There are a few things in life that you absolutely must know. And one of those include which Hogwarts House you belong to. As a proud Hufflepuff myself, I’d love to welcome you to my little slice of the internet. Today, I’m going to be breaking down J.K. Rowling’s series and giving you the definitive ranking (according to me anyway) of the best Harry Potter books.

Surprisingly, this can be a rather heated subject as everyone has their own and often wildly differing opinions. If you don’t agree with my list, please let me know in the comments below what you’d rank the books! I’m down for some civil debate. Just don’t get too rude or I’ll have to show you the Gryffindor!

So, without further ado, pick up your wands and prepare yourself for the best Harry Potter books ranked!

What is the best Harry Potter book? Harry Potter ranked best to worst:

1. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hollows
2. Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince
3. Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban
4. Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix
5. Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire
6. Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone
7. Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets

Every harry potter book ranked comparison chart

Here is my list of every harry potter book ranked in a convenient chart:

Which is the best Harry Potter book? In-depth reviews

1. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hollows (Best Harry Potter Book)

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows

• Amazon Kindle Edition
• Rowling, J.K. (Author)
• English (Publication Language)
• 766 Pages - 12/08/2015 (Publication Date) - Pottermore Publishing (Publisher)

$11.99

Buy on Amazon

In my opinion, Deathly Hollows is the absolute best Harry Potter book. As the last book in the series, it neatly ties together the entire story that the previous six created. For me, it’s the one that grips at my heartstrings the most. You can really feel the emotions run raw as the our trio of heroes (Harry, Ron, Hermione) make their way through the past to discover the best chance at stopping He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named. And I’ve got to admit, the Battle of Hogwarts was near perfection.

My biggest gripe about this book: the epilogue. Honestly, it seemed just a rushed and sloppily thrown together. Other than that, this book was a beautiful ending for such a great story.

Check It Out on Amazon!

2. Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince

Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince

• Amazon Kindle Edition
• Rowling, J.K. (Author)
• English (Publication Language)
• 652 Pages - 12/08/2015 (Publication Date) - Pottermore Publishing (Publisher)

$11.99

Buy on Amazon

It was hard not to put this book at number one. Seriously. I believe this book (the sixth installment) to be the most balanced book in the entire series. You get this throwback to the earlier books through some great lighthearted moments such as the Slug Club. And Rowling really starts to explore the romance side of things here too.

But then…you dive into the darkness of the Potterverse. From the return and story behind Tom Riddle, to learning how Voldemort can be finally defeated, to the shocking plot twist within… This book is amazing.

Check It Out on Amazon!

3. Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban

Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban

• Amazon Kindle Edition
• Rowling, J.K. (Author)
• English (Publication Language)
• 437 Pages - 12/08/2015 (Publication Date) - Pottermore Publishing (Publisher)

$11.99

Buy on Amazon

The third book in the Harry Potter series does exactly what the second book doesn’t. It really grinds into the true nature of the characters. Prisoner of Azkaban truly laid the foundation for the rest of the series. This was also the last of the “smaller books”. With the release of Goblet of Fire (the fourth installment), the book’s page count jumped over 300 pages. And since Prisoner of Azkaban masterfully developed the basis of the characters, more could be focused on the story in future titles.

Other than just the character development, the story was phenomenal. Although this book has less direct involvement from the Dark Lord, there’s a well-defined narrative that really helps the characters mature into some of the darker elements of the subsequent novels.

Check It Out on Amazon!

4. Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix

Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix

• Amazon Kindle Edition
• Rowling, J.K. (Author)
• English (Publication Language)
• 877 Pages - 12/08/2015 (Publication Date) - Pottermore Publishing (Publisher)

$11.99

Buy on Amazon

Ugh. So this selection has me torn. I really wanted to put this book higher on the list. And yet, I can find a good reason to put it further down. Honestly, when compared to the other books, it just seems slow. Like the story really isn’t really moving. Sure things are happening but like at a snail’s pace.

However, that particular reason is why I want it higher. The slow logging of Order really embraces the plot. It written to be slow because that’s what going on. It’s about planning and events that will ultimately build this war against the dark forces. Not to mention, the book has one of the most dastardly and most-hated villains of all time: Dolores Umbridge.

Check It Out on Amazon!

5. Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire

Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire

• Amazon Kindle Edition
• Rowling, J.K. (Author)
• English (Publication Language)
• 740 Pages - 12/08/2015 (Publication Date) - Pottermore Publishing (Publisher)

$11.99

Buy on Amazon

Ok. Hear me out. Out of all the Harry Potter books, this one is the most fun to me. Not necessarily the best written or the most complex, but fun. And that’s all due to the Triwizard Tournament! The different events, puzzles, and challenges Harry has to endure are just nuts! And it really gets your blood pumping wondering what’s next.

Another aspect of this book I really enjoyed was the introduction of the other wizarding schools. There’s a whole wizarding world in the Harry Potter universe, and this was our first real glimpse into something other than Hogwarts.

Check It Out on Amazon!

6. Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone

• Amazon Kindle Edition
• Rowling, J.K. (Author)
• English (Publication Language)
• 314 Pages - 12/08/2015 (Publication Date) - Pottermore Publishing (Publisher)

$11.99

Buy on Amazon

This is the book that started it all. Yer a wizard, Harry! I just remember reading this book when I was younger and imagining Hagrid coming to get me next! Mind you, I wasn’t forced to live in a cupboard under the stairs, but might have volunteered to do so if we had one. Sorcerer’s Stone as a standalone book is a home run. No doubt about it.

The main reason why it’s towards the bottom of my list is that…this book is just too childish for me compared to the others. Don’t get me wrong, it’s supposed to be. But just like the characters mature throughout the series, so did my tastes.

Check It Out on Amazon!

7. Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (The Worst Harry Potter Book)

Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets

• Amazon Kindle Edition
• Rowling, J.K. (Author)
• English (Publication Language)
• 344 Pages - 12/08/2015 (Publication Date) - Pottermore Publishing (Publisher)

$11.99

Buy on Amazon

Although I call this the worst Harry Potter book, it isn’t a bad book by any means. Just compared to the rest of the series… It gets overshadowed. And here’s why I think so.

It really doesn’t add to much depth to the character’s. As the series progresses, each book adds more into the character development. With this one…not so much. It’s like a rehashing of the first book. I think if the Harry Potter series stopped at three books, this would have been a more effective an installment. But in a full seven book series, Chamber of Secrets becomes a weak link.

Check It Out on Amazon!

More info on the best Harry Potter books ranked

There’s a lot more we can talk about when it comes to reading and ranking Harry Potter ranked worst to best. Here are a few additional considerations to make:

What Order Should I read the Harry Potter Books In?

This is a very often asked question. The straightforward answer is….read them in chronological order. Unlike some literary or cinematic universes (MCU, I’m looking at you), the Harry Potter books need to be read in order. There are so many important plot points and rely heavily on things that happen in previous books.

So, here’s the proper order to read the books:

1. Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone
2. Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets
3. Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban
4. Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire
5. Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix
6. Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince
7. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hollows

What’s the difference between the Sorcerer’s Stone and the Philosopher’s Stone?

When searching for the first Harry Potter book, you’re likely to come across two versions.

1. Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone
2. Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone

In essence, they are the exact same book. They only have different titles. The original title for the book is Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone. However, J. K. Rowling changed the title to Sorcerer’s Stone for American audiences because she thought the US would associate Philosopher’s Stone with some old, boring teacher (i.e. Socrates, Plato–which aren’t not so boring to me) and not magic.

Turned out to be a great move on Rowling’s part.

Hogwarts House Explained

In the Potterverse, Hogwarts students are sorted into respective houses during their first year welcoming feast. These houses are representative of the four original Hogwarts founders being:

• Godric Gryffindor
• Helga Hufflepuff
• Rowena Ravenclaw
• Salazar Slytherin

Now, as far as the books go, you’ll see some common trends. Good guys come from Gryffindor. Bad guys from Slytherin.

But that’s not always the case. Each house values different traits for their members to have. Let’s take a look.

• Gryffindor- Courage, Honor, Bravery, Chivalry, and Reserve. The mascot for Gryffindor is the Lion and is closely affiliated with the element of fire.
• Hufflepuff- Hard Work, Justice, Loyalty, Patience, and Hospitality. The mascot for Hufflepuff is the Badger and is closely affiliated with the element of earth.
• Ravenclaw- Intelligence, Wisdom, Logic, and Creativity. The mascot for Ravenclaw is the Eagle and is closely affiliated with the element of air.
• Slytherin- Ambition, Leadership, Cunning, Drive, and Resourcefulness. The mascot for Slytherin is the serpent and is closely affiliated with the element of water.

The house sorting process is one of the most anticipated parts of each book. It’s performed by using a magical hat known as the Sorting Hat which when placed upon the head can read into a student’s personality and destiny. Once the Sorting Hat’s got a good read, it loudly proclaims for all to hear which house the student will be sorted into.

This doesn’t mean that the student doesn’t have any choice in the matter. During Harry Potter’s sorting, the hat was torn between Gryffindor and Slytherin. Potter would have made a wonderful candidate for Slytherin. He’s pureblood wizard, a born leader, and a parseltongue (aka he talks to snakes). But during his sorting, Harry could only think one thing….Not Slytherin. The hat honored his request, and Harry Potter found his home in Gryffindor.

What’s your favorite Harry Potter book?

As stated at the beginning of the article, I am a Hufflepuff. But just how do I know that?

So what is your favorite Harry Potter book!? I’ve already made it clear that Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows is mine. But obviously these are subjective rankings, so I want to know what you think, and which book was the one that made you first fall in love with the boy who lived.

And if you like this article, maybe you’ll like this one as well:

• Best Book Light

Cheers!

FAQs: Harry Potter books from best to worst

The post Harry Potter Books Ranked: My Best & Worst Picks in the Series appeared first on Bookishnerd.

‘All Good People Here’ is about a 25-year-old cold case, a nostalgic journalist, and a facade made of secrets that hangs over the small town of Wakarusa like a fog that never lifts. The entire read is peppered with twists, turns, and small town drama, so if you’d like to get on board the ride, hop in, I’m headed to Wakarusa.

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All Good People Here: A Novel

• Author – Ashley Flowers
• Genre/Sub-genre – Mystery, thriller fiction, mystery thriller, crime, suspense, adult contemporary, adult fiction
• Content warnings – Domestic abuse (off-page), sexual assault of a minor, death of a child, relative with dementia, suicide (off-page), miscarriage, murder, kidnapping, drug abuse
• Type – Standalone
• No. of pages – 312
• First publication – August, 2022
• Goodreads rating – 3.85
• Spice meter – No spice

$9.42

Buy on Amazon

When Margot Davies was six years old, her next-door neighbor and friend January Jacobs was murdered and the case was never solved. Twenty five years later, Margot is a journalist, still obsessed with the cold case. 

When she comes back to her childhood home in Wakarusa, Indiana, to care for her uncle as he struggles with dementia, the unthinkable happens. A young girl just about the same age as January was when she died, is kidnapped and a cryptic message appears on the walls of January’s old home. To Margot’s dismay, no one connects Natalie’s disappearance with the 25 year-old murder, so she sets out to find the truth once and for all. 

But is the town hiding a truth more sinister than she expected? Can she come to terms with every truth she uncovers, even as everything she knows turns out to be built on a lie? Let’s find out.

‘All Good People Here’ follows two different timelines and two narrators. Krissy Jacobs, January’s mother, narrates the story of her daughter’s murder in 1994, and in 2019, Margot connects the past tragedy to the present when Natalie Clark is kidnapped and then killed. The two timelines and narrators (whom I wasn’t entirely sure I could trust) threw me into a loop chapter after chapter giving one answer to the price of five more questions. 

The story starts with Krissy making a horrifying discovery one morning in 1994. Her daughter has disappeared and a threatening message is written in blood red paint on her living room wall: “F*ck your family…that bitch is gone…this is what you get.” 

I got to the next chapter hoping for some answers, or at least some progression on the case, but the story made a time jump to 2019, introducing Margot and setting up her narrative. She’s moved back to Wakarusa to care for her uncle Luke, guilt ridden for not coming back sooner and apprehensive at stirring old memories she tried so hard to bury.

I wasn’t thrilled at not immediately seeing how January’s murder case developed, but that’s what made me read the book so fast – wanting to find out what exactly happened in between alternating chapters from the two narrators. 

So in 2019, we see Margot thrown right back into the past when the news breaks, sending the whole town buzzing about Natalie Clark’s kidnapping. The silver lining is that her editor at the newspaper wants to cover the kidnapping and Margot is already in hot water because her work has been lagging the past few months with her worrying about her uncle, so this is her one chance to do a good job.

She, however, botches it. She becomes obsessed with proving there’s a connection between the two crimes that she doesn’t do a good job reporting the kidnapping. This is where I started to doubt Margot’s credibility, because if she’s not doing due diligence for her work, how can I trust her to solve a decades old cold case? I couldn’t help wondering if her hunch was correct or if it was her obsession with January’s murder that made her see things in a suspicious light.

