This is one of my all time favorite books (and movies) because of it's beautiful depiction of magic and emotions and how they intertwine. It's about sisters, magic, love, loss, lilacs, and banishing ghosts both literal and metaphoric. It also takes place in New England, and is one of the books that made me always want to move to Massachusetts! I also HIGHLY recommend the sequels and prequel novel - all of them are beautiful, funny, and wistful.
I cried seven times while reading this book. If you like fantasy and queer romance, this book will quickly become one of your favorites. Werewolves, magic, chosen family, YEARNING - just trust me. You will love it. I can't even write anything else about it other than whats here. Just. READ IT.
This book is set in the 70s, before Roe v. Wade, and explores the history of "homes for unwed mothers." These group homes, often owned or operated by the catholic church, housed women and girls sent by their families to have their babies in secret, "give" them up for adoption, and then return to their families and lives like nothing ever happened. Three girls in such a home are given a book of spells from a local librarian and are shocked to discover not only is magic real, but it may be the only way to regain any agency in their lives and from a society that would see them dead before seeing them pregnant and unwed.
This book is a really interesting exploration of feminine rage and society's gender norms that lead to it. Feminine rage, or female rage, is the ancestral and inherited response to the struggles, oppression, and wrong doings that women have been subjected to. Also, there are in fact literal dragons. That part is important to know. My copy of this book has over 50 tabs in it. Highly recommend.
I've read three Emily Henry books now and this one was my favorite! Set in Michigan (one of my favorite places in the world), this book starts off at a kind of weird place - A runaway groom and best woman leave Daphne and Miles heartbroken, single, and in need of a new living situation. So why not each other? This book was genuinely so funny and really delved into the messy process of emotional healing.
There was a reason this was our first book club pick - and not just because it's one of my favorites. Packed with romance, humor, adventure, fantasy, and social satire, this book really has something for everyone to enjoy! If you liked the movie, you will only find more to love about this funny and at times moving book - definitely William Goldman's best work.
Christmas tree farm romance - is there anything more beautifully hallmark than that? Reading this book feels like drinking hot chocolate by the fire while looking out at a beautiful snow covered countryside. And if winter is not your thing, there are three other books in this series to represent the different seasons! B.K. Borrison is also just one of the best romance writers out there and you should definitely read her work.
A classic for a reason - and I promise, it's not as much walking as you think it is.
This song is a Florence and the Machine album come to life. Beautiful, haunting, kind of terrifying, and chock full of sapphic vampires.
Haunted. Puppets. It is excellent. I will not elaborate.
A beautiful story of how and why people survive and go on living after the world as they know it has ended. This book is a blend of science fiction, magical realism, and climate fiction, and one that has stayed with me for years. I recommend it to everyone.
Shirley Jackson is an icon of gothic horror, and this book shows you why! Atmospheric, spooky, and breathtaking, it will keep you turning pages and stay with you long after you've put it down. (You may be familiar with one of Shirley Jackson's short stories, "The Lottery," and if you aren't, you should read that too!)
A historical fiction novel exploring the short life of William Shakespeare's son, Hamnet, and the grief his family experiences after his death. What I like about it is that the author never actually names Shakespeare, referring to him only through his relation to other characters. It's a beautifully written story that imagines the layers behind one of history's great creatives.
Suspense, magic, heartache, romance, and mystery all tied up together with beautiful writing and worldbuilding. Clearly developed and unique characters, a gorgeously atmospheric setting, magic and magical realism, and an intriguing mystery all kept the pages turning. (And if you like Practical Magic, give this a try!)
If I'm ever asked about my favorite book I read in high school, this is the answer. Vonnegut's famous "anti-war" book is still (in my opinion) one of the best books about the realities of war and its costs, all wrapped up with his signature humor and outlandish sci-fi plots.
If you've never read Agatha Christie, this is a great one to start with! It is so tightly plotted and full of twists and turns that lead to a really stunning conclusion. The blueprint for great mystery novels.
Eilis Lacey is a young Irish woman who emigrates to Brooklyn in the years following World War II. This novel explores her decision and emotions as she feels torn between her two homes. It was made into a film in 2015 starring Saoirse Ronan and earning her an Oscar nomination for her role.
A collection of short stories that lean into horror and science fiction through a queer feminist perspective. Some are funny, some are dark, some are darkly funny. It's a well rounded collection that made me interested to see what else this author writes.
Incredibly beautiful and moving, this story is so intricately crafted and follows multiple characters and timelines - including a tree as a narrator. There's a touch of magical realism that I really liked, and a lovely exploration of the connections between humans and nature and the folklore surrounding both.
This is a thoroughly researched and well-written account of the Sackler family, owners of Pudue Pharma and widely criticized for their company's role in the opioid crisis. The author tackles a daunting and difficult topic with in depth research and thoughtful writing.
A romance and a ghost story all in one? Sign me up! The main character is very lovable and you want to root for her and for all the people she cares about. I recommend this to everyone, even people who think they aren't romance readers! The author has a lovely writing style and this book explores themes of love, grief, family, and finding what matters to you.
Sometimes you read a book series as a teenager and it sticks with you forever. The Hunger Games is that series for me. I revisited these books recently and was pleasantly surprised at how much they still resonated. Catching Fire is book two in the series and my absolute favorite (also one of the best book to movie adaptations out there, if you ask me).