Fun Book Lists From Professionals
The following lists are some sweet recommendations from various professionals, from book bloggers to bookstore workers to librarians. Sources include Amazon, Goodreads, Book Riot, Powell's Books, BookBub, and Get Literary. These lists were curated & compiled from the web by Ampersand, but the individual book recommendations themselves are all credited directly from their sources.
WORLD BOOK DAY - AMAZON
What is it?
Read The World: April 2020 article offering 9 free kindle books (for a week) representing different genres & different countries around the world. So, they're probably not still free, but it's a cool idea - here's their list.
CONTEMPORARY FICTION
TURKEY
THE GIRL IN THE TREE
by Şebnem İşigüzel
Translated by Mark David Wyers
A girl comes of age amid violent unrest in Turkey and finds an unexpected way to escape in this award-winning and powerful new release.
THRILLER
SOUTH AFRICA
HARD RAIN
by Irma Venter
Translated by Elsa Silke
Chaos, murder, and a hint of sizzling romance descend on East Africa in this electrifying page-turner and new release.
TRUE CRIME
SWEDEN
THE MAN WHO PLAYED WITH FIRE
by Jan Stocklassa
Translated by Tara F. Chace
The author of the Millennium novels laid out the clues. Now a journalist is following them to solve one of Sweden's greatest unsolved crimes.
CHINESE LITERATURE
CHINA
LIFE
by Lu Yao
Translated by Chloe Estep
From the winner of the Mao Dun Literature Prize, this essential masterwork follows a young man whose life is upended as he trades rural life for the big city.
ROMANTIC COMEDY
GERMANY
YOUR PERFECT YEAR
by Charlotte Lucas
Translated by Alison Layland
In this heart-warming story about second chances, a man consumed by a meaningless life tracks down the owner of a lost daily planner and steps into a whole new life.
HISTORICAL FICTION
SPAIN
THE PRICE OF PARADISE
by Susana López Rubio
Translated by Achy Obejas
Two lovers find each other in 1950s Cuba and embark on a forbidden love affair that spans half a century and survives murder, betrayal, and revolution.
BIOGRAPHICAL FICTION
ISRAEL
THE FIRST MRS. ROTHSCHILD
by Sara Aharoni
Translated by Yardenne Greenspan
In this award-winning historical saga, young lovers in a German-Jewish ghetto rise to become the foremost financial dynasty in the world.
CHILDREN'S BOOK
BRAZIL
ALONG THE TAPAJÓS
by Fernando Vilela
Translated by Daniel Hahn
In one of the first books published by Amazon Crossing Kids, two siblings travel along the Tapajós River of Brazil on a quest to rescue their pet tortoise.
MEMOIR
ARGENTINA
OUT OF THE SILENCE
by Eduardo Strauch
Translated by Jennie Erikson
The extraordinary story of the rugby team who crashed in the Andes mountains in 1972. One of the survivors breaks his silence in this riveting memoir.
Like the list? Check out Amazon Crossing.
Amazon Crossing introduces readers to authors from around the world with translations of international books, making award-winning and best-selling books accessible to new readers.
AUTHORS' PICKS - GOODREADS
What is it?
Started during quarantine for readers with more reading time in need of suggestions, Goodreads asked authors to suggest a list of books to suit every mood. At the time of this post, there were already 18 lists with more being added occasionally. Here are some of their lists.
BOOKS FOR CHALLENGING TIMES
GLENNON DOYLE
Author of Untamed
LIST INCLUDES
"For me, life itself is a challenging time requiring extra comfort. While many folks seem to find that comfort in other humans, that doesn’t always work for me. I am a deeply sensitive, raging introvert which means that I am wildly in love with humanity, but actual humans are tricky for me. Thank God, when I was five years old, I discovered books. Books were, and still are, the way I learn about myself and other people without having to deal with...other people. Here are the books that bring me comfort during challenging times."
Little Women
by Louisa May Alcott
Tiny Beautiful Things
by Cheryl Strayed
Naked
by David Sedaris
Dear Edward
by Ann Napolitano
SWOONWORTHY LOVE STORIES
CASIE MCQUISTON
Author of Red, White & Royal Blue
LIST INCLUDES
"Let's be real: pandemic days are long and hard, and sometimes it feels like they're only getting longer and harder. Whether you're maxing out the number of hours you can tend to your turnips in Animal Crossing, drowning in homeschooling for your kids, hustling to make ends meet, or clocking in as an essential worker, it can be nice to disappear into a love story. Maybe I'm biased though—after all, it's obviously my own favorite form of escapism. I've put together a list of fifteen love stories I love....No matter your flavor, there's a swoon out there for you."
Ayesha At Last
by Uzma Jalaluddin
The Right Swipe
by Alisha Rai
The Lady's Guide to Celestial Mechanics
by Olivia Waite
Changing Lanes
by Season Vining
DRAMAS TO FORGET YOUR OWN TROUBLES
EMMA STRAUB
Author of All Adults Here
LIST INCLUDES
"Right now, when life is so full of high-stakes, soul-crushing drama and heartbreak, it feels great to read a book that is immersive and filled with its own dramas, which have nothing to do with yours, or with the world outside. Here are a few books with plots and characters that will make you temporarily escape your apartment/family/fear."
A Visit from the Goon Squad
by Jennifer Egan
Pachinko
by Min Lin Lee
Beautiful Ruins
by Jess Walter
The Fortress of Solitude
by Jonathan Lethem
NOVELS THAT MAKE HISTORY PERSONAL
SUE MONK KIDD
Author of The Book of Longings
LIST INCLUDES
"If you peruse my book shelves, you will find an abundance of historical fiction. I love to read it almost as much as I love to write it....[Toni Morrison once said] 'I wanted to translate the historical into the personal.' These words made a deep impression on me. I realized that when historical fiction takes me into the intimate spaces of a character’s mind and heart, showing me what that time and place felt like, not just how it looked, that’s when the novel comes alive for me. The novels I’ve chosen are among my favorite, largely because of the ways they have translated the historical into the personal."
The Dovekeepers
by Alice Hoffman
Suite Française
by Irène Némirovsky
The Miniaturist
by Jessie Burton
The Weight of Ink
by Rachel Kadish
BOOKS THAT PLAY WITH TIME
JENNY HAN
Author of P.S. I Still Love You
LIST INCLUDES
"Time moves differently when I’m reading. I can get so lost in the page, I have no idea how much time has passed. These books play with time in different ways—they might pull you back and forth in time, or plant you in a place and time very different than your own, which is exactly what I need from a book right now. The books on this list are a welcome diversion and a source of comfort for me. I hope they are for you too!"
Opposite of Always
by Justin A. Reynolds
A Hundred Summers
by Beatriz Williams
When You Reach Me
by Rebecca Stead
Dark Matter
by Blake Crouch
BOOKS TO TRANSPORT YOU TO NATURE
FLORENCE WILLIAMS
Author of The Nature Fix: Why Nature Makes Us Happier, Healthier, & More Creative
LIST INCLUDES
"For those of us who love nature, exploration, and adventure, these are tough times. Fortunately, there are many great books to transport us into wild, open spaces. More than ever, we need to conjure these landscapes, to lose ourselves in them imaginatively, to vicariously experience the freedom and wonder and resilience of the natural world. Here are some books that can help remind us of the healing power of wild places."
Basin and Range
by John McPhee
The Overstory
by Richard Powers
The Snow Leopard
by Peter Matthiessen
Devotions: Selected Poems
by Mary Oliver
FICTION TO MAKE YOU LAUGH
LYDIA MILLET
Author of A Children's Bible
LIST INCLUDES
"In this time of plague, those of us not afflicted with the illness and...not toiling painfully on the battleground against it either, suffer instead a lesser torment: long periods of boredom. Punctuated mostly by frustration. Also work, for some. Tedious household tasks. Unwashed Zooming preceded by frantic three-minute flurries of facial and/or hair grooming. Plus the odd spike of virus fear, job anxiety, interpersonal friction, useless longing for absent friends or pleasures, or sudden grief...Some people may argue this isn’t the time for levity. Those people...are wrong. It’s always a time for levity."
