The Wall reads like a classic, with an unapologetic dystopian allegory, vivid setting, and memorable narrator. It’s gripping and gritty and hard to look away from.

Weather is not so much a story as a series of linked vignettes that, together, give us a glimpse into Lizzie’s life. I liked it, but it won’t be for everyone.

A Burning is an emotionally ravaging and poignant story about a young girl accused of terrorism. And it absolutely earns the hype it’s gotten.

You’re Not Listening is a well-written, readable, persuasive book that underscores the importance of true, unselfish listening and will inspire you to get better at it.

When I Lived in Modern Times is historical fiction, about the early days of the state of Israel. It didn’t sweep me away, but it does some things very well.

The Girl from Widow Hills is in many ways your standard unreliable-woman-narrator thriller. But it had a good twist and was a lot of fun to read.

Written in gutting prose with experimental form and raw emotion, this book is a haunting but incredibly human look at severe drug and alcohol abuse.

All Adults Here manages to be light and heartwarming while real and emotional at the same time. I really liked it.

The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue is one of my new favorite books of all time. It’s an incredible story that’s so well written and will leave you as a puddle on the floor (in the best way).

Figure It Out is an essay collection that I think will have something for everyone, even if not everything is for everyone. I was much more drawn to some than others.

Officer Clemmons is a moving, quick-reading memoir that offers so much more than another perspective on Fred Rogers.

The Source of Self-Regard is an incredible collection, but very academic. While inspiring and impressive, it won’t be for everyone.

Dominicana is an emotional, coming-of-age immigration story. I liked it a lot, especially after learning that it was based on the author’s mother’s life

A Crime in the Neighborhood is a strongly narrated and echoing novel that seems to be about a local murder, on the surface, but is really about parental abandonment.

A Wizard of Earthsea is a classic fantasy novel for a reason. It’s exciting, has great world-building, and teaches a great overarching lesson.

Before and After the Book Deal is a helpful, conversational, informative breakdown of all the things that go into writing and publishing a book. As a book reviewer, I found it so interesting!

I really just enjoyed reading Larry’s Party. It was cleverly written with a lovable main character and seems like it was very relevant for its time.

Successful Aging is a scientific but well-written and interesting look at current thinking about how the brain works and how you can protect it as you age.