Spanning different genres, these are the books I’ve loved, recommended to friends, and couldn’t stop thinking about. I've also included audiobooks, because I firmly believe that listening to audiobooks counts as reading!
Sections
9
Historical Fiction
Romance
Thrillers
General Fiction
Lighthearted Novels
Science Fiction
Historical Fiction
My favorite noels that bring the past to life with unforgettable characters and immersive settings.
A look into women and their roles during and after the Vietnam war.
The Women: A Novel by Kristin Hannah
A heartbreaking novel about two sisters during WWII. Make sure you have your tissues handy!
The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah
Based on the life of an 18th century midwife in Maine. Definite Claire from Outlander vibes!
Frozen River: A Novel by Ariel Lawton
Set in America's only leper colony.
The Second Life of Mirielle West by Amanda Skenandore
A novel about the Lebensborn Program during WWII.
The Sunflower House by Adriana Allegre
The story of young girl in Nazi Germany who finds solace in stealing books and sharing them, while navigating the harsh realities of war and loss.
The Book Thief by Markus Zusak
Based on the true story of a Jewish man who falls in love with a fellow prisoner in Auschwitz.
The Tattooist of Auschwitz by Heather Morris
This Pulitzer Prize-winning novel follows a blind French girl and a German boy whose lives become intertwined during World War II.
All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr
This dual-timeline narrative connects a World War I spy network with a post-World War II search for a missing person.
The Alice Network by Kate Quinn
Romance
I'm not a romance girly, but these books are great!
Check your trigger warnings before you read this one!
The Wedding People: A Novel by Alison Espach
I loved this book!
The Conditions of Will by Jessa Hastings
Inheritence game + fake marriage trope = a fun summer read!
The Paradise Problem by Christina Lauren
My favorite Abby Jimenez book.
Just for the Summer by Abby Jimenez
This novel tells the story of two people who take a honeymoon trip together despite their mutual dislike.
The Unhoneymooners by Christina Lauren
Such a fun summer read.
These Summer Storms: A Novel by Sarah MacLean
Two best friends take summer trips together every year, exploring love, friendship, and second chances.
People We Meet on Vacation by Emily Henry
This book tells the story of a grieving musician finds love and hope in unexpected ways after meeting a woman who changes his world.
The Happy Ever After Playlist by Abby Jimenez
A photographer returning to her childhood summer cottage, where she reconnects with first love and discovers second chances.
One Golden Summer by Carley Fortune
Thrillers
A fun mix of thrillers to keep you on the edge of your seat!
What a twist!
The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides
I couldn't put this book down!
The Housemaid by Freida McFadden
A great thriller/mystery for summertime.
The God of the Woods: A Novel by Liz Moore
A gripping story about women who survived brutal attacks and the dark secrets connecting them.
Final Girls by Riley Sager
A psychological thriller about a seemingly ideal couple whose picture-perfect life unravels.
The Perfect Marriage by Jeneva Rosie
A psychological horror novel in which a house flipper and her partner encounter a mysterious family and supernatural disturbances that blur the line between reality and the paranormal.
We Used to Live Here by Marcus Kliewer
A psychological thriller about a true crime podcaster whose life becomes entangled with a mysterious woman whose past blurs the line between truth and deception.
None of This Is True by Lisa Jewell
A psychological thriller that unravels the mysterious disappearance of a woman and the shocking truths that resurface years later, shaking a quiet community.
Local Woman Missing by Mary Kubica
This book is about two women whose lives become dangerously intertwined when secrets, deception, and hidden identities come to light.
The Ghostwriter by Julie Clark
General Fiction
Books that dive deep into characters, emotions, and storytelling.
I love anything Taylor Jenkins Reid writes!
Atmosphere by Taylor Jenkins Reid
I loved the book so much more than the TV show.
Long Bright River by Liz Moore
He is such a good author.
All the Colors of the Dark by Chris Whitaker
Who knew I could love an octopus so much?
Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby van Pelt
I love this book so much.
We Begin at the End by Chris Whitaker
I still think about this book daily.
The Heart's Invisible Furies by John Boyne
This book, which is a continuation of the Hunger Games series, follows Haymitch as he navigates politics, rebellion, and unexpected dangers.
Sunrise on the Reaping by Suzanne Collins
A tale of a woman who makes a Faustian bargain to live forever, only to be forgotten by everyone she meets.
The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue by V.E. Schwab
The story of a reclusive Hollywood icon revealing her scandalous life story to a young journalist.
The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid
Two ex-con fathers team up to avenge their sons’ deaths while also confronting their own past mistakes and biases.
