Okay so you ever just sit there staring at your bookshelf or scrolling online for like 30 mins thinking, “What should I read next?” Yeah, same. Picking a book is actually harder than it looks sometimes. Too many options, too many genres, and way too many people on the internet telling you what’s “must-read.”
So here’s my very not fancy, not-super-literary list of books to read. Some are popular, some are weird, some are old, and a few are just fun. Not for school essays, not for impressing anyone—just books you can actually enjoy reading, because, y’know, that’s what books are for.
1. The Midnight Library – Matt Haig
This book kind of hit me out of nowhere. It’s about this woman named Nora who gets stuck between life and death in this magical library, and every book is a different version of her life. Like, “what if I stayed with that guy” or “what if I became a glaciologist.” (Yep, that’s a real word.)
It’s sad but also kinda hopeful, and made me think about how we look at regrets. Not too heavy, easy to read, and just makes you feel something. Bit trippy too.
2. Verity – Colleen Hoover
Now listen, CoHo books are kind of love-or-hate. Some people think they’re cringey, others can’t get enough. I’m somewhere in the middle. But Verity? That one’s wild.
It’s a thriller, not romance. Creepy house, dying wife, unfinished manuscript, dark secrets. If you liked Gone Girl or The Silent Patient, you’ll probably like this too. Just don’t read it at night if you’re alone. You’ve been warned lol.
3. The Alchemist – Paulo Coelho
Yeah okay this one’s kind of on every book list, but there’s a reason for that. It’s one of those books that’s simple but deep, if that makes sense.
It follows a shepherd boy, Santiago, looking for treasure, but it’s not really about gold or anything. It’s more about following your dream or “personal legend” (fancy words). Makes you wanna pack a bag and go find meaning or whatever. Or at least read more books about it.
4. Atomic Habits – James Clear
This one’s for all the people who say “I’m gonna fix my life this year” and then don’t. (me, lol)
Atomic Habits actually helped me figure out how to start small. Like, instead of saying “I’ll read 50 books,” say “I’ll read 2 pages every day.” Sounds dumb but it works. If you like practical advice that doesn’t feel too preachy, give it a shot.
5. The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo – Taylor Jenkins Reid
I don’t usually go for historical celeb-type fiction but this one hooked me. Evelyn is like this old-school Hollywood star telling her story to a journalist, and she’s had—surprise—seven husbands. But the real story is who she loved and why.
It’s dramatic, sad, romantic, and has some big twists. Plus it makes you think about fame and image vs. reality. Also it’s just beautifully written.
6. It Ends With Us – Colleen Hoover
Okay I know I already mentioned her, but this one’s different. It’s not your usual romance. It goes into some real deep stuff like abuse, toxic relationships, and how hard it is to leave even when you know you should.
It made me cry. Legit tears. Might not be for everyone though—definitely check the trigger warnings if you’re sensitive to that kind of stuff.
7. Sapiens – Yuval Noah Harari
This is like… a book about everything. Human history from way back when we were hairy cavemen to now with iPhones and self-checkouts. It’s smart, but not boring-smart.
Some parts made me feel kinda dumb tbh, but in a good way. Like, wow, I didn’t know how little I knew. If you wanna feel smarter at parties, or just actually understand humans a bit better, read this.
8. Before the Coffee Gets Cold – Toshikazu Kawaguchi
This one’s short but hits hard. It’s about a tiny café in Japan where you can go back in time—but only to a specific seat, and only until your coffee gets cold.
Each chapter is a different person’s story. Sad, sweet, kinda magical. You’ll probably cry at least once. Or maybe twice. Depends how cold your heart is.
9. The Book Thief – Markus Zusak
If you haven’t read this yet… do it. Even if you think you’re tired of WWII stories. It’s narrated by Death, and follows this girl named Liesel who steals books in Nazi Germany. It’s about love, loss, and the power of words.
It’s poetic without trying too hard, and just so heartbreakingly beautiful. You’ll wanna hug it when you’re done.
10. The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck – Mark Manson
Okay this one’s more like… tough love in book form. It’s self-help but also kind of “stop whining and get on with your life.” In a good way.
It makes you question what you actually care about and why you waste energy on dumb stuff. Read it if you want to feel a little called out but also kinda motivated.
What About Classics?
I didn’t include too many oldies, but yeah sure, there’s classics worth reading too. Like:
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1984 by George Orwell (still scarily relevant)
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Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen (if you like drama and slow burns)
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To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee (a must-read for many reasons)
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Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger (only if you’re into angsty teen stuff)
They’re harder to get into sometimes, but worth trying if you wanna go deep.
Final Thoughts (or whatever)
At the end of the day, reading is personal. What works for me might totally bore you, and that’s cool. The important thing is finding books that make you feel something. Whether that’s joy, heartbreak, brain explosions, or just escaping real life for a bit.
Don’t stress about reading what’s trendy or what everyone’s posting on TikTok. Pick up what you want. Could be fantasy, romance, horror, memoirs, comics… even fanfiction, idc. Just read.
Reading isn’t about being smart. It’s about being curious. And if you made it to the end of this list? Congrats—you’re already there