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Looking for a New Book? Ran out of Netflix/Youtube Content? Check Out These Book Recommendations

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Patti Smith

By Phoebe Aseoche
Published November 1, 2021

Overview

  • Are you looking for books to read? Or to add to your reading list? You have come to the right place!

  • Book recommendations for Romance, Thriller, Comedy, Fantasy, Science-fiction, Non-Fiction, Adventure, Action, and more!

  • If you would like to share your recommendations with others anonymously, add your book recommendations to this form! 

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Romance 

In the mood for a cheesy, happy ending, eye-balling, jaw-dropping, relatable, or maybe even a forbidden love? Here are two books that were recommended by our seniors that are stories of a risky office romance: The Love Hypothesis & The Hating Game plus numerous amazing recommendations! Let’s read on! 

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The Love Hypothesis by Ali Hazelwood 
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The Love Hypothesis tells a story of a third-year Ph.D. Standford Graduate, Olive Smith, has had her fair share of heartbroken relationships which made her feel hopeless in the relationship department. Well… Almost thanks to her best friend, Ahn. Ahn has always been protective of Olive however, she has taken a liking to Olive’s ex Jeremy Langley but knew it would complicate the situation. To prove to her BFF that she approved of the relationship, Olive kisses the first guy she found which turned out to be Dr. Carlsen, a young-hotshot professor– who was a known playboy around campus. Not only jeopardizing her career by kissing a professor but her reputation, Olive takes the risk for her best friend’s happiness. Or was it her happiness? Or both? This experiment feels dangerous to combustion. Olive discovers that the only thing more complicated than a hypothesis on love is putting her own heart under the microscope.

Background + Reviews:
The Love Hypothesis came out recently on September 14, 2021, fitting into genres including Romance novels, Contemporary Romance, Erotic literature, New adult fiction, Science fiction comedy, Medical romance. According to the New York Times Best Sellers, this book is #4 and rising for about 7 weeks creating a funny and unforgettable romantic experience everyone hopes of getting themselves into. It was published by the Penguin Random House Publishing Companies Publishers called Berkely Books. To read more about their industry and the inspiring authors they publish, click here! 
 
I have read this book about three times and still haven’t been able to put it down. Once I start reading, each of the characters has a way of making the scene interesting and hilarious as if you were a part of their conversation. Their thoughts and compassion towards one another create a fulfilled college life that I would love to experience. Witnessing the sacrifice not only Olive and Adam (Dr. Carlsen) made to wind up back to how they felt eons ago plus finding out the most shocking part that could have changed the whole storyline, made it a book that included everything I loved about romance novels: romance, rules, challenges, arguments, sarcasticness, hatred to love, and commitment. 
 
Anonymous Review from one of our TYWLS Peers! 
I was instantly hooked when reading The Love Hypothesis. After reading it, it became one of my favorite books. Heck, I think this is my #1 favorite book. It was and still is, so good, and the romance between Olive and Adam is just so AHHHHH !!! I think I could read this book over and over again without getting bored. AHHHHHHHH
 
For more reviews from the author herself, check out her website and more books she has published! Below is the rating from google and known literature companies including Barnes & Nobles, Goodreads, and The Bookish Libra. Links are cited in the section Sources. 

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The Hating Game by Sally Throne 
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The Hating Game is about an office rivalry between the two executive assistants forced together when rival publishing companies merge. Being polar opposites of each other, Lucy Hutton –bubbly, approachable, lenient, creative, and driven– and Joshua Templeman –uptight, organized, black/white, handsome, persuasive– they are able to work together despite their verbal/physical comebacks. Their CEOs are looking for a manager to officiate all staff but become a complicated competition between Lucy and Joshua. Or is it that complicated? When Lucy’s hatred turns out to be feelings for Joshua that will screw up their work dynamic and will show her defeat against her nemesis? What do they both feel? Read more to find out!

Background + Reviews:

The Hating Game came out on August 6, 2016, captivating readers who are into Novels, Romance novels, Fiction, Contemporary Romances. It has even made headlines in the New York Times article Female Protagonists book review section on empowering female protagonists. Watch out for the new film based on the book being released on December 10, 2021, just in time for the holidays! Watch the trailer first featuring Lucy Hale and Austin Stowell! 

