The first half is all the books I read & recommend.
The second half are books I started reading / read but do not think highly enough of to recommend (although some I had to finish simply because I got too invested in what was happening and needed to know the ending).
No book links because I thoroughly encourage you to use a library or a local, independent bookseller and absolutely by all means possible, avoid Indigo/Chapters, and Amazon.
If you need one that delivers in Canada, I very much like McNally Robinson. They can order any book you like.
WHAT I RECOMMEND
Project Hail Mary: Andy Weir
Space Travel – Save Earth – Astronauts – Science – Math – Friendships – Humanity
WHAT A BOOK. EVERYONE was talking about it, and you know me.. I was like – is this going to be another Hamlet or Piranesi or The Goldfinch because I can’t take this any longer, I have so many other books I could read – and then by chapter 2 I was hooked. I couldn’t put it down. I won’t lie, I was one chapter in and thinking : I feel like science fiction space travel is not my thing, I want to stop reading – but I persevered because the writing was just so engaging and I wanted to know what happened next.
It is very heavy on the science and math, perfect for people who understand WTF is going on, and still readable for people like me whose eyes glaze over those passages and calculations.
I even think my son would enjoy this book greatly, as he is very science + math oriented.
When it got to the middle of the book (I do not want to spoil it), it is when it ramps up even harder and is WAY better until the super satisfying, wonderful ending. I cried at the end, I won’t lie.
The Four Winds: Kristin Hannah
Dustbowl – Agriculture – Social Classes – Survival – Family
A heartbreaking story. Of course. It doesn’t end well (not in my opinion), but it is a terribly well written look into the bonds of family, land and life. It will most definitely make you cry, and made me have even more compassion and empathy for those in need.
It also revealed the darker side of another type of indentured slavery enacted by those during this period, and I was appalled to read of it, but not surprised considering the state of the world today which is quite sad.
The Fragile Threads of Power: V. E. Schwab
Dark Fantasy – Pirates – Magic – Family – Quest for a Magic Stone – Sequel after Trilogy
Another incredible instalment coming off her fabulous trilogy – Shades of magic. If you have NOT read that trilogy, do NOT read this book, as it references what is in there. Otherwise, if you do not care to read the trilogy.. well, you can certainly still read the book but things may not make sense to you and, frankly, I ask you why? LOL
It is about going and getting this enchanted stone, the struggle between good and evil, power and control. The usual sort of fantasy line, but so well written, with PIRATES and such strong female characters, and others that are so well written that they popped off the page. If you liked The Night Circus by Erin Morgernstern (another good one that is very similar in tone and pace), or anything by Anne Bishop, you will like this series.
Half a Soul: Olivia Atwater
Regency Faery Fantasy – Romance but not spicy – Light Read – Family – Social Consciousness – Aristocracy
I didn’t think I would like this book and I finished it in a day. It was so engaging, light, yet interesting without being cloying. I am a bit sad I read this one first as it is #2 in the series (Lord Sorcier is the first), but it was still good as a read alone novel, I wasn’t too lost with the story. It follows a little girl who was basically promised to a faerie by her mother (wtf) and the faerie comes to collect in full, only to take half her soul rather than her entire being. The whole story builds from there of how it is resolved (I don’t want to tell you, it is a good, satisfying ending). A lovely book, a romantic novel that has no spice or anything questionable (some are really shocking) at all, so totally appropriate for younger readers if they happen to be into romance tales.
Anything could happen: Lucy Diamond
Missed Connections – Love Story – Chicklit – Absentee Father
I am on the fence on this one. This is not a strong OMG YES YOU MUST READ IT book, like the others on my list, but it is a – hey if you want something semi-light, that ends well with a bit of substance but not too heavy to make you feel depressed about your day – go for it.
What I didn’t enjoy was the short ending, no drawn out chapter for the epilogue, and it all felt so anti-climatic. I wanted to hear more from the other secondary characters, and I feel there was a missed opportunity to really capitalize on building their backstory or giving insights into their feelings. Or at least, MORE insight. It just felt like cotton candy, sweet but fluffy, and not really that satisfying. Don’t get me wrong, it was still a good read, but with the topic she tackled in this book, I was hoping for something deeper with the daughter than what I got.
I will give her another try though, not every book is a hit with me and that is okay.
Killers of the Flower Moon
Real Life Crime – Indigenous First Peoples – History – Murder
What an unspeakable bit of history, which by the way, is STILL happening in other hidden ways in our society. The treatment of the First Peoples.. it makes my blood boil, no matter how much I am acknowledging that I have very much benefitted from it (in the sense that I live in Canada and am Canadian). At any rate, this is of the Osage people in the U.S. I believe a film came out of it, but I haven’t watched it. It is a true crime story of the serial killings of the Osage, and the absolutely disgusting way they have been (and still are) being treated to this day. A very important read.
