Over the years I have read a lot of books because of a combination of the following: my love for reading; my studies in English; my job as a teacher! These are all books I absolutely love and I am happy to share with others!
These are my spicy book recs that I love and often read over and over again. I’ve read every book in this list. If you’re a bookish smut reader, be sure to check them out 🌶️🥵 #ad
Fall is my favorite time to read. I usually try to find a few books each season that “feel” like Fall or Halloween. This could mean horror or just a cozy autumn feel. This list includes all kinds of books that I’ve read before that I think are perfect for Halloween and Fall - ranging from some classics, to books aimed at younger children (even infants).
Here’s a published author’s guide to artistic literature. Many of these books (novels, collections, novellas) feature gorgeous prose and taught me how to play with sentence structure. I treat them as both books to love and study from a writer’s perspective.
This is a list I plan to add to as I travel around my home state and visit local book stores ❤️ if you don't see your favorite on here yet, give it time! I hope to see them all 🥰 Comment ones I need to visit in your area!!
These are some ideas of items that I'm putting together for Teacher Appreciation Week. I run a program for our school called secret pal, and I have lists of all of our teacher's favorite items. It's a little insider access into everything teacher's actually want. It includes everything from their favorite snacks, hobbies, gift cards and places to shop or eat. On the other side of the coin there's things that teacher's DON'T want: coffee mugs (they get way too many of them), scented items (candles, lotions, etc. unless they told you they specifically wanted them), and any other tchotchke items that don't serve a purpose.
This list includes both stand alone fantasy and first in a series! I won’t include any books that are not “first” in a series. Enjoy! I love a good fantasy escape 🥰
Books you can read to help you unlock your creativity. Because sometimes you just need a little bit more motivation to really get things going in your artistic practice.
As a former teacher, my daughter’s nursery collection consists of books that hold memories of my classrooms and new books my friends and family shared.
Feeling stuck in a reading slump? This list is designed to reignite your love for books with stories that are fastpaced, addictive, and impossible to put down. From heartracing thrillers to cozy comfort reads each pick is chosen for its ability to pull you in from the very first page. Whether you need a light, feel-good escape or a gripping page turner, these books are the perfect cure to get you back into the habit of reading and remind you why you fell in love with stories in the first place. 💗
With over 6 years of experience, I have become a master of my teaching craft. My shop is a treasure trove for teachers of all kinds, whether you homeschool your children, teach online, or lead a traditional classroom. Peruse my carefully curated selection of teacher must-haves, from creative lesson plans to classroom organization tools. Join the thousands of fellow educators who have discovered the key to teaching success within my shop's pages.
These are a few books I have read over the years whose stories have stuck with me long term.
Some of them are excellent works of fiction that have inspired me to do greater things with my life. Some are non-fiction. Some are memoirs.
Each of these books has impacted me in some way and I had to share them.
I will continue to add to this list, too.
I love reading – it's one of my go-tos for a mental health boost! 📚 It can be an escape, a relatable comfort, or a way to gain knowledge. Nonfiction offers scientific depth & tangible tips, while fiction helps us feel seen, less alone, and grow through relatable characters. This list includes a mix of both genres, all connected to mental well-being. I've found these helpful and hope you'll give them a shot! Pro Tip: Reading doesn't have to be expensive! Many of these can be found free at your public library (check Libby for e-books/audiobooks!). Between the library & Kindle Unlimited, I rarely have to buy books. ✨
An oddball collection of captivating books (many with a geology bent) that unravel the mysteries of the world around us, perfect for anyone looking to expand their knowledge.
Compared to the Big Five publishing houses, indie presses take more chances on debut authors, support marginalized authors at higher rates, and welcome stories that are experimental and less likely to be commercially successful. Supporting indie presses helps publishing continue to make these kinds of books possible.
Memoir, history, or fiction, I always enjoy a well-written doctor-penned book. Here are some of my favorites and a few that are on my TBR pile! Note: This list contains affiliate and cash back links.
These are the kind of books that change something in you as you read them. Each one is packed with real, practical wisdom and honest stories that stick with you long after you close the cover. They’ll challenge the way you think, inspire you to grow, and remind you what’s possible when you truly show up for yourself. These are books you’ll find yourself losing track of time with, and you surely won’t want to put them down!