Razorblade Tears by S.A. Cosby
Lighthearted Novels
Books that will boost your mood!
Can people spontaneously combust?
Nothing to See Here: A Novel by Kevin Wilson
Such a sweet and hilarious book.
The Borrowed Life of Frederick Fife by Anna Johnston
Hilarious book if you're a teacher!
The Faculty Lounge by Jennifer Mathieu
I was actually laughing out loud at this one.
Margo's Got Money Troubles: A Novel by Rufi Thorpe
A socially awkward woman develops a unique friendship that helps her confront her past and embrace the future.
Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman
A story about a gay uncle who becomes the guardian of his niece and nephew, navigating grief and family dynamics with wit and charm.
The Guncle by Steven Rowley
A novel about a failed bank robber who takes a group of strangers hostage during an open house, leading to unexpected connections and revelations.
Anxious People by Fredrik Backman
A darkly funny novel about a man whose accidental obituary leads him on an absurd journey of self-discovery and unexpected connections.
I See You've Called in Dead by John Kenney
An office comedy about a socially anxious assistant who stumbles into her coworkers’ secrets and navigates workplace drama and romance.
I Hope This Finds You Well by Natalie Sue
Science Fiction
Science fiction reads I love!
I also loved this one as an audiobook!
Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir
Would you take a DNA test to find out who your soulmate is?
The One by John Marrs
The book was so much better than the show!
Dark Matter by Blake Crouch
Biographies and Autobiographies
Real-life stories and personal journies.
When your therapist needs a therapist.
Maybe You Should Talk to Someone: A Therapist, Her Therapist, and Our Lives Revealed by Lori Gottlieb
I couldn't put this one down!
Educated: A Memoir by Tara Westover
Words that everyone should live by.
The Let Them Theory by Mel Robbins
Prince Harry tells his side of life inside the British royal family, from grief after Princess Diana’s death to breaking away with Meghan Markle.
Spare by Prince Harry, The Duke of Sussex
Britney Spears details her rise to fame, struggles under conservatorship, and reclaiming her voice.
The Woman in Me by Britney Spears
Trevor Noah describes growing up mixed-race in apartheid South Africa, navigating poverty, racism, and family life.
Born a Crime: Stories from a South African Childhood by Trevor Noah
Dave Grohl shares personal stories from his journey as Nirvana’s drummer and Foo Fighters’ frontman, blending behind-the-scenes rock history with reflections on family, fame, and the joy of making music.
The Storyteller: Tales of Life and Music by Dave Grohl
LitRPG
All of these books were listened to as Audiobooks.
Book 1
Dungeon Crawler Carl (Dungeon Crawler Carl Series #1)| by Matt Dinniman
Book 2
Carl's Doomsday Scenario (Dungeon Crawler Carl #2) by Matt Dinniman
Book 3
The Dungeon Anarchist's Cookbook (Dungeon Crawler Carl #3) by Matt Dinniman
Book 4
The Gate of the Feral Gods (Dungeon Crawler Carl #4) by Matt Dinniman
Book 5
The Butcher's Masquerade (Dungeon Crawler Carl Series #5) by Matt Dinniman
Book 6
The Eye of the Bedlam Bride (Dungeon Crawler Carl #6) by Matt Dinniman
Book 7
This Inevitable Ruin (Dungeon Crawler Carl #7) by Matt Dinniman
Cookbooks
Cookbooks are my favorite way to find new flavors and foolproof recipes—because who doesn’t love making dinner easier and tastier?
This book teaches the four fundamental elements of flavor—salt, fat, acid, and heat—and how to balance them in everyday cooking. Part science, part recipe collection, it gives you the confidence to cook without always relying on a recipe.
Salt, Fat, Acid, Heat: Mastering the Elements of Good Cooking by Samin Nosrat
This book is a hilarious road trip through 100 iconic American desserts.
Baking Across America: A Vintage Recipe Road Trip by B. Dylan Hollis
Stanley Tucci invites readers into a year-long culinary journey, sharing meals from film sets, family gatherings, and travels.
What I Ate in One Year: (and related thoughts) by Stanley Tucci
Featuring 50 recipes, this includes everything from soul food staples like Baked Mac & Cheese and Shrimp Po’ Boy to elevated dishes such as Lobster Thermidor and Filet Mignon.
From Crook to Cook: Platinum Recipes from Tha Boss Dogg's Kitchen by Snoop Dogg
This is a nostalgic cookbook that takes readers on a decade-by-decade journey through the most unique and quirky baking recipes from the 1900s to the 1980s.
Baking Yesteryear: The Best Recipes from the 1900s to the 1980s by B. Dylan Hollis
