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The Books Ever
19
items As an avid reader, books have helped me SO much in my creative career. These are all my favs that have inspired my work and influenced how I go about not only how I create my art, but how I go about my life.
Sections
3
Fantasy/Fiction Picks
Memoirs/Autobios
Romance Picks
Fantasy/Fiction Picks
One of my favorite fantasy series EVER. Best world building I've read about in a while
The Graceling Series by Kristin Cashore
A surrealist take on a classic fairytale. SO good at depicting agoraphobia/social anxiety while keeping the child narrators competent for their age. Such a lovely read
Lonely Castle in the Mirror by Mizuki Tsujimura
I picked this up for the beautiful new cover art, and spent the entire summer not putting it down. A great take on classic fairytales. It has its timely moments given it was written 10 years ago, but the voice is so enchanting it doesn't derive from ...
The Lunar Chronicles by Marissa Meyer
The witchiest punk read you'll ever find. Aliens, vampires, and magic all in one book without ever for a second feeling cheesy. Plus, there's song recommendations for every fight scene (and they're really good!)
The Witchblood Series by Matthew Erman
Devastating and whimsical take on death and afterlife. Beautiful, confusing, and enchanting, and never for a second dull. So sweet, and yet still reminiscent of death without being too cheugy. I love you TJ Klune you wonder of a man.
Under the Whispering Door by T.J. Klune
It may be a middle grade book, but have you ever read a steampunk high fantasy/mystery with shape shifters and reality breaches that takes place almost exclusively on a train? Didn't think so.
The Mark of the Dragonfly by Jaleigh Johnson
So reminiscent of Charles Dickens and yet so unique. The perfect book for anxious people who are too busy for their own good
The Lost Track of Time by Paige Britt
The ONLY book about super heroes that has not only kept my interest but feels genuinely unique in a world filled to the brim with marvel slop. A trans super hero is something deftly needed in times like these, AND she's kickass
Dreadnought by April Daniels
We all had that one teacher that changed our lives.
Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson
Yes the guy from Glee, and he writes BEAUTIFULLY. If you have a child in your vicinity, this is one of the most creative book series' for middle grade readers I think you could buy. I genuinely reread these at least once a year to bring back that chi...
A Tale of Magic+Land of Stories Series by Chris Colfer
I'm not a huge fan of modern dystopia, but this read is by far the best I've read. Take the ‘pubescent girls going insane in the woods’ vibe from yellow jackets and make it so much worse
The Grace Year by Kim Liggett
I didn't like the first three books nearly as much as this duology and the duo after, but god was it worth it to read this amazing heist story
Six of Crows Duology by Leigh Bardugo
Crazy ass woman doing crazy ass things. You hate her, and yet its cathartic to read about her because she does all the things you wish you could get away with. The privileges of being a pretty, rich, white woman in the early 2000s know no bounds.
My Year of Rest and Relaxation by Ottessa Moshfegh
Memoirs/Autobios
I bought this as a fan of Japanese Breakfast, but never expected to get into such an educating experience. If you're someone who has an interesting relationship with their mother, your birracial identity, balancing passion and income, has trouble kee...
Crying in H Mart by Michelle Zauner
If you're going to read this, make sure you're doing well mentally because you won't be after this read. Awful, but eye opening and necessary to understand others and improve your own sense of empathy
I'm Glad My Mom Died by Jenette McCurdy
I've been in art school for years and never has any of my painting classes taught me as much about classical painting techniques as this book. Granted, it is about piracy, but its a great look into the 70s art world and an interesting crash course on...
Caveat Emptor by Ken Perenyi
Any and all Nagata Kabi books are life changing, but this one specifically made me rethink a few habits. I love their brutal honesty about their life, and the simplistic style their comics have. I want to give them a hug!
My Pancreas Broke, But Life Got Better
Romance Picks
I'm not usually a romance or slice of life person, but this was SUCH a refreshing read in the dystopian hellscape that is dating right now. Who doesn't love reading about a bunch of nerds pretending to be responsible adults?
Wotakoi: Love Is Hard for Otaku by Fujita
Such fun stylization, and over all just a great read. If you're someone who needs to take things a little less seriously, this is for you
(18+) Sweet Paprika by Mirka Andolfo