She’s even pushed into dead ends because in this small town, the truth has a way of becoming a story, morphing with sensational details and opinions that become facts over the years. I was becoming super skeptical of not just Margot but all of Wakarusa, and Luke confirmed my suspicions:

“…this town crucified the Jacobs family all those years ago and they may not exactly like the way that looks now. So people will talk, sure, but you won’t be able to believe a word they say,” – Luke, Chapter 4

Just as he says, answers are hard to come by in the present day Wakarusa, but on Krissy’s timeline, we see things unraveling really fast. With the authorities and media flooding Jacobs’ place after January’s body is discovered in a ditch, Krissy takes us back to the summer of 1987 when she casually dated Billy Jacobs – the summer where everything changed for her. 

“Just before she opened her mouth and said yes, Krissy made a silent promise. If Billy hadn’t understood that what she’d come here tonight for was money for an abortion, she wouldn’t tell him. Nor would she tell him the other thing. The cost of this marriage, she knew, would be keeping those secrets. She just hoped it would be worth it.” – Krissy, Chapter 9

We already know what happened to her and by my judgment, it isn’t worth it. We are told she’s taken her own life after a few years of being labeled a ‘bad mom’ for letting January get hurt. It hasn’t helped her case that Jace, January’s twin brother, had taken a turn for the worse after his sister’s death. He had become moody, cruel, and prone to temper tantrums, all of which leads to the whole town – and even his mom – suspecting that he had a hand in January’s murder. 

So with one child murdered and one possibly complicit in the murder, Krissy’s life is hardly what she wanted it to be. She might have been a flawed character, but I couldn’t help sympathizing with her loss and pain and her attempts to protect those she loves. She’s the narrator I rooted for, simply because she was trying to do right by her family all along.

The narrator I didn’t exactly care for is Margot. Her side of the story did pick up eventually and the investigative aspect of it was interesting to read, I’ll give her that. But she kept letting me down because she dropped the ball so many times when it came to caring for Luke (especially because she kept reminding us of how heartbroken she was over Luke’s diagnosis). It was also unrealistic how she kept ignoring the threatening notes she had been getting, warning her to stay away from the mystery she was investigating. 

The one time I was truly invested in her was when her uncle, in a haze of dementia, pointed a gun at her. 

“The only trouble was she had no idea if he was aiming a gun at her head now because he didn’t recognize her or because he did…He’s kept his secrets from her for over two decades. She had no idea how far he’d go now in order to protect them.” – Margot, Chapter 28

Ashley Flowers throws a few surprises at us, and one of them belongs to Uncle Luke. I’d spoil it if I say more, but I was as taken aback as Margot was because I didn’t expect him to be involved in the secrets that the small town of Wakarusa kept hidden for so long.

Overall, I loved those twisty turns in the book and the suspense built up by the dual timelines because they made the mystery all the more baffling and engaging. And when the final reveal happened, I have to say my hairs stood on their ends because it was that creepy.

All that said, my feeling of being let down by the book persisted. I couldn’t sympathize with Margot as a character nor as a narrator, the investigation seemed unrealistically easy at times, and some parts that should have been explored weren’t fleshed out at all – like Natalie’s kidnapping. Worst of all though, I felt like the ending left me really unfulfilled. I get that it’s a norm in the genre to leave us hanging sometimes, but for some reason, I couldn’t get on board with Margot’s fate in the end. 

But that’s not at all to say this book isn’t worth reading. The suspense hooked me enough to keep reading that I finished the book in one night, and I loved how dynamic the cast of characters were. Plus, Ashley Flowers portrayed the small town drama so well that I wished I could see Wakarusa and its ‘good people’ on screen. So if you are looking for an investigative suspense thriller centered around a small town, I can promise that ‘All Good People Here’ fits the bill perfectly.

Fans of true crime podcasts should definitely have a go at ‘All Good People Here’ because it’s written by the host of ‘Crime Junkie’ podcast. The investigative aspect of the book really shines through, so I’d say this book deserves a chance. 

I also think readers who like a good whodunnit with crime and family drama on the side would enjoy this book thanks to the dynamic characters and the intimate, small town feel of Wakarusa.

If you want to add a few similar books to your TBR after ‘All Good People Here’, I have a couple of recommendations.

‘The Golden Couple’ is a great pick for those of you looking for an intimate suspense thriller. This novel is about a seemingly perfect couple, how their lives fall apart, and how an unorthodox therapist gets into the middle of it all. Check out my review of ‘The Golden Couple’ here!

If you want to dive into an atmospheric thriller, ‘The Guest List’ might do the trick. It’s about a wedding party that turns deadly as one of the guests turns up dead, and it’s a book that will keep you guessing until the very end.

If you’re in the mood for more crime and suspense thrillers, you can check out my list of best James Patterson books and the list of Harlan Coben thrillers.

‘All Good People Here’ by Ashley Flowers is a small town crime thriller that comes with a lot of secrets and baggage in tow. The bulk of the small town drama might be heavy, but it doesn’t take away from the suspense because we are led to read the same story from two different narrators, and the way they fill in the missing pieces of the puzzle is intense and captivating.

So if you’re up for a read about facades that people put up, secrets they bury, and the truth that eventually comes out sooner or later, All Good People Here should be where you’re at.

The post Book Review: All Good People Here By Ashley Flowers appeared first on Bookishnerd.

Julia Quinn – or JQ – wrote the Bridgerton series about the eight siblings of the Bridgerton family, so we have eight books for each sibling. We also got one short story collection about the Bridgertons’ happily-ever-afters and thanks to the popularity of the Netflix show, we also got a Bridgerton prequel, Queen Charlotte. The best Bridgerton book, however, depends on personal tastes and pet peeves, so my ranking will depend on how much I loved the story, the characters, and the writing.

Best Bridgerton Books Ranked

JQ’s steamy scenes are guaranteed to take your breath away, so keep an eye out for my spice meter! Your smut preferences might vary, but the meter will give you some idea of the level of smut in each book.

🌶️– sexual language and a little on-page action

🌶️🌶️– a lot of sexual language and some on-page action, may be occurring couple times

🌶️🌶️🌶️– some explicit action and dirty talk, occurring frequently

🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ – a lot of explicit action and dirty talk, occurring frequently

🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ – super graphic and explicit, occurring very frequently

Without further ado, let’s head off to Regency England in the 1800’s and meet the Bridgertons!

Bridgerton Books Reviews

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The Viscount Who Loved Me: Anthony's Story, The Inspiration for Bridgerton Season Two (Bridgertons, 2)

• Genre/Sub-genre – Romance, historical romance, historical fiction, historical, fiction, audiobook, regency, adult, regency romance, chick lit
• Content warnings – PTSD, death from anaphylaxis recounted, death of a parent (off-page)
• Type – Series
• No. of pages – 354
• First publication – June, 2006
• Goodreads rating – 4.03
• Spice meter – 🌶️🌶️🌶️

$8.80

Buy on Amazon

The second book of the Bridgerton series became my favorite the moment I read it, and has remained at the top over so many years now for three reasons: the enemies-to-lovers trope, the banter, and the pining. 

Trust me when I tell you that Julia Quinn cooked up a spicy, ridiculously cute, and laughter-inducing book with all the feels, because Viscount Who Loved Me is such a delicious treat for us enemies-to-lovers stans. 

The book starts off with our Viscount Anthony declaring he’s ready to marry which comes as a surprise to his family – but he’s quick to clarify that he’s marrying for obligation and not love (🙄). He soon gets down to the business of finding a bride, going for the most eligible woman of the season. 

The hitch in his plan is the fact that Kate, our FMC, hates how Anthony has set sights on her sister. Kate wants a love match for her sister and Anthony, by his own words, is definitely not that. As if his sketchy motives weren’t bad enough, there’s also his reputation of being a ‘rake’ (the regency equivalent of a womanizer😉) that Kate finds appalling.

The thing is though, the more they argue and observe each other, they both start to fall for the other, albeit reluctantly. The angst is top notch when Anthony wakes up from an erotic dream about Kate when he doesn’t even like her IRL. And my favorite moment of Kate falling for Anthony is the library scene where all her guards are down and she just starts to trust him with her whole heart. I was all tears, folks. 

So the competitive, no-nonsense, and arrogant duo fall for each other over dog chases, games of Pall Mall, and stolen glances across ballrooms. I have to mention the Netflix series at this point too, because the whole drama with Edwina notwithstanding, the creators did an awesome job bringing the angst and the banter between Anthony and Kate to life. I still love the book though, because it left out any unnecessary drama and the drama it did have was solely between the stubborn-as-hell MCs who spent half the book pining for and not kissing each other. 

So if you want a swoony, angsty enemies-to-lovers historical style, this is the book you should start with. JQ, with her witty liners and laugh-out-loud scenes, does not disappoint one bit.

2. Romancing Mister Bridgerton

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Romancing Mister Bridgerton: Penelope & Colin's Story, The Inspiration for Bridgerton Season Three (Bridgertons, 4)

• Genre/Sub-genre – Romance, historical romance, historical, historical fiction, fiction, regency, audiobook, adult, regency romance, chick lit
• Content warnings – Body shaming, sexism, emotional abuse, domestic abuse, toxic relationships, physical abuse, pregnancy, child abuse, sexual assault, violence, injury detail
• Type – Series
• No. of pages – 384
• First publication – September, 2006
• Goodreads rating – 3.93
• Spice meter – 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

$9.94

Buy on Amazon

Friends-to-lovers will always be the way to my heart because the confusion/ the soft feelings/ the giddiness that comes with realizing you’re falling for your closest friend is nothing short of incredible. Julia Quinn took all these feels to the stage in the fourth book of the Bridgerton series, Romancing Mister Bridgerton, and I was a goner. 

We’ve seen both Colin and Penelope interacting with each other in the first three books, but after Colin’s public declaration in Benedict’s book that “I will never marry Penelope,” caused by an ill-timed conversation with his brothers and definitely overheard by Penelope, things between them are now slightly awkward. 

One book later, chance – and curiosity – leads Penelope to read a travel journal of Colin and she’s amazed; the man can write so well! He doesn’t take kindly to having his most private writing out in the open, but some back and forth later, Colin comes to a startling realization – he wants to talk to Penelope more, see her again, and hear her innermost thoughts as she listens to his. After a kiss that took both of them by surprise, Colin knows he wants her more than as a friend. 

She harbors a secret though, and the fans of the Netflix series know what it is (on that note, let me just say I don’t like that it was revealed in the first season). The secret causes a dramatic chase in a carriage, an even more dramatic proposal, and a blackmailer for Penelope, which Colin deals with swiftly – we love a charming MMC who turns commanding and assertive for his lady. 

So the Polin ship is sailing, and I can’t wait for season 3 of the show to come out because the smut is delicious in the book. And if the previous two book adaptations are an indication, S3 is gonna be SPICY. I’m definitely excited for that one mirror scene that got me red in the face while reading the book, or the carriage scene where Colin and Penelope get handsy🔥. JQ writes her spice the way she writes everything – with immersive wordplay and all-consuming feelings – so you’re definitely in for a smut-licious treat with Romancing Mister Bridgerton. 

Pick it up for the friends-to-lovers, swoonworthy dialogue, and lots of spice to burn your way through a weekend!

3. An Offer From a Gentleman

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Offer from a Gentleman, An: Bridgerton: Benedict's Story (Bridgertons, 3)

• Genre/Sub-genre – Romance, historical romance, historical, historical fiction, fiction, audiobook, regency, adult, regency romance, chick lit
• Content warnings – Child abuse, sexual assault, rape, domestic abuse, physical abuse, death, pregnancy, grief, infidelity
• Type – Series
• No. of pages – 390
• First publication – July, 2001
• Goodreads rating – 3.94
• Spice meter – 🌶️🌶️🌶️

$10.22

Buy on Amazon

When I realized the story of the most adorable Bridgerton brother is a Cinderella retelling, I canceled all plans and settled in for an enchanting ride – and JQ didn’t disappoint. 

I’ve always loved Benedict when he made an appearance in the other books; he’s funny, whimsical, and has an artist’s soul. So even though I don’t like the insta-love trope of Cinderella retellings much, it fit Benedict’s personality so naturally that I actually forgot I was reading an insta-love story. 

While Benedict is looking for the masked beauty he met at their ball, the lady in question, Sophie, suffers so much abuse at her stepmother’s hand until one day, she is forced to leave the house. Sophie’s illegitimate birth does her no favors so she’s reduced to working as a servant until she no longer can. That’s because, unfortunately, her beauty and lower station often make her a victim to the young masters of the households she’s working for. 

It’s during one of these occasions, when some men are trying to harass her, that Benedict happens to see it and help her out. He offers her shelter without recognizing who she is, and Sophie is devastated to recognize the man she’s been dreaming of for so long. 

What follows is an oblivious Benedict falling for Sophie, all the while pining for the masked lady. JQ really spoiled us because we get chapters upon chapters of Benedict and Sophie falling for each other again with a lot of pining and sexual tension. He wants her so much he asks her to be his mistress (it wasn’t a good move, Benedict) which our leading lady refuses. I loved how she didn’t compromise on her conscience even though she wanted to be with him as much as he did. 

This Cinderella story set in the Bridgerton universe hits all the right beats, giving us the introspective Benedict’s love story in such an emotionally-rich, captivating way. Pick this book for a fairy-tale love story you’d want to read again and again!