The Girl with Brown Fur:
Tales and Stories
by Stacey Levine
Why Did I Ever
by Mary Robison
Red the Fiend
by Gilbert Sorrentino
The Most of It
by Mary Ruefle
BOOKS TO GO WITH WHISKY OR WATER
REGINALD DWAYNE BETTS
Author of Felon: Poems
LIST INCLUDES
"It’s a cliché: The invention of loneliness made books relevant. But, cell in the hole in prison hipped me to poems. Their range–the way that they could make me understand a world, a whole world, in a matter of lines. And right now ain’t nothing new, in a way. The poems have always, in my head, been about figuring out how to come to grips with the chaos and the reckoning. These books here are no different. Old friends and new company....Because, truly, who is a better companion to sorrow than a beloved book? These are a few of mine."
Collected Poems
by Robert Hayden
I've Been a Woman
by Sonia Sanchez
The Tradition
by Jericho Brown
Forest Primeval
by Vievee Francis
BOOKS FOR FEELING CONNECTED
RACHAEL LIPPINCOTT
Author of Five Feet Apart
LIST INCLUDES
"I think there’s a certain kind of magic in human connection, and its ability to transcend the barriers of time, space, and distance. Even when we can’t be physically close to the people we love and care about, whether it’s because of social distancing during a pandemic, or because they live half a world away, we do everything in our power to still feel close to them. Here are a few books that show that, whether it be through handwritten letters, group chats with close friends, or a pair of jeans (that magically fit ONE girl, let alone FOUR)."
Everything, Everything
by Nicola Yoon
The Time Traveler's Wife
by Audrey Niffenegger
The Complete Persepolis
by Marjane Satrapi
The Guernsey Literary & Potato Peel Pie Society
by Mary Ann Shaffer
PATTERSON'S FAVORITE THRILLERS
JAMES PATTERSON
Author of Blindside
LIST INCLUDES
"There has quite possibly never been a better time to stay home and read....And there’s nothing better than a good thriller to transport readers to a different place—and most importantly, keep them turning the pages. Sure, there are crimes galore in these books, but a good mystery is about so much more than a murder. It needs to be packed with interesting characters and surprising twists if it’s going to get me hooked. If you are craving a few more fictional thrills and suspense in your day-to-day, I’ve got a few of my favorites to get you started (and this is the short list)!"
Cutter and Bone
by Newton Thornburg
The Digger's Game
by George V. Higgins
Marathon Man
by William Goldman
Chiefs (Will Lee #1)
by Stuart Woods
COMFORTING READS
DEBBIE MACOMBER
Author of A Walk Along The Beach
LIST INCLUDES
"Right now, life is filled with many unknowns and uncertainties. We are all facing emotions of fear, anxiety, and isolation. I am turning to books as an escape and find that I am wanting to read books that bring me a sense of comfort in some way, shape, or form."
Wonder
by R.J. Palacio
The Coincidence of
Coconut Cake
by Amy E. Reichert
Things You Save in a Fire
by Katherine Center
Making Faces
by Amy Harmon
Like these lists? Check out Goodreads Curated Book Lists.
Goodreads has a Listopia section, where you can browse by tag, look at "Best Of" lists, or create your own lists. Some of the user-created lists are better than others - for a more "sure thing" browse through Goodreads curated lists.
BOOKRIOT LISTS
What is it?
Bookriot is the ultimate book lover's website. It is the largest independent editorial book site in North America, and home to a host of media, from podcasts to newsletters to original content, all designed around diverse readers and across all genres. They have tons of lists - here are some to check out.
8 Outstanding Short Story Collections - view the list
20 Must-Reed Feel-Good Science Fiction Books - view the list
9 Nonfiction Books About Nature & Climate Change - view the list
20 Must-Read YA Fantasy Standalones - view the list
6 Books Exploring America - view the list
7 Books About Magic Schools for Every Reader - view the list
6 Nonfiction Books About Revolutions & Uprising - view the list
20 Must-Read Feel-Good Fantasies - view the list
9 Fun Reality TV Romcom Reads - view the list
8 Nonfiction Reads About Social Justice - view the list
5 Of The Best Books That Celebrate Male Friendships - view the list
24 Popular Books By Women Writers From Around The World - view the list
5 Books About Homelessness To Better Understand The Issue - view the list
10 Books For Beer Lovers - view the list
40 Of The Best Feminist Books - view the list
8 Long Reads To Commit To In Cold Weather - view the list
10 Captivating Books Like The Da Vinci Code - view the list
13 Books By Or About Refugees (For Different Ages) - view the list
19 Magical Books Like The Night Circus - view the list
6 Of The Best Sick Day Reads - view the list
8 Great Books About Badass Female Scientists - view the list
10 Unconventional Travel Writing Books - view the list
7 Westerns That Defy Typical Colonialist Narratives - view the list
6 Powerful Books By Disabled Authors - view the list
8 Eerie Reads From The Literary Fiction Shelves - view the list
7 Books Of Folkloric Fiction - view the list
7 Novels About Mythical Creatures - view the list
9 Great Reads From Emerging Writers - view the list
5 Nonfiction Bricks Worth Adding To Your Personal Collection - view the list
7 YA Books With Unconventional Narrative Structures - view the list
8 Books Set On The High Seas - view the list
5 Historical Fiction Books To Read If You Don't Like Historical Fiction - view the list
9 Novels About Dance That Will Have You Tapping Your Feet - view the list
20 Must-Read Books Set Off The Beaten Path - view the list
16 Beautiful, Compelling, & Poignant Books About Immigration - view the list
10 Fantastically Fierce Books Like Circe - view the list
5 Historical Mysteries That Combine Real History With Whodunnit - view the list
50 Must-Read Contemporary Romance Novels - view the list
15 Hugely Entertaining Books Like Crazy Rich Asians - view the list
19 Really Funny Comics & Graphic Novels - view the list
8 Unique Steampunk Reads - view the list
13 Dark & Twisty Reads - view the list
50 Must-Read Fiction Books Featuring Older Women - view the list
10 Great Historical Crime Novels - view the list
15 Books With Heat (Super Hot Settings) - view the list
6 Short Stories For Fans of Black Mirror - view the list
7 Quirky & Whimsical Books Like Good Omens - view the list
50 Must-Read Greek Mythology Books - view the list
6 Great Reads That Experiment With Text & Genre - view the list
30 Haunted House Books That Will Give You The Creeps - view the list
13 Books For Your Inner Flower Child - view the list
6 Classic Books To Read If You Like Locked Room Mysteries - view the list
50 Must-Read Best Poetry Books - view the list
Like these lists? Check out Book Riot's Read Section.
Book Riot has tons of great content - tbh, it can be a bit overwhelming. On their "read" page, you can apply filters to help you narrow down recommendations, reading tips, book news, & literary chatter.
A BOOK PICK BY YOUR CHINESE ZODIAC SIGN – POWELL'S BOOKS
What is it?
In honor of 2020 being the Year of the Rat, the first sign in the Chinese zodiac, Rachel Marks & Rhianna Walton of Powell's Books selected a book for each Chinese zodiac sign in Read Like a Rat: A Book for Each Sign in the Chinese Zodiac (descriptions credited to OP). Below are their picks – find your sign to find your next read.
RAT (1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008, 2020)
WHY WE'RE POLARIZED
by Ezra Klein
"Happy birthday, Ratty! Rats are quick-witted, resourceful, versatile, and determined... pretty much the kindest way to describe the political class. Explore your inner pundit with Why We’re Polarized, veteran journalist Ezra Klein’s exploration of how the rise of mainstream identity politics in the 1960s led to the partisanship still preventing us from making meaningful progress toward equality and sustainability. (Too glum for a New Year’s read? Remind yourself that politicians can be governed by a moral compass with fellow rat Jimmy Carter’s eloquent plea for gender parity as a human right, A Call to Action.)"
OX (1961, 1973, 1985, 1997, 2009)
"Fearless and dedicated, the ox is looking for change in 2020 and determined to get it. To fuel that drive, read The Future We Choose by Christiana Figueres and Tom Rivett-Carnac. Arguing for confronting the climate crisis head-on, Figueres and Rivett-Carnac tell us what governments, corporations, and each of us can and must do to fend off disaster."