 

Although I am excited about the movie, I am a book-will-always-be-better person. At first, I wasn’t sure about the book after reading the Love Hypothesis I wasn’t sure if it would live up to the hype. But I was proven wrong in a million ways; this book made me feel anxious, at the edge of my seat, and surprised which I wouldn’t have predicted. The concept of the hating game and the shenanigans they played daily was the funniest thing ever. I felt the raw hatred and annoyance that the characters gave at the same time the passion they had for each other. It was clearly an enemies-to-lovers relationship which had me in awe the whole time I read the book. My friends bugged me about it for 2 weeks until I actually sat down and committed to it which was the best decision by far! 

 

Anonymous Review from one of our TYWLS Peers! 

At first, the beginning of the book wasn't as hooking, but I am honestly glad I continued reading on. The games between the two characters, Lucy and Josh, were super interesting. The chemistry between them, OMG IT WAS SO GOOD!!! The moments where Josh would feel jealous, OMG AHHHHH 😆!!! Reading their relationship turn from enemies to lovers was so AHHH I HAVE NO WORDS 😆!!! I'm glad I read the book. I think it's one of my favorite books now :D. 

 

For more reviews from the author herself, check out her website and more books she has published! Below is the rating from google and known literature companies including Barnes & Nobles and Goodreads. Links are cited in the section Sources.

 

More Romance Recommendations

  • The Wisteria Society of Lady Scoundrels by India Holton 

  • Red, White and Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston 

  • People We Meet on Vacation by Emily Henry 

  • The last goodbye by Fiona Lucas

  • The most fun we ever had by Claire Lombardo

  • Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen 

  • The Notebook by Nicholas Sparks 

  • The Wedding Date by Jasmine Guillory 

  • Bridgerton Series

  • The Fault in Our Stars by John Green 

  • The Unhoneymooners by Christina Lauren 

  • The Time Travelers Wife by Audrey Niffenegger 

  • Elenor and Park by Rainbow Rowell 

  • To All the Boy I Loved Before

  • One Last Stop by Casey McQuiston 

  • Me Before You by Jojo Moyes 

Thriller

Have you ever watched Criminal minds or FBI-related shows? Want to become the next Sherlock Holmes? Criminology and forensic science always challenged my brain to think outside of the box and gain skills in observations and detective ticks! Are you into mysterious and chilling clues waiting to be solved? These are perfect for you! 

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Into The Water by Paula Hawkins 
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Into The Water is about a family in Beckford – a town known for its suicides in rivers and mysterious disappearances – who just had a tragic death. Nel Abbott, a journalist in a small town and the mother of Lena Abbott, jumped off a cliff leaving her family behind and the secrets she had uncovered about everyone. Why did she jump if she just cracked a case? Who could have pushed her? This tragic suicide lead Nel’s sister, Jules, to return to Beckford where her childhood memories were the most traumatic. Yet she has to be strong to take care of Lena, but one question rings in her head: What made her perfect sister jump? Jules and Nel have had a rocky relationship which Jules is guilt-tripped about when her sister called the day before her death. What did she want to tell Jules? Find out more about Beckford and the people who wear multiple faces. 

Background + Reviews:

Into The Water came out May 2, 2017. The author, Paula Hawkins had also written a famous book called The Girl on The Train which came out January 6, 2015.  This book falls into the genres of Novels, Thrillers, Mystery, Suspense, and Psychological Fiction. Leading readers into a chilling and creative mystery, readers get to exercise their detective skills and investigate everyone in the town of Beckford which is covered by lies and masks. Especially for Jules who isn't particularly fond of Beckford’s community spirit. To her, the town reeks of secrets and the past she has tried so hard to forget. 

 

This genre has become particularly new to me because I haven’t read many thrillers or watched horrors. Once I watched The Ring, I was scarred for life. But for some reason, this book appealed to me like those Sherlock Holms novels where I got to uncover even the slightest detail as well as read everyone’s thoughts. What’s so unique about this book is that it tells the perspective of multiple characters instead of just one flipping each chapter. It can get confusing but also adds to the book playing like a movie and how each character was like a scene change. Although the ending was shocking, I felt more confident in reading thrillers and watching horror movies. Funny enough, I didn’t buy this book but it appeared to me in the bathroom of a house I was staying in during the pandemic. We moved in for the pandemic and left when school started. I found the book while organizing the bathroom and figured that the old house owners may have left it. But thinking about it has always given me chills! 