4. When He Was Wicked – The Spiciest Bridgerton Book

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When He Was Wicked: Bridgerton: Francesca's Story (Bridgertons, 6)

• Genre/Sub-genre – Romance, historical romance, historical, historical fiction, fiction, regency, adult, audiobook, regency romance, chick lit
• Content warnings – Miscarriage, grief, infertility, chronic illness, pregnancy, explicit language, infidelity, child death, sexual assault, violence, abortion, death of a parent, injury detail, death of a spouse
• Type – Series
• No. of pages – 368
• First publication – June, 2004
• Goodreads rating – 4.00
• Spice meter – 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

$9.99

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Many fans tout this book as the spiciest Bridgerton book and I’m here to tell you that the allegations are, in fact, true. It took me by surprise because the quiet, withdrawn Francesca I’ve seen in other books is on scorching fire and Michael is THE hottest, sexiest leading man in the Bridgerton universe, period. 

As much as I love the Bridgerton habit of poking their noses into siblings’ businesses, I loved that it didn’t happen much in this book – Francesca and Michael’s story mostly took place far away in their earldom in Kilmartin, Scotland. I think I feel that way because the sixth Bridgerton sibling is as reserved as they come and also because both she and Michael had incredible grief to wade through as their relationship grew, and that’s better done without prying eyes. 

When Michael comes to Kilmartin looking for Francesca, he is furious at her for not replying to his letters, for wanting to marry, for any reason under the sun – because the poor man has been in unrequited love for ages that it’s pouring out as rage. The fury quickly turns into burning passion and Francesca is startled to discover that Michael is as devious and sexy as he always portrayed himself to be. Michael decides to ‘seduce’ Francesca into marrying him instead of telling her he loves her, and that’s where I lost it. Come on, Michael, just try being honest about your feelings for once!?

So we have this hunk of a man weak-kneed and yearning for the love of his life while Francesca, obviously attracted to him but guilt-ridden out of respect for John, tries to resist him. It all goes up in smoke, though – the smut between the pair is enough to set fire to the entirety of Scotland. I especially liked the parts where Francesca takes reins… Definitely an original take on historical romances. 

That said, I still don’t like how the seduction seemed rather forced. Don’t get me wrong, I love the smut, but it really could have kicked off better. 

My reservations don’t affect the impact of the book though – When He Was Wicked was an emotional roller-coaster from the first page to the epilogue, and I may have shed a few tears in between savoring the spice. Pick this book up for a wild ride because Francesca and Michael are the duo most likely to tug at your heartstrings and set you on fire at the same time.

5. It’s in His Kiss

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It's in His Kiss: Bridgerton: Hyancinth's Story (Bridgertons, 7)

• Genre/Sub-genre – Romance, historical romance, historical, historical fiction, fiction, regency, adult, audiobook, regency romance, chick lit
• Content warnings – Emotional abuse, child abuse, infidelity, death of a parent, explicit language, domestic abuse, physical abuse, rape, violence, pregnancy, grief
• Type – Series
• No. of pages – 384
• First publication – June, 2005
• Goodreads rating – 4.0
• Spice meter – 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

$13.24

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It’s in His Kiss is this far down the ranking only because I can’t make all of them #1 or #2 – Hyacinth’s story is one of my faves because it’s got some treasure hunting, midnight gallivanting, and lots of spice (yes, Gareth!🔥) packed into the book.

First off, I have to admit that I did feel a bit weird reading Hyacinth’s love story because she’s the youngest Bridgerton and the most I’ve seen her is chucking peas at her siblings across the dinner table. But finding out she grew up and into her frenetic energy and outspokenness (making her a menace to nearly everyone) was truly a delight for me. 

I loved her hot-tempered relationship with Lady Danbury, whose grandson Gareth needs Hyacinth’s (more or less underdeveloped) Italian language skills. Gareth, surprisingly, is highly amused by the fiendish woman who can possibly help him claim his inheritance – or leave him with no penny to his name.

They start translating the diary together, bickering non-stop and discovering some family secrets along the way. The secrets clue them in on the location of a long-lost treasure and Hyacinth is too stubborn to be left behind on the quest. Some breaking in and burglary that’s not befitting a well-bred lady follows, leaving Gareth exasperated yet utterly in love with Hyacinth. 

As love takes the stage, Gareth’s charm becomes seductive and Hyacinth’s passion makes up for her inexperience, treating us readers with a lot of pulse-racing smut. We also find out that the only time Hycinth says “Yes, Gareth” is when they are tangled in the sheets 🥵.

I loved It’s in His Kiss because it was so different from the other stories. They were all great in their own right of course, but this one appealed to me because it was adventurous, eventful, cheerful, and devoid of society-fueled drama found in other Bridgerton books. So have a go at Hyacinth’s story when you need a steamy, banterful, heist-like love story and you won’t be disappointed in the least.

6. To Sir Philip, With Love

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To Sir Phillip, With Love: Bridgerton: Eloise's Story (Bridgertons, 5)

• Genre/Sub-genre – Romance, historical romance, historical, historical fiction, fiction, regency, adult, audiobook, regency romance, chick lit
• Content warnings – Suicide, suicide attempt, child abuse, mental illness, death of parent, death, physical abuse, grief, rape, domestic abuse, sexual assault, violence, emotional abuse, self harm, pregnancy, child death, injury detail, chronic illness
• Type – Series
• No. of pages – 372
• First publication – July, 2003
• Goodreads rating – 3.73/li>
• Spice meter – 🌶️🌶️🌶️

$10.72

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The blurb of the book was enough for me to pick up this book immediately after I finished Romancing Mister Bridgerton, because the premise was so… Eloise. 

When the story starts, Eloise has been exchanging letters with Sir Philip Crane, the widowed husband of one of her cousins. Though they know little of each other, they have a connection, but it stills comes as a surprise to her when he proposes. Then she surprises herself even more by crossing the country to his place, where she surprises him.

Quiet and awkward, Philip doesn’t know how to grapple with the vision of a woman (who doesn’t stop talking for two seconds) in front of him any more than he knows how to handle his rowdy twins.

The kids were one of the biggest highlights of the book for me, because they were smart, devious, and pranked the hell out of Eloise. She turned out to be the worthy rival they never had with her expertise at anticipating chaos and instigating chaos herself because she comes from a family of pranksters. So she wins their hearts and in doing so, Philip’s (he was already a goner when he saw her but the man took his sweet time to admit his feelings).

Their love story takes time to develop because not only is Eloise hellbent on winning the kids over, she’s determined to bring their withdrawn father back to them. Not to mention the slight (I mean huge) commotion her brothers make when they barge into the house and almost beat Philip to a pulp. 

When love does happen to both of them, Philip’s tenderness and sincerity shines through, complementing Eloise’s fiercely protective and passionate nature. And then we get to see those roles reversed when in the bedroom. Also, word to the wise: get you a man who’s a botanist by profession because he’d literally grow roses for you. 

One thing I couldn’t get behind though, was how Eloise quickly went from ‘I’ll be a spinster forever’ to ‘I want to marry a man I barely know’ and took the plunge to run away from home. Not that there’s anything wrong with it, I just wanted that decision arc to be fleshed out more. 

But how she grew to love the Crane twins and Philip was so wholesome, and the way Philip returned her feelings with a fervor he never knew he had was even more so. This book is that ideal slow burn full of mischief and never-ending conversation, so pick this up for a heartwarming read!

7. The Duke and I – My First Bridgerton Book

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Bridgerton [TV Tie-in] (Bridgertons Book 1)

• Genre/Sub-genre – Romance, historical romance, historical fiction, historical, adult, regency, chick lit, regency romance
• Content warnings – Sexual abuse, child abuse, abandonment, pregnancy, miscarriage, gun violence
• Type – Series
• No. of pages – 384
• First publication – January, 2000
• Goodreads rating – 3.81
• Spice meter – 🌶️🌶️🌶️

$8.50

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This was the first Bridgerton book I read a decade ago, making me fall in love with the band of rowdy, adorable Bridgerton siblings. Over time, I’ve realized after a few reads that there are some questionable elements in it, so that’s how The Duke and I made it to #7 of my ranking. 

Our MCs meet at a ball, and once they get to know who’s who, they become fast friends. Their mutually-benefitting fake courtship kicks off much to Anthony’s chagrin who’s furious at both his friend and his sister. Simon and Daphne have fun though – their banter is on point and the attraction between them grows by the second. 

Simon’s control finally snaps and he kisses Daphne, only to have Anthony charging at them and demanding Simon to marry Daphne. After an anxious refusal, some gun waving, and a horse ride to the park later, the duo are to be married – each thinking the other is making a sacrifice. 

They are, but they also are too-in-their-own-heads (and dumb) to realize why they made each of their compromises. It takes a lot of smut and even more tension for the pair to admit their love for one another, even after baring their heart and soul to the other. 

The last part of the book was such an emotional ride for me, even after some questionable actions by both our MCs. And as for the Netflix show, I didn’t feel like they captured the culmination of Daphne and Simon’s relationship that well – they did such an awesome job in the first few episodes and the leads had amazing chemistry, only for that to sizzle out. 

Overall, I do wish some parts of the book were better handled too, but that doesn’t take away the charm of fake-dating and the angst of denial in love – so I still love Daphne and Simon’s story for its sweetness. 

Pick this book up for an emotion-packed ride from the beginning to the end. I only ask you to check the content warnings before you jump in, and you should be golden.

8. On The Way to The Wedding

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On the Way to the Wedding: Bridgerton: Gregory's Story (Bridgertons, 8)

• Genre/Sub-genre – Romance, historical romance, historical, historical fiction, fiction, regency, adult, audiobook, regency romance, chick lit
• Content warnings – Gun violence, kidnapping, pregnancy, emotional abuse, violence, medical trauma, injury detail, death of parent, domestic abuse, physical abuse, death, infidelity, miscarriage
• Type – Series
• No. of pages – 371
• First publication – June, 2006
• Goodreads rating – 3.84
• Spice meter – 🌶️🌶️🌶️

$11.66

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On The Way to The Wedding focuses on the love story of the youngest Bridgerton, Gregory. He was so young in the other books that I felt like I was learning about a completely new character, but it was charming in its own right. 

Gregory is possibly the most romantic Bridgerton boy and a strong believer in true love – which is not surprising considering all his siblings found love. He’s convinced that everything will fall into place once he finally meets the girl of his dreams – and then reality pops his bubble.

We watch him struggle as he falls in ‘love’ with a Hermione Watson (not to be mistaken with Granger), who happens to be in love with another man. The story is actually about Gregory falling in love with Lucy when he teams up with her to win Hermione over. Unfortunately, Lucy is betrothed to someone else, so to put it simply, Gregory’s love life is a tangled mess.

The friends-to-lovers trope between him and Lucy was so sweet, but we don’t get to see a lot of it. Most of what I read was internal dialogue, so nothing actually happens for the tension to build. The book flickers back and forth between them longing for each other and then realizing that they can’t do anything about their feelings. 

Gregory is a very sweet character, but he’s a hopeless romantic to the point where it’s actually a bit frustrating. It’s not at all like the slow burn we got with Penelope and Collin, or the steamy tension between Daphne and Simon. 

The whole star-crossed lovers trope and suspense might have worked a lot better had the buildup been stronger, plus he’s in love with Hermione through most of the book anyway, so the switch to Lucy doesn’t hold very well. It’s also not very spicy (compared to JQ’s usual standard) but I’m alright with that since it is one of the baby Bridgertons. 

What I did enjoy about the book was the appearance of the Bridgerton clan –  some tears were shed, friends. It felt like the perfect way to bring the series to an end, so regardless of its quick pace and the hopelessly romantic MCs, it’s definitely a must-read if you want to complete the series.

9. The Bridgertons: Happily Ever After

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The Bridgertons: Happily Ever After: Includes Violet's Story (Bridgertons, 9)

• Genre/Sub-genre – Romance, historical romance, historical fiction, historical, adult, regency, chick lit, regency romance, short stories
• Content warnings – Infertility, blood, pregnancy, death, death of a parent, grief, miscarriage, child abuse, medical trauma
• Type – Series
• No. of pages – 374
• First publication – April, 2013
• Goodreads rating – 3.99
• Spice meter – 🌶️

$12.49

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Happily Ever After is a collection of epilogues to the Bridgerton books – plus a special story about Violet! You can read each story separately of course, but reading them together after you’re done with the series is a great way to see what the Bridgerton siblings are up to, without any spoilers in between (trust me, there are a few).

Most of the stories follow married life as a theme, and while some were interesting, like the epilogue for The Duke and I that follows Daphne and Simon 21 years later (let’s just say parenthood does not put damper on the burn 🔥), the rest were a bit underwhelming. For one, the epilogue to the Viscount Who Loved Me doesn’t have the tension of pall-mall disputes and enemies to lovers banter anymore – making Anthony and Kate seem regular. I did NOT like that for them.

The theme did suit the epilogue for When He Was Wicked. Francesca’s story really broke my heart in the novel so it was great to see her heal from the pain and have a healthy marriage.

The siblings’ epilogues left a bit to desire, but I absolutely loved Violet in Bloom. It is everything I ever wanted to know about her and Edmund Bridgerton. While his death has been brought up before, I think this story really paints a picture of how it affected Violet. This short but incredibly powerful story captured how her world was ripped away from her so suddenly, and how she coped with it alone with seven children and a baby on the way. It really made me feel for her, and I think the story ties in well with the depth of her mourning that Anthony brings up in Season 2 of the show. 

