In the past, I've gotten a lot of questions for book recommendations and what my favorite books are. Here's a post dedicated to just that!
I want to keep this blog post short and sweet and share my favorite books with you all (and why they're my favorites)! If you click on the book title, you'll be taken to its description on goodreads.com.
1. Innocence by Dean Koontz: Dean Koontz is my favorite author. I fell in love with this novel because I saw a lot of similarities between myself and the main character. He lost his father, had identity issues, and always felt alone. However, he overcame his past and began to trust again. [You also find out about the main character's "condition" toward the end of the novel]
2. The Phantom Tollbooth by Norton Juster: I know, I know. This is a little kids' book. However, it's full of adventure and eccentric characters. I loved this book because it helped me use my imagination.
3. The Weekenders by Mary Kay Andrews: This is a classic summer novel. Of course I can't relate to any of the characters because I'm not wealthy; I don't vacation; and, I'm not white. However, it's a great novel about remembering where you come from and the importance of sacrifice and finding yourself.
4. 77 Shadow Street by Dean Koontz: Two words: Dean Koontz. This is the spookiest novel I've read by him. I'd definitely recommend reading this during the day because some of the parts of this novel are extremely creepy.
5. Breath, Eyes, Memory by Ediwge Danticat: I'd recommend this book to anyone who likes reading books about mother-daughter relationships and family traditions. It's a great novel for college students. Oh, and the main character has an overbearing and intrusive mother. I'm sure we can all relate to that.
6. Go Tell It on the Mountain by James Baldwin: This is the first novel I read by James Baldwin. Although it is a coming-of-age novel, it's not your typical one. The main character is struggling with his religious beliefs and the "father figure" image. While the congregation sees his father, a preacher, as this wonderful and fearful man of God, he and his siblings see him much differently.
7. The Coldest Winter Ever by Sister Souljah: This book had me SHOOKETH. However, there are several trigger warnings including sexual abuse, domestic violence, and drug abuse. The novel also touches on daddy issues, poverty, friendships, relationships, and the hyper-sexualization of young women of color. I suggest this novel to any young woman of color who struggles with self-esteem. For me, this novel taught me how to reach out and ask for help as soon as you need it and not being afraid to leave a dangerous situation (whether the abuser is a family member, significant other, or a friend).
8. The Other Boleyn Girl by Philippa Gregory: I love Philippa Gregory's novels because they're historical fiction. This was the first novel I ready by her, and I wasn't disappointed in the end. Plus, I love tea, so the fact that this novel's setting is Medieval England and the main characters are close to the royal family makes the tea that much more scorching. This book also was turned into a movie!
9. The Apartment by Danielle Steele: I enjoyed this book because it's about balancing work, friendships, relationships, and family. This book has a happy ending, which is always appreciated. I definitely would recommend this book to college students.
10. A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman: I laughed. I cried. A book that can keep me on my toes and ready to constantly read more will always be on my favorite books list.
11. The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho: I read this in high school and re-read this in college when I was struggling with my anxiety and relationship. It gave me a piece of mind, and there are so many quotes that resonated with me and my life.
If you want more book recommendations, check out my Good Reads profile! Comment below some of your favorite books!