Hi everyone!
We’re right on the cusp of that cool, crisp weather as fall officially begins. Like many other students, I’m ready to whip out my sweaters, get a seasoned drink at my favorite coffee shop, and curl up on the couch to read a good book (assuming I have a bit of extra time in between my homework and my own creative endeavors!). I know from experience that reading for pleasure can be hard when you’re being swarmed with classes, but for those of you who are looking for some recommendations, you’re in the right place!
Here’s a short list of books with a little bit of everything!
Gilead by Marilynne Robinson
Starting off strong, here’s a novel I absolutely loved. It’s a standalone and an easy read for those of you who want something that’ll wrap up at the very end. Also, the writer is an Iowa alum! Something to note about this novel is that while it is fiction, it reads like nonfiction because it’s formatted as a father’s letters to his son.
The novel follows John Ames, a revered in town, as he writes a handful of letters to his young son before he passes away. It’s absolutely heartbreaking and the novel unpacks themes of fatherhood, faith, life, and death in such a gentle way that makes you want to cry by the very end (a good cry, of course!) Even as someone who didn’t grow up religious, I would definitely recommend this novel because of the way it portrays the beauty of religion and the impact it can make on individuals.
Beloved by Toni Morrison
An all-time classic! This is the first Toni Morrison novel I’ve ever read, and it was stunning! The way that Morrison builds the story and pulls it all together at the very end is incredible. This novel really does keep you on your toes, only to hit you with plot twist after plot twist after plot twist! It’s not as easy of a read as Gilead, but it’s a classic story that everyone should pick up once in their life.
The novel follows a black woman named Sethe and her dysfunctional family in the aftermath of the Civil War. Each character grapples with the trauma of slavery alongside an evil spirit that has overtaken their home.
Medusa’s Sisters by Lauren J.A. Bear
A complete 180, here’s a young adult novel with a twist on the story of Medusa and her sisters before and after they’re transformed into Gorgons. People who grew up on Percy Jackson or are fans of Circe and Song of Achilles would love this novel! It’s a standalone, character-driven, and emotional rollercoaster that doesn’t let you go from start to finish. It definitely changed my view on Medusa and her sisters and now, I doubt I’ll ever see them the same again.
Those of you still in your Greek mythology phase (or just never left it like me!), go pick this one up!
Lightlark by Alex Aster
Even though this young adult novel has been on the best-sellers list for many weeks, it was (unfortunately) my least favorite on the list. The plot, characters, and worldbuilding were a bit weak and I wasn’t the biggest fan of the romance. But even though it wasn’t for me, maybe it’s the novel for you!
The story follows Isla, a ruler who must compete to save her kingdom, and if she doesn’t win, she risks losing everything, including her life. For those of you curious to know if it’s a hit or a miss, pick this one up and give it a go!
Memorial Drive by Natasha Tretheway
Switching gears again, here’s a nonfiction memoir that feels like a gut punch.
The story follows a young Natasha and her perspective on her mother’s life as she watches her move through womanhood, being a black woman in the segregated south, and being trapped in an abusive relationship that eventually kills her. It’s a short novel, but every chapter is more emotional than the last. If you’re looking for a novel that really hones in on the struggles of being a black woman and domestic abuse, this is a heavier choice, but a great one, nonetheless.
Empire of Storms by Sarah J. Maas
I’ve been slowly trudging along with the Throne of Glass series, and I swear, each book keeps getting better and better! This time around, I did something called a tandem read which is where I read two books in the series at the same time and switch books every couple chapters. It honestly made the reading so much faster, and it was so cool seeing the timeline of everything through the perspectives of soooo many different characters.
No spoilers of course, but Empire of Storms is a massive novel with a heart-wrenching ending that had me bawling my eyes out! I guess I have a habit of choosing emotional books!
Tower of Dawn by Sarah J. Maas
This was the second novel I read in the tandem read. From the Throne of Glass fandom, I know this is often a book that most readers skip since it doesn’t follow the main female character but rather, one of the leading male characters. I agree that the pacing is a bit slow (which is why the tandem read is so helpful!), but I think Maas did some of her best character work in this novel.
Each of the characters’ developments are amazing and reading from their perspectives opened up more depth and understanding. This novel did a great job of examining the trauma of the four previous books and the process of healing. If you’re one of those people who stopped halfway, I would definitely pick this book up again. I promise it’s worth it!
Cake Eater by Allyson Dahlin
One of my top reads of the year! I actually got to work with Allyson and her agents which was so cool and yes, I was geeking out the whole time! This is Allyson’s debut standalone novel and it’s a retelling of Marie Antoinette if it was set 150 years in the future and if she was a social media influencer marrying the crown prince. It’s an adorable read and the romance is to die for! Unsurprisingly, I also cried at the end of this book too!
If you’re looking for a young adult novel that makes its own twists and turns on history, then this novel is for you!
The Witch Doesn’t Burn in This One by Amanda Lovelace
Don’t worry, I didn’t forget about you poetry lovers! Here’s a feminist poetry collection that speaks on female rage, resilience, and everything supernatural. It’s a breeze to get through and each poem is so incredibly powerful. I have so many verses underlined and circled because of the visceral reactions it gave me.
This narrator is angry beyond compare and every page only makes you angrier with her. If this poetry collection sounds like something you’d be interested in, check her out!
Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen
Ending with a classic!
Yes, I finally read Pride and Prejudice for the very first time. I’ve only ever seen the story play out on stage, but nothing beats reading Elizabeth and Darcy’s love story on the page. So many more scenes and depth came out of the original text, and I was swooning every other chapter. It’s definitely another novel I’d recommend to romance lovers.
After all, you can’t love romance books without loving the original love story!
Those are some of the recommendations I have for you guys! I hope some of these books made it onto your future reading list and that you’ll be able to enjoy them just as much as I did.
Enjoy the reading and talk to you guys soon.