I won’t say all the epilogues have that kind of emotional impact, but do they give us a peek into the Bridgerton siblings’ happily-ever-afters – which, all things considered, is the blissful closure all of us fans deserve. I will say though that they might not end the way you expect, so if you’d rather leave that up to your imagination, that’s fine too. Whatever you choose to do – just please read Violet in Bloom.

10. Queen Charlotte

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Queen Charlotte: Before Bridgerton Came a Love Story That Changed the Ton…

• Authors – Julia Quinn, Shonda Rhimes
• Genre/Sub-genre – Romance, historical romance, historical fiction, historical, adult, regency, chick lit, regency romance
• Content warnings – Mental illness, torture, racism, physical abuse, pregnancy, emotional abuse, injury detail, death, domestic abuse, sexual violence, grief, abandonment
• Type – Standalone
• No. of pages – 352
• First publication – May, 2023
• Goodreads rating – 4.17
• Spice meter – 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

$23.15

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Unlike the rest of the Bridgerton books listed here, Queen Charlotte actually came out after the show. In fact, Queen Charlotte isn’t in the other books at all – so it makes sense that Quinn would want to partner with Shonda Rhimes, the creator of the Netflix series, to give Charlotte the spotlight she deserves. 

Funnily enough, I’ve heard that Rhimes referred to Charlotte as the “Beyonce of regency times,” and she’s right. Not only is Charlotte’s character intimidating, commanding, and confident, but she’s also cynical, sarcastic, and witty – she’s Queen C. What I really loved about this book was that it let me dig deeper into the complexities of her character. While the older Queen Charlotte that we know has a hard shell, the book dives into the vulnerabilities that made her who she is. 

I always appreciate a good enemies-to-lovers trope, so I was more than happy to read the book when it came out even though I had already seen the show. While the two are the same for the most part, there are a few small differences. 

For one, I got to read characters’ thoughts in a way I had never seen them – like those of Lady Danburry and even Brimsley, but especially King George. Somehow these little details made his descent into madness more heartbreaking than it already was. 

Apart from that, the romance was intense and steamy, and really made me feel the weight of what Charlotte was losing. She was all alone, married, and made Queen out of duty and then bound by secrecy to a man she did not really know, and once she had finally fallen in love with him, she had to watch him slip away. It gives that particular scene in season 2 of the main series (the one where King George makes an unexpected appearance) more weight. 

Now this book is definitely a bit of a diversion from the Bridgertons themselves, but if you’re a fan of the series and want to know Queen Charlotte better – then this is the perfect book. Sure, she comes off as controlling and manipulative, but suddenly, I’m rewatching Bridgerton with a soft spot for the Queen.

And that’s my list of the best Bridgerton books! The Bridgerton universe is vast because the main series follows eight siblings while the spin-off tells us the stories of some endearing secondary characters with potential to expand more (JQ, I’m waiting for Violet’s story!). Pick up a Bridgerton book if you want to experience the searing romance of the regency era made better with adorable antics of a close-knit family and gorgeous writing by Julia Quinn.

Bridgerton Books in Reading Order

I’ve ranked the best Bridgerton books according to my preference, but you are best served if you go with the reading order which is the same as the order of publication.

1. The Duke and I – Daphne’s story (January, 2000)
2. Viscount Who Loved Me – Anthony’s story (December, 2000)
3. An Offer From a Gentleman – Benedict’s story (July, 2001)
4. Romancing Mister Bridgerton – Colin’s story (July, 2002)
5. To Sir Philip, With Love – Eloise’s story (July, 2003)
6. When He Was Wicked – Francesca’s story (June, 2004)
7. It’s in His Kiss – Hyacinth’s story (June, 2005)
8. On The Way to The Wedding – Gregory’s story (June, 2006)

What to read next

If you don’t want to leave the Bridgerton universe yet, you should check out the story collections, The Further Observations of Lady Whistledown and Lady Whistledown Strikes Back. JQ also gave us a prequel series that features the Bridgerton family a couple generations ago, called the Rokesby series, starting with Because of Miss Bridgerton about a certain feisty Bridgerton lady called Poppy. 

You can also indulge in some more swoony historical romances with the Smythe-Smith series by Julia Quinn. You would have met a few characters from the Smythe-Smith family while reading Bridgerton, so settle in with the first book, Just Like Heaven to find out more. 

If you’re in the mood for spice, you can check out our list of best smut books. These are not  historical romances; you don’t have a lot of ‘don’t be alone with him if you don’t have a chaperone,’ so they definitely can fulfill your smutty cravings😉.

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The post Best Bridgerton Books: Ranking and Reading Order appeared first on Bookishnerd.

Just as he was unapologetic with his writing, Bukowski fans are unapologetic in their love for him. I’m (obviously) one such fan, and I’ve been obsessed with his work since I discovered him as an impressionable reader. Since then, I’ve kind of developed a more critical eye for his writing, but my love and admiration for his work has remained steadfast, because the more I understand life, the more I sympathize with his trials and tribulations that led him to write with such honesty. 

If there was ever a poster cutout for the ‘struggling writer’ image, then Bukowski would be a perfect fit, from his troubled childhood and multiple rejections of books to his alcoholism and, finally, his underground work. His life was difficult but despite (and because of) the struggle, his work is vulnerable, introspective, and indelibly beautiful for those who delve into it. It should be said here that his work is deeply immersive and deals with mature themes, so make sure you’re of age to be diving into Bukowski’s stories and poems. So for those who dare (and are 18+!), I’ve put together the best Charles Bukowski books including both prose and poetry so buckle up, and be prepared to be amazed.

1. Ham on Rye – My Favorite

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Ham on Rye: A Novel

• Genre/Sub-genre – Fiction, literature, american, coming of age, poetry
• Content warnings – Graphic content, sexual content, violence, depiction of addiction, explicit language
• Type – Stand-alone
• No. of pages – 288
• First publication – September, 1982
• Goodreads rating – 4.15

$11.59

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Charles Bukowski has written a handful of novels around Henry Chinaski – his alter ego – capturing his life in bursts of action in the trials of childhood, coming-of-age, and a jaded adulthood. The series itself is so chaotic that it’s not in chronological order and IMHO, cannot even be called a series. But looking chaos right in the face and accepting it for what it is – Bukowski at his most genuine – I’d say Ham on Rye is my favorite out of all his work. 

Henry Chinaski, our (anti) hero, grows up love-less and cheerless into a young man with a dark humor and an unhealthy obsession with booze. Bukowski documents Chinaski’s coming-of-age with brutal honesty and tongue-in-cheek humor as he tries and barely manages to survive the downtrodden alleys of Depression-Era Los Angeles. 

What got me invested in Chinaski and his less than optimistic life though was the sense of alienation that he grew up with and lived with. My heart hurt for the outcasts that both Chinaski and Bukowski were made into by circumstance, and I have to say I was impressed (and a little sad) by the witticisms Bukowski doled out with careless abandon to deal with the rejection and the isolation.  

So it has to be said that Ham on Rye isn’t the kind of book you finish and forget. It leaves a mark. The realness, the humor, the whole story, it’s Bukowski turning his own life into something that sticks with you, like a good song you can’t get out of your head.

Ham on Rye might be up your alley if you’ve ever felt like the odd one out, but I should tell now that it will not be a comforting read. This is a piece of fiction that takes you in without warning and snaps open your eyes to the bleakness of reality so go into the book not to find comfort, but to find relatability – which in my eyes, is definitely a form of comfort. 

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Post Office: A Novel

• Genre/Sub-genre – Fiction, literature, american, coming of age, poetry
• Content warnings – Graphic content, sexual content, alcohol consumption, workplace challenges, explicit language
• Type – Stand-alone
• No. of pages – 162
• First publication – January, 1971
• Goodreads rating – 3.94

$7.69

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“It began as a mistake,” whispered the first line of Charles Bukowski’s Post Office, and oh boy, what a delightful mistake it was. This book ended up in my hands accidentally like a package delivered at the wrong address and to this day, I am grateful for it because it kicked off a lifelong (so far!) obsession with Bukowski’s work, letting me into a world I had never seen before.

So in Post Office, Bukowski transforms the simple and mundane into a raucous carnival, turning the U.S. Postal Service into a backdrop of wild adventure. Reading the book, I felt like I was personally dealing with waterlogged mailbags, navigating mud-covered mountains, and dodging tricky guard dogs. 

Chinaski, our MC, battles not only the daily grind but also really strong hangovers. His struggle to peel himself off the bed is a comical routine, yet it’s impossible not to root for him. Chinaski brought spice to the narrative with his love for women, booze, and racetrack betting, showing us a slice of life in the run down streets of Los Angeles.

The book reflected the quirks of real office life, hilariously dissecting the absurdities of the working world, making you laugh and cringe in recognition. Although written in 1971, the book just feels timeless and relatable, reminding us that some challenges are just part of being human, regardless of the era. 

I fell for this book, and by extension the writer, because the reading experience that combined grim realities with the Bukowski-brand of humor was both fun and thought-provoking. So the final verdict here is that the Post Office has my stamp of approval as a tale where mailbags meet mayhem and every delivery is a surprise worth savoring. Pick up for a read full of hilarity and absurdity, and the occasional reality check. 

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Factotum

• Genre/Sub-genre – Fiction, literature, american, coming of age, triller, mystery, poetry
• Content warnings – Graphic content, sexual content, alcohol consumption, explicit language, mature themes, depiction of world war II-era
• Type – Stand-alone
• No. of pages – 208
• First publication – January, 1975
• Goodreads rating – 3.93

$14.39

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I picked up Factotum as soon as I was done with the Post Office because I wanted to find out what Henry Chinaski was up to, and boy, was I caught off guard. 

Chinaski is now a drifter and his journey across the Americas is a whirlwind of madness and unexpected adventure. He’s deferred from military service and reluctant to be tied down by a regular job, and although it feels like an anxiety-inducing existence to me now, I remember nodding along to his rebellion against the way of the world – free as a bird and devoid of real responsibilities. 

So for a while, I was happy for Chinaski and his booze-loving way of life and although it did seem hurtful to him, I loved how careless and chaotic he let himself be. Chinaski had it rough, but I was a bit jealous of him for a little while because, at the time I first read the book, a life free of responsibilities that were (in my head) tying me down and delaying me from pursuing my own dreams sounded pretty dang good. I know now Chinaski is probably not the best semi-fictional character to relate to, but hey, he served his purpose when I needed him the most. 

I loved this book for Chinaski, but I should say that it’s definitely the raw beauty and bitterness of Bukowski’s writing that brought him to life, painting a vivid picture of the ruggedness of city life. Chinaski’s story may be chaotic, but within its pages, there’s a method to the madness, a rhythm to the chaos that only Bukowski could compose. 

So give Factotum a try if you want a rebellious, unpredictable story of chasing dreams in a not-so-easy world, giving you a glimpse into the struggle, the hustle, and a life unfulfilled.

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Women: A Novel

• Genre/Sub-genre – Fiction, literature, american, coming of age, poetry
• Content warnings – Graphic content, sexual content, alcohol consumption, explicit language, mature themes
• Type – Stand-alone
• No. of pages – 291
• First publication – January, 1978
• Goodreads rating – 3.82

$10.89

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Women by Charles Bukowski catapulted me into the tumultuous adult life of Henry Chinaski, a survivor who’s navigated dead-end jobs, cramped apartments, and the gritty landscape of existence. 

We meet Chinaski again, he’s in his fifties and his luck has taken a dramatic turn – from hitting rock bottom to living like a rockstar. Chinaski, the imperfect narrator, boasts three hundred hangovers a year and a love life that he jokes would “cripple Casanova.” And I was happy for him because clearly, the guy got what he wanted his entire life. 

In Women, we get to step into the shoes of a man who’s seen it all, survived it all, and lived to tell the tale. It really did feel like a literary cocktail of outrageous anecdotes, playful romance, and unfiltered humanity and it left me simultaneously laughing and contemplating the messy beauty of life.

In Bukowski’s signature style though, the nitty-gritty of real life, dark humor, and an unapologetic exploration of what it means to be human shine through. I appreciated Bukowski all the more in Women because even at the height of Chinaski’s life, the author sifted through the joys and glory of existence and let realness come to surface, as he always has.

Reading Factotum felt like listening to that drunk, quirky friend spill the tea about their craziest experiences with increasing degrees of disbelief and amusement. If you’re looking for a fun read that will have you laughing (and then getting concerned because things are getting out of hand), give Factotum a try.

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Love is a Dog From Hell: Bukowski’s Raw Poetic Reflections on Life and Heartbreak

• Genre/Sub-genre – Poetry, fiction, literature, american, contemporary, 20th century, love, adult
• Content warnings – Explicit language, intense emotions, narcissism
• Type – Stand-alone
• No. of pages – 312
• First publication – January, 1977
• Goodreads rating – 4.00

$15.19

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It’s kind of funny to me that this book ended up making my list at the end of the day, because boy did I have some major beef with it at first. This was Charles Bukowski’s first work of poetry that I got into as a starry-eyed teenager, and I remember getting mad at him for saying “there is always one woman to save you from another and as that woman saves you she makes ready to destroy.”