The Teller of Small Fortunes: Julie Leong
Cosy Fantasy – Races and Discrimination – Step-Family – Family Bonds – Running away from your problems
I love that these cosy fantasies from Leong always go into slightly uncomfortable topics. Her other book that I read, touched on being gay. This one is about being of a different, discriminated race, but the topics are never heavy. They are uncomfortable enough to make you feel something but not enough to make you cry and feel heavy (I already have enough of those kinds of topics in my life as-is, not to mention watching the news..). This one is VERY well written as usual, fun and light and yet deep.
Keeper of Magical Things: Julie Leong
Mages – Love story – Parental expectations – Feel Good Cosy Story
In the same vein as the books by author Sangu Bandanna who wrote the series of The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches, these books make you feel good. Cosy little stories about magic, mages, finding yourself, living up to parental expectations and ending in such a sweet, happy way.. it makes you want to read more.
This was book 2 in the series but apparently they are standalone so I didn’t need the backstory on any one. It is a seriously good read and made me laugh quite a bit throughout the book with the characters being charming, lovable and interesting enough to keep going.
Everflame Saga: Penn Cole
Fantasy – Magic – Typical story arc of girl becomes heroine – Do not begin this until September 2026 where the 4th book finally drops
Quartet of books only Books 1-3 currently available
This saga’s story arc is NOT NEW. I mean, I must have read it multiple times in different versions in the Dark Jewels Trilogy (Anne Bishop), or in the A Court of Thorns & Roses (Sarah J. Maas), the Tearling Series (Erika Johansen) to name a few of my favourites off the top of my head… ordinary girl becomes heroine, super powerful, saves the world. I am not giving anything away. What I will say, is the series made me angry for 2 reasons even though I devoured it in a matter of days.
1) The relationship she has with the guy from her childhood in there IRKED THE LIVING F*** out of me. Midway through the series I was muttering for this guy to get offed.
2) The book is NOT a trilogy like I had originally thought. It is a quartet of books and the fourth one with the conclusion is not coming out until September 2026. *insert unamused face here* At least it isn’t like those insufferable Rylee Adamson books by Shannon Mayer that Just. Would. Not. Stop. Dragging. On. I think the series finally ended at book 15 or something ridiculous. Any book that goes past SIX BOOKS, should be a series to be avoided. I think 3 is the perfect number to be honest, 4 if you really need to squeeze in more storyline and can’t do it in 3.
So yeah, my bad. If I had known Book 4 was not available, I would not have started this stupid series because now I am on a roll and I NEED TO KNOW WHAT HAPPENS and I cannot. Until September.
That said, it is a good series. Just wait until September to begin it, if you are obsessive like I am. I also went through the same BS with the ACOTAR (Sarah J. Maas) series, before the final book came out, and I lost steam and track of the entire story before I read the conclusion. Super unsatisfying and now I need to reread it again to really get the whole series solid in my head.
The Doorman: Chris Pavone
Mystery – Upper East Side Stories – Dark side – Socialites uber rich families behind the scenes – Love Story
Written from the perspective of multiple people, but focusing on the network or web of people around a certain doorman who lost his wife unexpectedly, and who works at a very rich, famous co-operative The Bohemia, it takes the perspective of those serving the uber rich, the uber rich and how they live, and all those little stories wrapped into one explosive thriller. It was such a good read, engaging and interesting.
Turns of Fate: Anne Bishop
The Others series sequel – Dark Fantasy – Karma comeuppance
Every single book I have read of hers, I have loved. A while back, she created a world under the series The Others, with supernatural beings, elementals, that sort of thing. This book is a spinoff of a world that spins off of that.. the world of Wyrd and a new awkward police officer who joins the department / team that handles interactions with the Others, and finds her true self in doing so. A very compelling read (I finished it in a day, bumping into walls), and as usual, a good read. You don’t need to have read her other books to get a feel for this one, no prequels required.
I also love that she covers hard topics like mental, financial and physical spousal abuse, and showing women in such vulnerable positions and how they get out of them or try to anyway.. it is a topic not often done in such a gentle, raw way that it makes you cry, and it so perfectly mimics reality.
Longshadow: Olivia Atwater
Regency Faery Fantasy – Daughter of a Faerie – Love story – Romeo + Juliet-esque
You have to read Half a Soul to be able to follow this story, as it concerns a daughter from that. It is a rather Romeo + Juliet sort of vibe, and the ending is rather satisfying as always. I am always worried that the endings will disappoint and they never do. It follows a daughter learning about herself, her powers and coming to her own choices and decisions to find a murderer who is stealing the lives of aristocratic young ladies.
