual love in a way that feels very modern and relevant. The writing is ridiculously engaging, the characters are memorable and unique, and although it is a fun read, it's not shallow. The main character, Alex, struggles to tell the people he loves about his sexuality because he's afraid of how it will affect how the family is treated by the press and the world. His internal battle pulls sympathy from the reader, and deepens this love story to more than just boy meets boy. Although I'm not usually one for a typical romance novel, this book took the genre a few steps forward by examining celebrity culture, homosexuality, and the journey to discover oneself. The Host by Stephanie Meyer Alright, hear me out ---- this might be the same author who wrote the Twilight series (which yes, I read in high school and enjoyed at the time because it's an entertaining series), but I think The Host is of much higher quality than the previous series. Not every book has to be ground-breaking and ridiculously well-written in order for a reader to enjoy it and get meaning from it. Sometimes, books can be just purely for pleasure and entertainment and I don't think anyone should be judged for ever picking up and liking a book. The Host is a romantic sci-fi novel about a post-apocalyptic world where alien entities called 'Souls' have taken over the bodies of humans. The story is actually told from the point of view of one Soul who inhabits the body of a human who's consciousness refuses to fade away. The Soul is able to see the memories of the human woman named Melanie, including her feelings of love and sacrifice for her family, and the Soul then decides to go rogue and find Melanie's family. The plot might sound hokey, but it is an engrossing story for fans of sci-fi and really explores the depths of love and redemption. I remember being stuck at an airport overnight when I was 15, freaking out, going to a bookstore to find a book to distract me, buying this book, and then spending the next ten hours in the airport devouring this novel. Even after a decade, this story and its characters still stick with me. It made me question my ideas about romantic love and realize there are so many ways to love someone, and no one way is better than another. If you're looking for an exciting, captivating romance with unexpected turns, take a chance on The Host. Evvie Drake Starts Over by Linda Holmes I know I just spoke about this book in my last post about my January Wrap-Up (which you can check out here), but it is still so fresh in my mind that I had to include it in this list. I won't dive too deep into it as I already covered it in-depth, but I want to highlight that although this is considered a contemporary romance novel, I enjoyed it because it's not all about the romance. I definitely have issues with books that completely center around a love story, which is why I'm typically wary of the genre. I much prefer for there to be other facets of a book that also happens to have romance in it. Evvie Drake Starts Over has a lovely slow burn story between Evvie and a man named Dean, but it's also about Evvie's struggle with her own guilt and shame after her husband she had been planning to leave passes away in a car accident. It's one of those books that goes deep into details, which I love, and centers around Evvie and Drake's everyday mundane lives. I think it's a wonderful story to get cozy with on a cold winter night with a blanket and a cup of tea (which is exactly how I read the majority of this book), and especially during this month of February. Heartbreaking Love Stories Gone With the Wind by Margaret Mitchell Call me masochistic, but there's something invigorating about consuming a heartbreaking love story. I don't necessarily like to do it too often, but every now and then and if it's done well, I find a tragic love story to be really beautiful and affecting. If you read my Top Books of Every Genre (linked here), you'll know that Gone with the Wind is one of my favorite books of all time. I love it so much it's ridiculous. What I didn't talk about in that post was the infamous love story of Scarlett O'Hara and Rhett Butler. It's a complicated story because almost the entire novel, Scarlett is in love with another man and even detests Rhett at times, although he loves her wholly. It is so frustrating because I was screaming at Scarlett constantly, all 1037 pages of it, upset at how blind she was to the most perfect man for her. I don't want to spoil anything, but just be warned that this novel and its love story is heartbreaking yet hopeful, and I don't think I will ever be as deeply moved by a tragic love story more than Scarlett and Rhett's. Call Me By Your Name by Andre Aciman This novel was made famous by the 2017 movie adaptation that got a lot of Oscar buzz and made the world fall in love with Timothee Chalamet (myself included). I read the book first, as I tend to do, and discovered the tragic love between Elio and Oliver. This book is on the more erotic, eccentric side of the romance spectrum. It's written in a way I have never seen before in romance ---- almost a poetic, free-consciousness prose that goes deep into the character of 17-year-old Elio. It is absolutely beautiful, and I was transfixed with the writing and how Aciman approached the short but powerful love between the two men. This story really drives hard the notion that your first love is always the most poignant of your life, but it is made even more affecting by the story being about two men as opposed to a heterosexual couple. I have yet to read the sequel Find Me, although I'm not sure I even want to because I weirdly loved the agonizing ending that often mirrors real-life first love. Dreamland by Sarah Dessen Dreamland is one of my favorite Sarah Dessen books, second only to The Truth About Forever. This heart wrenching book is about a girl named Caitlin who, as a way to escape her own complicated life, falls in love with a magnetic guy named Rogerson. However, he quickly becomes an even more complicated and problematic part of her life, dragging her down to awful lows. Big warning, this book details both physical and psychological abuse and can be extremely difficult to read. It is heartbreaking in the most raw sense, and Caitlin's downward spiral is baffling yet sympathetic. Dessen does an amazing job showing why it can be so hard for people to walk away from loved ones. She goes deep into Caitlin's psyche and experiencing Caitlin's pain and suffering made me weep. It is an achingly painful but beautiful story about strength, forgiveness, and salvation. An American Marriage by Tayari Jones This was an odd book for me. It's a story of newlyweds Celestial and Roy who are torn apart when Roy gets accused of rape even though he is innocent, and is sentenced to years in prison. The book is told through letters between Celestial and Roy, something that is unique although I wasn't crazy about it. However, I think the narrative is extremely important and poignant, analyzing elements of American class, race, and the justice system, as well as young love. It shows how messy and devastating life can be, and how love can be altered and destroyed by unexpected circumstances. But it also explores hope, redemption, and forgiveness, making it a meaningful tale of young love. Stories to Help Heal a Broken Heart The Strength in Our Scars by Bianca Sparacino Honestly, I could argue that all books have the potential to heal a broken heart in their own ways. I tend to turn to books when I want to distract myself from my aching heart or any kind of pain I am experiencing, which has its benefits. In times I need extreme distraction, I'll usually reread the entirety of Harry Potter because no other series will ever be as wonderfully engrossing and nostalgic as that one. But there is incredible value in using books as a way to heal. That usually means facing your pain head on, which can hurt even more, but it has to be done eventually. I spoke about this book in my January Wrap-Up, but I absolutely had to include it in this post. This is one of the few books that I believe can aid in the healing and recovery process straightforwardly. Sparacino even asks the reader to examine their grief in order to unearth hope as well as learn lessons from the painful experience. She writes in such a warm, beautiful, poetic way that I honestly felt she knew my pain personally. Each essay or poem forces the reader to accept their grief but reminds them that there are better things out there more deserving of their love. This book has really helped me deal with my own issues over the last few months, and I keep it by my bedside for any time that I need some words of inspiration or comfort. Wild by Cheryl Strayed When I reflect on the books that have helped heal my heart, whether because it was broken by love or another reason, I always think about Wild. I am wary of hyped-up books, but this one deserves it in my opinion. This book is the memoir of Cheryl Strayed, who after some heartbreaking losses, decides on a whim to hike the Pacific Crest Trail. Now, I'm not saying that hiking will heal all wounds, but I am saying that reading this book made me want to hike a trail and be in nature for a few weeks. Strayed gets real and raw about her story, especially about the passing of her mom. It is often heartbreaking, but learning about her pain through her days on the PCT felt invigorating and uplifting. Watching her go through her own journey of healing and forgiveness helped me deal with my own, making it a perfect read for someone who might be struggling to heal their heart. Good Morning, I Love You by Shauna Shapiro When people think of books about love, they often think of romance or family or friendship. The idea of self-love is almost never considered. While self-love may be a more recent concept that seems to be popular with millennials, its importance cannot be stressed enough. Good Morning, I Love You is a newly published personal development book written by Dr. Shauna Shapiro, who has been studying mindfulness and self-love for over twenty years. She goes deep into the science of mindfulness, self-compassion, and kindness and it's astounding just how undervalued all those practices are, even in the modern world. I think many people think that personal shaming for mistakes is the only way to learn and grow, but Dr. Shapiro proves that the only way to heal and develop is to actually treat yourself with kindness and compassion. I definitely have struggled with this over the last few months, even questioning my self-worth at times. Reading this book has pushed me to accept my mistakes and forgive myself, while also speaking to myself with a gentle graciousness. Healing takes time and patience, but this book has made a world of a difference in my own personal healing journey. I couldn't recommend it enough. A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman When I am personally experiencing heartbreak, I almost never turn to traditional love stories for distraction or healing. I don't tend to want to read about characters finding love and happiness when I myself feel lost. A Man Called Ove is a wonderful, heartwarming story about a grumpy old man whose world is turned upside down when a young family moves in next door. Instead of a story about romantic love, it dives into the unexpected love that comes from opening your heart and home to someone who is struggling. The characters were so lovable, the plot was captivating, and the ending was so beautiful, I cried. It's one of those stories that warms your heart despite its heartbreak. Backman created an unexpected narrative that shows the importance of human connection no matter what age and proves that it is never too late to heal. If you have read any of these books or decide to pick one up and want to discuss further, I am always down to have a conversation. Feel free to shoot me a message through the 'Personalized Recs' page, on Instagram or on Facebook, or you can send me an email at brianasbookshelf@gmail.com. Happy reading, y'all.