Back then, I thought he was criticizing women with those words, but over the years, I’ve learnt that poetry can be interpreted however a reader wants, and I chose to understand that quote to signal the fickleness and power dynamics of romantic relationships. 

Love is a Dog from Hell is filled with similar nuggets of wisdom about love, relationships, and the inevitability of heartbreak, laid out in raw and irreverent verse. Picture having a heart-to-heart with a drunk friend who’s been hurt by love, and that buddy is Bukowski – that’s what reading this book of poetry is like. What you get is a chatty, disenchanted poet spitting out harsh truths and whiplash sentiments on anything that comes to his mind. 

This collection of poems showcases the incandescent joy and the redemptive power of love while also depicting the ugly, selfish bits of love. The multitude of it all seemed too complicated when I first read it as a teenager, but looking back with a few more years under my belt, I find I can relate to, or at least sympathize with, Bukowski’s trials and triumphs of love. 

Some poems are lyrical prose and some are choppy, emotive pieces but they are all written in simple yet potent language that doesn’t alienate the reader. If at all, the poems might evoke outrage and a healthy dislike of Bukowski’s disillusioned views of love, and if they do, I’d say the poems did what they are supposed to do – invoke emotion. 

So if you want to have a go at Bukowski’s poetry, I highly recommend Love Is a Dog from Hell because of its universal relatability, celebrating love’s highs and throwing jabs at its lows. You’d love it or love to hate it – there’s really no in between.

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Pulp

• Genre/Sub-genre – Fiction, novels, classics, american, mystery, crime, literature, humor
• Content warnings – Graphic content, mature themes, violence, crime themes, explicit language
• Type – Stand-alone
• No. of pages – 208
• First publication – January, 1994
• Goodreads rating – 3.67

$9.99

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Bukowski’s last work, completed a few months before his death, was… not what I expected it to be. It’s often touted as farewell and a nod to five decades of literary genius, but I felt like he was experimenting something new with the mish-mash of genres he cooked up for Pulp. 

I say this because, while his usual commentary on sex, madness, and death exists in the novel, Bukowski also peppers the novel with sci-fi and noir elements, putting together a motley of sub genres that we would never expect to work together. But they do, and we get a head-spinning mix of intrigue and dark humor with every case Belane is tasked to solve. I had a laugh with how Bukowski writes Belane into plot holes that he can’t escape from as he deals with his clients and subjects, most of whom are spoofs of IRL people/things (‘Lady Death’ is a metaphor for death and ‘Red Sparrow’ is a caricature of Black Sparrow Press). 

But what I absolutely love in Bukowski’s work is how he pokes fun at anything under the sun, and in Pulp, it’s writing itself that he’s laughing at. First off, the book is dedicated “to bad writing,” and second, he parodies pulp fiction as he writes Pulp, making the dime novels of the past appear worse than they actually are. You’ve got to admire a writer who can take his own craft and laugh in its face, and Bukowski, with his satirical inclinations and never-ending tongue in cheek moments, does exactly that. He also manages to incite passionate intellectual and emotional responses with simple yet effective language, and Pulp is a perfect example of this literary genius (or hack). 

So if you want to see Bukowski’s work as they are – satirical, ludicrous, and darkly hilarious – Pulp is a book worth reading. You’d find yourself shaking your head at the book more than a few times, but that’s an occupational hazard of reading Bukowski, nothing less. 

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Tales of Ordinary Madness

• Genre/Sub-genre – Fiction, short stories, poetry, love
• Content warnings – Explicit language, mature themes, violence
• Type – Stand-alone
• No. of pages – 238
• First publication – January, 1967
• Goodreads rating – 3.87

$13.28

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My next Charles Bukowski pick, Tales of Ordinary Madness, is like taking a trip to a world that’s dark and confusing but oddly fascinating. Reading it genuinely felt like I was being driven down the tough streets of LA, with windows rolled down and the chaos of everyday struggles laid bare.

The spectrum of things he covers is wide, from lewd behavior, betting on horses, and dead-end jobs to poetry readings and classical music. But the thing is, I can’t even say I particularly enjoyed it because after reading a series of Bukowski’s novels and poetry, I can certainly see the overlaps of debauchery and drunken outbursts that are staples on every Bukowski special.

That said, I can’t deny that I love the brutal honesty and the dark hilarity as he observed the highs and lows of life from his own brand of lens. He’s like a shot of espresso – bitter and no bullshit – and you can definitely count on him to serve truth raw and unfiltered with a side of Bukowski wit. 

It really shows in this book that he did not care for other people’s opinions on his work, especially because of the chaotic abandon that he writes with – there’s no punctuation, no capitalization, and not even a consistent style of writing in this book. 

My suggestion to those who are picking up this book is: don’t let him offend you. His stories peel back life’s messy layers showing us the ugly and the unwanted that it might be too crude and vulgar sometimes, but the trick to reading Tales of Ordinary Madness is to enjoy the ride through the chaos of life, laughing at its flaws and acknowledging its imperfections. 

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The Last Night of the Earth Poems

• Genre/Sub-genre – Poetry, fiction, classics, literature, american, 20th century, art, contemporary
• Content warnings – Death, violence, graphic content, mature themes
• Type – Stand-alone
• No. of pages – 408
• First publication – January, 1992
• Goodreads rating – 4.30

$15.15

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I’m not sure if it was because I knew that this was the last poetry collection published in his lifetime, or if the poems themselves were intentionally more passionate than Bukowski’s usual style, but this collection of poetry left a wholly different impression on me than his other poems. 

Sure, there are drunken declarations and angry tirades about the stubbornness of life, but he also writes about appreciating the life we have, trying our best to live our dreams, being true to ourselves, and being good to one another in such tender words and passionate outbursts. In this book, he wasn’t the poet and writer I knew, and I loved him all the more for it because it allowed me to see yet another facet of his mind, unfiltered. 

‘An almost made up poem’ is like a heavy heart-to-heart about the impact of war on people and the world and ‘A Smile to Remember’ urges us to rewind and relish our own memories. Bukowski laughs at himself with ‘Hemingway Never Did This’ where he recounts accidentally deleting a poem from his computer and strangely, all these poems felt vulnerable and plaintive in their beautiful simplicity that I was near tears when I finished reading the poetry collection.

In this book, unlike the chatty Bukowski we usually see that churns out harsh truths like spitfire, we have an introspective, gentle poet writing about the subtleties of life, both joyful and melancholic. Maybe he knew the inevitability that was waiting for him or maybe he didn’t, but The Last Night of the Earth poems remain the most heart-wrenching work of Bukowski, almost like an ode to the life he was going to miss out on.

So, grab a cozy blanket, maybe a cup of cocoa, and have a date with The Last Night of the Earth Poems 📖☕️. Trust me, you’re not likely to regret picking up this particular collection of poems.

Essential Bukowski Poetry

• Genre/Sub-genre – Poetry, classics, fiction, literature, american, philosophy
• Content warnings – Mature themes, explicit language, desperation of ordinary life, sexually explicit themes
• Type – Stand-alone
• No. of pages – 225
• First publication – January, 2016
• Goodreads rating – 4.23

$19.01

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Essential Bukowski: Poetry is possibly the best gateway to his poems, because this collection of his best work is curated to take you through the edgy voice of early Bukowski through to the worn down, introspective voice of his later years. I ran into a few of my favorite poems when I read this book, but there still were a bunch of poems and flash fiction I came across for the first time.

Love, death, sex, and writing—Bukowski captures it all in his poems, striking a chord with the raw emotions of everyday life. Delving into his poems I’ve read before and exploring new ones had me appreciating his raw honesty even more, because it gave me a glimpse into experiences that feel as real as my own.

The downside to that is the booze, depressive jobs, fights, lousy homes, and existential dread can creep into you as you read, because as real as Bukowski gets, he never shies away from the low and ugly moments of life. So as much as I love his genuinity and simplicity, I found myself pacing the poems apart so I won’t be as affected with the bleak outlook into life that Bukowski unrelentingly portrayed.

But if you’re looking for a read that allows you to just feel and block out everything else, this collection might just be perfect, because with Essential Bukowski: Poetry, you can go on an intellectual journey across pretty much the entire spectrum of human emotion – not an easy feat for a regular book, but this is Bukowski, and you’re all set. 

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Notes of a Dirty Old Man

• Genre/Sub-genre – Fiction, historical fiction, fantasy, thriller, horror, adventure historical
• Content warnings – Graphic content, sexual content, alcohol consumption, explicit language, mature themes
• Type – Stand-alone
• No. of pages – 204
• First publication – January, 1969
• Goodreads rating – 3.93

$14.15

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I picked this up thinking this was a series of personal essays and realized this was a series of articles he wrote for a paper. But I didn’t need to change my expectations because true to his form, Bukowski weaves his own life into these articles, offering a front-row seat to his unfiltered experiences against the rebellious backdrop of the city. 

For me, Notes of a Dirty Old Man reads like a personal tour through the highs and lows of 1960s Los Angeles with Charles Bukowski as my guide. No sugar-coating, no holds barred – Bukowski lays it all bare with raw honesty. His gritty reality and counterculture vibe of 1960s LA comes through his simple and powerful language, creating a genuinely immersive experience into a bygone era.

Bukowski’s writing doesn’t tiptoe around the edges; it dives headfirst into the chaos, exposing things you might not even wish to know about, including, but not limited to, prostitution, abuse, rape, alcoholism, suicide, and murder. The effect of his unapologetic humor and gritty commentary is potent because they can resurrect the past, making it feel alive and palpable simply through his words.

Give Notes of a Dirty Old Man a try if you are interested in getting an uncensored view into 1960’s LA and Bukowski’s lived experience of it, but remember, this is reserved for the bold and the curious, and not for the faint of heart nor the easily offended. 

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Hot Water Music

• Genre/Sub-genre – Fiction, short stories, poetry, working class, dark humor
• Content warnings – Graphic content, sexual content, alcohol consumption, explicit language, mature themes
• Type – Stand-alone
• No. of pages – 221
• First publication – January, 1983
• Goodreads rating – 3.89

$12.69

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I picked up this book because I liked the title – Hot Water Music – for its simplicity and charm that I (mistakenly) thought was there inside the book as well. It was simple enough, don’t get me wrong, but whether it’s charming or not is a question I’d leave you to answer, depending on your definition of ‘charm.’

As always, Bukowski’s writing is plain, no-nonsense, and authentic – perfectly fitting the gritty moments of life he chronicles. His stories let us make pit stops at the less-than-glamorous spots in town – a smelly motel, a couple’s bickering haven, and a bar tended by a skeleton – and show us the harsh realities of working class life, profoundly and without judgment.  

Whether it’s love, working a menial job, or the aftermath of one too many drinks, Bukowski captures the quirks of everyday life with that darkly comical twist that he’s known for. His simple language hit me right in the feels because it was almost as if I was having a one-on-one chat with him about the oddities of life. 

I could say I did like it, but was it charming that it left me content after I finished reading it? Hardly. That said, Hot Water Music is worth a try if you think you’ll love the ride downtown, but I definitely recommend going into it expecting a gritty reality check.

There you have it – my list of best Charles Bukowski books. These books are great pick ups if you’re exploring realistic fiction and poetry with some healthy cynicism in it, because Bukowski writes with unflinching honesty and a blatant dislike for the phony and the fake. The reality check might seem too harsh at times, but with the raw honesty comes this heartfelt appreciation for life’s joyful moments, and that’s something that I feel is really unique to his writing. Happy reading!

As your next read, I recommend The Captain Is out to Lunch – a collection of journal entries penned by Bukowski which document the last few years of his life, and how he tragically came to terms with his diagnosis of leukemia. They do the work of making a humane figure out of his caricature-like public image, and it truly moved me. 

If you’ve read Bukowski’s work, you might be trying to connect the dots on how he fed his creative genius, so to that end, Charles Bukowski: Locked in the Arms of a Crazy Life is a perfect fit that narrates his life in minute detail, including some very rare pictures.

The post 11 Best Charles Bukowski Books To Get You Thinking appeared first on Bookishnerd.

And one of those is science fiction.

Specifically, I’d like to talk about science fiction audiobooks, because that’s primarily how I consume things these days, and a good audiobook with a good narrator can really make or break a story for me.

So, let’s dive into my best sci-fi audiobooks that I’ve found, and that you can get through Amazon, Audible, your favorite library app, or wherever you get your audiobooks.

Keep in mind, if you click some of these links and buy something, I get a small piece of that. It costs you nothing extra and every bit goes to my coffee fund, for which my day job thanks you.

The Best Sci-fi Audiobooks

Here’s the full list if you wanted to see it all scrunched up into a cozy guide. I’ve ordered these from worst to best (although the worst one is still one I would highly recommend, and keep in mind that this is all my little opinion).

For a more detailed breakdown of each book, continue reading below…

17. We Are Legion (We Are Bob), by Dennis E. Taylor

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We Are Legion (We Are Bob): Bobiverse, Book 1

• Audible Audiobook
• Dennis E. Taylor (Author) - Ray Porter (Narrator)
• English (Publication Language)
• 09/20/2016 (Publication Date) - Audible Originals (Publisher)

$17.46

Buy on Amazon

When I first started listening to a book that included “We Are Bob” in title, I didn’t really think I expected it to be all that good, to be honest.