THE FUTURE WE CHOOSE: SURVIVING THE CLIMATE CRISIS
by Christiana Figueres, Tom Rivett Carnac
TIGER (1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998, 2010)
TRICK MIRROR: REFLECTIONS ON SELF-DELUSION
by Jia Tolentino
"Tigers are confident, brave, adventurous, & outspoken, a good match for New Yorker writer Jia Tolentino’s brilliant tour of American popular culture, Trick Mirror. A major millennial voice (OK, boomer, don’t let that deter you — Tolentino’s earning well-deserved comparisons to Joan Didion and Susan Sontag), her breakdowns of everything from scamming culture to the economy of female optimization are candid, sharp, and very funny."
RABBIT (1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999, 2011)
LITTLE GODS
by Meng Jin
"Gentle and intuitive, the rabbit is consistently moving towards their goal. Despite their quiet personality, rabbits welcome surprises to shake things up. And what shakes things up more than going back to your mother’s home country to figure out her past with her ashes in tow? Meng Jin’s Little Gods is a quiet tour de force that explores the complicated bond between daughters and mothers in a story of migrations literal and emotional."
DRAGON (1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000, 2012)
LONG BRIGHT RIVER
by Liz Moore
"As adventurous & confident as the tiger, but with a soupçon of mystery, the dragon is a coveted sign in Chinese astrology. With their thrill-seeking nature & deep intelligence, dragons will find a lot to love in Liz Moore’s literary mystery, Long Bright River, about two sisters separated by addiction. When police officer Mickey’s homeless sister, Kacey, goes missing during a string of unsolved murders in their Philadelphia neighborhood, Mickey’s obsession with finding the killer threatens to undo her. Rich in character & place, this book is perfect for fans of Tana French & Dennis Lehane (who also happen to be dragons. If you’re a tiger, forget it)."
SNAKE (1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001, 2013)
NIGHT THEATER
by Vikram Paralkar
"Sssympathetic and sophisticated (ssskip this suggestion if you’re a tiger), the snake is able to hold their ground in the midst of chaos. Night Theater by Vikram Paralkar offers them a battle to the eye of the storm, as it follows a surgeon who comes face-to-face with the afterlife. A family killed in a violent robbery confronts the surgeon, telling him they have been offered a second chance at living if he can mend their wounds before sunrise."
HORSE (1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002, 2014)
UNCANNY VALLEY: A MEMOIR
by Anna Wiener
"Outspoken and full of energy, the horse says 'nay' to simplicity and routine. This year, saddle up for Anna Weiner’s Uncanny Valley, as she takes you on a wild ride from the publishing world to Silicon Valley’s tech industry. Unsparing and incisive, Uncanny Valley is a cautionary tale, showing that the pasture isn’t always greener on the other side."
GOAT (1955, 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003, 2015)
LAYOVERLAND
by Gabby Noone
"Sure, goats are messy, bleating, bearded yard-eaters, but they have a pleasant side too, with their soft brown eyes, sass, & keen intelligence. For the charming, smart, & gentle folks born in the Year of the Goat, we suggest Gabby Noone’s coming-of-age (while dead) novel, Layoverland, which follows pessimistic, wise-cracking teenager Bea Fox into the weird world of limbo after she dies in a car accident. Charged with soothing the minds of troubled souls (including the hot guy responsible for her accident), Layoverland is a spunky story that uses humor to make important points about tragedy, bullying, class conflict, & understanding."
MONKEY (1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004, 2016)
ASTROLOGY FOR REAL RELATIONSHIPS: UNDERSTANDING YOU, ME, & HOW WE ALL GET ALONG
by Jessica Lanyadoo, T. Greenaway
"Curiosity may kill the cat, but never the inquisitive monkey, which is why it’s the superior animal (sorry, tigers). Monkeys are smart and charismatic, making them appealing, if somewhat nosy, friends and romantic partners. Navigate your relationships with popular astrologer Jessica Lanyadoo's new book, Astrology for Real Relationships, an approachable yet meticulous guide to using your astrological chart to find and commit to your friends, family, lovers, and self."
ROOSTER (1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005, 2017)
ANTONI IN THE KITCHEN
by Antoni Porowski, Mindy Fox
"Although complex and charming, the rooster is constantly seeking validation from loved ones — and nothing wins over loved ones more than a home-cooked meal. With five seasons of Queer Eye under his belt, Antoni Porowski is well-versed in taking over people’s kitchens. In Antoni in the Kitchen, Porowski takes the opportunity to instead invite you into his kitchen, and shares excellent, easy dinners for every night of the week. You’ll have your friends and family saying, 'Yaass, chef' in no time."
DOG (1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006, 2018)
THE THIRD RAINBOW GIRL: THE LONG LIFE OF A DOUBLE MURDER IN APPALACHIA by Emma Copley Eisenberg
"Thoughtfully written true crime that reflects on the American social fabric will appeal to the cooperative & loyal dog, who believes first & foremost in the primacy of justice & logic. Emma Copley Eisenberg’s The Third Rainbow Girl, about an unsolved double murder in Appalachia in 1980, fits the bill. Eisenberg embedded in West Virginia’s Pocahontas County for years to investigate the murders, giving her an unusually nuanced perspective on how the crime has altered the community by introducing new fears & antipathies & intensifying the region’s entrenched distrust of outsiders. An exhaustive examination of both a mystery & a part of America that remains mysterious to most, [this book] is a riveting way to [celebrate] 2020."
PIG (1959, 1971, 1983, 1995, 2007, 2019)
SUCH A FUN AGE
by Kiley Reid
In 2020, a handful of pigs will be turning either 13 or 25 years old. Whether careening toward puberty or a quarter-life crisis, channel your creativity and curiosity into redefining your goals. Familiar with reassessing goals and mid-20s angst, Emira Tucker in Kiley Reid’s Such a Fun Age is a 25-year-old black babysitter who cares for Alix Chamberlain’s child. When a stranger accuses Emira of kidnapping Alix’s child, a series of events are set off that force the characters to reckon with their biases.
Like this list? Check out more lists by Powell's Books.
Powell's City of Books, based in Portland, OR, is the world's largest independent bookstore in the world. They have a great selection online, but if you're ever in Portland, go check out the brick & mortar location!
"GROWN-UP" READS BASED ON CHILDHOOD FAVORITES – GET LITERARY
What is it?
6 “Grown-Up” Reads to Enjoy if You Loved These Childhood Books by Holly Claytor on Get Literary. List & descriptions are from the original post - credit to OP / Get Literary.
IF YOU LOVED
TRY
THE MODERN FAERIE TALES
By Holly Black
"The Spiderwick Chronicles were, by far, my most cherished series as a child. With each book, my obsession with fairies and woodland creatures only deepened, leaving a sprite-sized hole in my heart when the series was completed. Luckily, Holly Black grew along with her readers and published The Modern Faerie Tales for a slightly older, YA audience. The Modern Faerie Tales is a bind-up of a books trilogy: Tithe, Valiant, and Ironside. In a dangerous, enchanted realm where mortals intermingle with faeries from two rival kingdoms, teenage heroines Kaye and Valerie quickly learn that nothing is as it seems. If you’re a sucker for gritty fantasy, and can’t seem to kick the fairy-tale story lines, The Modern Faerie Tales is the perfect compilation for you"
THE SPIDERWICK CHRONICLES
By Holly Black & Tony DiTerlizzi
IF YOU LOVED
TRY
THE BURNING WIRE
By Jeffery Deaver
"In my younger years, Nancy Drew was the epitome of a powerful female character. All I wanted to do was pull on a detective hat, flip open a notebook, & follow in her footsteps, though reading her stories was the next best thing. If you were a mystery-loving, puzzle-solving bookworm like me, then I suggest you check out Jeffery Deaver’s Lincoln Rhyme series, a dark turn from the lighthearted Nancy Drew mysteries. Now 14 books strong, these mystery & crime stories revolve around the investigations of Lincoln Rhyme, a quadriplegic detective & forensic criminologist, and NYPD officer Amelia Sachs, who first team up in The Bone Collector (yep, like the movie). The Burning Wire, one particularly memorable installment of the series, finds Rhyme, Sachs, & others on the hunt for a killer who uses electricity to stage explosions & terrorize New York City. It’s high-octane reading. And just like Nancy Drew, the Lincoln Rhyme series is headed to TV—the show Lincoln Rhyme: Hunt for the Bone Collector debuted in January 2020 on NBC."