2022 was the most difficult year of my life. We found out my dad was sick at the end of 2021, and the first few months of 2022 were filled with appointments, treatments, anxiety, taking care of my dad, and lots of reading. I lost my dad in April, and the rest of the year passed in a blur of deep grief and exhaustion. One of the only things that helped me get through 2022 (besides the amazing people in my life) was reading. Getting up and going through my day often felt draining and impossible, and sometimes, the only thing that got me through was knowing I could lay on the couch with a book at the end of the day. As if I needed a reason to love books even more, they comforted my broken heart through my darkest times. Although I usually don't like to share my personal life, I feel that it's important in the context of this post. I've always believed that books will hit differently based on your season of life. I know I would not have reacted the way I did to some of these stories had I not lost my dad this year. And because my own life felt difficult and confusing, I continuously reached for books that were simple and easy. I read a ridiculous amount of romance books this year, ones where I knew no one would die in the end and everyone would end up together and happy. I say this without judgment --- this is why all genres are important, because each one gives readers something they need in the moment, and I am grateful for the endless supply of comforting reads that filled 2022. So, here are the 10 books that stuck with me in the sea of 100. Books and Libraries: Poems by Andrew D. Scrimgeour The first is a bit of an odd ball. I am including this anthology of poems for a few reasons. One, the cover is stunning, and it's a pocket book that you can carry around for comfort. Two, I bought it in Paris, at the most beautiful bookstore Shakespeare and Company. I took a trip in the fall to visit one of my best friends who lives in Frankfurt, and we traveled to Paris and Amsterdam. That trip felt like the beginning of me feeling like myself again. I felt alive for the first time in months, and this book will always be a special reminder of that wonderful adventure. If you're a book lover, or even want to purchase a gift for a book lover, I highly recommend this little beauty filled with the tender words of those who have adored books over the centuries as much as I have. Grief Day by Day by Jan Warner My best friend gifted me this book a few days after my dad passed. I'm a big 'morning chapter with my coffee' gal, and this book was perfect for the quiet mornings I had before I began work each day. The author, Jan Warner, lost her husband and her grief spills through the pages of this book, but it helped me sit with my own grief. She divides the book into chapters and phases, each with different quotes and practices that might give someone a little more structure to the awful blob that is the passing of a loved one. Whether or not someone is a consistent reader, I think it's a great resource for someone struggling with grief, no matter how much time has passed. People We Meet on Vacation by Emily Henry This might be controversial for some. If you aren't a regular reader of romance books, Emily Henry is a queen of the romcom genre. I've read all of her books, and thoroughly enjoyed each one, but the one that stuck with me was undoubtedly People We Meet on Vacation. The story follows two best friends from college in two different timelines --- one from the past and one from the present. Alex and Poppy kept up their precious friendship over the years by meeting up for a vacation at least once a year. But something happened that caused them to drift away, and each chapter brings the reader closer to finding out what went wrong. I feel like this book needs the context of when I read it. It was about a month after my dad passed, and I was on my annual beach trip with some of my best friends, which I look forward to every year. I had purchased the book from a used bookstore the year before, but wanted to wait to read it on a vacation, of course. You'll see that the theme of friendship was a big factor when choosing my favorite books of this year. I wouldn't have gotten through 2022 without my friends, and maybe that affected the way I now look at fictional friendships. There's something about the friends to lovers trope that hits right with me. It feels more realistic to me when two people get to know each other without immediate chemistry and romance. Many relationships in romance books feel weird, forced, or overly sexual. The connection between Alex and Poppy feels so warm and familiar, and the love that blossoms between them feels natural. This book enveloped me in its fictional world, and made me forget about my broken heart for just a little bit, all while on a warm beach with my closest friends. If possible, I highly recommend the same setting if you plan to read this book. A Very Punchable Face by Colin Jost My love for this memoir shocked me. Even after I sat and thought about what books stood out for me this year, it still surprised me that A Very Punchable Face was one of them, but I can't deny its greatness. Colin Jost, one of the host's of SNL's Weekend Update, isn't necessarily someone I was super familiar with before reading his memoir. I haven't watched SNL in years and the times I have watched Weekend Update, I wasn't crazy about his humor or demeanor. However, I've enjoyed memoirs quite a bit over the last few years and I believe one of my friends, Alison, raved about this one and I wanted something that could make me laugh. This now one of my favorite memoirs of all time. I listened to the audiobook version, which I definitely recommend, and was shocked at how engrossing Colin's stories were. He talks about his upbringing on Staten Island, going to a fancy private school, getting into Harvard, and finding his way to SNL. All of those facts might deter you from picking this up (it certainly made me wonder how I could relate to a guy like this), but please reconsider. I laughed out loud so many times, I even cried a few times. The story of his mother as the Chief Medical Officer of the NYFD during 9/11 really moved me (that's where the tears came in). His ridiculous antics kept me entertained and engaged the entire book, and I don't know if I've ever enjoyed a memoir quite as much. If you're in a slump, or need a companion on your daily drives or walks, I highly recommend Colin's memoir. If We Were Villains by M.L. Rio Autumn is my favorite time of year for so many reasons. The weather, the smells, that inexplicable cozy feeling, candles, big blankets, oversized mugs with tea, and needing no excuse to curl up with a good book. Books hit different in the fall, it's just a fact. And if it's in the dark academia category, it's even better. One of my favorite reads from a few years ago was The Secret History by Donna Tartt (another favorite of mine), and this book was recommended by countless bookstagrammers for the perfect autumn read that's similar to The Secret History, and I picked it up this past October. If We Were Villains opens with a man who was in prison for ten years for murder, although it's clear from the beginning that his imprisonment might have been unjustified. The story goes back and forth between present-day Oliver, who is recently released, and his group of college friends from a decade ago. This Shakespeare-obsessed clan has secrets that spill through the pages at unexpected times, each member hiding their own motivations or desires. What a majestic, beautifully written, unsettling book. There were moments I was at the edge of my seat, anxiously reading and wondering if that chapter would hold the details to the murder, to who did it, and why. The thrill of 'whodunit' isn't necessarily driving the story --- it's more about the personality of each character, the anxiety I felt as I watched the events unfold. The moral quandaries felt remarkably relatable and believable, which I find is difficult in a book about murder. Try to snag this book in that precious autumn window, preferably during a chilly and rainy night, and prepare for an intoxicating ride. The Truth About Forever by Sarah Dessen I've already written about this book in my Top Books of Every Genre post I wrote a few years ago, but it must be resurfaced. I reread this book every few years, but this year felt different. It follows Macy, a 17-year-old girl who recently lost her father and is struggling to process her grief and move on with her life. She meets a rambunctious catering crew, filled with the most wonderful and memorable characters, who help her realize that it is okay to be sad and it is okay to let go of control sometimes. Can you tell why this story might have hit different during this reread? I read it days after my dad passed. It was during those few precious days I had off work to grieve with my mom and my sister. It was a surprisingly beautiful time. We cremated my dad and got to take him home, we had friends and family come to give their support, having flowers and food sent to us. But mostly, it was just the three of us. We watched old home movies, looked through countless pictures, cried together, and spent time alone. Honestly, it's a time I will always remember fondly. Life didn't feel real. We took a break from reality, and it didn't really set in yet that my dad was truly gone. I knew I wanted to revisit The Truth About Forever during that week, my most precious and dear comfort read. And reading the book in that moment, feeling real empathy for the girl who also lost her father, was a different experience. I began to realize that I will always gravitate towards characters who lost a father. Losing a loved one can feel strangely isolating, even when you're close with the people who also lost them. But their relationship with that person will never be yours, and you will never find another like it. Macy's relationship with her dad reminded me so much of mine. They had a precious bond, and I felt incredible comfort knowing that my pain was similar to her pain. Regardless of age or grief or stage of life, this book will always be relevant. It is a book I will never stop recommending, and I will never stop rereading. Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin This was probably the most over-hyped book on bookstagram this year. Everyone seemed to have read it on the bookish side of the internet, and I was skeptical but intrigued because it was a storyline I had never heard before. Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow follows two childhood friends, Sam and Sadie, as they work their way through life and eventually begin working on video games together. That is the basic premise, but holy shit is this book so ridiculously engaging and intricate. A theme of my favorite books of this year was friendship. I truly believe fiction lacks strong and nontoxic friendships, so when I find instances where it's done well, I fall in love. Sam and Sadie are unique characters that aren't the most likable but are flawed in a way that's realistic and captivating. They continuously struggle throughout the book with communication, which isn't uncommon in the real world. People in their lives often question why they're not romantically involved, and both explain that their friendship doesn't have to be sexual in order to be significant. It is such a refreshing take on male and female friendship. I also really enjoyed the video game creation storyline. I'm not super into video games but the way Gabrielle Zevin builds the world, both in their reality and in their video games, is utterly fascinating and absorbing. Although this isn't a small book, it captures the reader's attention and holds it firmly throughout the entire story. I would recommend this book to anyone who loves fiction, but especially if you enjoy playing video games. What a strange marriage of the two vices, but what a feat of literature. Lost & Found by Kathryn Schulz This is a book that I know wouldn't have hit me so hard had I not lost my dad. I don't think it would've been a favorite of the year --- I don't know if I would've even picked it up. My sister sent me a list of books that were recommended for dealing with grief, and this happened to be on it. Lost & Found is Kathryn Schulz's account of losing her father and finding her soulmate. The similarities between her situation and mine felt uncanny. Her father was a Jewish and Polish immigrant, who was loud and charismatic and was constantly forgetting where he put things. She has an older sister and grounded mother, the four of them being a tight knit group that, though not perfect, was loving and precious. If all these parallels weren't enough, the way her father passed was so eerily similar to mine that it was almost difficult to read. I cried very, very hard reading this book. But it might be one of the few books I will ever read that wholly understands my pain. Schulz was able to voice her grief in a way that I still can't do. I was shocked at how similarly we reacted to losing our dads --- with exhaustion and a painful quiet. Her words are haunting, beautiful, powerful, brilliant. Her grappling of death and what it means to those still living, was miraculous to read. Her realization of how precious life is, how fleeting, helped me process my own grief. I wish I could say we had even more in common --- I desperately wish I could've met my partner before my dad passed, that he could've met the person I would spend my life with, the way Schulz's dad did. Those were perhaps some of the more painful parts to read. I felt jealous and crushed, the way I do every time I realize my dad will never know the person I marry, and that person will never experience the wonder that was my incredible father. He is such an integral part of who I am, let alone where I get my name from, that it haunts me knowing my future partner will never understand that precious piece of me. But to see Schulz find happiness and love after such intense sadness and loss gives me hope. And if I ever feel alone in my grief, I know I can turn to her to feel a little more understood. Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir Every few years, I come across a book I consider a masterpiece. It doesn't happen very often, but when it does, it becomes embedded in my soul. Project Hail Mary is one of the best books I've ever read, period. The story follows Ryland Grace, who realizes after waking up from a medically induced coma, that he is the sole survivor of a space mission to save Earth from destruction. He is millions of miles from home, and feels the crushing weight of being alone in the galaxy he is hurtling through --- until he learns he might not be as alone as he thought. I am floored by Andy Weir. How can a guy know so much about science, math, and physics yet also be able to write the most perfect science fiction novel to ever exist? His writing is so rare for the genre --- it is sarcastic, engaging, has emotional depth, and had moments I laughed and cried. I felt so connected to the two main characters. The plot was so clever yet reasonable (as reasonable as a journey in outer space can be). The ending was perfect, perfect. I cried so many beautiful tears. The friendship in this book is one of my favorites of all time. This story encompasses what it means to have empathy, to sacrifice, to love, and to care deeply and wholly. Project Hail Mary reminded me why I love fiction so much. A great fiction book can feel more real than nonfiction. It can engross you in its world, yet make you feel more connected to reality and those around you. I truly believe anyone would love this book, no matter what genres usually capture your attention or what season of life you're in ---- it's a modern masterpiece for everyone. The Anthropocene Reviewed by John Green If you happened to read my January 2022 Wrap-Up post, you'll be familiar with this book. It hit me in a way few books ever have in my life, which for a voracious reader like me, is a big deal. The Anthropocene Reviewed is actually a book of essays that was originally a podcast by Green. I'll link the podcast here but I never actually listened to it and I'm glad I didn't. I prefer reading people's personal words on a page, hearing their voice in my own head. I think it makes me feel more connected to them. Green began this podcast and subsequently published this book during the pandemic, reviewing quirky and obscure topics like the QWERTY keyboard and sunsets and Canada geese and the city of Indianapolis, rating them on a scale of one to five. He talks about making a garden in the pandemic, wondering if we'll be able to save the earth from our own demise, and the typical existential humanitarian crises. Each essay is only a few pages long, and Green's writing is just as I remember it ---- beautiful, poetic, direct, accessible, and soulful. I laughed out loud many times. I cried many times. His essays didn't give me an escape, they pulled me back into reality ---- reality of the world, of humanity, but especially, of my own personal life. There's one essay in particular I want to highlight. It's titled "Auld Lang Syne," the famous song that people sing on New Years Eve. If you Google it, you'll know it. Green chronicles a precious friendship with his mentor Amy Krouse Rosenthal. Amy had a particular fascination with Auld Lang Syne because it was sung by soldiers in the trenches of World War I one Christmas Eve. The soldiers ---- whether English, Scottish, Prussian or German --- put down their weapons for one night and gathered to play soccer, exchange souvenirs, and sing this song. They began to sing this tune but instead with the words, "We're here because we're here because we're here because we're here." Amy died of cancer in 2017, and Green reflects on why that song and story meant so much to her. He writes, "Although it's a profoundly nihilistic song written about the modernist hell of repetition, singing this song with Amy, I could always see the hope in it. It became a statement that we are here --- meaning that we are together, and not alone. And it's also a statement that we are, that we exist. And it's a statement that we are here, that a series of astonishing unlikelihoods has made us possible and here possible. We might never know why we are here, but we can still proclaim in hope that we are here. I don't think such hope is foolish or idealistic or misguided. We live in hope --- that life will get better, and more importantly, that it will go on, that love will survive even though we will not. And between now and then, we are here because we're here because we're here because we're here." Those words crawled into my soul. They have been burned into me. Even writing them out now evokes a depth of response I haven't felt from a book in a very long time. These words hold my heavy grief in gentle hands, they tell me it's okay to feel sad and scared and yet, still hopeful. My dad is gone but the love I have for him lives on. It grounds me, pulls me into the present moment, which feels fleeting but precious. Sometimes, I get lost in the pain, but books like The Anthropocene Reviewed remind me that life will get better, that it will go on, that love will survive even though we will not. This post turned out to be more emotionally raw and vulnerable than I anticipated, but I hope it inspires some 2023 reading. I also hope it made those who might be struggling with grief feel a little less alone. I'm always just an email away, happy to talk books or life or death ---- brianasbookshelf@gmail.com. Happy reading, y'all.