 

More thriller recommendations:

  • Into The Water by Paula Hawkins 

  • The Girl on the Train by Paula Hawkins 

  • The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides 

  • The Guest by Lucy Foley 

  • Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn 

  • The Last Thing He Told Me by Laura Dave 

  • The Searcher by Tana French 

  • Billy Summers by Stephen King 

  • IT by Stephen King 

  • Big Little Lies by Lane Moriarty 

  • The Woman In Cabin 10 by Ruth Ware 

  • Misery by Stephen King

  • Then She was Gone by Lisa Jewell 

  • One of Us is Lying by Karen McManus 

  • 13 Reasons Why by Jay Asher 

  • We Were Liars by E Lockhart 

  • Sherlock Holmes by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle

 

Comedy 

  • My Lady Jane by Cynthia’s hand and Jodi Meadows

  • Tweet Cute by Emma Lord 

  • The Haters by Jesse Andrews 

  • The lake effect by Erin McCahan 

  • Kind of a Big Deal by Shannon Hale 

  • It's Kind of a Funny Story by Ned Vizzini 

  • Boys Don't knit by Thomas Easton 

  • Legacy by Claire Chilton 

  • Shattered by Claire Chilton 

  • Winger by Andrew Smith 

  • I Love You, Beth Cooper by Larry Doyle 

  • Stargirl by Jerry Spinelli 

  • Diary of the Wimpy Kid series 

 

Fantasy/Adventure/Action

Fantasy has always been a big part of my Middle and HS years because it opened up my imagination past fairy tales and happy endings (they will always be classics!). Here are some recommendations if you are interested in women empowerment and a strong feminine story arc. OR if time traveling and light forces vs. dark forces. Although when is there ever peace between two enemies? 

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Throne of Glass Series by Sarah J.Maas 
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The Throne of Glass Series Is about the Journey of Celaena Sardothien, a teenage assassin, who lives in the kingdom of a  tyrannical ruler, The King of Adarlan. Throughout the series, she uncovers different conspiracies and Adventures which shape her confidence and understanding her value as a person. She figures out the consequences of being an assassin winning how it has impacted her life. As she is serving a life sentence for killing hundreds of people, she gets an offer from Captain Westfall for her freedom in return for a huge sacrifice. She has to choose whether to protect herself or the kingdom that has betrayed and punished her. If you are the type of person that loves to read series and tons of books based on one storyline, this would be your perfect read!

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The Wheel of Time by Robert Jordan and Brandon Sanderson 
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The Wheel of Time is placed in both the past and the future. In the present, A dark one which is the source of all evil has broken free from the prison which he was in for many years. The world around us has suddenly become dark.  He has wreaked havoc and is the cause of war, change, destruction and hope. The Creator that has created the Universe and the Wheel of Time is using the lives of men and women to defeat the dark one and protect the humans from falling into a dark and dangerous path. This fantasy book touches upon a complicated concept that has been defined by religious belief and mythology. What will Evil release next and will there be enough forces to go against it? Let’s see!

More recommendations 

  • The Maze Runner Series by James Dashner 

  • The Harry Potter series J.K Rowling 

  • The Divergent Series by Veronica Roth 

  • The Mortal Instruments Series by Cassandra Claire and Joshua Lewis 

  • Shadow and Bone Series by Leigh Bardugo

  • Six of Crows Series by Leigh Bardugo

  • Tarzan of the Apes by Burroughs 

  • Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland by Carroll

  • The Emerald City of Oz by L.Frank Baum 

  • Red Queen by Victoria Aveyard 

  • The Ember in the Ashes by Sabaa Tahir

  • Lord of the Rings by J.R.R Tolkien 

  • A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah Mass 

  • Carnival by Stephanie Garber 

  • The Wheel of Time by Robert Jordan and Brandon Sanderson 

  • Mistborn Series 

  • Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children by Ranson Riggs 

  • The Lightning Thief by Robert Venditti 

  • Percy Jackson and the Olympians series by Robert Venditti 

 

Science-fiction/Non-fiction/Biographies

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Born a Crime by Trevor Noah 

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“Born a Crime” by Trevor Noah is about how as a child, Noah was taught through tough love and secrecy due to him being what was called “colored” other known as “mixed” in his time. Noah's mother had an illegal relationship with a white man and Interatial relationships were forbidden due to them producing a child treated as an abomination. This led Noah to realize how far his skin color could get him. Although he was too light for black and too dark for white, he was very intellectual in languages self-taught from tribes in South Africa. His experience built up his well-rounded personality and made him one of the best comedians of his generation to even host the Daily Show at just the age of 37!

Background + Reviews:

Born a Crime was published on November 15, 2016, becoming one of the most inspiring and awing biographies readers have ever read. Staring in Black Panther, The Daily Show, His own shows: Trevor Noah African American, Crazy Normal, and more, the Opposition with Jordan Klepper at just the age of 37 has given Noah the opportunity to voice out his own opinions and show the world just how much talent’s got coming from a moving childhood. Click here for more information on Noah Trevor and how he is changing the world from one project to another! This book was applauded and moved audiences including the New York Times, The Oprah Magazine, The Seattle Times, People, Esquire, and More! 