NANCY DREW MYSTERIES
By Edward Stratemeyer
IF YOU LOVED
TRY
A DARKER SHADE OF MAGIC
By V.E. Schwab
"The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe [from The Chronicles of Narnia] was a classic childhood favorite of mine. The thought of escaping life into a fantastical land [of Narnia] just beyond my closet walls was truly an imaginative experience. Luckily, crossing magical dimensions is a theme in adulthood reads too. A Darker Shade of Magic is the first story in a trilogy that follows Kell, the last Antari, magicians with the rare ability to travel between the parallel dimensions of London. When dark magic surfaces and the various worlds of London are put in jeopardy, Kell needs to protect the worlds, while also saving himself."
THE CHRONICLES OF NARNIA
By C.S. Lewis
IF YOU LOVED
TRY
WHERE TO BEGIN
By Cleo Wade
"If your literary-obsessed childhood-self had a soft spot for poetry, Shel Silverstein was probably your go-to. Where the Sidewalk Ends is a classic compilation of goofy, yet profound poems. Keep your love for poetry alive with Cleo Wade’s newest book, Where to Begin. In this inspiring collection, Cleo Wade combines heartfelt poetry, prose, and mantras to help readers harness their inner strength and enact positive change in the world."
WHERE THE SIDEWALK ENDS
By Shel Silverstein
IF YOU LOVED
TRY
CONFESSIONS OF A PRAIRIE BITCH
By Alison Arngrim
"As a child I was steadfastly intrigued by the quiet, simple life of an 1800s prairie girl. (Were you not?) In fact, the Little House on the Prairie series still sits atop my overflowing bookshelf. After all these years, I can’t seem to give it up. Luckily, fellow readers still curious about log cabins and covered wagons don’t have to give up their obsession either. Confessions of a Prairie Bitch: How I Survived Nellie Oleson & Learned to Love Being Hated is actress Alison Arngrim’s humorous memoir about growing up as Nellie Oleson on the hit TV show Little House on the Prairie. This behind-the-scenes look at the televised rendition of Laura Ingalls Wilder’s series is a must-read for fans of her classic books."
LITTLE HOUSE ON THE PRAIRIE
By Laura Ingalls Wilder
IF YOU LOVED
TRY
THE RULES OF MAGIC
By Alice Hoffman
"Roald Dahl was another all-time favorite author of my childhood years—especially his book The Witches. (Can you see my magical fantasy trend?) The child-hating witches secretly hidden among society perversely gave me hope that magic really did exist in this world. Fortunately, I was able to graduate on to even more books with fantasy elements, such as The Rules of Magic by Alice Hoffman. In this novel, an ancestor of the Owens family is charged with witchery for loving the wrong man—cursing her entire linage to come. Hundreds of years later, the Owens sisters are gifted with magic powers, but cursed with painful love. This backstory to the memorable aunts in Practical Magic brings with it an honest message of being true to oneself—with a twist of exciting magic."
THE WITCHES
By Roald Dahl
FAST-PACED BOOKS TO BINGE IN A WEEKEND – BOOKBUB
11 New Fast-Paced Books to Binge This Weekend is a book list by Melissa Flandreau from BookBub. Descriptions are directly from the original post - all credit to OP / BookBub.
01
THE WIVES
By Tarryn Fisher
Thriller
Thursday may know her husband has more than one wife, but that doesn’t mean she knows every secret Seth is hiding. Perfect for anyone who tore through Gone Girl, The Wives will enthrall readers with its fascinating characters & keep them hooked with its twists & turns. In other words, you won’t be able to put down this fast-paced thriller until you figure out what’s really going on.
02
NOTHING TO SEE HERE
By Kevin Wilson
Magical Realism, Fantasy
If the out-there premise of Nothing to See Here doesn’t immediately draw you in, then Wilson’s witty writing & dark humor certainly will. When Lillian Breaker’s old roommate — who’s now married to a senator — asks if she’d be interested in becoming a governess for her twins, Lillian jumps at the chance. But there’s just one catch: The 10-year-olds occasionally burst into flames. Publishers Weekly calls
Wilson’s quirky, poignant novel both “exceptional, & exceptionally hilarious” & praises its ability to capture “the wrenching emotions of caring for children.”
03
FOLLOWERS
By Megan Angelo
Science Fiction
Fair warning: You’ll think twice about checking your social media after reading this one. Complex & thought-provoking, the novel uses dual timelines & a dystopian future to dig into the dark side of social media, & how it’s fundamentally changed the way we connect with others. Kirkus not only gave Followers a starred review, but it also named Angelo’s chilling debut one of the “most buzzed-about books right now.” You’ll have no trouble speeding through it to join in on the conversation.
04
THE SUN DOWN MOTEL
By Simone St. James
Mystery, Thriller
Creepy & delightfully atmospheric, St. James’s newest novel will have you on edge
(& possibly looking over your shoulder) until the final page. Jumping between Upstate New York in 1982 & 2017, The Sun Down Motel follows Viv Delaney, a night clerk at the Sun Down, and her niece, Carly Kirk, who — more than 30 years later — finds herself caught up in the same mysteries that led to her aunt’s disappearance. Unless you have nerves of steel, you might not want to pick this one up when you’re home alone.
05
THE HOLDOUT
By Graham Moore
Suspense, Mystery, Legal Thriller
True crime lovers will race through this suspenseful novel, all while trying to figure out for themselves just what, exactly, is going on. Moore, an Academy Award–winning screenwriter (The Imitation Game), pens the riveting tale of a controversial trial & its aftermath: 10 years after Maya Seale convinces her fellow jurors to acquit a teacher accused of murder, a crew arrives to film a true crime documentary series about the case. And considering Publishers Weekly said Moore “set a new standard for legal thrillers” with The Holdout, it comes as no surprise that a Hulu series is already in
the works.
06
SUCH A FUN AGE
By Kiley Reid
Contemporary Fiction
Such a Fun Age stirred up an incredible amount of buzz before its publication, including earning a starred review from Kirkus, & the hype has held up. The January pick for Reese Witherspoon’s Book Club, Reid’s debut tells the story of Emira Tucker, a black woman accused of kidnapping her babysitting charge, a young white child. And while the novel does tackle serious themes like race & privilege, its fast-moving plot will have you racing through to the final page.
07
DARLING ROSE GOLD
By Stephanie Wrobel
Psychological Thriller
Equal parts engrossing & disturbing, this psychological thriller will pull readers in & keep them on edge as they watch the whole story unfold. Rose Gold Watts spent the first 18 years of her life believing she was sick, only to learn her mother was behind all her mysterious illnesses. When her mother is released from prison & claims to want to reconcile, Rose Gold knows better. Publishers Weekly praised the novel, saying, “Propulsive pacing, a claustrophobic setting, & vividly sketched characters who are equal parts victim & villain conspire to create an anxious, unsettling narrative.”
08
GET A LIFE, CHLOE BROWN
By Talia Hibbert
Romantic Comedy
This charming rom-com offers a heartwarming escape and, as NPR puts it, is “a laugh-out-loud love story full of poignant revelations about human nature.” After a brush with death, Chloe Brown is determined to do the things she never dared to try before. But there’s just one problem: She needs someone to help her. That’s where her neighbor comes in. They may not like each other, but motorcycle-riding artist Red is the ideal person to help Chloe cross items off her “Get a Life” list. Along with a great enemies-to-lovers romance between Chloe & Red, the novel offers a realistic look at chronic illness through Chloe’s fibromyalgia.
09
THE CITY WE BECAME
By N.K. Jemisin
Fantasy
This latest fantasy from Jemisin, a three-time Hugo Award–winning & New York Times bestselling author, has received glowing praise from all corners. Kirkus hailed it as “fierce, poetic, uncompromising,” while The City of Brass author Chakraborty called it “one of the most brilliant books I have ever had the honor of reading.” In The City We Became, New York City comes alive, & when it faces an ancient, imposing threat, its people must come together to protect it. Jemisin’s vivid writing will transport readers to this alternate NYC – & have them falling in love with it.
10
THE JETSETTERS
By Amanda Eyre Ward
Contemporary Fiction, Family, Travel Literature
Let yourself be whisked away to the Mediterranean in Ward’s latest, which follows a 71-year-old woman who wins a 10-day cruise that will take her – & her three grown children – from Athens to Barcelona. Along with sparking wanderlust in readers, The Jetsetters dives into family dynamics, new loves, & the amusing antics that can take place aboard cruise ships. New York Times bestselling author Elin Hilderbrand found herself “delighted anew in every port,” calling the novel “fun, sexy, & engrossing.”
