During the COVID-19 Pandemic in 2020, there was a rise in the bookish community due to Bookstagram becoming popular. Netgalley describes Bookstagram as: “an Instagram account dedicated to books.” Since 2020, the community has grown exponentially and continues to grow daily. Many books are well known and loved throughout members.
Last year, I did a similar take on popular reads. Since then, I have grown as a reader and read many more books deserving of discussion. Here is my ultimate guide to the most popular novels and whether you should take the time to read them. Let’s get into it!
“Butcher and Blackbird” by Brynne Weaver:
Hear me out. I know this is considered a ‘dark romance,” however, when I say that this was single handedly one of the funniest books I have ever had the pleasure of reading, I mean it.
Our story follows Sloane and Rowan. Both main characters live similar lives. Normal lives… on the outside. After work hours however, it’s a different story. I can’t give it away, you just have to go in on your own. Thank me later.
Checking trigger warnings are essential for this novel. Yes, it is fun and engaging, but there are also darker topics shown and discussed throughout the novel. However, the romance and humor within “Butcher and Blackbird” makes the darkest moments worthwhile.
“Butcher and Blackbird” quote: “You have never been unloveable. You were just waiting for someone who will love you for who you are, not for who they want you to be.”
Recommend: Yes or No
“Never Lie” by Frieda McFadden:
In October’s Book of the Month, I discussed “The Housemaid” by the same author. “Never Lie” tells a completely different story.
A psychiatrist went missing years ago. Now, a newly wed couple decides to tour her house to buy it, but there is more to it than what meets the eye. Especially when the couple gets snowed in during a blizzard and discovers the recordings the psychiatrist left behind of her patients’ sessions.
The atmosphere within this novel was immaculate. However, I was bored for 95% of it. It took everything in me to finish this. Being a thriller, I expected more from this, but I was sorely disappointed with this novel from the beginning.
“Never Lie” quote: “I believe that any human being is capable of terrible things if you push them hard enough.”
Recommend: Yes or No
“Athena’s Child” by Hannah Lynn:
I haven’t heard many people talk about this, but that needs to change.
“Athena’s Child” is the story of Medusa: a woman who was abused by Posideon, and forced to take the fall. It follows her from the before, to the during, to the after. Lynn does an impeccable job of showing what female rage truly is. I have never felt like a book has seen and understood the rage, the fear and the turmoil women feel everyday more than this one. This book is perfect, especially right now, when we need that fear to become our strength.
This novel is also super short, which means I flew through it. I couldn’t put it down. Not to mention, I had “Labour” by Paria Paloma playing the whole time. 10/10 recommend while reading.
“Athena’s Child” Quote: “I do not know wars, but I know of battles… These were not battles of blood, it is true, but they are battles. Battles that I have fought and won.”
Recommend: Yes or No
“Betting on You” by Lynn Painter:
Lynn Painter is an author that will always be a favorite of mine, regardless of age. I have loved both her adult and young adult (YA) novels. “Betting on You” is no different.
Charlie and Bailey have some of the best chemistry I have ever seen in a YA. However, I also have to give her credit not only for the romance, but for the deeper topics within the story.
Divorce plays a role within this story. Speaking from experience, I must say, Painter captured children’s feelings about divorce and parents moving on perfectly. I felt Painter truly understood the emotions behind such an experience.
“Betting on You” quote: “When you’re in the room, every single cell in my body – every nerve, every muscle, every breath – is lost in you.”
Recommend: Yes or No
