Hello bookworms, few things come close to reading and cherishing an incredible book, but letting ALL your friends know and shoving it down their throats for months is a close second. I feel like a god when they finally read it, and I can witness the emotions I felt in someone else.. it’s even better when they get as hooked as you were. This little list is mainly for one of my close friends; thus, it adheres primarily to her taste, but there are many great titles here, so feel free to take them to force your friends to read. Let us continue the lovely cycle.

I have gathered that this friend is very much into books like Nightbitch, with deeper characters and a darker aura. And not to TOOT my own horn, but….rubs hands together this is a job I am perfect for. So, given this is what I have to work with, WORK WITH IT I SHALL.

Little Weirds by Jenny Slate

I adore the cover, the title, and the elegance of how it’s all been put together. From everything I’ve heard, it’s a book about…a lot. I have yet to read this one, but I’m hoping that if Ana gets to it before I do, it’ll force me to stop being lazy. This cover art reminds me of her tattoos, so my brain appreciates the resemblance.

The Last House on Needless Street by Catriona Ward

I am, of course, including not one but many thrillers. The vibe always allows for a few, and this one has that perfect mystery, dark forest feel. Plus, my most trusted sources have also let me know it’s quite a unique tale. If Stephen King is quoted to compare this book to Gone Girl, that’s all any of his should have to hear.

All’s Well by Mona Awad

In including this novel, I am mainly utilizing it as a subliminal (not-so-subliminal) message to communicate a buddy read. I’m conveying to the universe that I would like to buddy-read this, Anastasia; ANSWER MY MESSAGE! I’ve read a few novels by Awad, and we got off on the wrong foot with Bunny, but it’s such a crazy and quirky read that I’m sure I would feel differently following each read.

Additionally, I wouldn’t typically entertain authors if I didn’t enjoy their other books, but it was more content than the writing or plot structure that I had an issue with, so I feel this book may remedy our past. Mona Awad and I have a bit of a rocky relationship. Like most incredible authors, I’ve gotten along tremendously with some of her works and a little poorly with others. However, if I were to publish any fictional work, the response may be similar. Great minds think alike, of course. But to put it simply, I rated “Bunny” 1 star and “13 Ways of Looking at a Fat Girl” 5 stars. The low rating has nothing to do with the author’s talent or writing; it’s most likely my perception of the novel, and of course, we are entitled to our own opinions. I would not dissuade anyone from reading her; just like Sally Rooney, it took me a few attempts to understand and appreciate her work. I suppose, especially female authors, I find myself so similar to them in distinctive ways that our brains clash. Perhaps I’ll revisit Bunny in a few years and conclude that it’s my favourite book ever. Who knows?

My Dark Vanessa by Kate Elizabeth Russell

All I have to say is that I have read Lolita and found it to be an excellent piece of literature. My Dark Vanessa is not similar in the writing but in the book’s content and perspective; thus, keep that in mind for those intrigued by the title. I read it while I had no wifi, in the middle of the jungle, and it was the best environment for a book like this.

My Sister, The Serial Killer by Oyinkan Braithwaite

This isn’t a book I would gravitate toward, but I’ve heard and read excellent reviews on the title. It’s a dark yet witty read, making it quite an entertaining experience.

Ripe by Sarah Rose Etter

A book I am about to start myself, Ripe, just released, and it’s so intriguing. Just look at this cover, please??? I love something you can’t seem to take your eyes off of, no matter how uncomfortable it may seem. There’s something so unsettling about the visual, but so beautiful all at once. Anyway, back to the book itself, I’ve deduced that it can be put as yet another book about women having mental breakdowns..sign me up.

Almond by Sohn Won-Pyung

All I could think after reading this was why it had taken me so long. That’s enough to warrant a spot on this list!

Thanks for reading!