I broke my own record by reading 14 books this month. Granted, I think I lost some social skills along the way, burying myself into blankets of words, but I don't mind. When times get hard, I tend to retreat into my books because nothing gives me quite as much comfort. I also decided to skip out on a Top Books of 2021 post because when I looked back on the year (both in terms of reading and life in general), there wasn't much to write home about. I enjoyed a few of the 60 books I read, but not one book really spoke to me enough to call it a favorite. It felt weirdly dishonest to write a post about my top books when I didn't feel passionate about any of them. However, I have two new favorites from this month that I happily gobbled up. One of them in particular will live in my soul forever. I also won't write about all of the 14 books I read this month, just the ones I believe deserve a review. The Mountain is You by Brianna Wiest I'm not ashamed to admit that I love personal development books. I'm always in the middle of one as I like to read a chapter in the morning with my coffee. It just makes me feel like I have my life together even if it is falling apart. If you've seen snippets of book TikTok (BookTok) or any bits of the Thought Catalogue niche on Instagram, you've probably seen this book. I have to say, I absolutely adore Thought Catalogue book covers and their overall marketing. They definitely target spiritual millennials looking to find themselves or improve their life. I figured it couldn't hurt to check out The Mountain Is You since it has such great reviews on Goodreads. This book focuses on self-sabotage --- what it is, how it manifests, and how to overcome it. I think there were some good takeaways and I don't have anything particularly negative to say but since Wiest is not a licensed psychologist, nor does she have a background in research, I had a hard time feeling like she had authority. I'm assuming she took bits and pieces from other authors she's read in the past and expressed them in her own way. Again, there is nothing inherently wrong with this but I think going forward, I will stick to authors with a little more credibility. Rating: 5/10 Migrations by Charlotte McConaghy Charlotte McConaghy has been an author I've been dying to read for about a year now. Her books share content areas of nature, wildlife protection, and family trauma ---- some of my favorite storylines. I wanted to read Once There Were Wolves more but it just so happens that Migrations came off the library hold list first, so it was the first one I read. Migrations follows Franny Stone, a woman set on tracking Arctic terns migration patterns via any fishing boat who will let her on board. From the first chapter, you can tell there are secrets Franny holds close, both from the other characters and also from the reader. Once she finds a crew willing to let her on board their fishing boat, she is determined to see her journey through wherever it may lead. The book goes back and forth between her mysterious past, including an unaccounted for husband, and her uncertain present. I should preface this review by saying I really don't enjoy authors that pack trauma onto one character. I believe it's a cheap and uncreative way to push a story forward. It seems authors do this to illicit tears from the reader or give more depth to the story, neither of which works on me. When awful things keep happening to one character, I feel way more distant from the story and also annoyed at the author. Franny's life is basically just one long depressing saga of awful events. When a chapter would end with either a present-day tragedy or a discovery of one from the past, it would push me further away from the heart of the story. I had to force myself to finish. Don't get me wrong, I believe the actual plot is unique and McConaghy's writing is superb so I kept going, but by the end I had trauma burnout. There was one small plot point that happened at the end of the book that made me feel slightly better about the other 95% of it, but it couldn't save the entirety of the story in my eyes. Rating: 6/10 A Court of Thorns and Roses #1, 2, 3, and 3.5 by Sarah J. Maas Any lovers of YA fantasy or BookTok will know this series well. I actually avoided reading this series because it was so overhyped. I read another fantasy series by Maas back in 2017, Throne of Glass, and thoroughly enjoyed it. Both series are by no means high-fantasy on par with Game of Thrones or The Lord of the Rings. Maas tends to lean towards more accessible YA fantasy, with lots of romance and spiciness thrown in. However, the universe she has created is engrossing, with many strong female characters and hot men to dream about. A Court of Thorns and Roses starts off as a retelling of Beauty and the Beast, in a land where magical faeries rule and humans are at the bottom of the food chain. Feyre is a poor girl who must hunt to save her family from starvation. When she accidentally kills an enchanted wolf, she must pay for her crime by coming into the faerie realm to live with her masked captor. The first book in this series was good ---- a fun and absorbing dive into a world of magic and very attractive beings. I definitely had a few issues with some plot points, but overall, Feyre was an easy heroine to root for. The second book, A Court of Mist and Fury, was better than the first and probably my favorite installment overall. I enjoyed the lore and new characters, particularly the new love interest. It's hard to go into the plot without giving away the ending of the first book, but I'll just say that war is clearly inevitable between different faerie factions and of course, Feyre is a key to winning the upcoming war. The third, A Court of Wings and Ruin, was also solid and entertaining. I was a little bothered that the climax to the war that had been building up over three books did not kill a single main character (is it giving it away if I say that?), but I thought it was a decent end to the conflict. I was surprised that there was not only one, but two other books already published in this series as this saga seemed to be tied with a bow. I read the extra book that is considered a novella and not necessary for the series, A Court of Frost and Starlight, and boy, was it unnecessary. I actually regretted reading this book because I felt like it made me dislike the characters I actually had grown to like and respect, and there was no plot. I planned to read the fourth book but to be honest, I was burnt out on this fantasy world and needed a break. Maybe I will pick it up one of these days, but I might not. The third book just felt like a proper ending and I am not particularly interested in seeing these characters more, and I was shocked to learn that Maas is writing two more books. I am utterly dumbfounded on what those books will be about, but I suppose Maas has a big enough fan base that loyal readers will buy any book she puts out in this series. Overall, it was a fun universe to fall into at the start of the new year, and helped me establish my nightly reading routine that set me up to get through so many books this month. Rating: 6.5/10 The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid Taylor Jenkins Reid's books have blown up more than any other author I've ever seen on the internet. People are crazy about her writing and consistently rate her books above 4 stars on Goodreads. Per usual, I hesitated to pick up her books because they were so over hyped, but had an itch for some more fun and juicy reads this month. I borrowed this copy of The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo from my coworker Devon, who found it at one of the countless Little Free Libraries around DC, clearly passed around and loved by many residents. This glamorous and sensational story surrounds Evelyn Hugo, a fictional starlet of the mid 20th century who had a history of successful films but unsuccessful marriages. Evelyn kept her mysterious life very private over the years but decides to finally serve up the tea after over 50 years in the spotlight, and demands that an unknown magazine writer be the one to write it. I was quickly absorbed into this story and thoroughly enjoyed the life of this beautiful and complicated woman. The thing I like most about Reid's writing is that although her writing is