This is one of the most hyped books on Instagram, but it took me a long time to finally read it. And it was great, just as everyone said it was. A masterwork in storytelling, compulsively readable and heart-wrenching.

As soon as I had this book in my hands, I was excited to read it. Biased is a scientific, uncompromising, empathetic look at bias (often specifically racial bias).

I’m late to the party on this one, but I never doubted that I would love it. So many people have spoken highly of it. Plus, sorta-weird-sorta-spooky-super-speculative feminist short stories? MADE FOR ME.

On Swift Horses is a beautiful slow burn with language that draws you in like music. I had to linger over every sentence, speak them in my mind as I read, and let them sink into my bones and heart.

First of all, give me alllllll the fantasy novels written by non-binary people of color about slaves revolting against colonizers using badass magic and decade-long revenge plots. YES MORE OF THIS PLEASE.

Talking to Strangers is, without a doubt, Malcolm Gladwell at his finest. His skill at combining stories and examples with scientific study in order to keep you engaged and demonstrate complex psychological phenomena is unparalleled.

My Sister, the Serial Killer is a fast-paced, cutting, impactful little novel that comes in and gets out fast, but not without leaving its mark. I was impressed with how Oyinkan created vivid characters and a compelling story in so few words.

The Witches Are Coming is straight-up feminist / liberal candy. She’s definitely going to be preaching to the choir — but members of that choir are going to eat. it. up.

How to Be an Antiracist is a frank, straightforward, clarifying, no-holds-barred book about racism — more so than almost any other book like this I’ve read in the past.

Gretchen McCulloch is (as you would hope, with this subject matter) conversational, fun, and very in touch with internet trends and spaces. She brings relatable examples together with smart research to make clear what so-called “internet people” can naturally sense but not explain.

Where the Crawdads Sing was beautiful, heartbreaking, and entirely worth reading. Delia Owens writes prose that cuts to the quick, leaves you aching for her characters, and opens your eyes just a little bit more.

Survive and Resist offers an intriguing premise: to look at actual dystopian political theory through the lens of fiction, film, and television. Um, helloooooo, sign me up!

If you like fantasy retellings and badass girl warriors, then my friend, this is the book for you. Especially if you’re familiar with King Arthur, Camelot, Excalibur, Merlin, and all that good stuff.

I liked Quichotte. It manages to be both fun and important — witty and conversational while dealing with themes like opioid addiction, racism, loneliness, childhood sexual assault, family, and regret.

This book was FANTASTIC. In fact, I liked it so much that after I finished my library’s audiobook copy, I bought a physical copy so I could loan it out to friends.

Okay, everyone. I’m going to need you to go out and buy SLAY as soon as it’s published on September 24. Because Brittney Morris has written one hell of a book!

Wow. This book. What did we ever do to you, Jacqueline Woodson?? How can you be allowed to just swoop in there, break our hearts ten times in ten different ways, and then just leave?? So beautiful.