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Pages I Fell Into 📚
44
items These are books that have left a mark on me — not just pretty spines, but stories, characters, and words that I carry with me. Some are heartbreakers, some are quiet, some are loud — all are worth reading.
Sections
8
Ink & Panels
Emotionally wrecked, but in a good way
Feminist feels & social critique
Dark academia / literary classics
Whimsical & deep
Romance, drama & Bridgerton vibes
Ink & Panels
This list makes zero sense if you're looking for a theme, but 100% sense if you're going by "vibes I loved." You've got Berserk, a brutal medieval bloodbath that punches you in the soul. Then Goodnight Punpun, aka depression in bird form. And then—He...
Berserk really surprised me. I originally thought it was just a violent manga about masculinity, made for guys who are into swords and gore. But it turned out to be so much deeper—it's a dark, emotional, and brutally honest story about trauma, surviv...
Berserk Volume 1
Goodnight Punpun is not your typical coming-of-age story. It starts off seeming quirky and even cute, with a bird-faced boy navigating childhood, but quickly turns into one of the darkest, most emotionally raw manga out there. It deals with depressio...
Goodnight Punpun, Vol. 1
Heartstopper is pure joy in graphic novel form — a sweet, emotional, and genuinely wholesome LGBTQ+ love story between two British schoolboys, Nick and Charlie. It’s the kind of story that makes your heart flutter while also dealing with important th...
Heartstopper #1
Emotionally wrecked, but in a good way
These books emotionally punched me in the face and then asked if I was okay. I said yes, but I was definitely crying.
My favorite book EVER. It's about two people who clearly love each other but just can't communicate — which makes it hurt even more. Some people are annoyed by the lack of quotation marks and the miscommunication, but if you ask me, it's one of the m...
Normal People
The title gives it away, but somehow that makes it even more powerful. Two strangers with just one day to live — and they meet, bond, and change each other’s lives. Bittersweet, sad, but also strangely uplifting. Adam Silvera also wrote The First to ...
They Both Die at the End
A darkly funny and unexpectedly touching story of a boy who wakes up in a psych ward after a failed suicide attempt. Equal parts sarcastic and sincere, it sneaks up on you with emotion by the end.
Suicide Notes
Girl in Pieces by Kathleen Glasgow is a raw, emotional novel about Charlotte Davis, a 17-year-old girl dealing with trauma, self-harm, and the struggle to find healing. It dives deep into mental health, addiction, and survival, offering a brutally ho...
Girl In Pieces
This book is so good and honestly heartbreakingly beautiful. It’s one of those stories that stays with you long after you close it. It actually pushed me to dive deeper into Greek-mythology-inspired books, especially since this is already my second n...
The Song of Achilles
Thanks to the popularity of the Heated Rivalry series, I found out these are actually books being adapted into shows — so, naturally, I had to start reading them! 😄 The first story follows Kip and Scott Hunter, and honestly, it’s such a perfect read...
Game Changer
Feminist feels & social critique
Books that made me yell “YES, EXACTLY” out loud while reading. They challenge norms, spark conversations, and made me think deeply about gender, society, and the invisible stuff that shapes our lives.
I actually used this book for a college assignment because my class is mostly women, and I felt it was important to show how much of the world isn't built with us in mind. But this isn’t just a “women’s book” — it’s about how data bias affects everyo...
Invisible Women
Drew Afualo is that girl who claps back at misogynists online — and does it with humor, rage, and brilliance. I adore her for using her platform to call out everyday sexism unapologetically. I couldn’t wait to read her book because she’s one of the f...
Loud
Keiko Furukura, the main character, lives life in her own wonderfully odd way — and honestly, I related to her a lot. Based on my own little analysis, I think she might be autistic (in a great, unproblematic way), and that just made me love her even ...
Convenience store woman
Circe was an amazing read — incredibly sad, too. She’s the daughter of Helios, rejected by her family, and sent to an isolated island because she doesn’t have the powers they value. This book is all about what it means to matter, even if no one else ...
Circe by Madeline Miller
Dark academia / literary classics
Moody, philosophical, and a little pretentious — in the best way possible. These books make me want to wear a turtleneck, stare out a rainy window, and contemplate life and death.