But you know what? It actually was!

The story is about a guy who pays money to have his head cryogenically preserved upon his death. Decades after he dies, his brain is reawakened and he’s now an AI. It’s a really unique sci-fi, with a light-hearted comedic flair, which I really like. (You’ll soon see that I have very few of the depressing options on this list).

This started out as an Audible original, so it’s made for audio. And it won Audible’s own Best Science Fiction Book of 2016. Go check it out.

16. Red Rising, by Pierce Brown

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Red Rising

• Audible Audiobook
• Pierce Brown (Author) - Tim Gerard Reynolds (Narrator)
• English (Publication Language)
• 01/28/2014 (Publication Date) - Recorded Books (Publisher)

$22.57

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This is one of those books that almost doesn’t feel like a science fiction. It feels almost more like a high-tech epic military fantasy. But it’s definitely sci-fi. It’s just got a lot of armies and classes and hero’s journey-ings that it feels more like an epic.

But this book by Pierce Brown is a great one. It’s about a guy from a genetically engineered race of humans, bred to be a servant class, who rises up to overthrow the superiorly bred humans and leads this huge revolution. I’m not doing it justice. It’s great.

It’s read by Tim Gerard Reynolds, who is an amazing narrator. You’ll see his name pop up all over the place, particularly with some of the epic fantasy/sci-fi books out there.

The series has also spawned a lot of sequels, including a graphic novel, which is great.

15. Brave New World, by Aldous Huxley

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Brave New World

• Audible Audiobook
• Aldous Huxley (Author) - Michael York (Narrator)
• English (Publication Language)
• 01/16/2008 (Publication Date) - Blackstone Audio, Inc. (Publisher)

$16.52

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We had to fit a couple of classics into this list, and Brave New World is one of the best. It’s a dystopian novel, which aren’t my favorite if I’m being honest, but it’s also one of the dystopian novels that started it all. It and one more that I’ll talk about shortly.

The novel is set in the year 2540 AD and deals with the ramifications of certain scientific technologies, imagining a world with completely different ideas about reproduction, and psychology.

There are many different versions of this audiobook, since it was published way back in 1932. But this is the latest and greatest, with Michael York as the narrator. With the renewed interest in this book due to that new Peacock version, you know the one with Han Solo, I thought I had to include this on the list.

14. 11-22-63: A Novel, by Stephen King

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11-22-63: A Novel

• Audible Audiobook
• Stephen King (Author) - Craig Wasson (Narrator)
• English (Publication Language)
• 11/08/2011 (Publication Date) - Simon & Schuster Audio (Publisher)

$26.24

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Okay, I’m not always a huge Stephen King fan. Just not that into horror.

But hot damn, I have never been so riveted to a story as I was when I listened to 11-22-63.

This is more of a loose science fiction. The only sci-fi part of it is that the main character goes back in time. There isn’t much explanation as to why, and little thought about it other than as a mechanism to accomplish the real goal: stop President Kennedy from being assassinated.

It’s really a great story, enough to make me think that Mr. King should really give more thought to doing more books of this type. I quite prefer his non-horror books.

13. Children of Time, by Adrian Tchaikovsky

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Children of Time

• Audible Audiobook
• Adrian Tchaikovsky (Author) - Mel Hudson (Narrator)
• English (Publication Language)
• 05/02/2017 (Publication Date) - Audible Studios (Publisher)

$25.73

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This is one of those newer books that I read and was like, hey, this is actually surprisingly good!

The story is about a group of refugees fleeing a dying Earth, going to a distant planet that is supposed to be terraformed for their purposes, but they encounter another civilization there. Awkward…

The audiobook is beautifully read by Mel Hudson, and is one of those Audible Originals that was really quite good, definitely optimized for audio. I highly recommend it.

12. 1984, by George Orwell

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So, I’m not a fan of dark or dystopian sci-fi. I like my speculative fiction to be hopeful and inspiring. That said, with everything that has been going on the last few years, I can’t not put 1984 on the list.

I mean, what can I say about this book. It’s the book that first created a scarily possible dystopian future onto paper. And having it in audio does not help with my nerves.

Granted, the narration is amazing, it’s just that this book can get creepily familiar at times, and I honestly don’t like it. That said, it’s a classic for a reason, and one that everyone should read in his/her lifetime, even if it touches on topics that might be a little uncomfortable.

11. Leviathan Wakes, by James S. A. Corey

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Leviathan Wakes

• Audible Audiobook
• James S. A. Corey (Author) - Jefferson Mays (Narrator)
• English (Publication Language)
• 06/30/2017 (Publication Date) - Hachette Audio (Publisher)

$35.43

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Ever seen the Expanse? It’s a great television show. Full of intricate worldbuilding (or I should say solar system building), with plenty of gritty details. Well, that was based on this series by James S. A. Corey, which is actually the pen name for two authors: Daniel Abraham and Ty Franck.

The story is about an unusual alien entity being discovered in the solar system by some scientists who would use it for some not great reasons, all while there’s a cold war going on between Earth and Mars. Tensions escalate as everyone tries to get their hands on this proto-molecule, but it has plans of its own.

If you saw the show, you’ll definitely like the book. And even if you didn’t see the show, you should definitely start with the book first.

10. Heir to the Empire, by Timothy Zahn

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Star Wars: Heir to the Empire: (20th Anniversary Edition), The Thrawn Trilogy, Book 1

• Audible Audiobook
• Timothy Zahn (Author) - Marc Thompson (Narrator)
• English (Publication Language)
• 09/06/2011 (Publication Date) - Random House Audio (Publisher)

$17.72

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I had to get at least one Star Wars book on here…

And yes, I know, Star Wars is more like Space Fantasy, but I couldn’t help myself. I love a good Star Wars books.

And this is no ordinary Star Wars book, it’s the one written in 1991 that kind of launched the whole Star Wars publishing thing. It’s no canon in the same way that the new movies are, but elements from this story have definitely made it into other, more recent stories, such as the Mandalorian.

This version is a 20th Anniversary edition, and it’s read by Marc Thompson, who is a delight to listen to. It also has Star Wars music and sound effects to add to the immersion.

Get your hands on a copy, stat.

9. Galaxy’s Edge, by Jason Anspach and Nick Cole

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Galaxy's Edge

• Audible Audiobook
• Jason Anspach (Author) - R.C. Bray (Narrator)
• English (Publication Language)
• 02/20/2018 (Publication Date) - Podium Audio (Publisher)

$30.62

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Speaking of Star Wars, I also had to get at least one indie title on here as well, and that had to be Galaxy’s Edge by Jason Anspach and Nick Cole. It’s a lot like Star Wars, and even shares a name with the Star Wars theme park. But these guys had the name long before Galaxy’s Edge ended up in Disney Land and Disney World.

This series was self-published as a kind of Star Wars fan letter, a Star Wars what-if story, even though it’s not actually a Star Wars story.

It’s since become so popular, that it’s gone and spawned a ton of sequels and side stories, including many by different authors. There’s even one written by Karen Traviss, who has actually written Star Wars books before.

8. Off to Be the Wizard, by Scott Meyer

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Off to Be the Wizard: Magic 2.0, Book 1

• Audible Audiobook
• Scott Meyer (Author) - Luke Daniels (Narrator)
• English (Publication Language)
• 11 Pages - 03/18/2014 (Publication Date) - Brilliance Audio (Publisher)

$21.88

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Okay, so this one has one foot in science fiction and one in fantasy, but it’s really a sci-fi book because it involves time travel and digital wizardry.

It’s about a guy who discovers that there is a universal code governing the universe, and that he can manipulate it. So of course, he travels back in time so he can be seen as a wizard.

I’ve actually had a few people comment that this book wasn’t that great, but when I probe further, I learn that they read the Kindle version. They didn’t listen to the audiobook version.

This is one of those books that is essential to read in audio format. Luke Daniels is a brilliant narrator, and he really makes the comedy of this series come to life. I love him.

7. Foundation, by Isaac Asimov

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Foundation (Apple Series Tie-in Edition)

• Audible Audiobook
• Isaac Asimov (Author) - Scott Brick (Narrator)
• English (Publication Language)
• 04/20/2010 (Publication Date) - Random House Audio (Publisher)

$15.75

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Ever heard of Isaac Asimov? I’m pretty sure you have, especially if you’re into sci-fi. That’s because the guy kind of wrote the book (several books actually) defining science fiction. Things like the laws of robotics.

Anyway, the Foundation is one of his most well known, and for good reason. It’s a highly speculative look at how large empires that span solar systems rise and fall. It’s a great look not only at sci-fi ideals, but at sociology as well.

This particular version is read by Scott Brick, who is just such a phenomenal narrator. I could listen to his voice all day.

6. Skyward, by Brandon Sanderson

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Skyward

• Audible Audiobook
• Brandon Sanderson (Author) - Suzy Jackson (Narrator)
• English (Publication Language)
• 15 Pages - 11/06/2018 (Publication Date) - Audible Studios (Publisher)

$29.66

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If you’re a fantasy fan, you definitely know who Brandon Sanderson is. For the sci-fi fan, you’re in luck. He’s got one sci-fi series that starts with Skyward.

It’s kind of an Ender’s Game meets How to Train Your Dragon, kind of story. There’s a battle school, and the main character discovers a sentient spaceship that she then learns to fly. It’s a lot of fun, and full of classic Sanderson twists and turns.

Go get it, I highly recommend this author.

5. The Martian, by Andy Weir

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The Martian

• Audible Audiobook
• Andy Weir (Author) - Wil Wheaton (Narrator)
• English (Publication Language)
• 01/01/2020 (Publication Date) - Audible Studios (Publisher)

$29.66

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This is another one to keep you glued to…wherever you’re sitting/standing/lying down. The Martian is the tale of someone who gets left behind on Mars, and has to survive until an expedition can be sent back to pick him up.

It’s a hard science fiction, full of actual…well…science. And that’s part of what makes it so interesting. It’s actually not one of those books that a lot of people would think of as science fiction.

The audiobook is narrated by Wil Wheaton, who if you didn’t know, is sci-fi royalty. Kind of. He was that kid in Star Trek the Next Generation that seemed to annoy everyone.

And speaking of Wil Wheaton…

4. Ready Player One, by Ernest Cline

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Ready Player One

• Audible Audiobook
• Ernest Cline (Author) - Wil Wheaton (Narrator)
• English (Publication Language)
• 08/16/2011 (Publication Date) - Random House Audio (Publisher)

$19.69

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Wil Wheaton also narrates this book by Ernest Cline, the story of a boy caught up in a huge scavenger hunt for billions upon billions of dollars, all in this virtual world.

It’s one of the nerdiest books to ever come out, full of just about every geek reference you could think of. So of course I loved it.

It’s also one of those books that is hard to put down…or to stop listening.

I highly recommend it for anyone who wants a crash course in about fifty different nerd things, but also a genuinely good book.

3. Ender’s Game, by Orson Scott Card

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Ender's Game: Special 20th Anniversary Edition

• Audible Audiobook
• Orson Scott Card (Author) - Stefan Rudnicki, Harlan Ellison, Gabrielle de Cuir (Narrators)
• English (Publication Language)
• 12/30/2001 (Publication Date) - Macmillan Audio (Publisher)

$17.71

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When the fate of humanity rests in the hands of a young boy, you can bet we’re going to be in for some great sci-fi times.

I was lucky enough to not have the ending spoiled for me when I first read Ender’s Game, and I was glad I went in fresh. It’s got an incredible ending you guys. You just have to read it.

Ender’s Game is largely considered one of the best sci-fi stories ever, and tells the story of a young boy who is recruited into a space battle school to eventually fight and lead a war against an alien threat.

It’s good, you guys. Go read it.

2. Dune, by Frank Herbert

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Dune

• Audible Audiobook
• Frank Herbert (Author) - Scott Brick, Orlagh Cassidy, Euan Morton (Narrators)
• English (Publication Language)
• 12/31/2006 (Publication Date) - Macmillan Audio (Publisher)

$29.52

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If you’re in any kind of sci-fi circle, you’ve heard of Dune. It’s largely considered the biggest and best science fiction novel of all time. And I would agree with that. It’s basically the Lord of the Rings of science fiction, with worldbuilding to rival even that of the professor.

The story is about a young boy who is the result of thousands of years of genetic breeding, who is thrown into a plot to destroy his whole house. It’s got so much worldbuilding, philosophy, theocracy, and character development. Seriously, you guys. You need to check it out.

So if it’s so great, why isn’t it number one? Well…

1. Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy, by Douglas Adams

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The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy

• Audible Audiobook
• Douglas Adams (Author) - Stephen Fry (Narrator)
• English (Publication Language)
• 04/28/2005 (Publication Date) - Random House Audio (Publisher)

$11.81

Buy on Amazon

When it comes to best sci-fi books, I probably would put Dune first, but this is a list about best sci-fi audiobooks. And with that in mind, I can’t not put Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy first.

This is a book that is really meant to be read out loud. In fact, it’s based on a radio play that came out first.

This book is a comedy, and it’s read by the great comedian and voice artist, Stephen Fry. This mashup results in one of the best audio experiences I’ve ever had in my lifetime.

Hitchhiker’s Guide is 100% my top recommendation for the best sci-fi audiobooks. If you listen, you’ll understand. It doesn’t really get any better.