very accessible and her plots are entertaining, they aren't full of fluff. There are substantial topics in here, from LGBTQ rights to abuse to physician-assisted suicide. Her books feel like guilty pleasures, although I don't feel guilty in the end because they always have more depth than you'd think. Rating: 7.5/10 Malibu Rising by Taylor Jenkins Reid I often tell people that if they find an author they really like, they should continue with their books because it's a great way to keep a reading streak going. I found myself wanting to read more of Reid ---- her stories often feature fictional Hollywood stars or musicians, filled with scandal and intrigue and glamour. Malibu Rising has two timelines. The first is in 1983, when the Riva family throws their annual summer party and all of Hollywood's craziest and most attractive flock to their beach house. The second timeline follows the genesis of the Riva family, recounting how Mick and June Riva fall in love, the plot weaving in and out of their tragic lives. I absolutely love a good family drama story (a few favorites include The Most Fun We Ever Had and Ask Again, Yes). There's something so intriguing to me about exploring dysfunctional family dynamics, with each family member getting their own story and having their own voice. Malibu Rising is a deliciously fun analysis of the Riva family, and how each member deals with trauma. Reid also likes to tie her books to one another, so Mick Riva is actually the third husband of Evelyn Hugo. I love when authors do that, it makes the universe they created feel that more real. Although both books were entertaining reads with great depth, I give Malibu Rising a slightly higher rating because of my personal preference for family analyses. Rating: 8/10 Once There Were Wolves by Charlotte McConaghy Charlotte McConaghy wrote Once There Were Wolves after Migrations and I believe greatly improved her quality of storytelling. She honed in on the things she was good at and dropped most of the melodramatic tropes from her previous novel. Inti Flynn is a biologist who moves to Scotland to continue her attempt at reintroducing wolves back into different wildlife areas. Inti also has a rare neurological condition called mirror-touch synesthesia, complicating her professional and personal life. Her brain makes her believe she is physically feeling the sensory experiences of other beings and animals. If she watches a deer get gutted by a hunter, she feels the knife going through herself as well. All of this, in addition to secrets that are revealed slowly throughout the story, mold Inti into a private and overly cautious woman. But she begins to open herself up to friendship and love in this little Scottish town, until the mysterious death of a local pushes her to protect the things she loves most. The mood and tone of this book was spectacular. I was glued to the page, both by McConaghy's beautiful descriptions of the wolves and native lands of Scotland, and the captivating storyline that weaves in and out of timelines. I felt like the characters were realistic and fleshed out. Inti is a flawed character but likable ---- I held onto the hope that she would find peace and happiness in the end. There are twists and turns, and I felt that secrets were revealed at perfect points in the story. I got lost in Inti's world, which is exactly what I hope for in a fictional book. This has become a new favorite, and I highly recommend it for any fiction lover. Rating: 9/10 The Anthropocene Reviewed by John Green Every once in a while, when I least expect it, I read a book that speaks to my soul. It doesn't happen all that often, which is odd and disappointing considering how voracious of a reader I am. I didn't come across any in 2021. But I should've known the next one would be a John Green book. I unashamedly love John Green. I have read all his books, although most are good but not great. But his first novel, Looking for Alaska, is one of my favorite and dearest books of all time. I read it when I was 16, at a time when being young and reckless made so much sense to me because it meant I was alive. It came into my life at the perfect moment. And I've come to realize that there may have to be certain circumstances for a book to become a favorite. Perhaps The Anthropocene Reviewed would not have affected me so much had I not read it in the exact moment I did. I've been having a rough time. And maybe I haven't been processing some of my emotions in the way that I should. It's part of the reason I read so many books this month. I needed an escape. The Anthropocene Reviewed is actually a book of essays that was originally a podcast by Green. I'll link the podcast here but I never actually listened to it and I'm glad I didn't. I prefer reading people's personal words on a page, hearing their voice in my own head. I think it makes me feel more connected to them. Green began this podcast and subsequently published this book during the pandemic, reviewing quirky and obscure topics like the QWERTY keyboard and sunsets and Canada geese and the city of Indianapolis, rating them on a scale of one to five. He talks about making a garden in the pandemic, wondering if we'll be able to save the earth from our own demise, and the typical existential humanitarian crises. Each essay is only a few pages long, and Green's writing is just as I remember it ---- beautiful, poetic, direct, accessible, and soulful. I laughed out loud many times. I cried many times. His essays didn't give me an escape, it pulled me back into reality ---- reality of the world, of humanity, but especially, of my own personal life. There's one essay in particular I want to highlight. It's titled "Auld Lang Syne," the famous song that people sing on New Years Eve. If you Google it, you'll know it. Green chronicles a precious friendship with his mentor Amy Krouse Rosenthal. Amy had a particular fascination with Auld Lang Syne because it was sung by soldiers in the trenches of World War I one Christmas Eve. The soldiers ---- whether English, Scottish, Prussian or German --- put down their weapons for one night and gathered to play soccer, exchange souvenirs, and sing this song. They began to sing this tune but instead with the words, "We're here because we're here because we're here because we're here." Amy died of cancer in 2017, and Green reflects on why that song and story meant so much to her. He writes, "Although it's a profoundly nihilistic song written about the modernist hell of repetition, singing this song with Amy, I could always see the hope in it. It became a statement that we are here --- meaning that we are together, and not alone. And it's also a statement that we are, that we exist. And it's a statement that we are here, that a series of astonishing unlikelihoods has made us possible and here possible. We might never know why we are here, but we can still proclaim in hope that we are here. I don't think such hope is foolish or idealistic or misguided. We live in hope --- that life will get better, and more importantly, that it will go on, that love will survive even though we will not. And between now and then, we are here because we're here because we're here because we're here." Those words crawled into my soul. They have been burned into me. Even writing them out now evokes a depth of response I haven't felt from a book in a very long time. These words hold my own grief in gentle hands, they tell me it's okay to feel sad and scared and yet, still hopeful. I think this book was published with a perfect concoction of circumstances. And not just for me, but for everyone. Hope can seem like an elusive treasure in times like these. The pandemic has made the future seem much more scary and uncertain. But Green's words remind us that there are so many things to hold dear, many possibilities for the future, and many reasons to have hope. In the words of John Green, I give The Anthropocene Reviewed ten stars. Rating: 10/10 Almost every person I know has a goal to read more books in 2022. Lucky for you, I have a personalized recommendations form you can submit to fuel your reading resolution. Tell me your favorite books, genres, what kind of mood you're in, and I will suggest some books I think you'll love. Don't be afraid to use and abuse my little bookworm brain, I'll be happy you did. Happy reading!

