The average American reads just one book a month, though between us, I suspect that number’s padded by the overachievers. Grim, right? But don’t panic. We’re not here to shame your TBR pile, we’re here to revive it.

Reading is still one of the most powerful ways to boost your brainpower, empathy, and cocktail party one-liners. Thanks to Amazon’s wallet-friendly book prices, flexing your mental muscles doesn’t have to come at the cost of your morning latte. Whether you’re a literary snob, a beach-read devotee, or someone who’s been meaning to finish a book since 2021, there’s something here for you.

This carefully curated list has something for everyone, from unputdownable thrillers, rom-coms, and celeb memoirs to literary heavyweights and hidden indie gems.

Ready to upgrade your brain and downgrade your screen time? Let’s turn the page.

No book list would be complete without a Kristin Hannah addition. The queen of historical fiction does it again in her arguably most moving novel. A desperate family moves off the grid, following them on a journey to discover which nature is worse, environmental or human.

A masterful exploration of intimacy, identity, and the complexities of modern love. With razor-sharp insight and hauntingly beautiful prose, Rooney traces the evolving relationship between Connell and Marianne — two young people whose lives intertwine with tenderness and tension. It’s a deeply moving portrait of connection, vulnerability, and the struggle to find yourself in someone else. Easily one of the most honest and unforgettable novels of our time, and my personal favorite.

This debut thriller is a mystery you will not be able to put down. Fly through this engaging novel to discover how wealth and jealousy can manipulate us. How far will one go to keep their past and future from colliding? 

A guaranteed feel-good read. The story of a solemn notebook, passed between six strangers, leading to unpredictable connections. Be delighted as the cast of The Authenticity Project discover the words within.  

We couldn’t help but put another Kristin Hannah book on the list. Sorry! A #1 New York Times bestseller and the Wall Street Journal Best Book of the Year, this novel follows a mother and daughter living in Paris during WWII. With her husband gone, protagonist Vianne is faced with impossible choices, putting others, herself, and her daughter in danger. 

Patti Smith’s poetic memoir captures the raw energy of 1970s New York and her deep bond with Robert Mapplethorpe. With vivid honesty, she reveals the grit, dreams, and fierce creativity that shaped them both. A powerful tribute to friendship and artistic passion that lingers long after the last page.

Elsie Silver is blowing up on #BookTok, and rightfully so. This rom-com takes you into a world of professional bull riding and forbidden flirtation. This book is truly a flawless example of why readers adore the one-bed trope. 

History buffs will revel in the true story. An account of one 18th-century man’s decades-long obsession with solving a seemingly impossible scientific dilemma.

Eleanor Oliphant is (not) completely fine. She is an eccentric young woman who struggles with profound isolation, that is, until she meets two unsuspected friends. Another heart-warming pick about the trials of human interaction and the value of connection.

Have you ever wondered what your life could have been like if one choice had been different? In the folds between universes, Nora Seed stumbles upon a library where each book is another life she could have lived. Join Nora to go up against the overwhelming anchor of regret and discover if a life different from the one you currently live would be any better.

This is the memoir to get you into memoirs. With raw honesty, Walls recounts her chaotic childhood filled with hardship, resilience, and unforgettable family drama. A powerful story of survival and hope that proves strength often comes from the most fragile places.

Emily Henry is all the rage; any self-respecting avid (or dabbling) romance reader has at least one of her books under their belt. If you haven’t read Funny Story yet, you simply must! It’s a story of a woman dumped by her fiancé, only to move in with her ex in an act of revenge that turns into — well, I don’t want to spoil it.

Belle da Costa Greene holds a prestigious title, J.P. Morgan’s personal librarian, but she lives a double life. Although an African American, she passes as white to protect her family and self. A moving historical novel about race, ambition, and legacy, you won’t be able to put it down.

A psychological thriller following newlyweds on their honeymoon. Be enthralled by this page-turning story about things hiding in murky water and life-altering choices.

A gripping love story spanning 13 years: Two people meet time and time again, seems meant to be right? But life has other things in store. Is the connection between Lucy and Gabe fated in the stars or star-crossed?

A group of musicians band together, propelling themselves into fame. They struggle with love, loss, betrayal, and substance abuse. Written in interview transcripts, this popular novel (and Amazon Prime mini series) is a true page-turner.

A mother and her son’s life is turned upside down when her journalist husband publishes a piece exposing a new drug lord in Acapulco. Lydia is forced to flee to avoid the wrath of the cartel. They find themselves amongst others, trying to reach the United States. Lydia realizes that everyone is fleeing from something. If everyone is constantly on the run, what are they running to? 

A spellbinding reimagining of the Trojan War that centers on the fierce bond between Achilles and Patroclus. Blending epic myth with intimate emotion, this novel pulses with passion, heartbreak, and raw humanity. Miller’s lush, vivid prose brings the ancient world crashing into the modern reader’s heart. For anyone who loves mythology served with a side of romance and tragedy, this is a must-read.

A heartwarming rom-com, a woman inherits her aunt’s Manhattan apartment to find that time bends there. Even stranger, she discovers a man living there — seven years in the past. Blending wit, charm, and a dash of fantasy, it explores love’s resilience through twists both emotional and unexpected. This charming story reminds us that sometimes, fate just needs a little help, and that true connection can survive even the trickiest of timelines.

This fantastical retelling of Beauty and the Beast is a fan favorite for a reason. What’s the difference between a man and a monster? And what’s the difference between a curse and a blessing? Read to find out.

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