11
THE BOY FROM THE WOODS
By Harlan Coben
Thriller, Mystery
We don’t recommend starting this one late in the day. If you do, you might find yourself up all night, tearing through the pages to see how the action-packed plot resolves itself. When a teenage girl goes missing, a mysterious man known as Wilde is pulled into the investigation at the request of Hester Crimstein, a TV lawyer. When a second teen disappears, it quickly becomes clear that nothing is as it seems, & there are layers of secrets to unpack.
Like this list? Check out BookBub's blog.
BookBub is a free service where members receive unbeatable deals, handpicked recommendations, & real-time updates from favorite authors. BookBub works with all major ebook retailers & devices, and partners with thousands of the industry’s leading publishers & authors to promote their books.
MORE BOOKBUB LISTS
12 Authors Tell Us Which Book They’d Choose to Read for the Rest of Their Lives - view the list
24 Books to Make You Smarter - view the list
12 Gripping True Crime Books to Read Right Now - view the list
11 New Magical Books to Read When You Need an Escape - view the list
24 of the Best Feel-Good Books, According to Readers - view the list
13 Audiobooks That Inspire Mental Well-Being - view the list
4 of My Favorite Historical Fiction Books About Real-Life Women - view the list
14 of the Best Fantasy Heist Novels - view the list
15 Books Recommended by Gillian Flynn - view the list
25 Best Romance Novels of All Time - view the list
11 Great New Thriller Audiobooks - view the list
12 Books to Celebrate Black History Month - view the list
11 Feel-Good Books to Read Right Now - view the list
9 Sci Fi & Fantasy Books That Double as Touching Love Stories - view the list
11 Enemies-to-Lovers Romances - view the list
26 of the Best Science Books of All Time - view the list
22 Fast-Paced Books to Binge This Weekend - view the list
26 of the Best Narrative Nonfiction Books - view the list
BOOK ESCAPES - POWELL'S BOOKS
Escape Into a Book is a list by the staff at Powell's Books. From the article: "Here are the summer books that make us smile — or at the very least forget about the 2020 presidential race for a few hours. Some are crafty...many offer temporary escapes into fascinating places, real & imagined, like a private school for mages or Harper Lee's brain. Funny, poignant, sweet, salacious, informative, & absorbing, if they don't exactly allow you to avoid the problems of the world, they at the very least provide fresh ways of looking at them."
Descriptions are directly from the original post - all credit to OP / Powell's Books.
01
THE ART OF PRESSED FLOWERS & LEAVES
By Jennie Ashmore
Nonfiction, Craft
"Old-lady craft no more! Jennie Ashmore brings pressing flowers out of the Victorian age and into the present by treating flowers like a painting ingredient. Deconstructing flowers into pieces & then patching them into place, many of her canvasses look like quilts. Both inspirational & instructional, Ashmore presents her take on this age-old art & teaches how we can follow her style to make our own creations." – Tracey T.
02
WITH THE FIRE ON HIGH
By Elizabeth Acevedo
Young Adult, Contemporary Fiction
"Elizabeth Acevedo has worked her magic again in With the Fire on High, crafting a beautifully written novel that is both realistic & fantastical, touching, funny, thought-provoking, inspirational, diverse, & thoroughly entertaining, all at the same time. Bonus: it's chock-full of fantastic food descriptions!" – Leah C.
03
THE CASTLE ON SUNSET
By Shawn Levy
Nonfiction, History, Pop Culture
"There's no better summer escape than a deep dive into the history of the infamous Chateau Marmont, which for 90 years has served as refuge & playground for the world's most famous (& ill-behaved) movie stars & musicians. Film critic Shawn Levy dishes on Jean Harlow, Natalie Wood, Jim Morrison, & more in this entertaining and surprisingly thoughtful peek inside Hollywood's notorious pleasure palace."
– Moses M.
04
BUNNY
By Mona Awad
Horror
"Getting into the MFA program at Warren University was supposed to transform her life, but Samantha hates it there. She hates the sinister slant of the golden afternoon light, she hates her dingy apartment & the flasher who hangs around outside, she hates the rumors of random beheadings in the downtown area. But she hates the Bunnies most of all. Privileged, vapid, & unbearably perky, the only other members of her fiction writing class have formed a parasitic girl gang. Their ostentatious, performative joy is the bane of Samantha’s existence...until they invite her to join & dabble in the dark arts. What follows is one of the strangest stories I have ever encountered, one that is equal parts campy, snarky, & terrifying. It’s an incredibly unique way to explore the creative process, female friendships, & the universal journey towards establishing selfhood, & Mona Awad pulls it off with biting humor. Endlessly dark & toxically sweet, Bunny is a burnt sugar horror show of violent delights & violent ends." – Lauren P.
05
THE FIELD GUIDE TO DUMB BIRDS OF NORTH AMERICA
By Matt Kracht
Nonfiction, Humor, Animals/Nature
"In this unique & hilarious birding field guide, Matt Kracht simultaneously loves & hates birds. For each North American species, the author lovingly insults our feathered frenemy with sardonic drawings & true facts. A perfect gift for any nature lover with a great sense of humor & who doesn’t mind a little profanity! " – Kim T.
06
FURIOUS HOURS: MURDER, FRAUD, & THE LAST TRIAL OF HARPER LEE
By Casey Cep
Nonfiction, True Crime, History
"A series of suspicious deaths in Alabama in the 1970s were so intriguing & harrowing that Harper Lee set out to write the book about them. She didn’t. Now, Casey Cep has nested three books into one in order to tell the story Lee never did & why she didn’t. The resulting book is more intriguing & harrowing than Lee could’ve imagined." – Keith M.
07
CITY OF GIRLS
By Elizabeth Gilbert
Historical Fiction
"City of Girls has everything I hope for in historical fiction: well-researched period details, gargantuan personalities, & more sex than I ever found in my history textbooks! With her trademark exuberance and wit, Elizabeth Gilbert vividly evokes the glitz, grit, & glamor of New York City in the 1940s. At the bright center of it all is Vivian Morris, a proper young woman itching to be anything but. She rushes headlong into all the adventures she can find & has more fun than polite society allows – but not without consequences. Gilbert doesn't shy away from exploring the uglier parts of American history, which lends the story a level of depth & credibility that makes it feel three-dimensional. It's a smart, heartbreaking, joyful look at a life & I closed the book wishing it were twice as long." – Lauren P.
08
HUNGRY: EATING, ROAD-TRIPPING, & RISKING IT ALL WITH THE GREATEST CHEF IN THE WORLD
By Jeffrey Gordinier
Nonfiction, Food, Travel, Memoir
"You don’t have to be an adventurous eater, a travel junkie, or a memoir lover to get tantalized by Hungry, food journalist Jeff Gordinier’s gripping account of journeying through Mexico, Denmark, & Australia with Noma chef René Redzepi. Just sit back & enjoy this feast of the senses." – Lucinda G.
09
I LIKE TO WATCH: ARGUING MY WAY THROUGH THE TV REVOLUTION
By Emily Nussbaum
Nonfiction, Essays, Pop Culture
"This striking book of essays is more than just a collection of sharp reviews or a celebration of the medium. Emily Nussbaum posits a bold way of thinking about television as an art form in & of itself – not on novelistic or cinematic terms, but according to its own specific grammar & visual language. It's a brilliant interrogation of the place that television, both 'prestige' & 'popular,' has come to occupy in American life, & of the ways in which television shapes & is shaped by our culture. Anyone interested in what art means in contemporary society will find something to chew on here." – Tim B.
10
THE LIGHTEST OBJECT IN THE UNIVERSE
By Kimi Eisele
Science Fiction, Post Apocalyptic
"I love a good apocalypse title. It’s not the devastation that intrigues me, it’s the rebuilding process. Starting from scratch, the uncertainty, the coming together of people & communities that in a different world would never even share the same dinner table, let alone rebuild civilization together. I suspect The Lightest Object in the Universe will provide many 'what if' moments." – Corie K-B.