Final Thoughts

So those are my top picks for science fiction audiobooks. I hope you find these enjoyable, especially if you haven’t read some of these in the past. Take a look at all the links and see if there’s anything that tickles your fancy. You already know my favorites.

Cheers!

Jason

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My first read of Verity by Colleen Hoover left me so dumbstruck I actually had to read it a second time to write this review. The second read didn’t make it any easier though; the book is full of unspeakable acts, lies, and convincing prose that I’m still not sure what to believe. But one thing is certain: this bone-chilling book is not for the faint of heart. 

So if you think you’re ready for it, let’s dive right into ‘Verity.’

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Verity

• Author – Colleen Hoover
• Genre/Sub-genre – Thriller, mystery, fiction, mystery thriller, suspense, contemporary, adult, dark, psychological thriller
• Content warnings – Child abuse, murder, murder of a child, attempted home abortion, adultery, fatal pedestrian accident (descriptive, on-page), attempted murder, manipulation
• Type – Standalone
• No. of pages – 366
• Goodreads rating – 4.34
• Spice meter – 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ (a lot of explicit action and dirty talk, occurring frequently)

$6.99

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Verity contains dark and mature themes like murder, manipulation, and child abuse, so this book isn’t appropriate at all for anyone sensitive to these topics. Make sure to read the content warnings before you pick up the book, because even though you could handle serious themes, Colleen Hoover gets graphic and descriptive with her writing, and it can be difficult to get through some scenes.  

And I know a lot of teens love CoHo books, but this is one book of hers that I don’t recommend to young readers.

Lowen Ashleigh, the ghostwriter hired to complete the prolific author Verity Crawford’s work, discovers a horrifying truth – an autobiographical manuscript written by Verity, detailing her innermost thoughts and how she dealt with (and caused) the tragedies that befell the Crawford family. Now bedridden, Verity seems harmless and lost to the world, but Lowen can’t shake off the awareness that Verity is very much conscious and is hiding something more.

Lowen’s growing attraction to the grieving husband, Jeremy Crawford, prompts her to make irreversible choices until another truth comes to light. But now the question remains: which truth is the lie?

Verity opens with a blood-spattered ‘meet-cute’; Lowen is witness to a brutal car accident and Jeremy lends her a shirt to replace her own bloodied one. Only when they part ways but head into the same building do they realize they are scheduled for the same meeting. 

Jeremy is here to find a writer to continue his wife’s work as she’s incapacitated after a car wreck. Lowen is struggling to make ends meet, so despite her initial hesitance at taking over for a bestselling author, she signs the contract and drives herself to the Crawford home in Vermont. 

Even before she arrives though, we are set up for suspense. Much to Lowen’s suspicion, she finds next to nothing about Verity’s accident online. Then she tries getting into the author’s head with one of her works and realizes two things; one, the villain’s perspective the book is written in is impressively realistic and two, she will never be able to measure up to this author. So when Lowen finally arrives at the Crawford home, she is anxious and intimidated – so are we.    

The house doesn’t help. Colleen Hoover sets the scene with sharp attention to detail, capturing the endless estate, the eerie stillness of the lake that spans the massive house, and the gloomy hills beyond. Chills ran down my spine when Lowen said: 

“My mother used to say that houses have a soul, and if that is true, the soul of Verity Crawford’s house is as dark as they come.” – Lowen, Chapter 4

I couldn’t help thinking it’s a premonition, and true enough, Lowen discovers Verity’s manuscript soon after and we discover it’s not just the soul of the house that’s dark.   

The infamous manuscript captures Verity’s perspective of her life, her connection to Jeremy, her motivations for her children – and it’s horrifying to the level of disgust. But then again, we were warned this would happen: 

“What you read will taste so bad at times, you’ll want to spit it out, but you’ll swallow these words and they will become part of you, part of your gut, and you will hurt because of them.” – Verity, Author Note on her manuscript

Told in alternating chapters, Lowen’s account of the present and Verity’s account of the events leading up to the present paint a dark, uncomfortable picture of their intermingled narratives. But the discomfort a reader may feel is second to the intrigue that Hoover’s skillful writing evokes. 

Verity shows us her obsessive love for Jeremy, and she’s explicit about their sexual relationship and how she used her sexuality to manipulate him. Lowen, in response, sympathizes with Jeremy’s obliviousness to Verity’s vileness and for having to care for such a partner, leading to growing feelings between Lowen and Jeremy. 

It’s as twisted as twisted can be – more so because Verity’s presence is no longer confined to the past. To Lowen’s horror, Verity seems to be very much aware and not so immobilized.  Verity’s eyes follow Lowen at times, Verity’s son waves at his mother who was standing at the window, and Lowen’s startled by Verity’s appearance at the top of the stairs when she and Jeremy are having sex. 

The drastic turns in the manuscript get darker at every chapter Lowen (and we) read; Verity attempting to smother her daughter was so evil and heartless to read that I almost DNFed the book. But my bone-deep need to get to the end of the book kept me going so I read through every dark twist and every evil turn, only to be blindsided by the absolutely unhinged ending. Let me ask you, Ms. Hoover, who gave you the right to end this dizzying, mind-numbing story with another mystery? 

The book ends with a letter, written by present-day Verity, making us question everything, I mean everything, we read about so far. The letter makes us doubt the manuscript, Jeremy’s integrity, and even the death of a child, and we readers do NOT get the resolution we are after. Instead, we are left with disbelief and then awe at how masterfully Hoover has crafted a story so engrossing and impactful that it leaves readers dumbfounded and arguing in online forums over one question: “Which truth was she manipulating?” 

Before I end up turning it over and over to figure out which truth is the actual truth, I’d like to point out that I loved this book. True, I disliked almost every character in the book, hated some of their decisions even more, and the atrocities in the book were too dark and too intense to call it a pleasant read. Even with all that, I can never deny that this a masterclass in writing a confounding psychological thriller, because as dark and intense as the book is, it’s also wildly gripping and addictive from the moment it starts until the very end. 

I couldn’t get on board with a couple of things though. The depiction of sex, especially from Verity’s POV, was crude and manipulative and although it helped characterize the sexual power play, it eventually came to a point where it was too frequent and I couldn’t figure out the value it was adding to the narrative. The other thing is more a sentimental opinion than a criticism – I wish I didn’t have to read about a mother plotting and murdering her own child. It’s fiction, I know, but it was difficult seeing explicit details of that on page. 

So that personal peeve aside, I liked the thrilling, mind-bending ride this book took me on. Honestly, it made me wish Colleen Hoover wrote more thrillers because she clearly has the writing chops to create tough-to-love characters in an atmospheric novel of horrific proportions.

If you want to see for yourself how she took the darkest evils a human can commit and wrote them all into a riveting psychological thriller, pick up ‘Verity’ today. It will leave you screaming internally and pulling your hair out – perfect criteria for a read during the spooky season.

Fans of dark thrillers, psychological thrillers, and gothic horror would find Verity right up their alley because the book has elements coming from each genre to create a bestselling masterpiece. 

If you’re a CoHo fan familiar with her romance books, you really shouldn’t miss out on this book because it will show you a different side of her writing with this book.

If you loved ‘Verity’ and want to read similar books, I have a couple of recs for you. 

The Silent Patient is one such book – I was completely caught off guard by its plot twist. The novel follows a psychotherapist who’s trying to get through to a patient who stopped talking after she was accused of murdering her husband. 

All Good People Here, about a journalist trying to connect a murder that happened 25 years ago to a kidnapping that happens in the present, is similar to Verity in that it’s gripping and completely addictive. Check out my review of All Good People Here!

‘Verity’ is a book you can read in one sitting because Colleen Hoover makes the twists so dark and thrilling that you have to know what’s coming next, so despite the gray characters and grayer actions they take, you can only keep going. But finishing the book doesn’t necessarily give you answers. I’m left with my head buzzing even after the second read, so tell me, are you team letter, team manuscript, or do you think Jeremy masterminded everything?

The post Book Review: Verity By Colleen Hoover appeared first on Bookishnerd.

I picked up this book because I wanted to find out the exact meaning of the word ‘ikigai’ – I was curious because it has no direct English translation and, like any writer, I’m intrigued by fascinating words. To my delight, I came away with more than just the meaning of the word after reading the book.

Ikigai: The Japanese Secret To A Long And Happy Life by Francesc Miralles

• Authors – Héctor García, Francesc Miralles
• Genre/Sub-genre – Self-help, non fiction, philosophy, psychology, personal development, health, spirituality, productivity
• Content warnings – N/A
• Type – Standalone
• First publication – April, 2016
• No. of pages – 208
• Goodreads rating – 3.74

$16.00

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‘Ikigai’ Overview

‘Ikigai’ explores what it means to have a purpose or meaning in life drawing from relevant research in psychology, spirituality, and philosophy with commentary from lived experiences. 

The authors Héctor García and Francesc Miralles travel to Okinawa, Japan to discover the secret behind Okinawa residents’ longevity. There, they find a way of communal living filled with purpose, happiness, and good health that they share alongside interviews with the Okinawans and practical tips for a good life.

‘Ikigai’ Book Review

Basically, “Ikigai” is a Japanese concept that loosely translates to mean ‘the reason to live’, ‘the thing that makes life worth living,’ or according to the authors Héctor García and Francesc Miralles, “the happiness of always being busy.”

Now, this seemed a little contradictory to me because ‘always being busy’ does not (at all) inspire happiness in me so I was curious as to how this concept became so popular. I was even more intrigued when the authors tied ‘ikigai’ to longevity: 

“Those who study why the inhabitants of this island in the south of Japan [Okinawa] live longer than people anywhere else in the world believe that one of the keys—in addition to a healthful diet, a simple life in the outdoors, green tea, and then subtropical climate (its average temperature is like that of Hawaii)—is the ikigai that shapes their lives.” – Prologue

A purpose that makes life worth living and in fact, extends it, was a fascinating concept to me because a few years ago, I wasn’t exactly thrilled about having no real purpose in my work. This lack of contentment even seeped into my personal life where I stopped finding joy with people close to my heart and in my hobbies. So the way the authors – and the Okinawans – defined “ikigai” was relatable and personal: 

“According to those born on Okinawa, the island with the most centenarians in the world, our ikigai is the reason we get up in the morning…Having a clearly defined ikigai brings satisfaction, happiness, and meaning to our lives.” – Chapter 1

The authors expand on this concept drawing from Viktor Frankl’s logotherapy and Shoma Morita’s Morita therapy that focus on finding the meaning of life (the former) and working with one’s feelings and desire to find purpose in life (the latter). 

I found those theories interesting, but my favorite part of the book was the chapter about ‘flow.’

“…the heart of Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi’s research into the experience of being completely immersed in what we are doing. Csikszentmihalyi called this state “flow,” and described it as the pleasure, delight, creativity, and process when we are completely immersed in life.” – Chapter 3

I could relate to this state of immersion because it happens when I’m reading a book that takes me far into a world of its own or when I’m writing a piece that captures my attention that the world falls behind and only the sound of tapping keys remains. The ‘flow’ got me thinking about the “ikigai” and how it’s described as “the happiness of always being busy.” I’ll admit, it made me realize how always being busy and being happy is entirely possible, because I’m happy when I read or write – I was just defaulting into the idea that ‘always being busy’ means being stressful and under pressure all the time. 

So instead of looking at “ikigai” as having to be busy, I understood it to be about enjoying being busy and unhurried–especially inspired by the centenarians from the village of Ogimi in the island of Okinawa. In an interview, an elderly Ogimi resident says that their secret to a long life is slowing down:

“Doing many different things everyday. Always staying busy, but doing one thing at a time, without getting overwhelmed.” – Chapter 6

The interviews with the people of Ogimi also highlight the importance of cultivating good habits, consuming healthy food, nurturing friendships, and being optimistic in order to lead a long, fulfilled life. 

I loved the wealth of information packed into the book, and also the glimpse into life on Okinawa island, but I felt the authors spent a lot of time on drawing from other research instead of focusing on “ikigai.” I was waiting till they shared a comprehensive guide into finding our own “ikigai” but it never came, and I felt a little let down because the book didn’t deliver what its title promised. Now, something I thought was really neat was when I learned the author duo has published a follow-up book called ‘The Ikigai Journey’ and it fills in this missing part about how to find our “ikigai” – I thought it was a motivating read and a solid follow up. 

The other concern for me about the ‘Ikigai’ book was about the learnings from Okinawans. I could see that they were lovely people with a passion for their work and community, but the profound, meaningful insight about ikigai that the authors promised from their interviews just wasn’t there. I think the genuinity of the Okinawa residents would have come through better if their interviews were framed differently, and that would’ve added a lot to the learning experience.

My rating for the book went down a little because it didn’t meet the expectations that were set out by its blurb, but that does not mean you shouldn’t give ‘Ikigai’ a chance. The research and wellness practices that the authors cover are valuable, interesting to read, and definitely actionable, so if you’re looking for a simple, inspiring read on how to improve the quality of your life, ‘Ikigai’ by Héctor García and Francesc Miralles is worth a read.