 

This book was one of the most heartbreaking, suspenseful, and yet comedic books I have ever encountered. Yet it was very empowering to readers who have been abused and taken roads of regret. It amazed me how much trauma and hardships that Trevor Noah, The author, had endured. Because he was biracial, his existence needed to be limited. But that didn’t stop him from trying to defy and take advantage of his surroundings. Many challenges and people have changed his definition of purpose and sacrifices through losses/love. The saddest part was the first and second time that Noah’s stepfather abused Noah’s mother by shutting her up with a hard smack. His mother wasn’t a person who could easily be tied down or hindered from expressing her thoughts and opinions. Her confidence allowed Noah to prosper and made him believe he would be able to survive anything. 

 

More recommendations:

  • Elon Musk Biography by Ashlee Vance

  • The Everything Store: Jeff Bezos and the Age of Amazon by Brad Stone

  • The Elephant of Belfast by S.Kirk Walsh 

  • Brown Girl Dreaming by Jaqueline Woodson 

  • Dune by Frank Herbert 

  • The Martian by Andy Weir

  • Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury 

  • Ender’s Game by Orson Scott

  • The Martian Chronicles by Ray Bradbury 

  • Hyperion by Dan Simmons 

  • Steve Jobs by Walter Isaacson 

  • Educated by Tara Westover 

  • Alexander Hamilton by Ron Chernow 

  • I Am Book by Christina Lamb and Malala Yousafzai

  • Hidden Figures by Margot Lee 

 

Dystopian

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The Body Institute By Carol Riggs 
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The Body Institute tells the story of a risk-taker, Morgan Day, who is one of the top teen reducers of the Body Institute. The body Institute produces cutting-edge technology that can implement a person's mind into someone else's body without damaging a person’s life. Case Society has Norms on the weight that people maintain and it can also control which side of society you live in. For instance, the wealthy have maintained their weight to be “perfect” so they have the privilege to live on the green side while those who are less fortunate and live in poverty live on the red side. To solve this problem, the Body Institute has created reducers which are people who are willing to lose weight for another person by implementing their mind into the body of the person who needs Improvement. Everything is working well for Morgan until there is a glitch in the system and she can no longer turn into your own body. All of her friends and her family left behind but will she ever get back? Her memories start to fade and she starts to remember another girl's life that she inhabited but will she ever remember her true self? Will she know what is real or not? Will her family be able to stay off the debt that her grandfather made? Keep reading to find out!

Background + Reviews:

The Body Institute was released in 2015 by Carol Riggs. She has many other interests such as reading, drawing, and painting, writing conferences, walking with her husband, and enjoying music and dance of all kinds that inspire her to write interesting young adult stories appealing to younger generations. In many ways, this book is relatable to me because it highlights issues including body-shaming, insecurities about your appearances, family hardships, and a complicated Society to thrive in. Just like all books, each character has a uniqueness to her that makes her appealing and interesting; However, Morgan specifically is the type of person-driven and fearless in sacrificing most of her life for her family’s benefit yet not expecting anything in return. She is a person who accepts the world and realities but doesn’t dwell on its failures. 

 

When I first read this book, I admit I put it down for a bit because the beginning may not have been captivating. However, as you continue to read, you become interested in the sacrifices and hardships that  Morgan had to injure in order to keep herself from fading or her body. It was interesting to read about another girl transferring her mind to another person which also acknowledges the many social issues today that we struggle with. What's amazing about Disturbia in novels and stories is that they highlight problems that we face daily in the everyday world. It shows us a real connection and problem that we may or may not be aware of and have the power to change. I love how the story also included the text messages that she exchanged as well as very descriptive on how the process worked in the body Institute which was super detailed and interesting. It was an amazing read and I would most likely read it again. 

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More recommendations

  • The Handmaids Tale by Margret Atwood

  • Brave New World by Aldous Huxley 

  • The Giver By Lois Lowry 

  • The Divergent Series by Veronica Roth 

  • The Uglies by Scott Westerfeild 

  • The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins 

  • The Maze Runner Series by James Dashner 

  • Matched Series by Allie Condie 

  • Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins 

  • The Time Machine by H.G. Wells 

  • The Selection Series by Suzanne Collins 

  • Anthem by Ayn Rand 

  • The Knife of Never Letting Go by Patrick Ness

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