11
MAGIC FOR LIARS
By Sarah Gailey
Fantasy, Mystery
"Gailey's debut is for all the now-adult readers who just knew an admissions letter from Hogwarts was owling toward them, only to be reminded each autumn of their sad Muggle status. Ivy Gamble is a hardboiled private investigator with all the usual trappings – sordid office, foul mouth, alcohol habit — when she’s asked to investigate a murder at a private school for mages...which just happens to be where her long estranged, magical twin sister works. What makes Magic for Liars fun, fascinating, & novel, and not Harry Potter or Magicians Trilogy fanfic, is that the magic in the book is ancillary to Ivy’s development as a character. She’s pretty much a mess from start to finish, with the narrative freedom to wallow in all of her petty jealousies & fantasies about magic. Emphatically not a children’s book, [this] is dirty & morally ambivalent, with enough clever riffs on the magical school genre to keep you laughing & a true-to-life portrait of what it means to want & lack that just might make you cry."
– Lucinda G.
12
MOSTLY DEAD THINGS
By Kristen Arnett
Contemporary Fiction, LGBTQ
"Depressed taxidermist Jessa-Lynn tries to be her family’s source of reason, only to repeatedly come up against her own emotional demons & her family’s eccentricities. Mostly Dead Things is absolutely fabulous: a quintessential Floridian novel, riotously strange & discomfiting, and at the same time deeply human." – Rhianna W.
13
THE SKILLFUL FORAGER
By Leda Meredith
Nonfiction, Nature
"I’m not actually a forager myself, but The Skillful Forager makes me want to become one. It’s pretty much a perfect book – the author’s dedication to this practice is evident on every page, it’s so incredibly thoughtful & well put together. So much helpful information can be found here, whether you’re an established forager or just getting started. I can’t wait to give it a try!" – Leah C.
14
MR. KNOW-IT-ALL: THE TARNISHED WISDOM OF A FILTH ELDER
By John Waters
Nonfiction, Humor, Autobiography
"I had to read this book after listening to Waters's latest interview on Fresh Air, because I so taken aback by the intelligence & kindness behind the Pope of Trash's wicked sense of fun. In Mr. Know-It-All, Waters shares stories from his years in Hollywood & reflects hilariously, if disturbingly, on his Stalinist aesthetic, plastic custom-built son, Bill, & ongoing experimentations with drugs. Much like his cult films, the end result is as endearing as it is fascinating, & spending some time in the Waters pop culture warren is a good way to escape politics while still delving into critical cultural territory." – Matt K.
15
QUEENIE
By Candice Carty-Williams
Contemporary Fiction, Cultural
"Queenie is struggling with her career, a break-up, friendships, & toxic men... not to mention institutional racism, an eccentric Jamaican family, & serious childhood trauma. Queenie carefully explores heavy themes with sensitivity & humor in this addictive debut novel." – Rhianna W.
16
SORCERY OF THORNS
By Margaret Rogerson
Fantasy, Young Adult, Romance
"Elisabeth was raised in the Great Library, where sorcerous texts are kept appeased & imprisoned lest they transform into menacing beasts. When one such monster escapes, Elisabeth is accused of conspiracy. To prove her innocence & catch the real culprits, she’ll need the help of sorcerer Nathaniel Thorn — but can she trust anyone who gained their power from a deal with a demon? Reminiscent of Howl’s Moving Castle & Strange the Dreamer, this incredible novel instantly became one of my all-time favorites." – Madeline S.
Like this list? Check out more lists by Powell's Books.
Powell's City of Books, based in Portland, OR, is the world's largest independent bookstore in the world. They have a great selection online, but if you're ever in Portland, go check out the brick & mortar location!
WHICH CONTEMPORARY BOOK TO READ BASED ON YOUR FAVORITE CLASSIC NOVEL – BOOKBUB
OR -- More into sci-fi classics, specifically? Check out the sci-fi version: 10 Recent Novels to Read Based On Your Favorite Sci-Fi Classics, also by BookBub. --
What is it?
Find Your Favorite Classic Novel to Learn What to Read Next by Emily Verona on BookBub. List & descriptions are from the original post - credit to OP / BookBub.
IF YOU LOVE
TRY
CRAZY RICH ASIANS
By Kevin Kwan
"Rachel Chu has no idea what she’s getting into when her boyfriend, Nick, invites her to Singapore to meet his family. For starters, Nick hasn’t mentioned that his family is one of the wealthiest in Asia – & his parents aren’t pleased with the middle-class American girl he’s brought home. Can Rachel win over Nick’s mother? And can Rachel & Nick’s love stand the strain of gossip, wealth, & judgmental relatives? Crazy Rich Asians is crazy popular, & we think it’s the perfect read for Pride & Prejudice fans looking for romance, family drama, & a few glorious estates. Nick might be a tad more agreeable than Mr. Darcy, but Rachel definitely faces some Lizzy Bennet–esque challenges as she tries to navigate a whole new world."
PRIDE & PREJUDICE
By Jane Austen
IF YOU LOVE
TRY
THE NICKEL BOYS
By Colson Whitehead
"Based on real events, Colson Whitehead’s The Nickel Boys is the powerful chronicle of Elwood & Turner, who have both been sentenced to a reformatory school in Jim Crow-era Florida. The Nickel Academy bills itself as a respectable establishment, but in truth this 'school' is far from respectable. Students are beaten, starved, & have even been known to disappear altogether. Whitehead, who won the Pulitzer Prize & the National Book Award for The Underground Railroad, has crafted a horrific, devastating tale that echoes some of the themes & elements of Ellison’s Invisible Man (which also won the National Book Award). A Time Must-Read Book of 2019, The Nickel Boys is one you won’t want to miss. "
INVISIBLE MAN
By Ralph Ellison
IF YOU LOVE
TRY
THE GOLDFINCH
By Donna Tartt
"If Oliver Twist is the seminal coming-of-age tale for 19th century England, Donna Tartt’s The Goldfinch is a 21st-century American equivalent. Tartt’s sweeping novel, which won the 2014 Pulitzer Prize for Fiction, is about young Theodore Decker. After his mother’s tragic death, Theodore finds his life forever changed. The path her absence sets him on is one of grief, redemption, & self-discovery. Like Oliver, Theodore is alone. Like Oliver, he has much to learn. The Goldfinch quickly became a bestseller after its publication in 2013 & just last year it was adapted into a feature film starring Ansel Elgort as Theo. "
OLIVER TWIST
By Charles Dickens
IF YOU LOVE
TRY
THE ESSEX SERPENT
By Sarah Perry
"Cora Seaborne is still mourning the loss of a husband she did not love when she seeks refuge in Essex, a coastal area with much to offer her sharp mind. An amateur naturalist, Cora is quickly taken in by the story of the Essex Serpent. Locals consider it a dangerous mythical creature but Cora suspects it might, in fact, be a new species worthy of study. It is with this notion that she embarks on a journey to learn more about the beast. Released in 2016, The Essex Serpent is an enthralling, award-winning work of historical fiction. It is also a great story for Moby Dick readers, with Perry’s own writing style being compared to that of Melville’s contemporaries. We always love a grand adventure & a legendary beast – don’t you? "
MOBY DICK
By Herman Melville
IF YOU LOVE
TRY
THE OTHER ALCOTT
By Elise Hooper
"Elise Hooper’s The Other Alcott is one of those rare books which will delight all kinds of Little Women fans. The story of May Alcott, a young American with dreams of becoming a great painter in the salons of France, will appeal to readers looking for a book like Little Women. At the same time, it dives deep into the story behind the Louisa May Alcott classic. Most Little Women fans know that the character of Amy was based on Louisa’s own sister, May. But did you know that May really was a successful painter? Or that her relationship with Louisa was complicated, often fraught with insecurities & competition? The Other Alcott is May’s story— one of love, ambition, & art. If you love Little Women & the history of the Alcotts themselves, then this is the novel for you! "
LITTLE WOMEN
By Louisa May Alcott
IF YOU LOVE
TRY
THE RESURRECTION OF JOAN ASHBY
By Cherise Wolas
"The Resurrection of Joan Ashby by Cherise Wolas is a modern epic of ambition, motherhood, & identity. Joan Ashby is a brilliant literary mind. Expectations for her debut novel are high, but an unexpected pregnancy changes the course of her plans. Joan goes from literary sensation to a wife & mother struggling to retain a sense of self. The themes of this story are complicated & heartbreaking, making it a fitting companion to Tolstoy’s tale of a young woman longing for meaning in a life that is not her own. The prestigious 2019 International Dublin Literary Award & the 2018 PEN/Robert W. Bingham Prize for Debut Fiction both long-listed the novel."
