Everything going on in the world right now is exhausting. I can’t check social media without seeing an article about our impending doom. What used to be a land full of Buzzfeed quizzes and “10 Reasons to Love Your College Roommate” articles has turned into an echo chamber of everyone’s frustrations. This year, in attempt to manage my newfound anxiety, I have started reading more. Like, a lot more. I have a library card that I actually use. I have friends who I regularly exchange book recommendations with. I’ve even started a reading column on a teen magazine.

Since I give my unsolicited book recommendations all the time on Instagram, i’ve decided to continue that on my blog. If you choose to put this list into action, I would love to know and would be flattered. Most of my book choices come from friend’s recommendations or the “librarian’s choice” section of the Queen’s Public Library.

Favorite Books of the Year:
Crazy Rich Asians (Series)- Kevin Kwan
Difficult Women – Roxane Gay

Memoirs/Essays (that happen to be written by female comedians of color:)
Why Not Me? – Mindy Kaling
You Can’t Touch My Hair – Phoebe Robinson

Romance novels that are dark and will make you cry:
It Ends with Us – Colleen Hoover
Mud Vein – Tarryn Fisher

Books that involve murder:
Pretty Girls – Karin Slaughter
The Girls – Emma Cline (if you’re into cults & shit)
Luckiest Girl Alive – Jessica Knoll (Reese Witherspoon is making this into a movie next year)

Books that will make you a little smarter:
Americanah – Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
The Lost Wife – Alyson Richman (WW2) (one of my fav books ever)
Just Kids – Patti Smith (only if you actually have an understanding of rock music otherwise it is hard to follow!)

Book you’ve probably already read, and if not– do:
Big Little Lies – Liane Moriarty (the tv show is basically the exact same, don’t waste your time if you’ve seen it)

What I’m currently reading:
A Little Life – Hanya Yanagihara
Rich People Problems – Kevin Kwan (part of the Crazy Rich Asians Series)

If you think there is something I need to read, tweet me, DM me, or comment on this post. I will most likely read it.