Is there a favorite book that you always recommend? Or do you have different books to recommend based on who you’re speaking to?
I would say both!
I have my all-time favorites that anyone could read and really enjoy. And then I have my favorites that would be more appreciated if that genre is your vibe. This is going to be a short and sweet post. I am sharing my all-time favorites, and I hope you enjoy them as much as I have.
~ Middle Grade ~
MG is typically ages 8-12, so the older elementary into middle school kiddos. Now, you might be thinking, why would I, an adult, read a book targeted for kids? Well, let’s just say it might surprise you! I love reading Middle Grade because of its innocence and rawness. So many life lessons are explained in a more digestible manner, and it’s just so wholesome, like Christmas morning! On top of that, the stories can provide an excellent space for some great family conversations, depending on the theme. Middle Grade is a staple over here!
Anne of Green Gables – Initially written in 1908 and surprisingly holds up well. It is a story about family and friendship centered around a very inquisitive young girl.
Poet X – A novel written in verse (using poetry instead of typical sentence structure and paragraphs) about a young Dominican girl struggling to hear her voice in a deafening world. It also touches on family dynamics and culture.
Rain Rising – Another novel written in verse about a young Black girl finding her voice in a world that seems like everything is against her. There’s a fantastic sibling element that completely pulls at your heart strings.
~ Young Adult ~
YA is roughly 12-18 years old and the mature content is more limited. This age range can sometimes read relatively young, resulting in not the best reading experience. So, keep that in mind, read as you will, but remember that you’re reading a book targeted at a younger audience.
We Are Not Free – A beautifully written Historical Fiction multi-POV story about 14 Asian teens when there were mass incarcerations among the Japanese community in California. This is a challenging and insightful story; my favorite part is that each character is intertwined with another. I love the structure of this story!
Homegoing – If you enjoy a multi-generational story that comes full circle, grab this book immediately! This story is full of rich culture and layers and layers of generational development. You’re following two sisters from Ghana who take different paths in life, and some generations later, we are met in the present time with cousins who run into each other whilst, in college, unknowing of their lineage, and a bond is formed. This journey was impactful to read through.
This is My America – This was a wild card book for me because it is a suspenseful social justice book. This book is heavy, it is raw and it holds back no punches! So, if you cannot handle being uncomfortable about social justice…welp, maybe read this slowly. This story follows a young girl who tries to save her teenage brother from being wrongly convicted of a crime he did not commit. I was on the edge of my seat while reading this. Bravo!
Girl with a Louding Voice & So I Roar – These books are about a 14-year-old girl who goes through the trenches all; every trench you can think of, she went through, but she went through with her head held high and never gave up. All Adunni wants is a better life for herself. She has dreamt of becoming a teacher and giving back to her community, but she has learned that life is not always what it seems. I laughed and felt all the emotions from this story. I will list some trigger warnings because there are tricky parts to read, but this is worth your time, energy, and tears! (warnings – child brides and trafficking, vivid descriptions of physical and child abuse, death via childbirth, R-word)
This Poison Heart duology is our first fantasy!!!!! Within a couple of chapters of book one, I knew this would be a winner for me. This book incorporates plant magic, is lightly inspired by Greek mythology, and has some intriguing love interests with a mystery subplot. It’s a straightforward read for new fantasy readers; you will love all the characters.
~ New Adult ~
I would say NA is 18-25; characters could be towards the end of their high school time and into college, with more mature themes, but the story still reads or feels “younger” than an adult.
Maame – I adored this story. It has so many layers to process, from cultural expectations to toxic family dynamics to dating to understanding one’s trauma. I saw pieces of myself within this story, and they will forever be dear to me.
Binding 13 – This series became super popular on TikTok. I’ve only read book 1, but this will also be a well-loved series. This is ultimately a character-driven story with lots to unpack. The side characters are just as wonderful as the main characters; everyone has a purpose, and you’ll learn and grow along with them. Some triggers are adult/child abuse and bullying.
ACOTAR is my favorite fantasy series at the moment. This is a five-book series where you must buckle up for the journey and ride the wave. Book 1 is a story lightly influenced by Beauty and the Beast, with a love triangle and Fae. If you’re just starting in fantasy, I recommend this series to beginners.
~ Adult ~
I’m not sure if this age group needs an introduction; it’s self explanatory. It’s not my go-to targeted age group, but I have found some great stories in it.
Only for the Week – I read this romance in less than 24 hours; that says a lot because I don’t read a lot of romance and I was instantly weak in the knees. Now, the synopsis is messy. The main character’s ex is getting married to her sister (yep), and the wedding is a destination wedding, so things get spicy and dicey. I loved everything about this story!
The Last Letter—If you’re looking for a heart-wrenching, beautiful story about family, love, and finding oneself, this is for you. It is another character-driven story, but oh my goodness, it is well worth the journey!
The Black Witch Chronicles—This series is fantastic if you love Harry Potter but want something more adult. It touches on politics, social hierarchies, and diversity among the world’s creatures. This is currently an ongoing series that has not been completed.
~ Nonfiction ~
I do not typically drift to NonFiction, but it will be a memoir if I do. I love getting the chance to glimpse into someone’s life, the lessons they’ve learned, and their paths.
Viola – I would 1000% recommend this book as an audiobook. Viola Davis does a beautiful job articulating her story, which is encouraging and eye-opening. If you didn’t love her before, you will love her afterward.
I hope one of these catches your interest. If it does, please share which one! I’d love to hear your thoughts. Also, don’t forget to share one of your favorites below! Until next time, Happy Reading!
Book Reviews & ARC’s
Firstly, I want to say thank you for considering me for your book reviewers; I am super excited. I love to read and encourage adult readers to take the leap, pick up a book, slap on a pair of headphones, and listen to an audiobook. While I love reviewing ARCs and books from authors, I want to provide guidelines and answer frequently asked questions on our process.
See HERE for further ARC requests