1. The Book Thief by Markus Zusak
Look, if you’re a fan of being surprised and things happening, this isn’t the book for you – because trust me when I say, nothing happens. And the way these things (don’t) happen is very scattered and random. In addition, Death (our loveable narrator) will spoil every single thing about how it’s going to end. Now, I know this will seem like criticism, but it’s not, because I absolutely adore this book. It’s my third time reading it and it makes me sad knowing this is probably the last time it will be my favorite book. Set in Nazi Germany, it follows young Liesel Meminger, a girl so acquainted with loss that even Death describes, “an expert at being left behind.” Through a memorable cast of characters, it explores war, trauma, death, found family, love, and the depths of humanity. Though heavy, it’s told in a way that never overwhelms. It’s remarkable that this is considered Young Adult, and I believe readers of all ages can find something to love here. 5/5 stars.
2. Difficult Women by Roxanne Gay
I picked this up when I was 400+ pages into reading The Book Thief. I was hurting in a way that only women hurt and I wanted something to remind me that this pain wasn’t only mine. The first time I picked up this book, maybe in 2018 or 2019, I was fully blown away. I found it immaculate and relevant. This time around as I read through these stories again, I just found it sad. It felt as if they were poking at an open wound that only I could see. There are a lot of stories and things within the stories that I don’t fully get. However, I believe many of these stories do resonate well with the difficult experience that is being a woman. 4/5 stars.
3. The Flatshare by Beth O’Leary
This had less angst and pining than what I usually look for in a romance book. The romance reads like the C-plot of the story, but it was still absolutely delightful. Don’t be fooled by the title and synopsis, this is not the one bed trope you’re used to. The first hundred or so pages were a bit miffy but after I got past that I couldn’t put it down. 3.5/5 stars. Full Review here.
4. Seven Days in June by Tia Williams
The beginning is a little too fast and jam packed with pop culture references and very woke speak. Plus, the circumstances surrounding the first time our two main characters meet is icky. However, after a certain point I got everything I want in a romance – an absolutely obsessed man. This book is truly the pinnacle of “she breaths and he adores her” and that’s exactly what I’ll eat up. 3/5 stars. Full review here.
5. Check and Mate by Ali Hazelwood
Ali Hazelwood is hands down my comfort writer. Every time I pick her book I know I’m going to have a goofy treat of her tested and true recipe- a huge pining man and oblivious (usually tiny) girl. I devoured all three of her adult books – which were just remixes of each other- and left no crumbs. In this book, I love how Nolan, even with his wet towel personality, is so sure about his like for Mallory as if it’s as obvious as the sun is hot. Mallory is clueless, but not in a way that annoyed me. This is young adult so it can come off a bit juvenile. It also talks a great deal about chess. In fact, there’s more chess than there is story if you ask me. But I like chess and regardless I still found this stupidly delightful. 3/5 stars.
6. Beloved by Toni Morrison.
This book has stayed on my mind long after I’ve read it. As much as I know it’s not for everyone, I truly believe everyone has to read it. The non-linear storytelling can be a trip to follow, but the novel’s exploration of a family haunted by a vengeful baby spirit and scarred by slavery’s brutality is a powerful and thought-provoking vignette about the cascading effects of an oppressive system at a micro-level. (Look at me spewing smarticle particles). Probably the best thing I read all year. 4.5/5 stars. Full review here.
7. Bride by Ali Hazelwood
Fully disgusted with how fast I read this especially after reading Beloved. It’s another Ali Hazelwood book and as I’ve said, if you know her, you know exactly what this book is about – except now it was about Vampyres (stylistically spelled with a “y”) and werewolves. Didn’t care much about anything else except the fluff and spice between our main characters. Still had an absolute grand time as usual. Reminded me of my 2014 Wattpad days. 3/5 stars. Full review here.
8. Highly Suspicious and Unfairly Cute by Talia Herbert
This was a very charming book- a nice and funny delight. But I think it’s cemented the fact that teenagers just aggravate me now. The main characters were still lil cuties though. 3/5 stars.
9. The Roommate Risk by Talia Herbert
Someone on Goodreads reviewed this book by saying “Oh to be dumb and read smut.” And those are the vibes. That’s it. The banter is fun as usual, but Hibbert definitely has better books. The plot is there with us, but just in spirit – it doesn’t feel tangible enough. But still a goofy time. 2.5/5 stars.
