36 Must-Read Books for Every Mood and Interest

1. You Enjoy a Classic Love Story (With a Contemporary Edge)

The Ministry of Time, by Kaliane Bradley

A covert time-travel operation unites a 19th-century Antarctic adventurer with a present-day government operative, leading to an unexpected romance. For fans of time-travel love stories who prefer something uplifting over emotional dramas like The Time Traveler's Wife, this book is a must-read.

2. If You're Looking for a Contemporary Spin on a Timeless Tale

Demon Copperhead, By Barbara Kingsolver

While reboots often miss the mark, this brilliant reimagining of Dickens' David Copperfield transports the tale to contemporary Appalachia. A Pulitzer Prize-winning novel, it’s an utterly captivating read you’ll find hard to set aside.

3. If You Want a Raw and Heartfelt Tale About Losing a Mother

Crying in H Mart, by Michelle ZaunerThis debut memoir by Michelle Zauner, the lead vocalist of the indie band Japanese Breakfast, delves into her experiences as a Korean American and the profound impact of losing her mother to cancer at age 25. Through her grief, Zauner reconnects with her heritage, celebrating the legacy of language, cuisine, and history her mother imparted. A poignant addition to the collection of exceptional mother-daughter narratives.

4. If You Want to Immerse Yourself in a Captivating Alternate Reality

The Night Circus, By Erin Morgenstern

Erin Morgenstern’s works whisk readers away to enchanting realms. While her subsequent novel, The Starless Sea, crafts a mesmerizing underground universe beneath New York City, it’s the spellbinding, monochromatic world of The Night Circus that will captivate you from start to finish.

5. If You Want a Novel That Flows Like Poetic Verse

On Earth We're Briefly Gorgeous, by Ocean Vuong

Ocean Vuong, a Vietnamese-American poet, crafts his debut novel as a heartfelt letter from a son to his illiterate mother. The narrative delves into themes of race, class, and masculinity, addressing challenging subjects with poetic elegance and leaving readers with lingering thoughts well after the final page.

6. If You Want to Remember bell hooks

All About Love, by bell hooks

Renowned feminist scholar and activist bell hooks passed away in 2021 at the age of 69, yet her impactful works continue to resonate across generations. Her 1999 publication delves deeply into the concept of love, examining it through personal, psychological, and philosophical lenses.

7. If You Enjoy Witty Humor and Short Reads

One Day We'll All Be Dead and None of This Will Matter, by Scaachi Koul

Penned by Buzzfeed’s senior writer Scaachi Koul, this compilation of essays brims with humor that resonates universally, no matter how niche the situations. Koul shares some of her most cringe-worthy and challenging life experiences, from navigating her identity as the child of Indian immigrants in Canada to enduring awkward moments like shaving her knuckles to blend in at school.

8. If You’ve Been Longing to Travel (and Miss Anthony Bourdain)

World Travel: An Irreverent Guide, by Anthony Bourdain and Laurie Woolever

If your dream getaway was put on hold because of the pandemic, this posthumous compilation of essays and musings offers a glimpse into the late Anthony Bourdain’s most cherished global destinations. The celebrated travel and food writer’s insights might just spark ideas for your next adventure.

9. If You’re Looking for Something Juicy and Engaging

Good Company, by Cynthia D'Aprix Sweeney

This ideal summer read delves into the hidden truths within a marriage, while offering an intimate look into the worlds of New York theater and Hollywood.

10. If You Need a Reminder of (the Majesty of) Nature

Where the Crawdads Sing, by Delia Owens

Kya’s upbringing is untamed and solitary along the North Carolina coastline, where nature serves as both her teacher and her deepest passion. (This story might just inspire you to step outside and reconnect with yourself and the wilderness around you.)

11. If You Fear You’re Overparenting

Girls With Bright Futures, by Tracy Dobmeier and Wendy Katzman

This gripping thriller revolves around three mothers who stop at nothing—even potential murder—to secure a single, highly sought-after admission spot at Stanford for their daughters. (Rest assured, your parenting is perfectly fine!)

12. If You’ve Ever Imagined Living in Your Dream Home

The Dutch House, by Ann Patchett

Here’s a spoiler: The reality inside a dream home is far from perfect. This beautifully crafted story of a troubled family and the house they live in makes for excellent book club material.

13. If You Love Sharp and Engaging Conversations

Normal People, by Sally Rooney

If you haven’t yet explored Sally Rooney’s Normal People or her 2017 debut, Conversations with Friends, the Irish author’s works are perfect for fans of sharp, witty dialogue and narratives that delve into the complexities of human relationships.

