Benable — create shareable lists of things you recommend!
E.g., products you love, local businesses, travel recs - you can add anything to a Benable list!
Books That Belong on Your Shelf
44
items Timeless stories and unforgettable reads that earn a permanent spot in your collection. These are the books you’ll want to keep, revisit, and proudly display on your shelf.
Sections
12
Read With Pride: Queer Representation in Literature
The Mystery Shelf: Books That Keep You Guessing
Spells & Secrets: A Witchy Mystery List
Twists on the Tale: Fresh Fantasy & Fiction
The Nature of Learning
Tiny but Mighty Reads
Read With Pride: Queer Representation in Literature
A collection of stories that celebrate queer voices, love, and identity. From heartfelt romances to powerful memoirs and bold new perspectives, these books remind me why representation matters and why every story deserves to be seen.
I love Atmosphere by Taylor Jenkins Reid because it feeds my nerdy science side while also weaving in clear, otherworldly elements in just the right balance. On top of that, it’s an excellent read for queer readers — layered, validating, and transpor...
Atmosphere by Taylor Jenkins Reid
Untamed hit me in a way few books have — it made me question the rules I’ve been living by and reminded me how much strength there is in choosing yourself. It felt raw and honest, like someone putting words to feelings I didn’t know how to name, and ...
Untamed: Reese's Book Club: Glennon Doyle ...
The Three Lives of Cate Kay drew me in with its unique premise, but what I loved most was how it explored identity and the choices that shape who we become. It wasn’t just about living three different lives — it made me think about the versions of my...
The Three Lives of Cate Kay by Kate Fagan
The Priory of the Orange Tree was such an epic read. I loved how it wove together a huge cast of characters with rich world-building, and the way it handled dragons, magic, and queerness felt fresh and powerful. Even with its size, I found myself pul...
The Priory of the Orange Tree by Samantha Shannon
Legends & Lattes was such a cozy and refreshing read. I loved how it took a break from the usual high-stakes fantasy and instead focused on building a little coffee shop, friendship, and found family. It still had a touch of magic, but the real c...
Legends & Lattes #1 - Travis Baldree
Bookshops & Bonedust was just as charming as Legends & Lattes. I loved getting to see a younger Viv and watching her stumble into friendship, books, and community in such an unexpected way. It had that same cozy, heartwarming vibe while givin...
Bookshops & Bonedust (Legends & Lattes #0)
The Mystery Shelf: Books That Keep You Guessing
Books that keep you guessing from start to finish. Twists, secrets, and just the right amount of suspense—these are the stories that make you say “just one more chapter” until it’s suddenly 2 a.m.
I picked up Wild Dark Shore through a book club recommendation, and even though it wasn’t my usual style of read, I found myself flying through it. It fed my inner nature nerd with little learning moments while keeping me constantly questioning what ...
Wild Dark Shore by Charlotte McConaghy
The God of the Woods kept me guessing the whole way through. I was constantly changing my mind about who I thought was responsible, only to be hit with an even bigger twist at the end. Beyond the mystery, I loved how atmospheric and layered it felt, ...
The God of the Woods by Liz Moore
The Guest List had me hooked from the start with its eerie, isolated island setting and all the messy secrets between the characters. I loved how the story unraveled piece by piece, and I kept second-guessing everyone right up until the reveal. It wa...
The Guest List by Lucy Foley
The Frozen River pulled me in right away with its atmosphere and rich detail. The writing is vivid, the mystery is gripping, and the characters feel so real that you can’t help but get invested in their struggles. It has that perfect mix of suspense ...
The Frozen River by Ariel Lawhon
Spells & Secrets: A Witchy Mystery List
A collection of spellbinding stories full of magic, mystery, and a touch of the otherworldly. These are the books that feel a little dark, a little mystical, and completely enchanting.
I loved Weyward by Emilia Hart for the way it interweaves the lives of three different women across different time periods. It’s not packed with big twists or thrills, but it doesn’t need to be — you just want to keep turning the pages to follow thei...
Weyward by Emilia Hart
One Dark Window really surprised me because it felt like such a fresh take on fantasy that I had never seen before. The atmosphere was dark and immersive, and the way the story unfolded kept me hooked. It gave me that sense of stepping into something...
One Dark Window (The Shepherd King #1)
Two Twisted Crowns was the perfect follow-up to One Dark Window. I loved how it carried that same dark, immersive atmosphere while expanding the world and raising the stakes. It still felt like such a fresh take on fantasy, with twists that kept me i...
Two Twisted Crowns (Shepherd King #2)
Twists on the Tale: Fresh Fantasy & Fiction
Stories that break the mold and bring something totally new to the table. Whether it’s unique world-building, unexpected perspectives, or plots you’ve never seen before, these books stand out for their creativity and bold storytelling.