Camus’s stark, minimalist novel follows Meursault, a man disturbingly indifferent to life, death, and social norms. It’s a foundational work of existentialism and absurdism — exploring what happens when someone rejects expected emotional responses an...
The Stranger
This philosophical essay explores the absurd — the conflict between our search for meaning and the universe’s indifference. Camus uses the Greek myth of Sisyphus to argue that even when life seems meaningless, we can still find purpose in the act of ...
The Myth of Sisyphus
A haunting meditation on vanity, morality, and the consequences of living purely for pleasure. Wilde masterfully critiques the obsession with youth and beauty, wrapped in lush prose and gothic atmosphere. It's a novel that asks what happens when we a...
The Picture of Dorian Gray
Orwell's dystopian vision is as chilling now as it was when first written. It's a powerful warning against authoritarianism, censorship, and the manipulation of truth. Through Winston Smith’s quiet rebellion, Orwell explores what it means to retain y...
1984
Don’t let the talking animals fool you — this is political critique at its sharpest. Orwell uses this allegory to trace the corruption of revolutionary ideals, especially under Stalinism. What starts as a rebellion for equality quickly devolves into ...
Animal Farm
Gregor Samsa wakes up transformed into a monstrous insect, and instead of panic, there's eerie resignation. Kafka doesn’t explain why it happens — and that’s the point. It's a disturbing allegory about alienation, self-worth, and the quiet tragedy of...
The Metamorphosis
Written during a deep spiritual crisis, this short but powerful work explores Tolstoy’s search for meaning in life — especially in the face of death and existential doubt. He questions the value of intellectualism, wealth, and even religion, before a...
A Confession
This semi-autobiographical novel follows Esther Greenwood’s descent into depression and mental illness. Plath’s writing is poetic and brutally honest, capturing the internal disintegration of a bright young woman who feels like she’s slipping under a...
The Bell Jar
Whimsical & deep
These are the kinds of books that make you laugh through your tears and hug the book when you’re done (don’t lie, we’ve all done it). They look soft and charming on the outside—but surprise!—they’ll hit you with life lessons, existential questions, a...
Grumpy old man with a secretly big heart? Yes, please. This is a hilarious, heartbreaking, and ultimately hopeful story about unexpected friendships, grief, and second chances. My aunt recommended this book, and since she had more by the same author,...
A Man Called Ove
A chaotic hostage situation turns into a funny and surprisingly emotional deep dive into human connection. It's a book that juggles absurdity and empathy in such a charming way, you won't know whether to laugh, cry, or just hug someone.
Anxious People
A quirky, heartwarming story about a young girl and her eccentric grandmother. It’s whimsical and funny, but also touches on grief, forgiveness, and the power of stories. If you liked A Man Called Ove, this one will charm you too.
My Grandmother Asked Me to Tell You She's Sorry
A deceptively simple tale that hits you right in the soul. This poetic story about a boy from another planet gently explores loneliness, love, and growing up. It’s one of those books that says more in a few pages than most manage in hundreds. You can...
The Little Prince
A gentle, philosophical tale that explores the meaning of life and the unseen impact we have on others. It’s comforting and thought-provoking, perfect for when you need a reminder that every life matters. :)
The Five People You Meet in Heaven
I don’t usually read self-help books, but this one was actually… not bad. It blends neuroscience with a touch of woo-woo in a way that feels smart and accessible, even for skeptics. Think “manifesting,” but with brain science. A friend from college l...
The Source: Open Your Mind, Change Your Life
I picked up this book because it’s by the same author as Normal People, and honestly, I don’t think anything she’s written will ever top Normal People — neither the series nor the book. That said, I will definitely get her other books because I just ...
CONVERSATIONS WITH FRIENDS - Sally Rooney
Dark humor meets sharp social commentary. It’s absurd, cynical, and weirdly relatable if you've ever felt like the world is going slightly mad—but in a Balkan-specific flavor. Feels like venting with a very sarcastic friend who’s both hilarious and a...
Da je bolje, ne bi valjalo
A sharp, satirical look at modern Serbian society, politics, and everyday absurdities. Ljubenović uses wit and dark humor to reflect on the contradictions and frustrations of life in Serbia today. It reads like a collection of brutally honest comment...
