I’m having a great reading year so far, partly because I’ve belatedly discovered reserving books from the library so have been getting so many new releases that way.
I’m currently listening to a really fascinating book called Murderland by Caroline Fraser which looks at the history of serial killers in the pacific northwest and investigates the links between their crimes and the pollution from heavy industry that they grew up with. It’s really interesting.
Fiction wise I just read and loved Ordinary Saints by Niamh Ni Mhaoileoin which is about a queer woman whose brother dies in a freak accident and is later put forward to become a literal saint. Unlike anything I’ve ever read!
I also really enjoyed The Homemade God by Rachel Joyce which has a gorgeous Italian setting so a good summer book.
I loved Broken Country too although as a Brit I must point out it’s set in England not Ireland 🤣
I love this round up - you always have such excellent curation across a wide swath of genre. Thanks for the nudge to move “This is a Love Story” up to the front of my never ending TBR!
As someone who does read a lot of romance - I concur that what 831 Stories is doing is both unique and very good. I, too, have read everything they’ve put out so far and while not every one has hit, the majority of them have, such that I’ll auto buy anything they put out. They, more than anyone right now in romance, have really captured a modern urban feeling that I think eludes so many authors in the broader market - I think because many of their authors all live in cities and often do things other than write romance novels full time. That might seem like a trivial factor but it adds a texture to these novels that truly differentiates them. The readable in one sitting length is also something that I think forces authors to write sparely and efficiently at a time when KU is encouraging bloat.
I literally just got the ARC yesterday for Erika Veurink’s Exit Lane and am looking forward to diving in.
One book that I didn’t see on your list that you might enjoy was The Road to Tender Hearts. Despite the fact that I predominantly read romance, it may have been my personal favorite read all year.
Thank you for sharing, Grace -- I love seeing what you're reading and finding new recommendations! I read Heartwood by Amity Gaige earlier this spring, right after I finished Wild Dark Shores which I loved and feared I wouldn't be able to find a next good book to dive into. Heartwood is AMAZING -- I met the author at a local event and she was so incredibly kind, thoughtful, brilliant. It was fascinating to hear her experience learning and writing about the Appalachian Trail. The twists in the story line, along with fantastic character development, make this a top read for me. Did you read God of the Woods? I loved that one from last summer, and Heartwood reminded me of this!
The book I can’t stop thinking about and want to reread already is My Friends by Backman. It is a beautiful story of friendship and growing up that is centered around a painting.
Two standouts so far this year, Frozen River by Ariel Lawhorn --historical fiction adjacent, and The Cliffs by J Courtney Sullivan--filled with ghosts, mediums, trauma, love's lost, history
and the beautiful backdrop of the Maine coast. Five stars.
A great post! I'm on track to have my best reading year ever and so far my favorite book of the year is Atmosphere by TJR. I know it's a "basic" answer but I really don't care - it was the perfect book IMO. My other favorite book of the year was Mad Honey by Jodi Picoult. This post is a good reminder that I need to finally dive into the 831 Stories universe! And makes me very excited that my library hold for Broken Country finally came in. You always have the best book recs. I have to tell you I use "The Library" on your site to decide on my next read constantly. I love how you have it organized!
New to you. Thanks for this great list. I’ve read many of them. My fav book of the year and one of the best books I’ve ever read is Brotherless Night. Heartbreaking and could not put it down. Another one is Ishmael, requiring a lot of brain power, at least for me!
My favorites have all been at least partially family dramas: Broken Country, What Happened to the McCrays, Fun For the Whole Family, The Bright Years, Say You’ll Remember Me. I did love Jo Piazza’s book too. I read it a few months ago and I’m still thinking about it. I think I need to prioritize The Lion Women because My Brilliant Friend is my favorite book!
My faves from these first 6 months have been 1) The Safekeep, 2) Briefly, A Delicious Life, 3) Bury Our Bones in the Midnight Soil but also LOVED The Ghostwriter
I just finished The Correspondent (on audio) and it was absolutely amazing. One of my favorites of the year (my #55 for the year so we are going at the same pace). It’s told via letters. So unique and moving. Definitely listen to the audio if you read it.
So many great books on your list, many that I can't wait to read!
I completely agree with your endorsement of The Lion Women of Tehran. The author's other book, The Stationary Shop, is similarly a must read in my opinion.
My favorite book this year has been The Names by Florence Knapp. I was in a reading slump and it pulled me right out!
I’m having a great reading year so far, partly because I’ve belatedly discovered reserving books from the library so have been getting so many new releases that way.
I’m currently listening to a really fascinating book called Murderland by Caroline Fraser which looks at the history of serial killers in the pacific northwest and investigates the links between their crimes and the pollution from heavy industry that they grew up with. It’s really interesting.
Fiction wise I just read and loved Ordinary Saints by Niamh Ni Mhaoileoin which is about a queer woman whose brother dies in a freak accident and is later put forward to become a literal saint. Unlike anything I’ve ever read!
I also really enjoyed The Homemade God by Rachel Joyce which has a gorgeous Italian setting so a good summer book.
I loved Broken Country too although as a Brit I must point out it’s set in England not Ireland 🤣
These all sound amazing and OOPS how did I miss that.
Hope you enjoy them if you give them a go!