This is your reading list for a cosy AF autumn.
I am too chicken for horror books so these are spooky-adjacent reads that bring all the magic and atmosphere of fall - but won’t keep you up at night.
Music is my biggest passion and sometimes listening to it isn't enough. I've made a list with my personal favourite books from a few bands and artists I love. Some are official, some aren't but they are all really good. This perfectly combines love of music with reading and even some photo books with stunning photography too!
Character-driven, heartfelt, and binge-worthy. A curated shelf of my favorite contemporary novels — the ones with unforgettable characters, emotional depth, and plots that tug you in and don’t let go. Be sure to check out my other lists: benable.com/jillmariepaulson
My most favorite 5-star reads! I'm an avid reader with a love for variety. You'll mainly find historical fiction, fantasy and thriller here! This list includes affiliate links, meaning I may earn a small commission if you purchase through them - at no extra cost to you.
These books will help you elevate your spiritual journey into inspiration and enlightenment, one page at a time! Here is a list of my faves - I'll only recommend books I've read. Check back regularly! I'm always adding more as I read.
Let’s face it. Reading is so important, and popular. However, it’s been over 20 years and I still can’t make it habit. Therefore, I’ve provided to you my list of books that I genuinely could not put down.
Don’t be fooled, I’ve always been a “movies over books” type of person. But the books on this list, I was able to sit through and commit to reading.
these movies, books & series will shape your life (mostly) for the better! i’m a lover of history and historical fiction, so i thought i would compile some of the best and some of the worst!
a list of artist books and publications by an artist who makes and collects books. with an extensive background in art book publishing and collecting, curating libraries is my expertise. this list is a peek inside of my personal library: approximately 500+ books including rare and collector's editions, 2+ decades in the making and still growing regularly. i hope that you enjoy the inspo and consider reaching out if you are interested in personalized library and interior book curation. comments always welcome!
Ten books in thirty days and that’s my goal! They all have that perfect mix of wanderlust and adventure, so it’s basically like I booked a vacation… just without leaving my couch.
A collection of comforting favorites...the books I could happily live inside or reread again and again whenever I need a little magic. Over the years I’ve built up a collection of books that truly feel worth recommending…the kind you underline, stay up too late reading, or want to gift to your best friend right after finishing. This list has a little bit of everything: comfort reads, cozy feel good books & books that CHANGE you. I update it often, so check back when you need a new favorite. AND if you’ve read any of these already, drop me a note…I love swapping thoughts!
These psychological thrillers had me flipping pages way past midnight! If you love small-town secrets, unreliable narrators, and shocking twists — add these to your cart today.
A collection of sweet and playful fall stories perfect for toddlers and kids. From crunchy leaves to pumpkin adventures, these books bring the magic of autumn to storytime.. whether it’s morning cuddles or bedtime snuggles.
Going through and reading some well known self help books and seeing if they are actually helpful or not. Most of them just talk about changing your mindset around a specific area of life. Books like these you have to cherry pick what applies to you and what doesn’t
I am a huge book lover and reader, I have a very stressful job and find reading in my spare time helps me to relax and refocus my brain rather than focusing on work. I’ve spent years reading different genres of books however in the last 3 years I’ve been focusing on thriller books as I get sucked into these the most.
Included in the list:
Book 1: The Book thief by Markus Zusak
Book 2: 21st Birthday by James Patterson
Book 3: The Fell by Sarah Moss
Book 4: Girl in the Castle by James Pattinson
Book 5: the couple next door by Shari Lepana
Book 6: Good me, bad me by Ali Land
Book 7: Harry Potter and the Philosophers stone
Book 8: Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets
Book 9- Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban
Book 10- Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire
Book 11- Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix
Book 12- Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince
Book 13- Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows
Book 14- Th1rt3en by Steve Cavanagh
Book 15- Ariadne by Jennifer Saint
I love spending dark, cold, and rainy autumn evenings cuddled up on the couch in front of my merrily blazing fireplace, watching Netflix and coloring in cozy adult coloring books. Here are some of my favorites coloring books for autumn!
