I’ve always loved reading ever since I was a little girl. I was always told I would never read on time and was always delayed in my reading. My schools weren’t the best with trying to give students the actual help they needed. I needed help with reading most of the time and could comprehend some of the things other students were talking about. My mom read a lot of books to me, which made me excited to learn to read. Now as an adult, I read over 350 books a year; that in cludes manga, fiction, non-fiction, romance, and sci-fi books. I have some recommendations that I would love to share with the book girlies out there. Maybe you’ll love them as much as I did.
So to begin, I am going to share my top 20 books because I couldn’t settle with 10 books. I will also include a description to hopefully grab your attention about how amazing these books are. If you are wondering where you can get these books, I’ve got mine from ThriftBooks, Walmart, and Target. Sometimes when I was around a book store, I would buy some books. So let’s get started!!!
My Top 19 Book Recommendations
- Jujutsu Kaisen
Author: Gege Akutami
Genre: Dark Fantasy, Supernatural, Action
This manga follows Yuji Itadori, a teenager who becomes the host of a powerful curse known as Sukuna. After entering the world of jujutsu sorcerers, Yuji learns to battle curses that threaten humanity. The series explores friendship, sacrifice, and the value of life while delivering intense action and emotional character development.
- A Silent Voice
Author: Yoshitoki Oima
Genre: Drama, Coming-of-Age
This story focuses on Shoya Ishida, a former bully who seeks forgiveness from Shoko Nishimiya, a deaf classmate he mistreated. The manga examines bullying, redemption, mental health, and empathy while showing how people can grow from their mistakes.
- Komi Can’t Communicate
Author: Tomohito Oda
Genre: Comedy, Slice of Life
Shoko Komi struggles with severe social anxiety despite being admired by everyone at school. With the help of her friend Tadano, she sets out to make 100 friends. The series combines humor and heartfelt moments while addressing the challenges of communication and self-confidence.
- Never Fade
Author: Alexandra Bracken
Genre: Dystopian, Science Fiction
Ruby Daly continues her fight against a government that fears children with supernatural abilities. As she joins a resistance movement, she faces difficult choices about trust, leadership, and survival in a divided society.
- The Darkest Minds
Author: Alexandra Bracken
Genre: Dystopian, Science Fiction
In a world where a mysterious disease has killed most children and given powers to the survivors, Ruby escapes a government camp and searches for freedom. The novel explores identity, friendship, and prejudice.
- The Shining
Author: Stephen King
Genre: Horror, Psychological Thriller
A family becomes isolated in a haunted hotel during the winter. As supernatural forces influence Jack Torrance, his son Danny’s psychic abilities reveal the terrifying secrets hidden within the hotel.
- It
Author: Stephen King
Genre: Horror
A group of friends must confront a shape-shifting creature that terrorizes their town. The novel explores fear, friendship, trauma, and courage through both childhood and adulthood.
- Carrie
Author: Stephen King
Genre: Horror
Carrie White is bullied throughout high school and controlled by her strict mother. When she discovers her telekinetic powers, years of pain and humiliation lead to devastating consequences.
- Misery
Author: Stephen King
Genre: Psychological Thriller
After a car accident, author Paul Sheldon is rescued by a fan whose admiration quickly turns into obsession. The story creates suspense through psychological tension and survival.
- The Hunger Games
Author: Suzanne Collins
Genre: Dystopian Fiction
Katniss Everdeen volunteers to take her sister’s place in a deadly televised competition. The novel examines survival, sacrifice, inequality, and government control.
- Divergent
Author: Veronica Roth
Genre: Dystopian Fiction
In a society divided into factions based on personality traits, Tris Prior discovers she does not fit neatly into one category. Her journey challenges everything she knows about her world.
- Legend
Author: Marie Lu
Genre: Dystopian Fiction
Two teenagers from opposite sides of society become connected through a murder investigation that uncovers government secrets. The novel blends action, mystery, and political intrigue.
- Scythe
Author: Neal Shusterman
Genre: Science Fiction
In a future where death has been eliminated, specially trained individuals called Scythes are responsible for controlling population growth. Two teenagers are chosen to train as Scythes and discover the moral complexities of the role.
- Six of Crows
Author: Leigh Bardugo
Genre: Fantasy Adventure
A criminal mastermind assembles a team of outcasts for an impossible heist. The story features rich world-building, strong character development, and themes of trust and redemption.
- The Inheritance Games
Author: Jennifer Lynn Barnes
Genre: Mystery, Young Adult
Avery Grambs unexpectedly inherits a billionaire’s fortune and must solve a series of puzzles and riddles left behind by the deceased. The novel combines mystery, suspense, and family drama.
- One of Us Is Lying
Author: Karen M. McManus
Genre: Mystery, Thriller
Five students enter detention, but only four leave alive. Each student becomes a suspect, and hidden secrets begin to surface as the investigation unfolds.
- Demon Slayer
Author: Koyoharu Gotouge
Genre: Fantasy, Action
After demons slaughter his family, Tanjiro Kamado joins the Demon Slayer Corps to avenge his loved ones and find a cure for his sister, who has been transformed into a demon.
- Chainsaw Man
Author: Tatsuki Fujimoto
Genre: Dark Fantasy, Horror
Denji, a struggling teenager burdened by debt, gains the ability to transform into Chainsaw Man after merging with his pet devil. The series is known for its unpredictable plot and emotional depth.
- The Hate U Give
Author: Angie Thomas
Genre: Contemporary Fiction
Sixteen-year-old Starr Carter witnesses the police shooting of her friend and must decide whether to speak out. The novel explores identity, justice, and finding one’s voice.
If you plan on doing anything during the summer besides reading, maybe go out of the state/country! Check out my article about traveling during the summer.
The majority of these recommendations given can be found on Amazon and on ThriftBooks. I mainly get my books from ThriftBooks since they’re cheaper and have options of the quality choices; you’ll also get coupons on your orders and free books within the purchases as well.