The Book of Doors felt like it was written for that part of me that loves both mystery and possibility. I found myself swept up in the idea of choices and unknown paths, and it made me reflect on my own life while still feeling like an adventure. It ...
The Book of Doors by Gareth Brown
Fourth Wing hooked me from the start, and I think what really made it stand out for me was the representation of people with disabilities and how they still persevered in such a brutal, demanding world. As a reader, that meant a lot to see woven into...
Fourth Wing (The Empyrean, #1) by Rebecca Yarros
Iron Flame was such a wild ride. It’s fast-paced, emotional, and packed with twists that kept me hooked the whole way through. The characters feel even more layered this time around, and the stakes are higher in every sense, emotionally, physically, ...
Iron Flame (Standard Edition) - Yarros
Onyx Storm was such a fun read. The action, the twists, the drama—it all kept me hooked. I loved seeing the characters grow while the world kept getting bigger and more intense. It’s one of those books that’s easy to fly through because you just want...
Onyx Storm (The Empyrean, #3) by Rebecca Yarros
The Knight and the Moth completely swept me away. The writing is gorgeous, the imagery is so vivid, and the whole story feels magical in the best way. It is the kind of book that pulls you in and makes you want to keep turning pages just to see what ...
The Knight and the Moth (The Stonewater Kingdom, #1)
The Nature of Learning
Stories and insights that spark curiosity about the natural world. From wildlife and wild places to the way humans connect with our environment, these books remind us why the planet is worth exploring—and protecting.
Night Magic was such a special read for me because it wasn’t just a story. It taught me so many new facts about the Appalachian Mountains that I’d never known before. I loved how it blended wonder with knowledge, and it even inspired me to take a tri...
Night Magic: Adventures Among Glowworms
As someone who works in a very detail-oriented, physically demanding, and emotionally stressful job caring for critically endangered species, I didn’t realize how much of that weight I was holding in my body until I read The Body Keeps the Score. Thi...
The Body Keeps the Score: Healing Trauma
Don’t Believe Everything You Think is one of those books that feels simple but hits deep. The way it breaks down overthinking and self-doubt makes it so easy to connect with, and the advice is practical without being preachy. It is the kind of book y...
Don't Believe Everything You Think: Why Thinking Matters
The Relaxed Woman is such a calming and empowering read. It reminds you that slowing down and creating space for yourself is not lazy but necessary. The advice feels gentle yet practical, and it really makes you rethink how you approach balance and s...
The Relaxed Woman: Reclaim Rest & Joy
Remarkably Bright Creatures is such a warm, heartfelt story. It is quirky, emotional, and completely unique in the way it blends grief, hope, and connection. The characters feel so real, and the perspective shifts (yes, even from the octopus) add so ...
Remarkably Bright Creatures: A Read with Jenna Pick
Tiny but Mighty Reads
Quick, impactful books that pack a punch without taking forever to finish. Perfect for when you want a full story in just a few sittings.
The Full Moon Coffee Shop was such a fun little read. I loved the way it blended astrology into the story, and its quirky, short style made it feel like the perfect pick-me-up book.
The Full Moon Coffee Shop by Mai Mochizuki
Open Throat was such a unique read, and I think I loved it even more because of the animal themes. It spoke to me as a zoologist in this really raw, fascinating way. The voice of the story felt so different from anything I’ve read before, and I appre...
Open Throat by Henry Hoke
Rooted in Reality: Must-Read Books
Books that echo the world we live in—tackling social issues, culture, history, or everyday struggles. These stories ground you in reality while offering new perspectives on the challenges and beauty of life today.
The Grace Year gripped me with its raw intensity and eerie atmosphere. I loved how it explored power, survival, and girlhood in a way that felt both unsettling and deeply moving. It wasn’t just the suspense that kept me hooked, but the way the story ...
The Grace Year by Kim Liggett
The Nightingale is heartbreaking, powerful, and unforgettable. It captures love, loss, and resilience in a way that makes you feel every single moment. The characters are so vividly written that their struggles and sacrifices stay with you long after...
The Nightingale: A Novel - Hannah, Kristin: Books
Oddballs & Offbeats: Quirky Reads
A collection of wonderfully weird stories full of eccentric characters, unexpected plots, and offbeat charm. Perfect if you like your reads a little unconventional.
The Husbands was such an entertaining read. I loved getting to see all the different variations of characters, each one adding something new to the story. By the end I was still left questioning, but it didn’t take away from how funny, clever, and do...
The Husbands by Holly Gramazio
The Twelve Dates of Christmas was such a cozy, feel-good read. I loved the fun setup of going on twelve different dates, each one bringing a mix of charm, awkwardness, and laugh-out-loud moments. It had that perfect balance of holiday warmth and rom-...
