These Books Need To Be On Your TBR
design: Gianna Lanfrank
Entering and enjoying your reading era.
by CLAUDIA SCHMIDT ★ FEBRUARY 25, 2024
I know it’s common for people to make reading a New Year’s resolution… and I think it’s safe to assume these resolutions are still going strong (we’re being optimistic, okay?) As an avid reader who doesn’t like to stick to one particular genre, here are four captivating books that will keep you turning pages long into the night. So, grab a drink, get comfortable, and be ready to find your new favorite read.
Powerless by Lauren Roberts
Powerless is for my fantasy and romance lovers, and it's a book that will definitely keep you on the edge of your seat. In the kingdom of Ilya, Elites possess powers gifted to them by the Plague decades ago. If you survived the Plague and were not gifted a power, then you are an Ordinary. Paedyn Gray is an Ordinary posing as an Elite. When she accidentally saves Prince Kia’s life, she is thrust into the Purging Trials (think Hunger Games, except everyone has powers) and has to maintain her facade while fighting feelings for the one man she can’t have.
This book has everything a “Romantasy” (romance and fantasy) reader would look for. A strong female main character? Yep. Enemies to lovers? You bet. Plot twist? The biggest! But beyond all of this, Roberts beautifully portrays how Paedyn and Prince Kai overcome challenges and grow as people. Disclaimer: Powerless ends on a cliffhanger, and the second book is set to be released in July 2024.
Alone With You in the Ether by Olivie Blake
This book was collecting dust on my shelf for a year before I finally read it, and I can’t believe I waited so long. Alone With You in the Ether by Olivie Blake is a contemporary romance. Aldo is a doctoral student who copes with his destructive thoughts by trying to solve time travel. Regan is a bipolar counterfeit artist undergoing court-ordered psychotherapy. When the two meet, Aldo asks Regan for six conversations where he will try to learn everything he can about her—solely because he needs a new challenge. Because of this, the book is split into six parts, each with a different narrator.
Dare I say this book is almost philosophical; while playing with narrative structure and time. It also dives so intimately into the minds of Aldo and Regan that I found myself zoning out and reflecting on my own feelings and thoughts. I recommend this one to anyone who wants a fun, meaningful read that won’t take too long to get through.
The Idiot by Elif Batuman
The Idiot by Elif Batuman is easily the hardest book I’ve had to get through this year, but it was worth it! Selin is the daughter of Turkish immigrants and a first-year college student at Harvard. Selin began to correspond with her classmate Ivan through email, and the messages got increasingly poetic and mysterious. Selin and Ivan form a bond not even they truly understand. Throughout this story, Selin faces the challenges of being a first-generation college student and no longer the smartest person in the room.
This is a real coming-of-age story; Seline is perfect as a college freshman. Naive, rebellious, sarcastic, and a little lost. Something we can all relate to. As I said, the book is hard to get into, but once you do, you’ll be glad to have finished it.
The Unhoneymooners by Christina Lauren
If anyone saw the movie “Anyone But You,” you’ll love this final book. It’s your classic cheesy rom-com. The Unhoneymooners by Christina Lauren follows Olive, who has always been unlucky, unlike her twin sister Ami, who seems to have the best luck in the world. When Ami gets married, Olive meets Ethan, the best man, and the two immediately don’t get along. When everyone at the wedding gets food poisoning except for Olive and Ethan, Ami convinces the two to go on her honeymoon so the vacation doesn’t go to waste.
The banter between the two is amazing, and the romance is even better. Now, is it super emotionally compelling? Not really. But it nails the fact that relationships don't work unless you know your partner on a friendship level, and I love the natural connection that develops between Olive and Ethan.