Attention fellow bookworms! If your bookshelf is crying and your kindle is about to stage a protest for lack of good material, have no fear- I’m here to grace you with more must-reads. Let’s face it, you can never have too many books. In the wise words of Mark Twain (thanks Goodreads), “Good friends, good books, and a sleepy conscience: this is the ideal life”. So buckle up and prepare to update your Goodreads list with my top 5 life-altering, gut-busting, tear-jerking favorite books.
- “Everything I Know About Love” by Dolly Alderton
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Imagine having a heart-to-heart with your funniest friend about the mayhem of dating, the chaos of friendships, and the existentialism of growing up. That’s “Everything I Know About Love” in a nutshell. Dolly Alderton takes us on a roller coaster through the stages of womanhood with enough humor to make your stomachache from laughter. From catastrophic dates to life lessons hidden in hangover cures, Alderton has a magical way of making you laugh, cry, and reconsider all your life choices.
- “A Little Life” by Hanya Yanagihara
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“A Little Life” is a gut-wrenching, but somehow hopeful, display of friendship and love. Brace yourselves for a friendship saga that will leave you in a puddle of your own tears. Yanagihara rips your heart out with this intricately crafted masterpiece of a book. You fall in love with every flaw and nuance of the characters, all for that love to be shredded to pieces. This book is a marathon of emotion that will have you sobbing, so consider wearing waterproof mascara.
- “Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine” by Gail Honeyman
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If you’ve ever had a bad day, then you haven’t met Eleanor Oliphant because hers is arguably worse. Honeyman’s book is a masterclass in the art of ‘it could be worse.’ Eleanor’s journey from a socially awkward loner to a slightly less socially awkward loner with friends is sprinkled with unintentional, hilarious irony. It’s like watching someone try to assemble furniture without instructions -endearing, frustrating, and utterly compelling.
- “This Is How It Always Is” by Laurie Frankel
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“This Is How It Always Is” is the heartwarming tornado you never knew you needed. Frankel features a family so real you’ll start to feel as though you are a part of them. With gentle humor and profound insight, this book teaches us that acceptance isn’t just about tolerating differences—it’s about throwing them a parade. You’ll want to hug the book when you’re done, it’s just that good.
- “Red, White & Royal Blue” by Casey McQuiston
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And lastly, “Red, White & Royal Blue,” the book that made me a cheerleader for love, international relations, and email flirting. As a sucker for a punchy romance book, this queer and intercontinental love ticks all my boxes. McQuiston pens a romance that’s so sweet, steamy, and significant it’s going to be all you think about. This book made me want to find love across the seas and start a scandalous affair. It will have your heart melting and feet kicking.
If you’re looking for laughter, tears, and the irresistible urge to jump into a book, then look no further. These top 5 reads are not just stories; they are emotional support systems in paperback form. Clear your schedule, make some room on your shelf, and dive in. Happy reading, and remember, friends don’t let friends read bad books!
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