Lord Sorcier: Olivia Atwater
Regency Faery Fantasy – Introduction to a character – Extremely short read – Novella
This was not a required prequel to the book Half a Soul (see above), but it was nice to have the quick backstory on him. You don’t need to read it, but if you loved Half a Soul, it would be worth a quick read to just have the full picture. You sign up for Atwater’s mailing list and she will redirect you to download this novella for free.
Ten Thousand Stitches: Olivia Atwater
Regency Faery Fantasy – Light Read – Servant Class – Love story
Again, another book from this lovely Regency Faery world that I very much enjoyed reading. NO NEED to read the previous books, they don’t seem to build on each other in term of characters, but I am one of those types that likes to read in order so I don’t miss subtle links.
Kind of a sort of typical Bridgerton-like story of a maid who falls in love with the son of the family she is working for, comes across a faery and the amusing, funny hijinks of those interactions come out of it. It is kind of funny being able to look from outside of what human behaviour consists of, to have an author come in and point out the way we speak and mannerisms we have as humans that come across as odd to non-humans. A really fun, whimsical read.
Latchkey: Olivia Atwater
Regency Faery Fantasy – Childhood – Extremely short read – Novella
A short novella on the childhood of Lord Sorcier, the main character in this series. You sign up for Atwater’s mailing list and she will redirect you to download the novella for free. It talks about his origin story of how he grew up as a child (yes, I cried.. I feel a lot when I read). Nevertheless, it does end well.
Witchwood Knot: Olivia Atwater
Regency Faery Fantasy – Dark Hauntings – Sequel series – Magician
This is the first book in the sequel series to her first Regency Faery series. You don’t need to have read the previous ones to understand this one, but there are some links to the original stories. It follows a magician named Winnie who was asked by a former lady who was kind to her, to come and investigate and keep her grandson alive at Wichwood Manor. Quite a compelling tale, a little darker than how she typically writes, but enjoyable nonetheless. A nice ending that trails off nicely to set the stage for the following stories to come.
The Gilded Years – Karin Tanabe
Gilded Age – Race Issues – Passing as White – Vassar – Biography
A true story of Anita Hemmings, a black woman who happened to be able to pass as white, and not just white, but voted class beauty for many years in a row at Vassar, a very snobby, elite women’s college. The whole story was fascinating (it is true) from start to finish and the writing is superlative in describing the heartbreak and terrible choices to be made when moving from “one world to the other”, mired in racial tensions. I can’t say much has changed from then, it is just better hidden these days and less overt.
Stick and Ball – Kiki Astor
Royal Encounter – Abusive relationship escape – Polo theme – Family
A fun, fluffy story. A little unbelievable, but totally heartbreaking hearing the story of an abused woman escape her marriage. My goodness, I was tearing up at some sections, feeling a mix of angry rage, frustration and pain at what she was subjected to at the start of the book, but only because I know it exists and is quite the reality for many women. She escapes, and then starts a new life – it does a great job in highlighting the struggle of being someone who is kept completely isolated from people, the world and the fear that permeates through every pore each time something happens.
Unsolicited Journals of Emma M. Lion (Volumes 1 to 8)
Series – Journals – Victorian era – Young lively protagonist – Life
A wonderful series of journals.. the first one felt a bit boring at the start, and it wasn’t until halfway through that I really started to get into the context of Emma Lion’s history, story and life. I really started to warm up to her by Journal #2. There are currently 8 journals out, so this one square represents the 8 books I read.
I AM JUST MAD THAT THEY AREN’T FINISHED. She plans for like 25 books or something. This will be agonizing to wait for.. lol
Anna: The Biography – Amy Odell
Biography – Anna Wintour – Vogue – Childhood – Career
A great biography that talks about how Wintour grew up and the circumstances that brought her to become the most influential person in fashion. Period. Of course, she is highly privileged and likes to cosplay as a poor, but the barriers she had to overcome were still pretty high. She was also quite creative in seeing the future of high fashion.
Triptych: Karin Slaughter
Hidden Killers – Prison – Young Life – Mystery – Abuse
Trigger Warnings: Sexual assault – Pedophilia
A young man is accused of rape of a classmate and is sent to prison at 16 where he suffers for the next decade or so, losing his youth and innocence. His addiction to drugs brought him there, but then the mystery unravels through the book that leads us to the real monsters who live among us.
This was a very very hard book for me to read, having a young son. I felt physically ill in many parts of the book, and while it is gripping, well written and certainly eyeopening, it is not a book I would recommend if you are someone like me who empathizes quite deeply with others (an empath). I absorbed a lot of this fictional horror that I know is very real for many people.
Meet the Newmans: Jennifer Niven
Fictional TV Family – Fame – Hollywood – Family Dynamics – Feminism
I was pleasantly surprised at how much I enjoyed this little excursion of a woman’s coming of age to an awakening of feminism in the era of Betty Friedan in the sixties. It follows two protaganists, one, a matriarch of a famous TV family who looks and acts perfect both at home and on set, and another, a young woman in the publishing world trying to navigate the sexist waters of the newspaper room to make her mark on the world. A very engaging and rather uplifting read which makes you greatly appreciate all these great women before us have achieved for us to live as we do today.
