Mariachiara

Dystopian fiction has probably always been one of my favorite genres because I love the idea of taking something that already exists in our world and pushing it just a little too far. Give me a society with an unsettling set of rules, a government that definitely cannot be trusted, a protagonist slowly realizing that everything they believed was a lie, and I'm immediately interested. What I especially love about dystopian books is that the best ones don't feel completely impossible. The worlds can be extreme, but there is usually something recognizable underneath them: surveillance, technology, inequality, propaganda, social pressure, environmental collapse, obsession with productivity, or simply the fear of losing control over your own life. That's what makes these books so addictive to me. I'm not just reading about some terrible imaginary future, I'm constantly wondering how far away that future actually is. For this list, I wanted to go beyond the books that automatically come up whenever someone searches for "best dystopian novels." Obviously, some of those classics deserve to be here, but I also wanted newer books, quieter dystopias, weird dystopias, feminist dystopias, climate fiction, speculative fiction, and books that sit somewhere between dystopian, science fiction, and psychological horror. Basically, this is my ideal dystopian reading pile: a little terrifying, a little depressing, occasionally hopeful, and almost guaranteed to make me stare at the ceiling after finishing a chapter and think, well, that's probably not going to happen... right?

There is something about autumn that makes me want to read differently. As soon as the days get shorter and it starts getting dark ridiculously early, I suddenly want books with old houses, strange families, foggy landscapes, complicated women, unreliable narrators, ghosts, secrets, and people making decisions that I would absolutely never make myself. So this is my slightly chaotic collection of books for that exact mood. I didn't want a list made entirely of the obvious Halloween classics, but I also didn't want to pretend that Dracula and Frankenstein don't belong on an autumn reading list. Instead, I mixed the books that have earned their place as gothic classics with newer novels that play with the same ideas in much stranger ways. Some of these are genuinely frightening, some are unsettling without being traditionally scary, and some are here simply because they have that particular atmosphere I associate with October. There are haunted houses, monsters, folklore, obsession, grief, bizarre little worlds, and a healthy number of characters who should probably have made better decisions. Basically, these are books for rainy afternoons, cold evenings, candles that are mostly there for the aesthetic, and those nights when you tell yourself you'll read one chapter before bed and immediately regret that decision at 1:30 a.m. No particular order, because choosing a favorite would require making a decision and I'm trying to avoid that kind of responsibility.

What I find most interesting about these 15 books is how often Japanese literature returns to a few ideas without ever treating them in exactly the same way: impermanence, loneliness, beauty, social expectations, memory, and the difficulty of connecting with other people. The older works tend to make these ideas visible through court life, family, tradition, and changing social structures. The twentieth-century novels become much more psychological, often focusing on isolation and the conflict between the individual and society. The contemporary books then take those same questions and place them in more familiar settings: universities, convenience stores, relationships, modern cities, and even surreal or dystopian worlds. Reading them together makes Japanese literature feel less like one single tradition and more like a conversation across centuries.

I never thought I'd say this, but romance books are slowly becoming one of my favorite genres. I've always been more drawn to other types of stories, so romance was never really at the top of my TBR. But this summer, I decided to give it a chance and I'm so glad I did. These books completely changed my perspective. They're funny, emotional, beautifully written, and filled with characters that feel incredibly real. They offer so much more than just a love story: friendship, personal growth, healing, and unforgettable summer atmospheres. This is my current summer reading list, and every book on it has made me fall a little more in love with the genre. If these are any indication of what romance has to offer, I can already tell I'll be adding many more romance novels to my shelves in the future. 💛✨

Forget the tourist traps and glossy pizza joints, this list is all about the real Neapolitan bites you grab standing up, on a busy corner, paper napkin in hand. From fried crocchè dripping mozzarella to the legendary cuzzetiello stuffed with ragù, these are the spots locals actually crave when hunger hits hard. Each one has its own story: a smoky fryer in a hidden alley, a salumeria that still wraps panini in brown paper, or a friggitoria where they call you amò before you’ve even ordered. This isn’t just food, it’s Napoli at its most raw, loud, and deliciously fried. Bring cash, skip the diet, and let the smell of fresh bread and ragù guide you.

Okay, so I'm obsessed with fall and, let's be real, the best part is switching up your perfume. Those light summer scents are great and all, but this time of year calls for something cozier and more comforting. I put together a list of my go-to fragrances for fall, from spicy and warm to a little bit smoky. It's basically autumn in a bottle.

As an Italian I couldn't resist, so I prepared for you this literary journey through Italy with this handpicked list of 14 remarkable books, ranging from medieval epics and Renaissance drama to modern novels, feminist voices, immigrant stories, and poetic masterpieces. Whether you're new to Italian literature or a seasoned reader looking to dive deeper, this collection showcases the depth, beauty, and variety of Italy’s storytelling tradition.

Here’s a list of cheap perfumes that actually smell amazing. You don’t need to spend a ton to smell good, and these picks prove it. Whether you like something sweet, fresh, or a little musky, there’s something here that feels way more expensive than it is. Perfect for everyday use or when you just want to smell great without overthinking it.

A handpicked list of bikinis I’m loving right now—perfect for beach days, pool hangs, or just living your best sun-kissed life. Think flattering fits, cute colors, and total vacation energy. 🩱✨ Note: I know some of these pieces are separate, which can be annoying sometimes, but I decided to include both because I personally like doing mix and match and buy only one of the two pieces

These are the shoes I wear all the time — the ones that have been through everything with me. From everyday errands to last-minute plans, these pairs never fail. Super comfy, easy to style, and totally my go-to’s. If you catch me out, there’s a good chance I’m wearing one of these.

A curated list of perfumes for every occasion and budget, from luxurious high-end fragrances to affordable yet captivating scents. Find the perfect match for your style and wallet, whether you’re dressing up for a special event or seeking an everyday signature scent

Get fit with this essential workout gear. Comfortable clothes that breathe and move with you, plus reliable equipment to help you reach your goals. Quality basics for the gym, outdoors, or home workouts.

My favorite books have shaped my imagination and perspective on the world. Each one offers a unique journey, whether through deep emotions, thrilling adventures, or thought-provoking ideas. From timeless classics to modern masterpieces, these books have inspired me, challenged my thinking, and given me unforgettable stories to cherish.