ANNA KARENINA
By Leo Tolstoy
IF YOU LOVE
TRY
THE AMERICAN HEIRESS
By Daisy Goodwin
"Marketed as a great novel for Downton Abbey fans, Daisy Goodwin’s The American Heiress is also a great companion for Edith Wharton readers! American-born Cora Cash is already very wealthy, but when she marries Ivo, she gets a title to match: Duchess of Wareham. English society isn’t everything Cora expected, however, & as rich as she is, it looks like money will only get her so far. Often compared to Henry James & Edith Wharton, Goodwin has a reputation for crafting well-told historical fiction. Lily Bart & Cora Cash are women for whom status is everything & can be undone by the very forces they’d been relying on to bring them security. "
THE HOUSE OF MIRTH
By Edith Wharton
IF YOU LOVE
TRY
Z: A NOVEL OF ZELDA FITZGERALD
By Therese Anne Fowler
"Here we have another example of a great novel that will take you behind the scenes of your favorite classic. Therese Anne Fowler’s Z: A Novel of Zelda Fitzgerald is told from the perspective of The Great Gatsby author’s wife, Zelda. Fowler traces the couple’s life together, from the budding of their romance through the course of their marriage. Zelda was a woman of tremendous spirit & is considered an icon of flapper life during the Roaring Twenties. Her life, however, was far from one big party & her marriage wasn’t perfect. Often overshadowed by her famous husband, Zelda is a woman of tremendous complexity worthy of Fowler’s bestselling novel. "
THE GREAT GATSBY
By F. Scott Fitzgerald
IF YOU LOVE
TRY
THE CONFESSIONS OF FRANNIE LANGTON
By Sara Collins
"Sara Collins’s The Confessions of Frannie Langton is a visceral, beautifully written, & heartbreaking portrait of womanhood, race, sexuality, & the human condition. Frannie Langton has been accused of murdering George & Marguerite Benham & is currently standing trial in London, but her guilt or innocence is nothing compared to the story of Frannie herself. Born into slavery on a Jamaican plantation & transported across the Atlantic to England, where she finds herself entangled in a forbidden affair, Frannie faces unimaginable cruelty & betrayal. But this is her story, in her words — & she will not be silenced. Published less than a year ago, The Confessions of Frannie Langton has landed on plenty of 'best of' lists. It also won Collins the Costa First Novel Award. Frannie’s journey reminds us of Janie Crawford’s own in Their Eyes Were Watching God. Collins & Hurston both have a compelling way of approaching sexuality & the female experience."
THEIR EYES WERE WATCHING GOD
By Zora Neale Hurston
IF YOU LOVE
TRY
VOX
By Christina Dalcher
"Much like Orwell’s 1984, Vox by Christina Dalcher brings readers into a police state. In Vox, the American government has ordered that women only be permitted to speak a hundred words a day...& this is just the start of it. Dr. Jean McClellan doesn’t want this world for herself or her daughter & she will do whatever it takes to enact change. Vox is a great pick for readers drawn in by Winston’s fight against Big Brother in Orwell’s 1984."
1984
By George Orwell
IF YOU LOVE
TRY
INFOMOCRACY
By Malka Older
"Infomocracy is the first book in Malka Older’s cyberpunk political thriller series. Twenty years ago, a search engine monopoly called Information made global microdemocracy the norm. Since then, corporate political party Heritage has won the last two election cycles...but the stakes this election season are high, & corruption is rampant. Change is coming. Infused with the same revolutionary spirit as Asimov’s Foundation, Infomocracy has been described by Last First Snow author Max Gladstone as The West Wing meets Snow Crash. Infomocracy is the first installment in the Centenal Cycle trilogy, the whole of which was nominated for the Hugo Best Series Award in 2018. "
FOUNDATION
By Isaac Asimov
IF YOU LOVE
TRY
JUST MERCY
By Bryan Stevenson
"While we’ve matched most of the classics on this list with other fiction titles, we thought an exception should be made for Just Mercy by Bryan Stevenson. A New York Times bestseller, Just Mercy is Stevenson’s own account of founding the Equal Justice Initiative as a young lawyer & taking on Walter McMillian’s case. McMillian was wrongfully imprisoned for a crime he did not commit & the truths Stevenson uncovered in pursuit of justice can be found in these pages of this incredible memoir. David Cole of The New York Review of Books writes that Just Mercy is 'every bit as moving as To Kill a Mockingbird, & in some ways more so...a searing indictment of American criminal justice & a stirring testament to the salvation that fighting for the vulnerable sometimes yields.' Just Mercy won the NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Literary Work (Nonfiction) & a Carnegie Medal for Best Nonfiction. In 2019, Just Mercy was adapted into a feature film starring
Michael B. Jordan & Jamie Foxx."
TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD
By Harper Lee
IF YOU LOVE
TRY
A GIRL IS A HALF-FORMED THING
By Eimear McBride
"Winner of the Baileys Women’s Prize for Fiction, Eimear McBride’s A Girl Is a Half-Formed Thing dives deep into the psyche of a girl struggling with abuse, turmoil, & trauma in her own home. Like Plath, McBride is very precise when it comes to her word choice & rhythm. Her story is a carefully constructed masterclass in language. Praised as a 'future classic' by The New York Times, McBride’s debut novel has been compared to the works of James Joyce & Virginia Woolf. The New Yorker has called A Girl Is a Half-Formed Thing 'blazingly daring' which, if you ask us, makes it exactly right for Plath readers."
THE BELL JAR
By Sylvia Plath
IF YOU LOVE
TRY
THE HOUSE OF THE SPIRITS
By Isabel Allende
"What book could we possibly recommend for fans of Gabriel García Márquez’s classic masterpiece? One Hundred Years of Solitude is a unique, massive work chronicling the rise & fall of the Buendía family. If this epic saga is one of your favorite reads, we suggest you pick up a copy of the legendary Isabel Allende’s The House of the Spirits. The novel follows the powerful Trueba family for three generations, from the proud and ambitious patriarch Esteban to his granddaughter Alba, the beautiful, intelligent child of a forbidden romance who will grow up to change her family & her country forever."
ONE HUNDRED YEARS OF SOLITUDE
By Gabriel García Márquez
IF YOU LOVE
TRY
THE WATER DANCER
By Ta-Nehisi Coates
"For readers who love Toni Morrison’s Pulitzer Prize–winning Beloved, there’s Ta-Nehisi Coates’s breathtaking The Water Dancer. An Oprah Book Club pick & an NAACP Image Award nominee, The Water Dancer brings us Hiram Walker. Born into slavery & robbed of his mother at a young age, Hiram possesses an unusual power – one that saves his life. A hypnotic example of magical realism at its finest, [this] is the perfect book to read after Morrison’s groundbreaking classic. 'Nearly every paragraph is laced through with dense, gorgeously evocative descriptions of a vanished world & steeped in its own vivid vocabulary,' says Entertainment Weekly. 'Ta-Nehisi Coates is the most important essayist in a generation & a writer who changed the national political conversation about race...so naturally his debut novel comes with slightly unrealistic expectations –& then proceeds to exceed them,' writes Rolling Stone. '[The Water Dancer is] timeless & instantly canon-worthy.'"
BELOVED
By Toni Morrison
Like this list? Check out the sci-fi version: 10 Recent Novels to Read Based On Your Favorite Sci-Fi Classics, also by BookBub.
DOG DAYS OF SUMMER QUIZ FROM POWELL'S BOOKS
What is it?
To combat the hottest dog days of summer, Powell's Books created What Kind of Chill Are You? Discover Your Summer Reading Personality, a short, 5-question quiz with book recommendations for 4 types of 'chill'. All credit to OP / Powell's City of Books.