10. How to keep house while drowning by K.C. Davis
This book is an easy enough read and yet I still DNF-ed it. I have realised I am not trying to get better as a human being. Maybe one day I will revisit it but til then, I would still recommend it to people who feel shame for not having clean spaces even though they are clearly having a hard time with this life thing. 3/5 stars.
11. Notes on an Execution by Danya Kukafka
I have a lot of thoughts about this book – sadly I can’t expand them into a full review at the moment. Objectively, I think it’s a very good book that raises a lot of philosophical questions about human nature and also the spectacle of the death penalty. Subjectively though, I think I felt very disconnected from the book and the characters. I still enjoyed it quite a lot. It kept me thinking for days and I think one of these days I’ll revisit this story. 4/5 stars
12. The fake boyfriend fiasco by Talia Hibbert
Another fun one by Talia Hibbert. Enjoyed this more than I did The Roommate Risk but I think it’s cause somehow, this one required even less thinking. I shut down and breezed through. The same thing can be said about books 13 and 14 on this list. 2.5/5 stars.
14. The Babysitter by Jessica Gadizala
I wish I could be critical about a few things but I won’t because this not the book to spend more than two brain cells trying to analyse . In short, there’s something lacking about the way things are handled and in the plot overall. However, this is a romance book written for a certain kind of person to enjoy and sadly that person is me. 3/5 stars.
14. The Cleaner by Jessica Gadizala
Same vibes as number 13. If you just want to reminisce the years you wasted reading wattpad, pick these books up. I will probably be reading more. 2.5/5 stars.
15. Out on a Limb by Hannah Bonam-Young
Never thought I’d enjoy an accidental pregnancy trope but I guess everything has it’s exceptions. Very cosy read. 3/5 stars.
16. Half a Soul by Olivia Atwater
I don’t usually read my romance in the form of historical light fantasy, but I guess I was trying new things this year. Another cosy read. I just wish there was more angst and pining. 3/5 stars.
17. The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern
I actually feel robbed with this book. I don’t know what I was expecting, but it wasn’t a book about a magic duel to be completely plotless for the first 200 or so pages. I was, I think, bored – but it’s written with so much wonder and atmosphere that it made me curious enough to keep going. Can’t say I regret it but at the same time wish i had not spent two months reading it. 2.5/5 stars. Full review here.
18. Shark heart by Emily Habeck
This book asks and answers the age old question, “would you love me if I was a worm?” But in the most profound heartbreaking way you can imagine. This book is definitely not for everyone and has its flaws but all the criticism I had for it has been washed away by the constant flood of tears I had while reading it. 4/5 stars.
19. Little Rot by Aweake Emezi
I don’t understand how a book so chaotic and so audacious can simultaneously feel so flat and predictable. As a friend put it, “it’s like fully knowing a train wreck is about to occur or occurring but still somehow not being able to look away.” Bummer, because two of this author’s books rank somewhere in my top ten favourite books of all time. After finishing this I’m here not only wondering WTF but also what’s the point. This book reads as if it was written for the shock value and nothing else. 2.5/5 stars.
20. Daydream by Hannah Grace
Fluffiest romance I have read in a while. Henry – whatever his surname is – is absolutely the man of day dreams. My only hang up is how fast the two main characters became friends, but after that it was so cozy and lovely. Easiest 4 stars I’ve ever given a romance. Full review here.
21. The Fake Out by Stephanie Archer
This book is just fluff and filth. Not that I’m complaining. Some elements are rushed and a few other anatomical things are questionable but what else was I expecting really. I always say books like this are written for a certain type of reader and sadly, that reader is me. 3.5/5 stars.
22. The Wingman by Stephanie Archer
Fluffy filth yet again. A bit more whimsical than The Fake Out which made it a little less realistic for me. But enjoyed it none the less. 3/5 stars.
From the list, I could only relate with one: Beloved. Or, maybe two, with the other being The Book Thief. I like how you describe Beloved. And how it is so different from the usual reads you enjoyed. Here is looking forward to seeing you diverge to the other genres in 2025. All in all, however, your cheeky reviews are such a pleasure. Please review more books. Most importantly, thank you for saving me from reading Little Rot.
Hahahahah, Of all the comments I thought I would get, I was not expecting one from you. Especially one of this kind. You too should start reviewing books on a personal website. I beg.
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