After 280+ books read, these 10 are still my all-time favorites

If reading is on your New Year’s resolutions list — or if you’ve ever wanted to be a reader but didn’t know where to start — this guide is for you.

TLDR: these are the 10 best books I’ve ever read, the kind that remind you why people fall in love with reading in the first place.

I’m not making these recommendations lightly. I’m an avid reader with 280+ books logged on my Goodreads, and I’m constantly keeping up with new releases. Reading isn’t just a hobby for me, it’s something I make myself make time for, and these books are the ones that stood out long after I turned the final page.

What makes this list special is that it’s for everyone. Whether you love fast-paced plots, emotional stories, thought-provoking ideas or books you can’t stop talking about afterward, there’s something here for you. Here, there’s no “you have to power through the first 200 pages” picks. Every book on this list earns its place.

So if you’re looking to read more this year or rebuild a reading habit, consider this your starting point. These 10 books are the reason I keep reaching for the next one — and they just might turn reading into your favorite habit, too.

One of the newest books I’ve read is, by far, one of the best. “Best Offer Wins” by Marisa Kashino is one of the only fiction books of today’s time to focus on the unattainable housing market and what it takes to get your dream house. This compelling thriller is a must-read, especially as it’s about to be a series on Hulu come 2026.

Emotionally deep and heartfelt, “In Five Years” by Rebecca Serle is a highly rated read for a reason. It’s comprised of magical realism, unforgettable characters and a swift plot. Surely, it’s a book you’ll read in a day.

If you love New York settings and a bit of historical fiction but not too much, “The Spectacular” by Fiona Davis is the next book you should read. I fell in love with the protagonists and themes of ambition here.

Into a clever plot twist? Read “Yellowface” by R.F. Kuang. It’s thought-provoking, unique and one of the best-written books that I still think about.

One of the most reflective plots to steer your New Year’s reading habit into full swing is “This Time Tomorrow” by Emma Straub. It’s a title with a cult-following, mostly because of its fast pace and dreamy, thought-provoking feel.

OK, this has to be one of my most-recommended reads — ever. “A Novel Obsession” by Caitlin Barasch is about a woman who quickly becomes obsessed with her ex-boyfriend’s new girlfriend. What a plot! That’s all you need to know, and then you’ll become immersed into the pages.

It’s a long one, but a good one. “11.22.63” by Stephen King — which is also a series on Hulu — follows the question of, “What would happen if we could go back in time and stop JFK’s assassination?” It also captures elements of a love story, with a 1960s-centered setting that’ll keep you on your toes.

I remember my jaw dropping when the plot twisted in “The Chateau” by Jaclyn Goldis. If you’re a fan of murder mysteries and mansion-esque settings, this thrilling read should be next on your list.

We need to go back to re-reading Emily Giffin. I can’t count how many times I’ve read “Something Borrowed” by Emily Giffin, and her other titles are just as lovely. If you love Taylor Jenkins Reid and Carley Fortune, this author should be next on your TBR (that’s short for: “to be read”).

“Love Actually” meets a sweet rom-com fiction with “It Had to Be You” by Georgia Clark. It’s a feel-good romance with multiple perspectives. If that’s your jam, buy this book next.

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