Here's their quiz:
1. Your dream vacation spot is:
A. Sweden's ICEHOTEL
B. A meditation retreat in Bora Bora
C. A table for two at Noma
D. Brooklyn
2. Your favorite clothing item is:
A. A ski jacket
B. Fair trade, lightweight harem pants made out of post-consumer plastics
C. An apron
D. Your beard
3. You have a secret crush on:
A. Neil Gaiman
B. Marie Kondo
C. Paul Hollywood
D. Miranda July
4. You’d skip your brother’s wedding to watch the finale of:
A. Westworld
B. Enlightened
C. Iron Chef
D. Girls
5. Your dream vacation spot is:
A. Misery by Stephen King
B. Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert
C. How to Cook a Wolf by MFK Fisher
D. Infinite Jest by David Foster Wallac
Your "chill personality" & book picks:
IF YOU ANSWERED MOSTLY As:
Your blood runs cold. Check out these freaky books in frigid settings.
THE PEOPLE'S ACT OF LOVE
by James Meek
A magnificent, eerie novel that takes place in a remote Siberian village, The People’s Act of Love features a beautiful widow, a Gulag escapee, a shaman, and a power-hungry army captain. Oh, and cannibalism.
THE TERROR
by Dan Simmons
Ah, Dan Simmons. We love you so much despite your proclivity for writing books that are too long & also kind of silly, while scaring the *&#% out of us. The Terror is a retelling of the 1845 Franklin Expedition to discover the Northwest Passage. It didn’t end well, providing Simmons with ample fodder for a delightfully chilling tale of mutiny, monsters, & the natural perils of the Arctic. Oh, & cannibalism.
THE SNOW CHILD
by Eowyn Ivey
Wistful & uncanny, The Snow Child is a modern fairy tale about a childless couple who unwittingly create a little girl out of snow. Faina runs wild through the woods with a fox at her side, while her “parents” – crushed by the loneliness & hardship of homesteading in Alaska – find ways to lure her home.
ICE
by Anna Kavan
A dystopian classic set in a frozen, post-nuclear wasteland, Ice follows an unnamed narrator as he hunts for a “glass-girl” being held hostage by the brutal Warden. The chill factor is high, mostly because of Kavan’s exquisite world-building. Reading Ice may leave you confused & heartsick, but definitely not warm.
THE SHINING
by Stephen King
This novel shouldn’t be scary anymore – we know what happens. But there’s just something about an empty, snowbound hotel slowly taking over the mind of a man that gets us every time. Redrum...
IF YOU ANSWERED MOSTLY Bs:
Meditation chill. Spritz yourself with a homemade tonic of rosewater and lavender essential oil, and read to soothe.
THE MIRACLE OF MINDFULNESS
by Thich Nhat Hanh
Calming & practical, Buddhist teacher Thich Nhat Hanh instructs readers on how to cultivate mindfulness in their everyday lives.
THE BOTANY OF DESIRE
by Michael Pollan
Science can be soothing, especially when the narrator is as self-assured, clear, & full of wonder as Michael Pollan. The writing is beautiful, & the subject – how humanity’s chief preoccupations (sweetness, beauty, intoxication, & control) have evolved in relationship to plants – is fascinating.
OUR SOULS AT NIGHT
by Kent Haruf
Are you a romantic? Haruf’s gentle story about widowed, elderly neighbors who decide to spend their nights together in conversation & platonic bed-sharing...is sensitive & kind, while retaining complexity in its exploration of grief, isolation, & love.
WHAT ARE WE DOING HERE?
by Marilynne Robinson
This is a challenging read, but the essays can be read in bits & pieces, allowing you to trail Robinson as she leaps nimbly from theological to political topics, often marrying the two in astonishing & revealing ways. Robinson’s skepticism & curiosity, rooted somewhat paradoxically in her Calvinist faith, are enviably broad & incisive; her brilliance is a balm against the many ways ignorance is currently manifest in our culture.
A GENTLEMAN IN MOSCOW
by Amor Towles
A heartwarming book about an imprisoned aristocrat in Stalinist Russia? Yes! Charming from start to finish, Towles’s novel relays the shifting currents of Soviet Russia, its tragedies & successes, with all of the solicitousness, elegance, & charisma of the extremely captivating gentleman at its center.
YOUR FAVORITE CHILDHOOD BOOK OR SERIES
Look, nostalgia is a salve. If you need some Harry Potter to keep your cortisol in check, we won’t judge you. In fact, we’ll be over here reading The Boxcar Children.
IF YOU ANSWERED MOSTLY Cs:
Your favorite ways to chill come iced, creamy, frozen, & frosted: cook your way cool with our favorite hot weather [food] titles.
THE PERFECT SCOOP
by David Lebovitz
Fans of Lebovitz’s food blog are familiar with his witty, personal writing & delectable recipes. Here he compiles dozens of recipes for ice creams, sorbets, & toppings. Pistachio-Sesame Brittle, anyone?
PALETAS
by Fany Gerson
Mmm, paletas. Delicious Mexican ice pops made from fruit, seeds, nuts, & spices, paletas are the focus of this inventive cookbook, & Gerson has a recipe to suit every palate. Popsicles aren’t your thing? Check out her shaved ice & agua fresca options too. Whatever your tastes, Paletas is a good reason to wish for another run of triple-digit days.
JENI'S SPLENDILD ICE CREAMS AT HOME
by Jeni Britton Bauer
If you can’t get to Columbus, Ohio, to eat at Jeni’s, use her James Beard Award-winning cookbook to recreate shop specialties like Salty Caramel & Roasted Strawberry & Buttermilk ice creams.
N'ICE CREAM
by Virpi Mikkonen & Tuulia Talvio
Vegans & health-conscious eaters can have their ice cream & eat it too with Mikkonen & Talvio’s beautiful, mouthwatering collection of dairy-free, gluten-free, & refined sugar-free recipes. Many can be made without an ice cream maker, meaning treats like Mocha Sundaes & Strawberry Basil Milkshakes can be ready in minutes for spontaneous cravings & impromptu ice cream socials.
IF YOU ANSWERED MOSTLY Ds:
Look chill, feel chill. With these books in hand, your appearance alone is guaranteed to lower the core body temp of everyone in the room.
IF ON A WINTER'S NIGHT A TRAVELER
by Italo Calvino
Puzzling & enchanting, each of the 10 stories in this novel represent the first chapters of 10 different books, none of which the characters in the novel or you, the reader, are able to finish. The result is a frustrating but very fun exploration of the writer-reader relationship, & the way the act of reading roots one in the world. Practice describing the plot out loud until it seems obvious, & then dazzle that hot barista you’ve been eyeing all summer.
HOMESICK FOR ANOTHER WORLD
by Ottessa Moshfegh
A Powell’s staff favorite, Homesick is a fabulous combination of really funny and completely alienating & disgusting. Reading Moshfegh’s short story collection is kind of like eating catfish in a Michelin-starred restaurant: you know her characters are cheap bottom-feeders, but her artistry transforms them into luxury items.
A CURE FOR SUICIDE
by Jesse Ball
Possibly even more confusing & audacious than the Calvino, Ball’s A Cure for Suicide is about a man in the process of relearning basic information, guided by a mysterious woman who might be a doctor. When the man meets a second woman at a party, the encounter throws his carefully constructed life into chaos. Weird without being pretentious, [this book] is a great excuse to host a literary salon — you’ll definitely need a few people to talk it over with.
MINOR CHARACTERS
by Joyce Johnson
Did you know there were female Beats? Joyce Johnson was only 21 when she met 34-year-old Jack Kerouac, & Minor Characters details not just their relationship, but Johnson’s experiences both on the periphery of the male-centric Beat movement & in the midcentury American art scene. It’s splendidly written, evocative & quick-witted, and though it won a National Book Critics Circle Award, hardly anyone mentions it. Obscure, artsy, exclusive: Aren’t you feeling cooler already?
THE VEGETARIAN
by Han Kang
A dreamy novel & psychological thriller combined, The Vegetarian, at first glance, is about how a Korean housewife’s decision to become a vegetarian upends her traditional household & family. When Yeong-hye begins having a series of violent dreams, she responds by renouncing meat. But her rejection of brutality goes deeper; as her family subjects her to increasingly terrible intrusions on her mind & body, Yeong-hye begins to believe that she’s becoming a tree. A scary, compelling look at the power of imagination to spark metamorphosis,
The Vegetarian is an impressive read.
Like this list? Check out more lists by Powell's Books.
Powell's City of Books, based in Portland, OR, is the world's largest independent bookstore in the world. They have a great selection online, but if you're ever in Portland, go check out the brick & mortar location!