I’m currently in the process of moving to a new apartment, and in doing so, I have realized I have SO MUCH stuff. It just keeps falling out of closets and appearing under beds and multiplying everywhere… where did it all come from?! And in packing my mountains of belongings (should be done in like eight years, nbd), I realized I have accumulated a lot of books over the years. It’s a staggering amount of worn paperbacks, hardcovers with the slipcover missing, just stacks and stacks everywhere (I try with the ebooks but I’m stubbornly a the-smell-of-real-books-is-my-drug kind of person). Packing my books was not only v heavy, but it also had me rediscovering all my favorites — and, of course, I wanted to share them with as many people as possible.
Below are 15 of the ones I’m planning to re-read (instead of packing, tbh) immediately. You should probably add them to your TBR pile, as I have ~excellent~ taste.
This book is SO good. It's romantic and hilarious and written in a style as original as it is enjoyable. I read it in one insane sitting, staying up all night and blumbering through work the next day. WORTH IT.
A collection of fascinating mysteries from my favorite non-fiction author. Start with the one about the Insane Clown Posse, you won't be sorry. *Also an incredible audiobook.
I love how weird and wonderful this collection of short stories is. It's perfect just-before-bed reading from a master of her craft.
This book made my heart swell — a YA romcom that I enjoyed for every second. I want to be best friends with Dimple, who wouldn't?!
If you've seen The Office, you know B.J. Novak as Ryan, the sexy temp. But he's also a fabulous author, and this collection of stories (I just really love short stories) will make you laugh and think.
This book is so WASP-y and it's fun and a little alarming to fall into that world of privilege and suppressed emotion. The movie adaptation ain't half bad, either.
If you're looking for a good cry, this is your read. It's a beautiful novel about loneliness and isolation and it ripped my heart out. Devastating and heart warming and compulsively readable.
Rainbow Rowell is a bit of an icon in the YA world, but this non-YA novel of hers is my favorite. It's written entirely in emails and has one of the sweetest love stories I've ever read. It's like a smile made of paper and letters and glue.
Another book of short stories are you surprised. This is one of the most original books I have ever read and made me laugh and recoil in equal measure. Violent and messy and sexy, it's a startling read.
This book is all about taking the risk — even when you think it's too late. Satisfying and moving. Read it immediately.
I am still crying that this brilliant, original, fantastical series was cancelled (SOB), but at least we have the source material. Douglas Adams is known for world-bending hilarity and Dirk Gently and his "everything is connected" philosophy never disappoint.
I started this book on a plane and was so engrossed I kept reading it in my hotel room into the wee hours of the night. I literally could not put it down. A twisty mystery that will keep you guessing and prose so on point you'll feel drenched in the thick Australian heat.
This book needs no introduction — the stunning film adaptation has stolen all our hearts. The novel is deeply moving and one I recommend again and again. A must read.
It's one of my biggest regrets in life that I will never meet Nora Ephron in person. Her work — from her films to her essays — speaks to me so deeply. This book is no exception, funny and so incredibly smart.
The queen of slow burn romance strikes again with this fabulously engaging and fun novel about a soccer star and her enigmatic coach. Who says romance novels aren't feminist?
What are you currently reading? Share your favorites in the comments below!
This article was originally published on February 15, 2018.