Ordinary People is poetic yet scathing, showing us the messy sides of love, parenthood, partnership, and self.

Frankissstein — a modern-day retelling of Frankenstein mixed with some historical ficion — is absolutely fantastic. Jeanette Winterson is a literary legend for a reason.

I appreciated Milkman more than I enjoyed it (it’s dense), but its impressiveness as a work of literary fiction can’t be denied.

Abhorsen is the conclusion of the epic story started in Sabriel. It was one of the best endings I’ve read in a while, resonating with all the things people love about with classic fantasy.

Real Life is an aching, bruising story about a young Black gay man struggling to wade through his circumstances that will leave you gutted. And the way Brandon Taylor uses words is incredible.

Amnesty is an in-depth look at the world from an illegal immigrant’s perspective that leaves a ringing, lasting impression.

This is a fast-paced, easy to read, exciting YA fantasy novel. I liked it!

Girl, Woman, Other is a beautifully written, raw, and real look at women from all walks of life, today and in days past. I devoured every word.

Written on the Body is a scorching, poetic, desperate novel about desire. It’s told through the eyes of a gender-ambiguous narrator having an affair with a married woman.

The Priory of the Orange Tree is an epic standalone fantasy novel that brings together excellent world-building, diversity, action, and beautiful storytelling. Read it.

The Greatest Guy in the World is a quick-hitting novella about what it means to be good, why we are good (or not), and who our people are. If you’re looking for a quick read with an impact, look no further.

Heart of Junk is a laugh-inducing, refreshing little story that will tug at your heart strings harder than you expect. Every character is weird a lovable and well-written. I loved it.

Lirael is a great sequel to Sabriel. It had two lovable characters, an intriguing mystery, and (bonus!) another amazing pet.

This is a book about two 12-year-old girls who “fall in like” with one another, told entirely in poetry. If that’s not all you need to know to know that this book is EVERYTHING, what are you looking for?

Much has been written about the literary genius that is Sally Rooney. This was actually my first of her books, but it won’t be the last. Normal People was just as wonderful as everyone says it is.

This book is very good. Despite its length at over 450 pages, I read it in only a few sittings. The chapters are short and the narration moves quickly, and it pulls you all the way through to the end.

Ducks, Newburport is, without a doubt, the most creative and interesting book I have read in a very long time, perhaps ever. I’m not surprised it was shortlisted for the Booker Prize. I am, however, shocked that it did not win.

Such a Fun Age is compulsively readable, with social issues that are very deserving of our attention and a plot that just won’t let you look away. I read it in just one evening + the following morning.