This is a curated collection of the books currently on my shelf — the ones I’ve loved, learned from, annotated, and recommended over and over again. From thought-provoking nonfiction to immersive fiction and personal growth reads, these titles reflec...
Sections
6
Growth
Mystery / Thriller
Social Commentary
Messy Romance
Poetry
Other
Growth
“we were all rooting for you…LEARN FROM THIS!”
This book is truly a must-read. All About Love is the acclaimed first volume in feminist icon bell hooks' "Love Song to the Nation" trilogy. It reveals what causes a polarized society, and how to heal the divisions that cause suffering.
All About Love by bell hooks
hands down the best book about motivation, creativity, and nurturing inspiration
Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear
Mystery / Thriller
Page turners and plot twists
Great for the dark academia aesthetic types! I LOVED the depth of the misfit group of characters and could not put it down!
The Secret History by Donna Tartt
A thrilling story with a protagonist you just can't help but root for.
Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens
An absolutely moving novel about parenthood, secrets, expectations. SOOO GOOD!
Everything I Never Told You by Celeste Ng
A novel that perfectly borders on horror & suspense! Finished it in a day, it was so good!
Mexican Gothic by Silvia Moreno-Garcia
Social Commentary
books where social identity is the main character
I swear Kiley Reid has never written a bad book! This one was a thought-provoking novel that explores class: the choices we make and the choices we have.
Come and Get It by Kiley Reid
spiraling novel about the trappings of beauty
Rouge by Mona Awad
A really striking novel about race and privilege. Explores the complexity of transactional relationships with social commentary and empathy
Such a Fun Age: Reese's Book Club
A young American woman navigates class, lies, and love amid London’s jet-set elite.
All That Life Can Afford by Emily Everett
Racially ambiguous identical twin sisters part ways and live vastly different lives because of the race with which they chose to identify.
The Vanishing Half by Brit Bennett
Messy Romance
stories that capture the complexities & necessity of human connection
fluffy romance set in the entertainment industry
Once More with Feeling by Elissa Sussman
A really charming queer romance of love lessons, simulated dates, and blurring lines amidst the pursuit of dreams and self-discovery
The Build-a-Boyfriend Project by Mason Deaver
SO worth the hype. The quickest read for me, I seriously couldn't put it down.
The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo: Novel
OUCH. Honestly did not speak for a full day after I finished this one
Normal People by Sally Rooney
I am convinced that TJR writes to play with my emotions personally. And she will get me every time
Daisy Jones & The Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid
this one actually hurt my feelings
They Both Die at the End by Adam Silvera
unbelievably fun, romantic, sexy, witty, and thrilling. literally couldn't put it down
Red, White & Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston
i literally can't even explain what this one's about but WOW
Conversations with Friends by Sally Rooney
Poetry
Pros in prose
love love love this collection of poems. I read this book more than once a year
Black Girl, Call Home by Jasmine Mans
Other
A story of 4 siblings probing the line between destiny and choice. It essentially asks the question: If you knew the date of your death, how would you live your life?
The Immortalists by Chloe Benjamin
A novel about a green notebook that travels between strangers, prompting them to write their deepest truths, which leads to unexpected connections, friendships, and love. I read this book years ago and still re read it.
The Authenticity Project by Clare Pooley
A novel that made me think about every single choice I've ever made. If you love a good spiral, this one's for you lol
