One of my New Year’s resolutions is to read 30 books this year! I spent hours and hours reading in middle school, but I abandoned books in favor of TV and film somewhere along the way. My recent read through the entire Harry Potter series (which I plan to do an article about soon) has inspired me to delve into all the unread books on my bookshelf. I wanted to share a few of my favorite ones I’ve read so far, and ones I’m excited to read soon, to motivate some of you into joining my resolution, hopefully!
- The Folk of the Air Series by Holly Black
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I’m currently reading the second book in this trilogy, and I’m hooked. The main character, Jude, and her two sisters were kidnapped as children and taken to live in a magical world ruled by Faerie. The story follows Jude as she desperately tries to secure a place in the royal court, despite her mortality constantly sabotaging her plans. There were so many twists and turns, but the end of the first book was perhaps my favorite cliffhanger…ever. I’ll leave you with my favorite quote from book one: “I have lied and I have betrayed and I have triumphed. If only there was someone to congratulate me.”
- Lux Series by Jennifer L. Armentrout
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I actually began this series a little before my Harry Potter reread, so it’s probably the true catalyst that revived my love for reading! This series contains 5 books, and they are all such fun, quick reads. Imagine an even better Twilight, but with aliens instead of vampires (which means a lot coming from me; Twilight is easily one of my greatest guilty pleasures). It’s definitely not the pinnacle of American literature, but if you’re looking for a classic 2010s YA novel, this is the series for you!
- Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo
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This is the first book in a trilogy that’s been adapted into a Netflix show! Premiering in April, the recent trailer garnered nearly 2.5 million views in less than a week. Per its dedicated Wikipedia page, the main character, Alina, is “a teenage orphan who grows up in the Russia-inspired land of Ravka before her entire life changes when she unexpectedly harnesses a power she never knew she had.” The growing excitement online for this adaptation has made me pumped to begin reading the show’s inspiration!
- It Ends with Us by Colleen Hoover
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I’ve never read a Colleen Hoover novel, but she’s many people’s go-to romance author from what I can tell. Based on a friend’s recommendation, this specific book from her works is at the top of my reading list! The reviews are so passionate and heartfelt; it feels like a must-read. Additionally, Jane The Virgin actor Justin Baldoni, who also directed Five Feet Apart, announced he will soon be adapting this story into a film!
- 11/22/63 by Stephen King
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Somehow, I haven’t read this yet, but the Hulu series based on this book is, without a doubt, one of my favorite TV shows of all time. What would the world be like if JFK hadn’t been killed? The main character, Jake, is convinced it must be better than our current reality. Aided by an older friend, he discovers a time machine of sorts and becomes determined to prevent the assassination of John F. Kennedy on November 22, 1963. Just thinking about this story makes me burst into tears. I need everyone to read this book and then watch the show IMMEDIATELY.