14. If You Can’t Get Enough True Crime Stories

Say Nothing: A True Story of Murder and Memory in Northern Ireland, by Patrick Radden Keefe

Let’s be honest: While there’s no shortage of true crime books and podcasts, few actually solve crimes or provide groundbreaking insights (though there’s nothing wrong with enjoying a recap or entertaining commentary!). This is where Say Nothing stands out. Even without prior knowledge of the Northern Ireland conflict, readers will be instantly drawn into Keefe’s meticulous reporting and storytelling, especially as he unravels the mystery behind Jean McConville’s murder.

15. If You’re Looking for Something Disturbingly Captivating

Trust Exercise, by Susan Choi

In Susan Choi’s innovative coming-of-age novel, which earned the 2019 National Book Award for fiction, theater students Sarah and David navigate love and their relationship under the intense scrutiny of their drama instructor. Set in a high-stakes arts school during the 1980s, the story delivers surprising twists and an impeccably crafted atmosphere. It’s a book you’ll want to discuss with everyone.

16. If You’re Eager to Expand Your Knowledge

Wine Simple: A Totally Approachable Guide from a World-Class Sommelier, by Aldo Sohm and Christine Muhlke

Aldo Sohm, recognized as the world’s top sommelier and the mastermind behind the wine program at one of New York City’s finest restaurants, teams up with Christine Muhlke to create an incredibly accessible guide. Packed with engaging charts and visuals, Wine Simple breaks down everything from trendy natural wines to mastering the art of tasting like an expert during your next dining experience.

17. If You’re Seeking Cultural Criticism Without the Pretentiousness

Trick Mirror: Reflections on Self-Delusion, by Jia Tolentino

In her first collection of nine thought-provoking essays, the acclaimed NewYorker.com writer examines topics ranging from millennial fraudsters to the pervasive influence of the internet. The book is irresistibly engaging, largely due to Tolentino’s introspective style and personal anecdotes.

18. If You’re Looking to Reduce Your Screen Time

24/6: The Power of Unplugging One Day a Week, by Tiffany Shlain

In 24/6, filmmaker and renowned speaker Tiffany Shlain introduces the concept of a "Technology Shabbat"—a weekly day when she and her family disconnect from all electronic devices. Alongside sharing the profound benefits her family has experienced, Shlain offers practical and encouraging tips for adopting your own tech shabbat and reducing screen dependency.

19. If You’re Fascinated by Hygge, Lagom, and Swedish Death Cleaning

The Book of Ichigo Ichie: The Art of Making the Most of Every Moment, the Japanese Way, by Héctor García and Francesc Miralles

You’ve mastered decluttering with Swedish death cleaning and embraced the cozy Danish concept of hygge during winter. But are you familiar with ichigo ichie, the Japanese practice of cherishing each moment? Allow the authors of The Book of Ichigo Ichie to lead you through this transformative philosophy.

20. If You’ve Recently Devoured The Handmaid’s Tale

Women Talking, by Miriam Toews

Many books are dubbed "the next Handmaid's Tale," but Women Talking truly earns the comparison. This powerful feminist novel follows Mennonite women who are drugged and assaulted by men within their own community, a story made even more chilling by its basis in real-life events. Margaret Atwood herself has praised the book, noting it "could be right out of The Handmaid's Tale," giving it her seal of approval. If you’re feeling disheartened by the world, Women Talking will motivate you to speak up, take action, and continue the fight.

21. If You Enjoy a Thoughtful, Mature Love Story

Quotient The Kiss, by Helen Hoang

Stella excels at crunching numbers, but her Asperger’s makes navigating romance a challenge. To improve her skills, she hires an escort to help her gain confidence in the bedroom—only to unexpectedly fall for him. Helen Hoang’s #ownvoices novel strikes a perfect balance between heartwarming and sensual. Once you finish The Kiss Quotient, dive into the next installment of the trilogy: The Bride Test, a companion novel exploring a woman’s quest for love and an autistic man unsure if he can reciprocate her feelings.

22. If You Love Quirky, Unconventional Families

Mostly Dead Things, by Kristen Arnett

Every family has its oddities, and Jessa’s is no different. After her father takes his own life in their family’s taxidermy shop, their behavior takes an even stranger turn—her mother starts creating provocative and sexually charged taxidermy art. Jessa steps up to run the business, striving to hold everything together while grappling with family members who avoid addressing their problems. Mostly Dead Things is one of the most uniquely bizarre and captivating books you’ll ever encounter.

