24. The Best Books I've Ever Read

(Some of) the best books I've ever read, people are so talented & so many good books are releasing, and a well known author who I haven't read yet.

When I say best, I don’t necessarily mean I love them undyingly or would recommend them to anyone, but those books that I will never forget, that were written so well it took my breath away, and that will always leave an impact on me.

Sure, a lot of these overlap with my favorites, but I also think that for some it completely depends on when you read them.

How do I know if a book I read is a “best book”?

Has it consumed every waking thought? Does the writing take my breath away, cause me to sit up and blink for a moment? Did I take a picture or write down any quote? Did I have an emotional reaction? Do I still think about it to this day?

1. The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah

   1. This was my first historical fiction, and I am perhaps biased due to that. I adore historical fiction! Kristin Hannah has a particular specialty in her female relationships and covers all parts of history.

2. The Midnight Library by Matt Haig

   1. There are many who read this and didn’t feel what I felt, and that is perfectly okay and even expected. I read this during my first summer of genuine depression before I knew it was depression. I will never forget reading this is one sitting in the car, sobbing my eyes out. The message of the imperfect perfectness of your life hit me so deeply. It was exactly what I needed.

3. A Little Life by Hanya Yanagihara

   1. I do not recommend this book, and I will never reread it. But I cannot deny the pure talent this author has or how deeply this book has impacted so many humans, myself included. It is a tale of love, friendship, boyhood, growing up, getting old, overcoming obstacles, learning about yourself. I’m not even kidding - I am tearing up writing this.

4. Beartown by Fredrik Backman

   1. Backman is one of my favorite authors, and this book in particular has left a mark on me. It is written beautifully and covers such different characters and topics. I don’t want to give anything away, so just know you should give this a try.

5. Killers of the Flower Moon by David Grann

   1. One of my favorite nonfiction books. The fact that this was hushed up for so long is horrifying, and I cannot begin to imagine everything that has been covered up throughout history. Reading this and experiencing what they went through is harrowing, and I am thankful that more light has been shed on it.

1. The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller

   1. I heard somewhere that she spent 10 years on this book, and I would say you can tell. One of the most lyrical and beautiful written books I have ever come across. At least once a day, one of the many amazing quotes floats through my brain.

2. The Seven Year Slip by Ashley Poston

   1. My favorite romance of 2023, and one I continue to think back on and smile. I adore magical realism, and this one is done so well. I love how it combines beautiful romance with the universal themes of grief and the unknown. I cannot wait to reread this soon!

3. The Goldfinch by Donna Tartt

   1. I both want to reread this one day and dread it at the same time. I read it too quickly last time, and I would love to reread it slowly when I am older. Donna has a beautiful style of writing and wonderful ideas. This wasn’t a favorite when I read it - partly because I rushed through it - but I think about it often.

4. Carrie Sotto is Back by Taylor Jenkins Reid

   1. I’m not going to lie - I am not the biggest TJR fan. I have read many of her books and enjoyed them, but I never felt that adoration. Until this one. Hands down my favorite TJR book and one I plan on rereading. It is so powerful and so focused on self love. I hold Carrie close to my heart.

5. Happy Place by Emily Henry

   1. I knew I had to include an emhen book, but I didn’t know which one! While this wasn’t my favorite of hers, it definitely impacted me the most. I was so sad when I read this. I was a second semester senior at college, and I could picture myself in this book. It made me sad but also hopeful and therefore I use it as a reference that I will get through this whenever I feel lost.

Phew!! There are so many more, but these were the first ten that came to mind. If you would like a part two, let me know!

note: if you disagree with me, that is perfectly okay and frankly encouraged. however, please do not say anything unkind to me or any other person who shares their opinion because it is just that - an opinion. there are a million books I have yet to read.

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Wow did I have trouble choosing only a few for this week! I highly encourage you to go see what’s out there.

1. Summers at the Saint by Mary Kay Andrews (Romance): May 7, 2024

2. Five Broken Blades (The Broken Blades #1) by Mai Corland (Fantasy): May 7, 2024

3. Long Island (Eilis Lacey #2) by Colm Tóibín (Historical Fiction): May 7, 2024

4. Ella by Diane Richards (Historical Fiction): May 7, 2024

5. Sweet Nightmare (The Calder Academy #1) by Tracy Wolff (Fantasy): May 7, 2024

6. The Deer and The Dragon (No Other Gods #1) by Piper CJ (Fantasy): May 7, 2024

Books I’ve compiled from mainly the NYT Bestsellers List, but also the B&N Top 100 and Amazon Bestsellers in no particular order. I’ve decided to simply add the books I haven’t before, since I’ve caught up to the new additions. If you’re curious, last week’s post can be found here.

1. Funny Story by Emily Henry (Romance)

2. Extinction by Douglas Preston (Thriller)

3. Lost Birds by Anne Hillerman (Mystery)

4. The Backyard Bird Chronicles by Amy Tan (Nonfiction)

5. The Paris Novel by Ruth Reichl (Historical Fiction)

I am slightly ashamed to say I have yet to read any of the books by this author. It is Cassandra Clare.

via cassandraclare.com

Cassandra was born in Iran to American parents, and she proceeded to live in so many countries throughout her life. Before the age of ten, she lived in France, England, and Switzerland. I think this is so cool! It makes sense that as a young girl, Cassandra found comfort and consistency in books during her frequent moves.

She spent her teenage years in Los Angeles and wrote. Cassie moved to New York and wrote some more. There, she began her first novel, City of Bones.

Cassandra has written so many books, most of which take place in the same universe. You may have heard of the following series: The Mortal Instruments, The Infernal Devices, The Dark Artifices, The Last Hours, The Wicked Powers, and The Eldest Curses. These all take place in the Shadowhunter Chronicles, and I absolutely need to read them. I’m a bit scared at how I know they will consume my every thought and the amount of money I am about to spend, but I have heard amazing things.

How talented is it that she is able to dive so deeply into this world? That stories keep coming and easter eggs are hidden in other books. I think it is so amazingly talented of her. She has many resources on her website to help with a map, timeline, and reading order.

Her Instagram is here as well. If you have read any of her books, which is your favorite?

Just a reminder to submit any books you think others will love on the R&R page or to my email: thesundayreads@gmail.com!

That’s all for today. Much love

Izzy