The Twelve Dates of Christmas - Jenny Bayliss
The Wedding People is witty, heartfelt, and full of charm. The characters pull you in right away, and the mix of romance, humor, and emotional depth makes it such an addictive read. It perfectly captures the chaos and sweetness of love and relationsh...
The Wedding People by Alison Espach
Beyond the Veil: Supernatural & Sci-Fi Reads
Step into worlds filled with otherworldly mysteries, cosmic adventures, and supernatural twists. These are the stories that push past the ordinary and into the unknown.
The Bones Beneath My Skin felt both haunting and tender, the kind of story that lingers long after you finish it. I loved the way it blended intimacy with mystery, and the supernatural elements and queer representation made it even more powerful. It ...
The Bones Beneath my Skin - TJ Klune
The Institute pulled me in right away with its mix of suspense and heart. What I loved most was how King created such vivid characters, kids who felt real, resilient, and worth rooting for, while wrapping them in a chilling, high-stakes story. It had...
The Institute: A Novel - King, Stephen: Books
Project Hail Mary was such a fun read. It is smart, funny, and surprisingly heartfelt. The science is detailed enough to make you think but never so heavy that it slows the story down. What really stood out to me was the mix of suspense and the unexp...
Project Hail Mary: A Novel by Andy Weir
After the End: Post-Apocalyptic Reads
Stories of survival, resilience, and rebuilding in worlds forever changed. These books explore what it means to live—and hope—after everything falls apart.
Dungeon Crawler Carl is probably one of the most novel and interesting reads I’ve picked up in a long time. It’s got this wild blend of video game mechanics mixed with a Hunger Games feel that kept me hooked the whole way through. I’d definitely reco...
Dungeon Crawler Carl (7 book series)
Carl’s Doomsday Scenario is pure fun from start to finish. It is fast, funny, and filled with the kind of chaotic energy that makes you want to keep flipping pages. The mix of humor and action is spot on, and Carl is the kind of character you cannot ...
Carl's Doomsday Scenario (Dungeon Crawler Carl #2)|Hardcover
The Dungeon Anarchist’s Cookbook is such a wild and creative ride. The worldbuilding is sharp, clever, and completely different from your typical dungeon-crawler story. I loved how it flips the usual tropes on their head while still keeping all the a...
The Dungeon Anarchist's Cookbook (Dungeon Crawler Carl #3)
The Gate of the Feral Gods is non-stop action with an addictive storyline that grabs you right away. The mix of chaos, dark humor, and over-the-top battles makes it such a fun read. Every chapter feels bigger and crazier than the last, and it never l...
The Gate of the Feral Gods (Dungeon Crawler Carl #4)
The Butcher’s Masquerade is dark, gritty, and completely addictive. The stakes feel higher than ever, and the mix of brutal action and sharp twists had me flying through the pages. It perfectly balances intense battles with character moments that sti...
The Butcher's Masquerade: Dungeon Crawler Carl 5
The Eye of the Bedlam Bride is wild, intense, and impossible to put down. The atmosphere is eerie in the best way, and every chapter feels like it is pulling you deeper into chaos. The twists are sharp, the action is nonstop, and the story keeps rais...
The Eye of the Bedlam Bride: Dungeon Crawler Carl 6
This Inevitable Ruin is intense, emotional, and absolutely gripping. The tension builds with every chapter, and the mix of high-stakes action and raw character moments kept me hooked the whole way through. It has that perfect blend of heartbreak and ...
This Inevitable Ruin: Dungeon Crawler Carl 7
Books That Break the Mold
A collection of books that stand out for their originality—stories that feel fresh, unexpected, and unlike anything else you’ve read before.
Chain Gang All-Stars was such a powerful and intense read. I loved how it blended the adrenaline of a dystopian competition with sharp social commentary, making me both entertained and uncomfortable in the best way. The characters felt so raw and hum...
Chain Gang All Stars: Read with Jenna Pick
For When You Want All The Feels
The Summer I Turned Pretty is the perfect mix of sweet, messy, and nostalgic. It captures that whirlwind feeling of growing up, figuring yourself out, and falling in love during summer. The characters feel real, the emotions hit hard, and it is the k...
The Summer I Turned Pretty: 9781416968290
It’s Not Summer Without You had me hooked from the first page. The emotions are so raw and real, and it perfectly captures the messy, complicated side of love and loss. I flew through it because I just had to know what would happen next. It is the ki...
It's Not Summer Without You by Jenny Han
We’ll Always Have Summer was the perfect finale to the series. The love, the drama, the heartbreak. It all came together in a way that kept me glued to the pages. I felt every emotion right alongside the characters, and it left me both wrecked and sa...
My Thoughts on 'We'll Always Have Summer' (Book 3)