I love this round up - you always have such excellent curation across a wide swath of genre. Thanks for the nudge to move “This is a Love Story” up to the front of my never ending TBR!
As someone who does read a lot of romance - I concur that what 831 Stories is doing is both unique and very good. I, too, have read everything they’ve put out so far and while not every one has hit, the majority of them have, such that I’ll auto buy anything they put out. They, more than anyone right now in romance, have really captured a modern urban feeling that I think eludes so many authors in the broader market - I think because many of their authors all live in cities and often do things other than write romance novels full time. That might seem like a trivial factor but it adds a texture to these novels that truly differentiates them. The readable in one sitting length is also something that I think forces authors to write sparely and efficiently at a time when KU is encouraging bloat.
I literally just got the ARC yesterday for Erika Veurink’s Exit Lane and am looking forward to diving in.
One book that I didn’t see on your list that you might enjoy was The Road to Tender Hearts. Despite the fact that I predominantly read romance, it may have been my personal favorite read all year.
Couldn’t agree more, and off to check out your rec!!!
I also enjoyed The Road to Tender Hearts.
Thank you for sharing, Grace -- I love seeing what you're reading and finding new recommendations! I read Heartwood by Amity Gaige earlier this spring, right after I finished Wild Dark Shores which I loved and feared I wouldn't be able to find a next good book to dive into. Heartwood is AMAZING -- I met the author at a local event and she was so incredibly kind, thoughtful, brilliant. It was fascinating to hear her experience learning and writing about the Appalachian Trail. The twists in the story line, along with fantastic character development, make this a top read for me. Did you read God of the Woods? I loved that one from last summer, and Heartwood reminded me of this!
Ooooh I am ordering this on your rec - yes, I read God of the Woods — it was one of my favorite books of last year, I loved it so much. THANK YOU!
The book I can’t stop thinking about and want to reread already is My Friends by Backman. It is a beautiful story of friendship and growing up that is centered around a painting.
thank you!!!!!
Isola by Allegra Goodman! Based on a real 16th century France woman and several other historical figures.
I just finished that while in France. LOVED!!!!!!
Perfect place to read it!
This was sooo good! Could not put it down.
Two standouts so far this year, Frozen River by Ariel Lawhorn --historical fiction adjacent, and The Cliffs by J Courtney Sullivan--filled with ghosts, mediums, trauma, love's lost, history
and the beautiful backdrop of the Maine coast. Five stars.
ooh thank you so much for the recs!
I've read and loved many of these. I am excited to dive into my summer pile!!
A great post! I'm on track to have my best reading year ever and so far my favorite book of the year is Atmosphere by TJR. I know it's a "basic" answer but I really don't care - it was the perfect book IMO. My other favorite book of the year was Mad Honey by Jodi Picoult. This post is a good reminder that I need to finally dive into the 831 Stories universe! And makes me very excited that my library hold for Broken Country finally came in. You always have the best book recs. I have to tell you I use "The Library" on your site to decide on my next read constantly. I love how you have it organized!
I hope you dive in, they are SO GOOD!
and nothing basic at all about Atmosphere — it’s an incredible book!
New to you. Thanks for this great list. I’ve read many of them. My fav book of the year and one of the best books I’ve ever read is Brotherless Night. Heartbreaking and could not put it down. Another one is Ishmael, requiring a lot of brain power, at least for me!
Thank you so much for being here and saying hello! An, for the book recs!!! Have a great weekend. xx
My favorites have all been at least partially family dramas: Broken Country, What Happened to the McCrays, Fun For the Whole Family, The Bright Years, Say You’ll Remember Me. I did love Jo Piazza’s book too. I read it a few months ago and I’m still thinking about it. I think I need to prioritize The Lion Women because My Brilliant Friend is my favorite book!
Thank you for sharing! I think you'll LOVE The Lion Women!
Martyr! by Kaveh Akbar was my favorite this year! I’m excited to check out your recs, especially Broken Country!
thank you for the rec!
My faves from these first 6 months have been 1) The Safekeep, 2) Briefly, A Delicious Life, 3) Bury Our Bones in the Midnight Soil but also LOVED The Ghostwriter
Thank you for sharing!!!!
I just finished The Correspondent (on audio) and it was absolutely amazing. One of my favorites of the year (my #55 for the year so we are going at the same pace). It’s told via letters. So unique and moving. Definitely listen to the audio if you read it.
Thank you for sharing!!!
Two recent books we've loved are:
What Kind of Paradise: A Novel by Janelle Brown
My Friends: A Novel by Fredrik Backman
And we have a list of the books we've read/loved this year here, that has overlap with some of your faves as well :) . https://fablist.co/fablist-book-recommendations-2025/.
thanks for sharing!
I just finished “In 5 Years” by Rebecca Serle and can’t stop thinking about it.
oh that was a good one! Back when I co-hosted Bad on Paper, we did an episode on it!
So many great books on your list, many that I can't wait to read!
I completely agree with your endorsement of The Lion Women of Tehran. The author's other book, The Stationary Shop, is similarly a must read in my opinion.
My favorite book this year has been The Names by Florence Knapp. I was in a reading slump and it pulled me right out!
The Stationery Shop is sitting in my TBR! Must prioritize!