My family is bilingual, but growing up I learned and spoke only English. I wish to be a supportive of my husband's culture and to my daughter when learning Spanish. These are the methods I'm trying while learning Spanish myself. Do you have any suggestions? I'd love to know them, please comment! This list may contain affiliate links, of which I would recieve a small commission at no additional cost to you.
I am an avid reader who is CONSTANTLY on the hunt to perfect the vibes while I’m lost in a book. These are items I use for ebooks, audiobook, and physical books; as well the stuff I use to set the mood in my reading space. Hope you find something to make your reading experience even better!
Whether it's the comfort of familiar characters, the wisdom found in their pages, or the timeless themes that continue to resonate, these are the stories I keep coming back to year after year.
Survival books that I can personally vouch for which will give you the most value, with proven techniques, taught by professionals in their various fields.
Here are my current 5-star books of 2025! All of the links will take you to bookshop.org, so make sure to select a local bookstore in your area to support! I’m a library reader, so I’d also highly recommend checking out and supporting your local library!
These were some of my favorite LGBTQ friendly reads from this year. From sapphic vampires, to a Transgender MC who’s also on the spectrum, and even botanical horror YA with a bisexual ace MC. I hope you love this list as much as I enjoyed it!
as a teacher, i’m always on the lookout for new and exciting picture books and middle grade novels! personally, i’m interested in a range of genres, but mostly queer-centered books and whatever i read for my monthly book club.
I frequently get asked the question, “What books would you recommend for my kid who doesn't like to read?” I have a theory that the only people who don't like reading are just the people who haven't found the right genre of books yet. Here are some great options to get even the most reluctant reader excited about books! (Note: This list contains affiliate links, which means that if you buy through the link, I'll receive a small commission at no additional cost to you.)
Mary Shelley is the mother of science fiction. Her 1818 book “Frankenstein; or The Modern Prometheus” established the literary genre. Here are books about her, books by her, and pop culture products based on her and her creations. I especially like reading her letters - she was an avid correspondent, and a voracious reader.
A mix of the books that have stayed with me, from childhood favorites to recent reads. Each note is a quick snapshot of why it mattered to me: memories, feelings, and lessons I took from the story. Hopefully you’ll find something new here that hits just as hard for you.
These are some books I loved from late elementary school - middle school!! Reading was a huge part of my life and I hope you'll find these recomendations interesting! I have them seperated between series/box sets and books that you can read on their own! 📖📚
Romance is my favorite genre so this list has a fair amount of romance but there are other great reads on here that don't interfere with my book boyfriends.
YA, dark romance, and horror. Whatever it is, we’re gonna cuddle up with our softest blankie and dive in. Remember to support local libraries and book shops!
These are some great tools to help you with your bible study. Obviously all you need is the word of God and the Holy Spirit, but these sure are useful for note taking! My favorites are the Hosanna Revival Bible and Zebra Mildliners!
The best of books and blankets during the cozy, snuggle weather. The blankets here are great for movie watching, game night and just to generally cozy up in!
A collection of stories that touched my heart — from emotional romances to thrilling mysteries. Every book here is a page-turner that will make you laugh, cry, and dream. Perfect for book lovers of every mood! ✨📖
These are the books I choose to live with, read and re-read, and delight in. They have become central to my art practice and embedded themselves into my many creative paths…
Whenever someone asks me for a fantasy read that’s magical, moving, and complete in one book, these are the ones I reach for! These stories have stayed with me
This is my little library of comfort and curiosity. These are stories that kept up whole the whole night thinking about the next chapter, lifted me from procrastinating and also became my close friends.
I've personally vetted these books and can promise you they're all high-heat, high-stakes, and completely consuming. This is the only guide you'll need to find your next dark romance read. Your journey starts now.
Here are my Christmas festive recommendations! These are some of my favourites books I have read so far. Majority span over the Christmas season a few may have a chapter or two.
These are books that I could barely put down after starting them. I read these within maybe two or three days max. I give my honest opinion about all of these books. I hope you find one to fall in your lap next.