If you’re an avid reader, chances are you have an ever-growing “To Be Read” (TBR) list. And if you like to create an immersive reading experience by reading with the seasons, that list probably gets even longer as the months change.
If you’re not opposed to adding a few more titles, here are some recommendations for those days when you’d rather escape into a fictional world with a cup of coffee in hand and a fluffy blanket draped over your lap.
Audience: Adults
“The Secret History” by Donna Tartt
Genre: Psychological thriller
This story, set in 1992, follows Richard Papen, a college student who leaves California to attend Hampden College in Vermont. Richard becomes part of an exclusive group of wealthy students at the small liberal arts school whose obsession lies with ancient Greek culture. During a drunken ritual in the woods, the students accidentally murder a local farmer. When a classmate threatens to expose them, the group decides they must murder him as well.
“The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo” by Taylor Jenkins Reid
Genre: Historical fiction
Evelyn Hugo, a reclusive Hollywood icon, chooses an unknown journalist to tell the story of her glamorous life. She reveals the unedited story of her rise to fame and the hidden reasons behind her seven marriages. Evelyn is loosely based on real classic Hollywood icons.
“The Housemaid” by Freida McFadden
Genre: Psychological thriller
An ex-convict named Millie takes a live-in housekeeping job for a wealthy couple, Nina and Andrew Winchester. At first, the household and job seem perfect to her, but eventually, she uncovers a web of dark abuse and calculated revenge.
“The Silent Patient” by Alex Michaelides
Genre: Psychological thriller
After Alicia Berenson, a famous painter in London, is accused of murdering her husband, she is confined to the Grove, a secure forensic psychiatric unit in North London, and stops speaking entirely. A psychotherapist becomes determined to uncover what happened on the night of the crime.
“The Thursday Murder Club” by Richard Osman
Genre: Mystery
This cozy story follows four friends living in a luxury retirement community in the English countryside who regularly meet to investigate unsolved murders. When a local property developer is murdered with a mysterious photograph left by his body, their amateur sleuthing suddenly becomes much more serious as they find themselves tangled in their first active, live murder case.
Audience: Older teens, young adults
“Fourth Wing” by Rebecca Yarros
Genre: Romantasy
Violet Sorrengail’s commanding-general mother forces her to attend Basgiath War College, a brutal military college. Although she wanted to study to be a scribe, she must train to become a dragon rider. Surrounded by deadly competition and powerful dragons, Violet, who is physically frail, must prove she belongs.
“The Night Circus” by Erin Morgenstern
Genre: Fantasy
This story is set at Le Cirque des Rêves, a black-and-white striped circus that appears without warning and is only open from nightfall to dawn. Two young magicians are trained from childhood by rival instructors and bound to a high-stakes magical competition at the circus. The game is designed to conclude only when one competitor is left. As their rivalry develops, they begin to fall in love.
“The Cruel Prince” by Holly Black
Genre: Fantasy
After her parents are murdered when she is 7 years old, Jude and her two sisters are abducted by the faerie assassin and grow up among the dangerous and deceptive faerie courts. Ten years later, Jude must defy Prince Cardan, her tormentor — and the youngest and cruelest son of the High King — in order to win a place at court. As a civil war threatens the kingdom, Jude is forced to form a risky alliance to save her family and Faerie.
“A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder” by Holly Jackson
Genre: Mystery
Five years ago, Andie Bell, a high school senior, went missing, and her boyfriend confessed to the murder via text message before dying by suicide, leading the police to close the investigation without finding her body. As part of a school project, Pippa (Pip) Fitz-Amobi investigates the murder. She teams up with the original suspect’s brother and uncovers Andie’s dark web of secrets, bullying, and illegal activities. Pip becomes dangerously obsessed with the investigation, and her own life is put at risk as someone in town tries to stop her from exposing the past.
“The Hunger Games” by Suzanne Collins
Genre: Dystopian, science fiction, fantasy
In the ruins of a place once known as North America lies the nation of Panem, which features a shining Capitol surrounded by 12 districts. While the wealthy residents of the Capitol live in luxury, those in the districts face poverty and strict control. Each year, the Capitol forces two teenagers from each district to enter a televised battle where only one can survive. When 16-year-old Katniss Everdeen volunteers in her younger sister’s place, her actions begin to challenge the Capitol’s authority and inspire hope among the oppressed.
Audience: Kids, middle grade
“Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone” by J.K. Rowling
Genre: Fantasy
Shortly after he was born, Harry Potter’s parents were killed by Voldemort, but he survived the fatal curse, leaving him with a lightning-bolt scar and stripping Voldemort of his power. Harry was sent to live with his unloving aunt, uncle and cousin. On his 11th birthday, he discovers that he is a wizard and is invited to attend Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. At Hogwarts, he makes friends and begins uncovering the mystery surrounding his past.
“The Wild Robot” by Peter Brown
Genre: Science fiction
When a robot named Roz opens her eyes and realizes she has washed up on a remote island, not knowing how she got there or what her purpose is, she must learn how to survive in the wilderness. Roz survives a violent storm and vicious bear attack and realizes that the only way to survive is learning to adapt to her surroundings and befriend the animals around her.
“Wonder” by R.J. Palacio
Genre: Fiction
August Pullman, a 10-year-old boy with Treacher Collins syndrome, begins attending mainstream school for the first time after a life of homeschooling. He is faced with bullies and feeling isolated, but his friends show him how his presence impacts everyone around him. Through courage and kindness, Auggie finds his place by the end of the school year.
“Coraline” by Neil Gaiman
Genre: Dark Fantasy
After moving into a new home, Coraline discovers a hidden door that leads to a parallel world that closely resembles her own. At first, this alternate world seems better than reality, but Coraline soon realizes that its inhabitants have sinister intentions. When she discovers that other children have been trapped there, she must use her courage and resourcefulness to outsmart the forces keeping them captive and find her way home.