Srbijo, Bog ti pomogo
Romance, drama & Bridgerton vibes
For when you want swoons, scandals, secret glances across ballrooms—or just some good old-fashioned romantic chaos. This list is full of messy love stories, historical flirtations, fake dating tropes, heartbreak that hurts so good, and a healthy dose...
Heart-wrenching, glamorous, and packed with secrets. The plot twist left me crying and thinking about it for days. So good I had to immediately read something else by TJR just to recover emotionally. ha ha spoiler alert: it made it worse! It's the ne...
The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo
Rock-n-roll, band drama, and 70s vibes written in interview style. SO. GOOD. It’s like reading a documentary—unputdownable and filled with messy, complicated relationships and unforgettable characters like Daisy - she’s messy, magnetic… This book cap...
Daisy Jones & The Six
Bridgerton meets real-life history with a powerful love story at its center. Regal, romantic, and full of emotion—it gives both plot and feels. Bonus: the show adaptation is gorgeous!
Queen Charlotte
This prequel from the Rokesby series has all the wit, banter, and slow-burn romance you could want. Honestly, you can't go wrong with any Bridgerton/Rokesby book—they're always such a joy to read.
Because of Miss Bridgerton
A Regency romance with mistaken identity, secret letters, and emotional twists. Super sweet and charming, with just the right amount of historical drama. If you’re into Bridgerton, this hits the spot.
The Girl with the Make-Believe Husband
Pretending to date your coworker to impress your family? Yes, chaotic and entertaining. The fake dating trope really delivered here, especially with the slow-burn tension. Dramatic, steamy, and addictive.
The Spanish love deception
Mystery & dark thrillers
These are the books that mess with your mind, keep you up at night, and make you question everyone. Twisted plots, unreliable narrators, chilling crimes, and that moment when you whisper "wait WHAT?!" to yourself—yeah, that’s this list. Whether it’s ...
Written by Lionel Shriver—who, despite the masculine name, is a woman—the novel gained significant recognition, winning the 2005 Orange Prize (now the Women's Prize for Fiction). It’s a chilling, epistolary deep dive into motherhood, guilt, and natur...
We Need to Talk About Kevin
A woman shoots her husband and never speaks another word. A psychotherapist becomes obsessed with uncovering her motive. It’s one of those stories where you think you know what’s going on—until you don’t. The twist is clever and satisfying, and the p...
The Silent Patient
A Serbian legal thriller that blends courtroom drama with psychological tension. It’s gritty, smart, and offers a rare local perspective on justice and corruption. If you enjoy dark crime fiction with a Balkan twist, this one delivers. If you can't ...
DECA ZLA
I’ve heard the author is a bit controversial, so I wasn’t sure about diving into her work. But people kept saying this is her best, so I gave it a shot. It’s dark, twisty, and totally addictive. The unreliable narrator trope is done so well here. Def...
Verity
Truth Bombs
These are the books that capture what it feels like to grow up—awkward moments, deep thoughts, big feelings, and the kind of beauty you only notice when you're young (or heartbroken). They’re quiet, emotional, and sometimes tragic in a soft, poetic w...
This one actually came after the movie, based on the screenplay. The story is basically the same, so if you don’t feel like reading it, you can absolutely watch the movie instead (which is brilliant on its own). Still, the book is a beautiful reminde...
Dead Poets Society
A coming-of-age story that’s raw, emotional, and painfully relatable. It captures the highs and lows of teenage life, mental health struggles, and finding your people. I really loved the movie adaptation—it's one of the rare ones that truly does just...
The Perks of Being a Wallflower a book
Two teens meet by chance in NYC and spend one unforgettable day together. Sounds simple—but it’s deep, philosophical, and filled with questions about fate, identity, and family. A love story that’s also about everything around love. Sweet and poetic ...
The Sun Is Also a Star
This is a very heavy and emotional book to read, but an important one. It reflects the harsh realities of the world we live in and the things that happen every day — things we are often lucky to be spared from. Reading it makes you appreciate the lif...
The Kite Runner