23. If You’re Ready for a Short Yet Profound Literary Gem

Looker, by Laura Sims

Some books defy easy classification, and Looker is one of them. While not strictly a thriller or mystery, it incorporates elements of both, offering a chilling glimpse into the unraveling mind of an unnamed woman. As she grapples with her own shattered life, her fixation on a famous actress neighbor spirals into dangerous obsession. At under 200 pages, Looker is a compact yet powerful exploration of envy, fixation, and mental instability, with every word meticulously chosen by Laura Sims.

24. If You’re Ready for an Emotional Journey (Grab Plenty of Tissues)

The Bright Hour: A Memoir of Living and Dying, by Nina Riggs

This posthumously published memoir tackles a profound question: How do you find purpose and meaning in life when you know your time is running out?

25. If You’ve Read Like Water for Chocolate to Tatters

The Particular Sadness of Lemon Cake, by Aimee Bender

Lovers of magical realism will be captivated by this story of a young girl who discovers her mother’s hidden sorrow infused in every bite of her homemade desserts.

26. If You’re Fresh Out of a Relationship

,Alone Time by Stephanie Rosenbloom

​​Four cities, four seasons, and countless meals enjoyed solo. In this memoir, Stephanie Rosenbloom celebrates the pleasures of traveling and dining alone.

27. If You’re Fascinated by Unconventional Science and Psychology

Swearing Is Good For You, by Emma Byrne

A brilliantly compelling read, filled with scientific evidence that occasionally letting loose with a few expletives can actually be beneficial.

28. If You’ve Dreamed of Working at a Vineyard

The Shortest Way Home, by Miriam Parker

When Hannah seemingly achieves everything she’s ever desired (or so she believes), she surprises herself by abandoning it all to pursue a dream she never realized she harbored.

29. If You’re Searching for a Book Similar to Where’d You Go, Bernadette

What You Don't Know About Charlie Outlaw, by Leah Stewart

A whimsical story about two Hollywood actors who part ways, only to realize they need each other more than ever—particularly after one of them ends up kidnapped on a remote island.

30. If You’re Nursing Your Cluster-Feeding Baby

Gmorning, Gnight!: Little Pep Talks for Me & You, by Lin-Manuel Miranda

31. If You’re Expecting a Baby

Overwhelmed, by Brigid Schulte

By now, you’ve likely been warned about the sleepless nights that come with welcoming a new baby. While parenthood is both demanding and tiring, it doesn’t mean you have to lose yourself while building a life for someone else. Journalist Brigid Schulte explores how our hyper-connected culture can overwhelm us and offers strategies to reclaim time for yourself.

32. If You’re Head Over Heels in Love

Kafka on the Shore, by Haruki Murakami

A masterpiece of magical realism, Kafka on the Shore weaves a surreal and enchanting narrative. What truly stands out is its poetic language, such as this line: "Anyone who falls in love is searching for the missing pieces of themselves. So anyone who's in love gets sad when they think of their lover. It's like stepping back inside a room you have fond memories of, one you haven't seen in a long time." With countless such passages, Kafka on the Shore invites you to revisit its pages repeatedly, discovering new ways to articulate your own emotions.

33. If You’re Feeling Down

I Remember Nothing, by Nora Ephron

Ever had a friend who can turn any complaint into a hilarious, literary gem? If not, Nora Ephron is here to fill that void. In I Remember Nothing, the late writer and filmmaker behind classics like You’ve Got Mail offers witty observations on the peculiarities of modern life. Be warned: avoid reading this in public—you’ll draw strange looks from people as you burst into uncontrollable laughter.

34. If You’re Dreaming of a Getaway

Flâneuse, by Lauren Elkin

We all harbor a longing to wander, but for Lauren Elkin, this impulse is impossible to resist. In Flâneuse, Elkin roams through iconic cities like New York, Paris, Venice, and London, reflecting on the art of urban exploration and the unique experience of navigating these spaces as a woman.

35. If You’re Planning to Tie the Knot

The Wedding Date, by Jasmine Guillory

If you’re on the brink of marriage and organizing a grand celebration, take a moment to consider your guests’ experience: showing up to a wedding without a plus-one can be anxiety-inducing. In Jasmine Guillory’s charming romance, The Wedding Date, Alex Monroe and Drew Nichols avoid the awkwardness of attending solo by pretending to be a couple, leading to a story that’s as entertaining and heartwarming as you’d hope.

36. If You’re Craving a Chilling Tale

The Thirteenth Tale, by Diane Setterfield

The Thirteenth Tale is a must-read for bibliophiles. While far from comforting, it’s an ideal winter read. Biographer Margaret Lea is entrusted with documenting the life of the elusive author Vida Winter, whose celebrated anthology lacks its titular 13th story. As Winter reveals her life’s secrets to Lea, a dark and intricate past steeped in Victorian gothic intrigue comes to light.