There are so many reasons to love fall ---- the weather, comfy sweaters, the leaves changing, bonfires, Halloween, Thanksgiving. But I think my favorite part of fall is that inexplicable cozy feeling that makes me want to curl up on the couch with a cup of tea, a candle burning, and a great book. This book list could've been endless, but I had to narrow it down to the best of the best. These reads give me the ultimate autumn vibes, with some being more spooky or haunting, some surrounding academia, and others being more cozy and heartwarming, but all have amazing stories that will keep you glued to the page and your comfy couch. Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier I read the majority of this novel one rainy Sunday October night last year with a cup of tea on the couch, with my favorite candle lit for ambiance (which, by the way, is Autumn by Bath and Body Works and it is the best candle of all time). The story follows an unnamed narrator, who marries an older man she meets in Monte Carlo and follows him to his estate called Manderley in the English countryside. She becomes obsessed with his late wife, Rebecca, who the narrator believes her husband and all residents at Manderley still love. As she unravels Rebecca's life and death, she discovers secrets that haunt the estate. This is a classic for a reason. It took me a few chapters to get into it, but once the narrator arrives at Manderley, things start to pick up and I couldn't put the book down. I will say that the narrator annoys me most of the book and can seem very childish, but that didn't stop the suspense from oozing through her words. There are are a few twists, including one at the end I actually did not see coming, and I loved the abrupt and intense last few pages. I think this is also a good book to pick up if you're looking to get more into classics as it is more absorbing and engaging than other classics I've read. There have been a few adaptations of this novel, including the Oscar-winning Hitchcock film in 1940, and also a more recent one on Netflix starring Armie Hammer and Lily James. I screened the recent Netflix version and I definitely prefer the book (but that usually happens with me). The Road by Cormac McCarthy Ah, Cormac McCarthy. He is truly one of the greatest of all time. His words cut through your soul, his stories are devastating, yet there is somehow inexplicable beauty in all of his novels. I read The Road during the fall of my senior year of high school, and I will never forget the heart-wrenching ending that stayed heavy on my soul for weeks after I finished it. Okay, maybe I shouldn't be putting all of this in the beginning of the review and I don't want to scare you off, but I have to warn you, this novel is not for the faint of heart (none of McCarthy's works are). But the journey is so eloquent, so moving, so provoking, it's worth it. The Road is a post-apocalyptic novel about a man and his son as they journey across the barren land towards the coast in hopes of finding any remnants of human civilization. I've read a lot of post-apocalyptic fiction over the years, but no story has ever hit me the way this one did. It's simple in its premise and delivery, yet this somehow heightens the emotion and intensity. There's something about post-apocalyptic fiction that screams fall to me. The man and his son have to brave the elements in order to survive, creating a suspenseful atmosphere that makes me feel grateful to have a warm home. I remember turning the pages anxiously, sneaking reads in during my shift at the Durham restaurant Parizade, and finally finishing the entire novel in my car before I left work. I sat in my car for probably twenty minutes after I finished, attempting to process as tears streamed down my face. And that memory has never left me, that feeling has remained, and I have no doubt it would do the same to any reader who picks it up. The Ex Hex by Erin Sterling The Ex Hex has been all over bookstagram and I've been looking for a light and fun fall read and this seemed like the perfect one. This witchy story starts out with Vivi Jones drinking vodka in her bathtub after getting her heart broken. In a moment of weakness and intoxication, she accidentally hexes her ex. Years later, that dreamy Welsh ex comes back into town and she realizes her accidental curse was more powerful and dangerous than she had intended. I've had my issues with romantic comedies over the years and while it is still not my favorite genre, a fun and absorbing romcom can really pick me up out of a reading slump. This one gave great Halloween vibes, set up scenes really well, and there were conflicts outside of just the love story, which is necessary for me to enjoy a chick-lit book. While it was still predictable and sometimes my eyes rolled at the descriptions of the steamier parts, I think it's a great October read for fans of the genre. It made me want to cast my own spells with candles burning and perhaps a glass of red wine on a stormy autumn night. Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte This might be one of my top classics of all time. I read this book as required reading the summer before my senior year of high school and fell in love. If you don't know the legendary plot, Jane Eyre centers around Jane, a girl who always felt like an outcast, and follows her as she is hired as a governess for the brooding and mysterious Rochester at his estate in Thornfield Hall. I don't think it's a spoiler to say they fall in love, but there are secrets hidden in Thornfield Hall that threaten to unravel the life Jane has created. Part love story, part mystery, part coming-of-age, this novel is unique in its moody atmosphere that makes it perfect for fall. I felt connected to Jane and very present in the story. There are so many aspects that make this a true and unforgettable classic: the descriptions of Thornfield Hall, the strange mannerisms of Rochester, the twists and turns of the book, but especially, the growth of Jane and watching her find her identity and confidence. If you're looking to try more classics but are wary of the genre, Jane Eyre is a captivating story that transports you to the past, all while sitting on your reading chair with a cup of tea in your hand. Better Than Before by Gretchen Rubin I'm throwing in a personal development book into this list because I know that for me, autumn always reminds me of a new school year and getting organized and settling down for productive months ahead. While I might be years out of school, I still find myself wanting to instill some good habits and up my reading, exercise, and productivity (before I inevitably hibernate for wintertime). While my all-time favorite habits book is Atomic Habits by James Clear, this is a close second. Gretchen Rubin has a very distinct voice and uses many anecdotes to drive home her points but it worked for me. She gives practical and helpful tips on making and breaking habits, and for me, step-by-step instructions on what I should implement in my routines is the best way for me to build new habits. I always read a chapter or two of a personal development book in the morning with my coffee and I think that's a great way to get the most out of this book. Piranesi by Susanna Clarke One of my favorite BookTubers (YouTubers who review books) raved about Piranesi and specifically suggested reading it in the fall because of its eery and haunting atmosphere. I picked it up a few weeks ago and was not disappointed. This strange and fairly short book opens with a man named Piranesi who believes he has lived his entire life inside this never-ending building of statues and corridors and great halls. He happily explores this labyrinth, fishing for food and writing in his journals. There is one other person in this world --- a man called The Other, who visits Piranesi twice a week to research the labyrinth and discover the secret to unlock an old and powerful knowledge. As the story progresses, you realize that Piranesi is stuck inside this world he knows little about, and his own reality begins to unravel. I love an unreliable narrator. It feels like you're piecing together a mystery even as the main character is unable to do it for himself. This book was beautiful and haunting, a puzzle begging to be solved, and I loved every moment inside its eery pages. The Starless Sea by Erin Morgenstern I suppose since autumn signals back-to-school for a lot of people, it is the perfect season for diving into books surrounding academia (bonus points if it is set during the fall season or is somehow haunting or creepy). This book centers around Zachary Ezra Rawlins, an introverted graduate student who is way too into his books and love of reading (sound familiar?). He discovers a mysterious book in his school library and reads something that shakes him to his core: a story from his own childhood. He begins a desperate search to find out how his own life came to be recorded in a book, and that search leads him to a secret club, an ancient library in New York, and a magical world that is hidden beneath the surface of the earth. Zachary learns of the sacrifices countless souls have made to preserve the sanctity of story-telling, and he begins to realize he may have to make a similar sacrifice. The Starless Sea has everything I adore about fiction ---- a story rooted in magical realism, a main character obsessed with books and adventure, and the most enchanting prose I've read in years. Time and time again, this book filled me with that giddy, heart-skipping excitement that I get when I read a story that makes me feel like the fantastical is hidden behind a door that I have yet to discover. I feel like a child again when I read books like this one, hopeful that magic exists if I'm observant enough to find it. Honestly, if I were to write a fictional book, it would be extremely close to this one, and the fact that I was able to dive into a story that speaks to my book-loving soul was the most marvelous reading experience I've had in a long time. If you're anything like me and relish the possibility that magic exists right under our noses, I think you will love this book. The Secret History by Donna Tartt Few books have been able to surpass the amazing, tangible, autumnal atmosphere of this novel. I swear I could hear the leaves crunching and smell the bonfires Donna Tartt describes. This book has also been the pillar of the new internet obsession called 'dark academia aesthetic' (you can Google it to get a sense of what the heck I'm talking about). It is probably my top recommendation if you're looking to get into the autumnal spirit. The Secret History follows a young man as he enrolls in a college in New England and befriends a group of strange misfit students, all who worship their Greek professor. You learn from the first chapter that they commit a heinous crime, although the novel then goes back and tells the entire story, both leading up to the event and the years after. In theory, the mystery of 'who done it' gets taken away, but the thrill of this book continues long after the last page. The characters are very unlikable (at least for me). They are pretentious, careless, and consider themselves elite. It's strange to read an entire 559 page book and never grow to like the characters. But this is surprisingly what makes this book so impactful. There were so many points in the plot that I was screaming, that I was rolling my eyes, that I was pissed off at every single person, which made this book hit hard. The narrator's thoughts haunted me, as they haunted him, and the anticipation of them all getting caught was lurking behind every page. The ending shocked me, and the last few pages left an eerie feeling inside of me that I couldn't shake for days, and isn't that exactly what a great book is supposed to do? Don't forget, you can shoot me a message through the 'Personalized Recs' page if you want more recommendations. Tell me some of your reading goals, favorite books, or what you want to read more of and I'll send you some recommendations I think you'll love. Stay safe and happy reading!