The Measure: Nikki Erlick
Destiny – Science Fiction – Lifespan
This was a really interesting book to read in the sense that it made me think about if I wanted to know if my lifespan was long or short.. and if it were or were not, what would I do? Would I make different life choices? The whole book is about how everyone gets this tiny little box when they turn 22, that determines the “measure” of your life. If the string is short, you will not live long, and if that doesn’t match up to the string of your loved ones… what would you do?
DON’T READ
These are the following books that may or may not have been highly recommended that I read at least a chapter of, and couldn’t sink my teeth into to keep going; not even to finish the story.
I FINISHED IT BUT HERE’S MY TAKE:
Low season in St. Tropez: Kiki Astor
I hated the protaganist so much. Flighty, annoying, spoiled, entitled, cuts and runs from jobs and relationships, honestly, I finished it because it was somewhat enjoyable but I would not read it again from my intense dislike of the main character’s personality.
A woman of intelligence: Karin Tanabe
I read the entire book and kept waiting for the story to finish with some sort of satisfying ending. Spoiler alert – it did not. I hope this was not a true story (I doubt it), but I hated the plot once I finished it, starting with a woman who married rich to the controlling and emotionally manipulative and abusive “perfect husband”, to her weird foray into the FBI and KGB world… I hated all of it, I liked reading the first half of it, and just hoped it would get better (plus I wanted to know how it turned out), and it ended disatisfactorily.
The Best Worst Thing: Lauren Okie
So… I liked the book at the start. It starts off so promising, a girl gets married, starts a life, wonderful story arc that is heartbreaking about IVF and the trials and tribulations of hoping for a child, it really has very strong points. I am torn because it is well written and engaging, but midway through the book I became less enamoured.
**spoiler alert, stop here if you want to read the book and find out things on your own, otherwise… **
Then around the middle, it became so incredibly tedious for me to continue. I mean, I still liked the writing and I wanted to know wtf happens, but there is only so much a person can take, reading about the relationships the protagonist has with the people in her life.
I am not talking about the IVF journey – that was amazing, reading about it as if I was in the first-person perspective, the heartbreak, the living in someone else’s shoes to experience something I have never experienced before -.. but the way she treats the supposed actual love of her life was infuriating. There is only SO MUCH SH&%*# that guy can take. If I were him, I would have cut her out and moved on a long time ago. No one is worth that angsty woe is me drama and the flip flopping back and forth, the dangling him on a string, and the completely UNREALISTIC portrayal of two guys being hopelessly in love with her to the point where she can’t decide but then she decides, and then she wavers to go back to her cheating husband but then she doesn’t…
JFC. ENOUGH. If I had known all of this would have happened, I would not have read the book, and yet, I still can’t put it down as a “DO NOT READ” because it was well written and I I really liked the IVF perspective which made me so much more appreciative of what people go through…
The middle of the book onwards, was awkward AF, and I think her publisher made her rewrite in a few changes to the character’s cultural background, because it was so odd and out of place coming out of nowhere.
Couldn’t finish for various reasons
- The Martian – Andy Weir – After Hail Mary I thought it would be great, but it wasn’t as interesting for me. It is a guy who gets stuck on Mars and has to grow potatoes. It is funny and interesting like a diary of sorts, but not my vibe. I cut my losses.
- Imperium Series – Nicholas and Olivia Atwater – I love her Faery Regency books but these ones are meh. I read the first chapter and then decided not to bother.
I started these and after 2 chapters I said life was too short to keep going: - Happy all the time – Laurie Colwin – about 2 cousins finding love, and it was semi-interesting but not enough to keep me there
- Plum Island – Nelson DeMille
- Piranesi – Susanna Clarke
- Devil in the White City: Erik Larson
- Brief and Wonderful Life of Oscar Wao – Junot Diaz
- Girl, Woman, Other – Bernadine Evaristo
- Hamnet – Maggie O’Farrell – I will admit I skipped to the end to see what happened but overall, I couldn’t get into it for whatever reason and I was so excited to
- Murder at Gull’s Nest – Jess Kidd
- The Favorites – Layne Fargo – I read it and it was trying very hard to be like a Taylor Jenkins Reid Atmosphere novel, but I couldn’t get into it. I am not that into figure skating I guess.
- The Goldfinch – Donna Tartt
- The Names – Florence Knapp
- The Year of Magical Thinking – Joan Didion
- The Only One Left – Riley Sager
- Into the Blue – Emma Brodie
Want more book recommendations?
All of my previous book recommendations are here.
If you’re lazy like me, here are my YEARLY book roundups from each year.