Surprisingly, based on how much I read, you would think I would be able to articulate my thoughts pretty well. Well, you’re very much wrong. I have been procrastinating writing this post since I started my blog many months ago. I think it’s hard to do justice to your favourite books through reviews and commentary, or at least it is for me. It can be daunting because you feel like there’s a lot riding on how to best express your opinion. But, that’s not why I started this blog. I don’t want to be a perfect writer, just an authentic one, and I hope that will be apparent when you read through all my posts.

There are so many genres that exist in the realm of literature and I love reading from all of them, but this list would be infinite if I gave a recommendation for them all. Hence, why I narrowed it down to some of my favourite genres. I do realize it’s supposed to be my favourite book (singular) for each genre, but for a reader, that’s like choosing a favourite child, so here’s my rule-bending list. Also, don’t hold me to it because there’s always room for new and improved favourites!

Fantasy

Fantasy has been my favourite genre for my whole life and I will continue to get lost in these imaginative worlds for the rest of it.

Warbreaker by Brandon Sanderson

This book has the whole package: unique magic system, intriguing characters, beautiful romance, and fast-paced plot. Brandon Sanderson is known for all of these things, which is why I love all of his novels and series, even though they are all so distinct from one another.

I would recommend starting with his series Mistborn if you are new to the fantasy genre or Brandon Sanderson. There are many reading orders online that you can choose from to help with your journey through the Cosmere, the setting of most of his novels, which I recommend checking out as well.

Classic

Anne of green gables by L.M. Montgomery

I am definitely due for a reread of this series and I hope I can get to it soon. It was the first ever series I read front to back. I loved it the moment I started it until the moment it ended. I believe it’s the reason I love reading now, so, I owe it all to Anne, or to L.M. Montgomery rather, and the beautiful lessons she taught me on how to be a true, authentic, and imaginative person, always.

Not to mention that this is a Canadian classic, which made it feel closer to home and made me proud to be Canadian. L.M. Montgomery’s imagery and descriptions of nature are all so enthralling, making her writing so identifiable and distinctive, in my opinion. Maybe because it was my first time reading descriptive writing, I have not been able to capture that same magical reading experience with another author since. And so, ever since I read it, I have wanted to visit Prince Edward Island and see Green Gables for myself and, perhaps, drag my family along with me, whether they like it or not.

Sci-fi

Red Rising Series by Pierce Brown

This is one of the first sci-fi series I ever read, and let me tell you, it hooked me. The characters, setting, and relationships, especially the platonic ones, were what kept me reading and led to my immense love for this series and the sci-fi genre. If you love the found family trope as much as I do, I highly recommend you read this series. Oh, and make sure you thank me for changing your life afterwards!

I am almost up-to-date on all the currently released books, and I believe my procrastination with not finishing them yet is because I don’t want it to end and have to wait for the final instalment, whenever that is getting released. I am presently on Dark Age, which is book 5 in the series.

Romance

I often struggle with deciding what my favourite romance is. Don’t get me wrong, I love a good romance book and I tend to read them fairly quickly, but I guess I haven’t connected full-heartedly with one yet. I tend to love romance subplots in other genres, maybe even more so than books solely based on a relationship, and the platonic or family connections in romance novels more. Because of this dilemma I will list a few series and authors I enjoy.

Addicted/Calloway sisters series by Krista & Becca Ritchie

Is this a masterpiece in modern literature? No. But is it incredibly entertaining? Heck yes. I love a good guilty pleasure series or book and I hope everyone has their own. If you don’t, find one, because they are a great time. Again, thank me later!

I love long series where you can connect, understand and follow the characters through their flaws, surroundings, and character growth. This series does that incredibly well and I can honestly believe that these people could exist somewhere out there. I am more than halfway through this series, about to read Addicted After All, and I cannot wait to see what the next books have in store for me!

Boys of tommen by Chloe Walsh

If you want a gut-wrenching story with characters you will root for and hope they get a happy ending, I would recommend this series. The Irish setting and characters feel so vivid and singular. I can tell Chloe Walsh took a long time crafting these personas for each character of the series.

I really need to read the most recent release in this series, but I took a hiatus when the previous book, Taming 7, disappointed me a little plot-wise because, in my opinion, a traumatic event was insensitively used as a plot twist. This series still holds a special place in my heart, especially the first 4 books, and I will forever remember the time when I first read them as an ebook, which I recommend because they are some chunky books. I even loved them so much that I rather liked the less appealing original covers and got them before the series was traditionally published (new covers shown in the picture above). Some might say I am a little weird because of that, but I just say I am an original fan.

Emily Henry

I have only read 3 Emily Henry Books so far, but I have enjoyed them all immensely. If I had to rank them, it would go Beach Read, Funny Story, and then People We Meet on Vacation. Beach Read and Funny Story are close. I also have to say that I enjoyed the People We Meet on Vacation movie better than the book. I think my credibility as a reader might have suffered a little there.

Emily Henry books are a great time, with characters that have their own personality and a life outside the larger romance plot, which always makes me appreciate the authentic nature of her novels. So, if you’re looking for a mature and realistic love story, I would always recommend picking up an Emily Henry romance.

Mystery/Thriller

All the sinners bleed by S.a. Cosby

This novel is probably one of the few, maybe even only, thriller/mystery books that I have ever rated 5 stars. I am so glad I bought this on a whim at HomeSense; I can’t resist when I see discounted books in my vicinity. Also, who knew HomeSense sold books?

I would categorize this novel as more of a thriller than a mystery because, at least for me, it wasn’t about trying to figure out who did it but rather about understanding the ways of life and dynamics in this town, grounding the novel in the thrilling aspects of things that happen way too often in real life. I enjoyed following Titus and his pursuit while also grappling with his inner demons haunting him from his past.

I hope some of these novels piqued your interest, and that you have a chance to read them. If you do, let me know in the comments. I would love to chat with you all!