We've all been there, even book worms like myself. Sometimes, you find yourself in a reading slump and every book you pick up just can't keep your attention. I actually went through a reading slump earlier this year, and it wasn't until about two months ago that I was able to get back into my typical reading habits. It wasn't easy though, and I had to come up with a few tricks in order to finally finish a book. Here are my top tips on how to get out a reading slump. 1. Pick an easy read This might be the best tip I could give. Whether you're in a slump or just trying to develop a reading habit, I believe nothing is more important than choosing a book that is easy and maybe even light and fun. I have people tell me all the time that they want to read more but can't seem to finish that hefty nonfiction book or classic. If a book isn't holding your attention, put it down, no matter how much you think it will teach you or be good for you brain. All books are good for the brain if you're able to finish them. I will never judge a person for reading and finishing books of all genres. Ask yourself what kind of story you would love to get lost in right now ---- maybe that's fantasy, sci-fi, a romance novel, chef memoirs, celebrity memoirs, books about the history of your favorite TV show (lovers of The Office, I give you The Office: The Untold Story of the Greatest Sitcom of the 2000s by Andy Greene). Personally, I often opt for chick-lit when I'm in a reading slump, something fun and easy that I can usually finish in a day (a favorite author of mine who never disappoints in this category is Katherine Center). Just the motivation from finishing one book is usually enough to push me to keep going. I also will lean towards personal development books, especially ones about habits, if I've been slacking on my reading. There's no shame in any reading game ---- and that includes forms as well, whether audiobook, ebook, or real book. Some of the books that have gotten me out of reading slumps are Harry Potter, Where the Forest Meets the Stars by Glendy Vanderah, Atomic Habits by James Clear, Happiness for Beginners by Katherine Center, Dark Matter by Blake Crouch, The House in the Cerulean Sea by T.J. Klune, and Me Talk Pretty One Day by David Sedaris. 2. Browse your local bookstore or library One of my favorite pastimes is going into a library or bookstore and browsing all the shelves to my heart's desire. While the pile of unread books in my room may get mad at me when I bring home yet another book, if that pile doesn't contain a book I'm excited to pick up in the moment, it's doubtful I'll get through it during a reading slump. In-person book browsing is essential to motivate me to read ---- being able to go through shelves of books, picking them up, reading the blurb, admiring the cover, seeing how thick is it, all get me pumped to bring one home and crack it open. I'll admit that while browsing bookstores feels more fun and luxurious, there's something about being able to go through the shelves at the library, pick as many up as I want that look interesting, and walk out without having paid a penny (can you tell I'm ridiculously frugal). Whatever way you choose to book browse, don't underestimate its power to push you to read. 3. Reread a favorite I think people would be surprised if they knew how often I reread my favorite books. I'm pretty sure those who know me know I've reread Harry Potter about five times, but I've also gone back to many of my other adolescent favorites over the years. Sometimes, the comfort and familiarity of a favorite can be the cure for a reading slump. I know that once I finish one book, the feeling of accomplishment and excitement for what's next is enough of a push for me to pick up another one. And it totally counts even if you've already read it, even Goodreads counts a reread towards your yearly reading goal. One of my favorite rereads is The Truth About Forever by Sarah Dessen ---- it's like sliding into a warm bath of sweet, sweet summer nostalgia for me. I've probably read that book at least six or seven times, but it's honestly so good every time. 4. Schedule in a set reading time Life since the pandemic has been weird, especially living in a place like DC. Before 2020, I didn't have a car in the city and used to take the Metro to and from work everyday, travel on planes at least once a month, and rode trains more than the average American. That meant a lot of time for reading, which is something I actually really miss. Nowadays, working from home and having my car as my main source of transportation limits the time I used to have to do nothing but read, and without distraction. It's taken me time to figure out how to fit in my reading, but I've finally been able to get back into my habit by setting times throughout the day to pick up a book. I always read a few chapters of a personal development book in the morning with my coffee, but I had that habit pre-pandemic. Now, when I close my laptop at the end of the day, I almost immediately cuddle up on my couch with a book for an hour or so, if I'm not working out right after work. I have even started to go to bed earlier in order to have about an hour of reading time at night. Switching out TV time and phone scrolling for reading has also really helped. It's much more relaxing, helps me wind down after work or before bed, and gives me ample time to really get into a good story. For many people, if you schedule something in your day, you're more likely to do it. 5. Submit a recommendation request I think a lot of people struggle to pick up any book because they don't know where to start. They may have read a book they loved a few months ago but haven't been able to find one since that pulled them in quite as much. That's where I come in. If you're looking to jump start your reading or get out of a slump, submit a recommendation request. Tell me some of your favorite genres, your goals, the last book you read that you loved, and I will give you personalized book recommendations. If you've already submitted one and gone through those books, I would love to know what you loved or didn't love so I can recommend even more. Please utilize my book worm brain, I love getting the requests and figuring out what I think someone will enjoy. Stay safe and happy reading!

As summer unfolds amid this pandemic, I'm trying to find ways to deal with the inevitable feelings of claustrophobia and confinement. You can never go wrong with a good book as a way to escape, feel productive, or bring comfort. It's my go-to coping mechanism. This is the first summer in many years that I am not traveling the majority of weekends. Last summer, I was out of DC almost every week and although it was a blast, I was definitely burnt out by the end. I remember promising myself that I would tone down the travel for the next summer. Surprise, 2020 made that decision for me. So, since my personal travel has been severely limited, I've been relying on books to whisk me away, at least in my head. When I think about books that remind me of the summer season, several themes come to mind: exploration, coming-of-age, excitement, nature, travel, taking risks, and pushing past comfort zones. There's also that ineffable feeling of heat and anticipation, whether it might be specifically articulated by the author or hidden among the words on the page. I've come up with six books that provoke these summer feelings, each in their own weird and wonderful ways. Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens This might be the most hyped up, most read novel of the last few years but let me tell you, it deserves it. When I was brainstorming for this post, this was the first book that popped in my head. First of all, just look at this cover ---- this might be my favorite book cover of all time. It is absolutely beautiful and I swear it's part of the reason so many people picked up this book (just shows the importance of marketing). Why wouldn't you want to have this beauty on your bookshelf? Putting aside its aesthetically pleasing cover, Where the Crawdads Sing is engrossing, memorable, well-paced, and beautifully written. I'm sure many of you have read it already but if you haven't, you need to. The story follows Kya, a girl living in the North Carolina marsh in the 1950s, who over the years is abandoned by her family. In order to survive, she has to intricately learn the land and rely on her instincts. Although she is mocked and bullied at school, she befriends a boy named Tate, who teaches her how to read and write and they form a strong friendship. When Tate leaves for college, Kya has to once again navigate the world on her own. At the center of the story is a murder mystery, with scenes from the trial sprinkled in throughout the book, giving the story a bit more anticipation than the typical coming-of-age novel. So much about this story makes it a perfect summer read ---- Owens creates a world so tangible, I could feel the heat of the marsh and the blazing sun. I loved watching Kya get through her heartbreak by becoming independent and using her natural abilities to her advantage. There's a bit of romance while not being the center of the story. I'm not usually a murder mystery fan but it does add an element of tension. This novel isn't groundbreaking but it's a great way to escape, preferably on a beach (maybe even a North Carolina beach to match the story's setting). If you haven't already read it, now is the perfect time to get lost in the heart and world of a Carolina marsh girl. The Rise of the Ultra Runners by Adharanand Finn All hardcore bookworms have a niche genre that they're weirdly obsessed with ---- mine is running books. It could be a memoir, ethnography, or scientific analysis and I will run to pick it up. Running books give me strange doses of serotonin aside from the obvious motivation to lace up my shoes and get out the door. I feel like people who author books about running just have their lives together and I'm definitely trying to get to that point in life. Adharanand Finn is a journalist who dives deep into the extreme sport of ultra running by completing the most famous ultramarathons in the world. I learned about the world of ultra running a few years ago when I read the best running book I've ever