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My Favorite Book Recs
24
items I've been an English teacher for nearly two decades, a founding member of a bookclub that has met every month for nearly three years, am on a 583-day reading streak on Fable (and counting!), and am a published children's author myself. I know a thing or two about books and good stories. This list is made of up of the books that have made a profound impact on me and that still linge...
Sections
5
Historical Fiction
YA Fiction
Sci-Fi
Literary Fiction
Thriller
Historical Fiction
Stories That Take Place in the Past
Hands down one of the best historical fiction novels ever
The Frozen River (GMA Book Club Pick)
I don't normally gravitate towards westerns, but this book, y'all. THIS. BOOK. It transcends and is something else entirely. I haven't stopped thinking about it.
Lonesome Dove: A Novel by Larry McMurtry
This book has made me a fan of historical fiction and I will read anything Kate Quinn writes.
The Briar Club by Kate Quinn
The story of freed slave Henry Shackleford and his life with the abolitionist John Brown. Humorous, unique, and just so so good.
The Good Lord Bird: A Novel (Natl Book Award)
Depression-era Mississippi, two narrators you'd follow anywhere, and a survival plan so audacious I had to put the book down and stare at a wall. Funny, mean, tender, and I didn't want it to end one bit.
The Calamity Club: A Novel - Kathryn Stockett
YA Fiction
Books for Teens (and Readers of Any Age!)
A future where humanity has cheated death and the only way to keep the population down is for Scythes to honorably kill people at random. A GENIUS young adult series that starts with this book.
Scythe (Arc of a Scythe) by Neal Shusterman
Another brilliant YA sci-fi novel/series. It's so unique and just moves.
The Knife of Never Letting Go (Chaos Walking, #1)
The true story of how the Mona Lisa was stolen. Yes, it's written for kids, but this is a fantastic read no matter how old you are!
The Mona Lisa Vanishes: Legendary Painter Heist
One of my favorite YA coming-of-age stories. Romance, friendships, identity. Jeff Zentner is a crazy-talented author and is an automatic read for me.
In the Wild Light - Zentner, Jeff: Books
Sci-Fi
Probably my favorite genre.
Goes without saying, but this is one of the best sci-fi novels of all time.
Project Hail Mary: A Novel - Books
The most achingly beautiful of all the dystopia novels. This book is the book that reignited my love for reading after college. I read it in a fury and haven't stopped recommending it since.
The Road (Oprah's Book Club) by Cormac McCarthy
Literary Fiction
Books Meant to Win Awards--But Also Really, REALLY Good, Too
A beautiful reminder of the power of kindness and a lovely character study. Ann Patchett has done it again.
Whistler by Ann Patchett
A family drama spanning decades that is simply…beautiful (pun intended).
Hello Beautiful (Oprah's Book Club): A Novel
There are no words for how haunting and beautifully written this book is, but here goes: you should read this story of a college English professor and the life he leads. It's amazing.
Stoner by John Williams
Kristin Hannah tells the story of a family moving to Alaska and how the struggles they experience adjusting. Teen angst, mystery, romance. This book is one of my all time faves.
The Great Alone: A Novel - Hannah, Kristin: Books
Nothing could have prepared me for this book. It's lean, brutal, and necessary. Please read it.
The Nickel Boys: A Novel: Whitehead, Colson
A chilling tale of identity and appropriation. Highly recommend!
Yellowface: A Chilling Novel of Racism & Cultural Appropriation
A couple meets in a middle eastern country when doors begin appearing, taking you somewhere else. A brilliant study on culture, immigration, and leaving home to find safety. Not talked about enough.
Exit West: A Novel - Hamid, Mohsin: Books
A road trip book with some of the most complex and brilliantly written characters. Beautifully done.
The Lincoln Highway: A Read with Jenna Pick
A unique retelling of Huck Finn from the perspective of the slave, Jim. Brilliant, beautiful, and heart-breaking. Rumored to be made into a movie directed by Taikia Watiti.
Review: James by Percival Everett
Kristin Hannah takes on nurses during the Vietnam War. Loved it.
The Women: A Novel - Hannah, Kristin: Books
Thriller
Let's Ramp Up the Heartrate with Some Action
This book doesn't get enough love. Read it.
Small Mercies: A Novel - Lehane, Dennis: Books
What happens to the victims who survived a serial killer? This story is the answer to that question. There are lines in this book that are simply perfect. A gripping story.
All the Colors of the Dark by Chris Whitaker
A thriller like no other. Plus it takes place in my hometown of San Antonio. Highly recommend!
More Than You'll Ever Know by Katie Gutierrez