One of this year’s highlights was rediscovering my love for reading after what felt like a year-long slump. While I read tons of textbooks, lecture notes, and data reports, I had not actually read for pleasure in a long time. Last spring, I decided that, after exams, I would get back into it. Now, with three months left of 2026, I have read 17 books. It not only felt like I got my childhood hobby back, but I also believe that it helped me perform better on the LSAT. It gave me something different to do on the StairMaster besides doomscrolling or watching a show. According to my Fable account, I gave five stars to eleven books, and you can read my thoughts regarding each one below.
- Eleven Minutes by Paulo Coelho
After reading The Alchemist, I became a fan of Paulo Coelho’s writing. Eleven Minutes was very different—it explores love, intimacy and loneliness through Maria, a young Brazilian woman who moves to Geneva. I loved how it was more of a thought-provoking, philosophical romance.It also challenged the way I think about love and the relationships we have with the people in our lives.
- Heart the Lover by Lily King
This book was emotional, unputdownable and the yearning was unmatched. It explores love, friendship, grief and the relationships that stay with us our entire lives. I loved Lily King’s prose and how I could relate to the characters at various points in the novel. I also recommend Writers and Lovers, also by Lily King
- The Eyes of Gaza by Plestia Alaqad
The Eyes of Gaza was one of the most difficult yet important books I read this year. Through her diary entries, Plestia Alaqad documents her experiences in Gaza beginning in October 2023, offering a deeply personal perspective far beyond the statistics and headlines that we regularly see.
- Guns, Germs, and Steel by Jared Diamond
Ironically, while avoiding my school readings, I found that one of my favourite books on this list was also the most academic. Guns, Germs, and Steel examines why societies developed differently throughout history. As a Neuroscience student, I especially enjoyed seeing science and environmental factors applied to much larger historical questions.
- Madonna in a Fur Coat by Sabahattin Ali
Although I’ve only recently started reading classics, this has quickly become one of my favourites—not just among classics, but among books in general. The beginning was slow, but after a short while, I could not put it down. It was a stunning piece of literature. I loved the cultural aspects, and the ending left me in shambles.
- Almond by Sohn Won-Pyung
As a neuroscience student, Almond immediately caught my eye as I searched my TBR pile for my next read. The novel follows a boy with alexithymia and explores emotion, empathy, friendship, and human connection. I loved how such a short read made me question the emotions most of us experience every day without ever giving them much thought.Â
- Slanting Towards the Sea by Lidija Hilije
Slanting Towards the Sea was the perfect end-of-summer read, and it made me want to travel to Croatia directly after. The book was messy, complicated, and emotional all in one (some things are never left unfinished). I was captivated by its complex characters and lost sleep trying to finish it all in so few sittings.
- The Things We Leave Unfinished by Rebecca Yarros
Once again, the yearning in this book was all-encompassing, making for a heartbreaking yet beautiful novel. I had never read anything by Rebecca Yarros before, but I quickly ordered more of her books, as this one left me a fan of her writing and ingenuity. It felt like a movie playing out in my head, and just when I thought I had figured everything out, the ending made me wish I could rate it six stars.
- Conversations on Love by Natasha Lunn
As a certified lover girl, I found this book satisfying, raw, and thought-provoking. I slowed down as I read, taking in the words on every page. It touches on romance, friendship, family, loneliness, and grief. I also loved how it challenged the idea that romantic relationships should always be considered the most important form of love in our lives. It reminded me that relationships aren’t the be-all or end-all of life, and that learning to love yourself first makes everything else fall into place.
- We Are Not Numbers by Ahmed Alnaouq
We Are Not Numbers gave a voice to young Palestinians in Gaza rather than reducing them to mere statistics. Their families, dreams, and everyday lives amid occupation, blockade, and loss made for a truly powerful read. This one will leave you feeling defeated in some ways but inspired above all else. I believe everyone should read this book.
- In Her Own League by Liz Tomforde
Of course, I could not have a five-star list without at least one sports romance. As an ambitious, independent woman, I found the female main character incredibly relatable, and the story had everything I look for in an enemies-to-lovers romance. I definitely recommend picking this up, even if you’re not typically a romance reader—it was funny, charming, and sultry.
Furthermore, my five-star reads were more diverse than I had initially expected, but my love for classics and literary fiction has only grown after this venture. Getting out of my comfort zone made me realize how much you can miss when you stick to just one genre instead of branching out and exploring others. With three months left in 2026, I’m hoping to add a few more hits to my list before it’s time to start picking up the 2027 releases.