I can’t quite say that I ENJOYED this book — it’s tense and uncomfortable and heavy — but it’s also unputdownable, and there’s no denying that Eleanor Catton is an incredible talent.

There’s something just so cozy — and yet satisfyingly literary — about an Ann Patchett novel. And the cherry on top (no pun intended)? Meryl Streep reads the audiobook. I loved it.

This book is drop-dead gorgeous and you simply must purchase yourself a physical copy. And if you read it a little at a time — don’t rush it — you will walk away moved and inspired.

Ultimately, this ended up in a “liked a lot” instead of a “loved” category for me. I think it was just a little too much “and then, and then, and then” held away at juuuust a little too much distance. But also, the prose was excellent, and I’ll definitely be reading more from Yiyun Li.

The Unmaking of June Farrow is part sweeping time-travel, part love story, part murder mystery, and fully unputdownable. It’s the perfect book if you’re looking for a fast, immersive read that you’ll want to gobble up in one day.

I didn’t think I’d really like a whole book about Nesta, but I was willing to be sold on a story that cracked open her icy front and took us on a big-time journey through trauma healing. And that’s exactly what this book did.

I’m happy to report that while this IS a pretty fluffy in-between story, it doesn’t feel like a waste of time. I enjoyed it, and I was definitely glad to have read it when I got to ACOSF.

I read Western Lane because it was shortlisted for the Booker Prize, and I enjoyed it. It’s a very quiet, interior novel that packs a punch much bigger than its slim size might suggest.

While it’s not perfect, overall I call this step away from Shadowhunters a success. It’s definitely different from Clare’s previous work, and she’s succeeded in showing that she can write much more adult books. High level, I enjoyed it and will surely be continuing with the series!

See, now this is what I want every literary historical fiction novel to be for the rest of time. More books like this please!!

I had such a good time with this book! I liked it even better than Legends & Lattes, which was cute but a little too cozy to fall into the “love” category for me. If you liked that one, even if it wasn’t a favorite, I think you’ll like this one too.

Study for Obedience is an unsettling and challenging read that also feels like witnessing literary witchcraft. It won’t be for everyone, but I enjoyed it even more than I expected to.

Holler, Child was exactly the kind of short story collection I’m always hoping every single one will be: emotional, hard-hitting, with excellent characters you root for despite their flaws.

The Empyrean (this series) is officially the Where the Crawdads Sing of fantasy: certainly fun, but also ultimately just fine.

Night Watch is written with lovely prose, but unfortunately, it was just not my cup of tea. Stomach-turning scenes and an unsatisfying ending left me unhappy with it.

Sensory and immersive, brutal and beautiful, Let Us Descend is another masterpiece from our queen Jesmyn Ward.

Blackouts is a genre-defying work of art, cerebral and emotional both. It’s impossible to not appreciate what a truly impressive work it is.

Quiet, immersive, and culturally rich, Drum-Time gives us a heartbreaking look at the intersections of both modernity and tradition and faith and identity.

It baffles me that SJM can write so many series with terrible first books that turn into my favorite series of all time. Believe the hype (and stick with it until it gets good, because it gets SO GOOD).

This Other Eden isn’t perfect, but it is gorgeously written and undeniably moving. I’m not surprised it’s a finalist for both the Booker Prize and the National Book Award.