picked up, Born to Run by Chris McDougall. If you haven't yet read that niche classic, I also high recommend it. When I heard that people run ultramarathons (which is anything more than the marathon length of 26.2 miles) for fun and through all kinds of extreme settings, I was floored. Some ultramarathons are more than 100 miles, through mountains or desserts, rain or shine, and can last many days. How can the human body withstand that much stress? How can a person mentally get through such a grueling feat without breaking down? I was amazed that Finn wanted to explore this world by personally putting himself through multiple arduous races, detailing each race's twists and turns and how he was able to push through the pain. Not only was this exciting to read, but since Finn traveled across the globe to compete, I felt like I was being whisked away to exciting places to experience this strange niche world with him. I actually just recently read this book during quarantine and I was exhilarated despite being confined to my home. Finn gives the typical running book background on the sport, describing its quick rise to a thriving global industry, and highlights some of its biggest names and their journeys. But my favorite part was hearing about these insane races through the eyes of a guy who jumped into this world feet first. He describes some of his legitimate breakdowns, including the strangest race I've ever heard of ---- a 24-hour race on a track. Yes, he really just ran around a track for 24 hours straight, having a mental breakdown and spiritual renewal in the process. Don't get me wrong, I will not ever be running an ultramarathon but that didn't stop me from getting sucked into this crazy but addicting sport. If you're looking for an exciting nonfiction book that effortlessly integrates running, travel, taking risks, and pushing past comfort zones, this is the summer read for you. The Warmth of Other Suns by Isabel Wilkerson This title alone evokes ideas of summer. I remember when I first heard of this book several years ago, I was intrigued by the title and description of "The epic story of America's Great Migration." It's a hefty nonfiction book but when I picked it up from the library, I was excited to dive in. The Warmth of Other Suns details the Great Migration, when Black people moved from the South to the North, Midwest, and West in the 20th century. It centers around three people to tell this historical story ---- George Swanson Starling, Ida Mae Brandon Gladney, and Robert Joseph Pershing Foster. For me, historical nonfiction can tend to be dry and impersonal if an author uses mostly facts and figures to tell a story. I am much more engaged with a topic when there are personal accounts to help ground the history. Fill a historical nonfiction book with names, feelings, thoughts, struggles, and it makes a much more lasting effect on a reader. That's why I was able to get drawn in so deeply into The Warmth of Other Suns. Wilkerson uses the experiences of real people to better frame the entire movement, giving a more personal look at the reality of the time. If an author rattles off housing development stats in Chicago from 1910 to 1950, I won't really be able to grasp why that number is important. But if I read about the life of a sharecropper from Mississippi who took his entire family up the country to escape Jim Crow and find a better life in a Northern city, all while struggling against different faces of racism and hardship, I am going to remember that man and his life and understand why Americans need to comprehend the weight of this time period. The title actually comes from a passage in Richard Wright's Black Boy. When Wilkerson was asked why she decided on that title she said, "Richard Wright consciously chose to call the cold North the place of warmer suns. It showed how determined he and millions of others like him were to leave a place that had shunned them for a place they hoped would sustain them, the need of any human being and the gift of any sun." Amidst the resurgence of the Black Lives Matter movement during this hot and crazy summer, The Warmth of Other Suns hits different and harder. A Thousand Acres by Jane Smiley This 1992 Pulitzer Prize winner snuck up on me slowly ---- it was a slow burn of characterization, anticipation, and tragedy. This was the novel that made me realize how much I enjoy a well-written and fleshed out family drama. A Thousand Acres is a modern and feminist take on the Shakespearean play King Lear. It centers around the Cook family whose patriarch owns a thousand acres of farmland in Iowa. When he unexpectedly decides to split the land up between his three daughters, it ignites a fire that spreads to each member of the family, slowly burning each character and causing the family and the land to disintegrate. I have a strange affinity for stories that are set on an American farm. When an author describes the way the sun warms the ground when it's beginning to rise, the smell of grass and wheat on a summer day, or the sense of space when looking out over a field, I can't help but idealize it. There's something about the openness of a farm that evokes a feeling of freedom and excitement I also tend to associate with summer. I think I sometimes have this romantic notion of what life is like living and working on acres of beautiful land, although this novel certainly hurled those notions right out the window. This novel showed how cutthroat farm life can be, from predatory lenders to abusive family members, and it did not shy away from the Cook family's harsh realities. It also revealed how vital land is to some people's identities, let alone their livelihoods. A farmer loses his land and he loses a part of his soul. The descent into madness looks different for each member of the Cook family, but no one is immune to the slow-burn destruction. It was a disquieting journey to watch unfold, but it was done masterfully, making this novel and its characters unforgettable. Call Me By Your Name by Andre Aciman If you Google 'Italy in the summer,' I have no doubt that this notorious book will come up. Call Me By Your Name might have one of the strongest summer sensations I've read in many years. It is set in the summer of 1983 in Italy, following a teenage boy who falls hard for a doctoral student who has come to live with his family for the summer. It sounds so cliche as it has all the typical themes of a summer romance novel ---- a beautiful setting near the beach, a passionate first-love romance, and it's even written in a poetic stream of consciousness form. Honestly, not usually what I gravitate towards. But not even I can deny the sheer emotional impact of this story. It was one of the first novels I read that didn't involve two straight characters, which definitely made for a unique experience. But it was Aciman's poetic prose and raw desires that really made this book unforgettable. The ending is controversial, but I absolutely loved the way Aciman closed the heartbreaking love story, embodying the pain and loss of a first-love. It's a perfect summer beach read, especially if you're looking for something a little more spicy. The Truth About Forever by Sarah Dessen Honestly, you could pick up just about any Sarah Dessen novel and it would be the absolute perfect summer read (and trust me, I've read them all). However, I'm going to rave for a bit about why The Truth About Forever is not only my favorite summer read, but one of my favorite books of all time. The story follows Macy, a 17-year-old girl who recently lost her father and is struggling to process her grief and move on with her life. In the summer before her senior year, she meets a rambunctious catering crew, filled with the most wonderful and memorable characters, who help her realize that it is okay to be sad and it is okay to let go of control sometimes. I read this book when I was fourteen, prime adolescence when everything just feels so intense and emotional. I can't tell you how many times I've read this book over the last decade, but I can say that every single time it still hits hard and makes me experience all those summer feelings. I love when a book gets into the weird and seemingly random details of its characters and plot ---- the color of someone's dress, the way the heavy summer air smelled, the sound of cicadas chirping in the background, the swish of a warm beer on the back porch of a house party. I live and die for those details. They make everything feel more tangible, alive, and real. Sarah Dessen is the queen of those details. I think that's what makes me read every single one of her books, even if the plots can sometimes be similar. Those details change and give life and breath to the characters, giving an immediacy to a book that makes me feel like I'm living within the pages. The Truth About Forever was my first Dessen book, but it still to this day is my favorite. It reminds me of my own adolescent summers. Macy gets introduced to a world of mistakes, summer nights, summer jobs, and leaving comfort zones. She also falls for my favorite male character ever, Wes, the embodiment of every teenage girl's dream. And while this story has all the addicting and fun parts of a great summer read, it goes deeper and hits harder. Those details that Dessen is so good at describing also applies to Macy's relationship with her dad and the weird things she misses about him the most, like his obsession with buying random items from TV commercials to his fondness for their old beach house. Macy's pain is quiet at times, making it all the more real. I empathized with Macy and her actions and character motivations made so much sense to me. Honestly, all the characters did, which is why I still remember every name and backstory. Never underestimate the power of good young adult fiction. I'm honestly itching to re-read this book now for the hundredth time just to slip back into that warm summer world. No matter what age, this book will have you laughing, crying, and living vicariously through Macy as she navigates a strange and exciting summer. If none of these recommendations pique your interest, shoot me a message through the Personalized Recs page and I can recommend some summer reads based on what you specifically want. Stay safe and happy reading!