Who Should Read ‘Ikigai’

Fans of the hygge lifestyle of slowing down and enjoying the quiet pleasures of life might find “ikigai” an interesting concept to learn about because the two concepts, while kind of built for the same goal (finding happiness), suggest working toward the goal in such different ways. If hygge is about finding happiness in not doing anything, “ikigai” is about finding happiness in doing, so you’re definitely up for a refreshing read with this book.

Readers who want to find wholesome ways of living to improve the quality of your life might find ‘Ikigai’ an interesting read.

Books Similar to ‘Ikigai’

The Ikigai Journey written by the same author duo is a follow-up book to ‘Ikigai’ that helps you find your own ikigai. This book fills in the gaps of ‘Ikigai’, showing you how to find your “ikigai” among other things, so pick up for a great follow-up read!

Man’s Search For Meaning is a great read similar to ‘Ikigai’ in that it draws from lived experience to discuss the same topic – the meaning of life.  

And if you would like to read more on inspiring ways of living, give The Little Book of Hygge a chance – it talks about slowing down and finding joy in small moments in life.

If you’re looking for more self-help reads on various topics, check out all my self-help book reviews.

Final Thoughts

Building on the concept of a life worth living, Ikigai: The Japanese Secret To A Long And Happy Life packs a wealth of information, draws on a lot of relevant concepts, and shares with us the way of life of the people who’ve found their “ikigai.” This is a short read with actionable practices toward a fulfilling life, so pick it up for a quick dive into “ikigai” and how to live a long and happy life.

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The post Book Review: ‘Ikigai’ By Héctor García and Francesc Miralles appeared first on Bookishnerd.

It’s sweet torture, that’s what it is.

I’ve made a list of brother’s best friend books that have the same fluttery feelings of a crush and the heady rush of having those feelings returned, despite obstacles. Let’s see if you’ll love them as much as I did.

Best Brother’s Best Friend Book List

What’s Brother’s Best Friend Book Trope?

Picture this: you have a brother, mostly annoying like all siblings are, and unnecessarily overprotective at times. Your brother has a cute/hot/genius/super cool best friend that you’ve been secretly crushing on. You go on pining for the longest time until one day, he starts looking at you that way. NOW, things get hot. And chaotic.

This is basically what happens in a brother’s best friend romance, give or take a few tropes. My list has a few small town romances, sports romances, and even a historical romance, all ranging from little bit of steam to full blown smutty scenes.

So I’ve added a spice meter to each book. This is my personal opinion, and your smut preferences might vary, but the meter gives you an idea of the level of smut in each book.

• 🌶️– sexual language and a little on-page action
• 🌶️🌶️– a lot of sexual language and some on-page action, may be occurring couple times
• 🌶️🌶️🌶️– some explicit action and dirty talk, occurring frequently
• 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ – a lot of explicit action and dirty talk, occurring frequently
• 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ – super graphic and explicit, occurring very frequently

Let’s dive into the list of best brother’s best friend books.

Best Brother’s Best Friend Book Reviews

1. Ugly Love – My favorite

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Ugly Love: A Novel

• Author – Colleen Hoover
• Genre/Sub-genre – Contemporary, new adult, contemporary romance, adult, romance, chick lit, young adult, love
• Content warnings – Death of a child, death of a parent, sexual harassment, violence, injury/injury detail
• Type – Standalone
• No. of pages – 333
• Goodreads rating – 4.10
• Spice meter – 🌶️🌶️🌶️

$9.02

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This book absolutely ruined me. I was sobbing, ugly crying, and ready to throw hands by the time I finished Ugly Love, so of course it’s my favorite.

This story is about Tate, who moves in with her brother for a fresh start and about Miles, her brother’s friend who quite literally crashes at their place. They have immediate sparks for each other, but they don’t act on it. Then the attraction between them grows to the point that they agree to be friends with benefits, but Tate falls first, even knowing she shouldn’t.

She shouldn’t, because Miles refuses to fall in love. The truth is, he has been so hurt in the past that he doesn’t want to make himself vulnerable again, and doesn’t believe he’s capable of accepting Tate’s love. But the way they deal with the pain and come out of it is what makes this book beautiful.

This book also has a lot of steamy scenes compared to CoHo’s other books, so prepare for some heart-throbbing and pulse-racing encounters when Tate and Miles are together together.

I have to mention though, this book doesn’t have a lot of brother drama that we usually see in most brother’s best friend books. Personally, I think that’s a good thing because Ugly Love isn’t the easiest to read, but it’s worth remembering if that’s an important part of the formula to you.

I really recommend giving it a try though; the way Miles softens, learns to accept love, and returns that love because of Tate, after years of hurt and pain is so beautiful to see.

2. Twisted Love

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Twisted Love (Twisted, 1)

• Author – Ana Huang
• Genre/Sub-genre – Romance, contemporary, contemporary romance, new adult, adult, dark, love, college
• Content warning – Murder, death of a parent, violence, child abuse, gun violence, kidnapping, sexual violence
• Type – Series
• No. of pages – 360
• Goodreads rating – 3.74
• Spice meter – 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

$5.33

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Ana Huang has been recommended to me so many times and, boy, am I glad I listened to the recs. Twisted Love is the first book of the Twisted series, but they can all be read as standalones.

In this one, we have Alex, the brooding, alpha MMC and Ava, his best friend’s sister and neighbor. Ava is indifferent to Alex at the beginning and so is he, but his feelings start to change and this jealous streak (which is very hot) comes out.

This book has the grumpy sunshine trope which I absolutely love. The angry, brooding MMC who believes he can’t be loved falls for the sweetheart of an FMC and starts craving her love, her touch, the safety of her presence… Alex literally calls Ava ‘Sunshine’ at a point and when I tell you I melted into a puddle 🫠 Plus, the smut is heavy between these two so I was constantly switching between melting and blushing.

This one has the overprotective big brother (Josh is adorable though) and he asks Alex to take care of Ava while he’s away – which in my eyes pretty much gives permission for stuff other than protecting.

I was so hooked I finished this book in a day so if you need a burning hot romance with an alpha MMC and a sunshine FMC, here’s your sign to start reading Twisted Love.

3. The Duke and I – My first brother’s best friend romance!

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Bridgerton [TV Tie-in] (Bridgertons Book 1)

• Author – Julia Quinn
• Genre/Sub-genre – Romance, historical romance, historical fiction, historical, adult, regency, chick lit, regency romance
• Content warning – Sexual abuse, child abuse, abandonment, pregnancy, miscarriage, gun violence
• Type – Series
• No. of pages – 384
• Goodreads rating – 3.81
• Spice meter – 🌶️🌶️🌶️

$8.50

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First off, I’m a huge fan of JQ—an I’ve-read-every-book-she’s-written kind of fan. So when I read Duke and I so long ago, I didn’t realize I was reading a brother’s best friend trope – I just simply picked up the first book of the Bridgerton series after completing the Bevelstoke series.

Duke and I is the first book in a series about eight siblings of the Bridgerton family living in Regency London. This book is about Daphne’s love story, the fourth sibling and the oldest sister. She’s 21 years old and nearly a spinster (this is Regency England, afterall) and her prospects aren’t great because instead of charming gentlemen like a well-bred lady, she’s friends with everyone.

Enter the Duke of Hastings AKA Simon Bassett – Daphne’s brother’s friend. He’s all broody, unapproachable, and completely uninterested in marriage. They crash into each other (literally) and devise a plan to one, make Daphne desirable in the eyes of society men, and two, keep hordes of mothers from hounding Simon with proposals. Obviously, they fall for each other, much to the annoyance of Anthony, Daphne’s brother, who’s furious and challenges Simon to a duel – so drama ensues.

The best part though, is how the MCs fall for each other despite both of them not wanting to. I loved how Simon gives up his long-held (stupid) beliefs as he realizes his love for Daphne.

The nuances of the book are a bit different from the TV show. I love them both, but I’m biased toward the book, because it’s my first love. So if you’re in for a historical romance with some heat-inducing smut and an honorable brother going bonkers, here’s your book, read it.

4. The Chase

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The Chase: A Forced Proximity College Romance with Hockey Heat (Briar U, 1)

• Author – Elle Kennedy
• Genre/Sub-genre – Romance, sports romance, new adult, sports, college, contemporary, contemporary romance, hockey, adult
• Content warning – Sexual assault, violence, bullying, adult/minor relationship, child abuse
• Type – Series
• No. of pages – 368
• Goodreads rating – 3.88
• Spice meter – 🌶️🌶️🌶️

$11.30

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I already thought Elle Kennedy can do no wrong after I read her Off-Campus books, The Deal and The Mistake, but I’m fully convinced now after reading The Chase in one sitting

This book is the first of the Briar-U series, a spin-off of the Off-campus series. We are once again in a sports romance book, which is not my cup of tea unless Elle Kennedy made it. We have our FMC, Summer, who moves in with her brother and her room/team mates and Fitz, our MMC, a hockey player who’s in denial that he’s attracted to his friend’s sister.

Sparks fly and ignite as they rightly should, and because this is an opposites-attract, forced proximity story, the fire is even hotter. Despite Fitzy’s immature reactions at first, I fell for him because geekiness and hotness is exactly what you need in a perfect book boyfriend. Summer was a bit bratty but she grew on me as the story progressed. Seeing Garret and the others from the Off-Campus series was a nice bonus.

In addition to the romance and the smut, Kennedy handled some serious issues with grace – like dysfunctional families and girl-on-girl hate – kudos to her for that.

My forever favorite from this author will be The Deal, but dare I say The Chase gave a good chase (get it?) for first place and landed somewhere pretty close to the top. Read it if you like sports romance and college stories, and there’s almost no chance you’ll end up disappointed.

5. Fix Her Up – My first Tessa Bailey book!

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Fix Her Up: A Novel

• Author – Tessa Bailey
• Genre/Sub-genre – Romance, contemporary romance, contemporary, adult, sports, sports romance, chick lit, new adult
• Content warning – Abandonment, substance abuse, bullying
• Type – Series
• No. of pages – 400
• Goodreads rating – 3.63
• Spice meter – 🌶️🌶️🌶️

$9.93

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Tessa Bailey is another author who was recommended to me over and over. I picked this book already planning to dislike her (the title was a bit of a turnoff) but it turned out to be such a sweet read!

Georgie, our FMC, is the youngest in a big family so she’s not being taken very seriously – you know, baby of the family thing. She doesn’t join the family business, instead, she becomes a clown (I’m serious, stay with me). She loves kids, so she performs at kids’ parties and I thought that was super adorable.

Then we have Travis, our MMC, who is a major league baseball player now back home after injury. He also happens to be Georgie’s brother’s friend since childhood, and the man she’s been crushing on since forever.

This is a small town romance, and there’s a bit of fake dating too. Except, it appears that Travis can no longer see Georgie as his friend’s little sister, as she grows into herself and becomes more confident. Because it’s a small town story where everyone knows everyone’s business, there is some family drama, but nothing that can drown out the spark and the smut.

One cute, warm, and a sizzling small town romance later, I turned into a Tessa Bailey stan. So pick this book up if you need a story with all the fuzzy feelings of a crush, a first love, and some pulse-racing smut.

6. Beautiful Player

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Beautiful Player (5)

• Author – Christina Lauren
• Genre/Sub-genre – Romance, contemporary romance, contemporary, new adult, adult, humor, erotica, adult humor, erotic romance, chick lit
• Content warning – N/A
• Type – Series
• No. of pages – 432
• Goodreads rating – 4.26
• Spice meter – 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

$9.97

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I’ve read only the recent books that came from the Christina – Lauren author duo, so I thought of trying out one of their earlier books. Beautiful Player is the third in a series that can be read as standalones, and I picked it for its title. At the end of the day, I’m a simple girl; I see a casanova male lead and I fold.

This casanova, Will, is tasked with turning Hannah, a bookworm and his friend’s little sister, into a sultry siren (this is straight out of the book!). So basically, Hannah gets lessons on how to be sexy from the man she’s had a crush on since they were kids and obviously things turn dangerously flirty and hot.

I’m used to the smut level of the author duo’s other books like Unhoneymooners or The Soulmate Equation, so to see it taken several notches up was a welcome surprise.

I adored Hannah because she kept throwing book references at us throughout the book and I was so happy for her when she grew to be self-assured and confident. Will was such DREAM! I mean, I probably won’t go for that man IRL but man, he’s yum.

If you want a smutty romance that manages to hit all the emotional beats as well, then you won’t be disappointed with the Beautiful Player. Hell, I’d say pick up the entire Beautiful Bastards series because it’s so good.

7. To Love Jason Thorn

To Love Jason Thorn

• Author – Ella Maise
• Genre/Sub-genre – Romance, contemporary romance, contemporary, new adult, adult, chick lit, humor, erotica
• Content warning – Sexual assault, death of a parent, car accident, substance abuse, stalking
• Type – Standalone
• No. of pages – 428
• Goodreads rating – 3.80
• Spice meter – 🌶️🌶️🌶️

$15.99

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Why are second-chance romances the way to my heart? I just can’t look away if I come across one. They just remind me that in life, people aren’t perfect and second chances are needed and almost always deserved. This trope, coupled with the fake marriage trope and the steamy sex scenes in the book, is really the cherry on top of the cake.

To Love Jason Thorn deals with lifelong love – Olive has been in love with Jason since she was 7 years old! When they have to work together as adults and are forced into a marriage together, they can’t keep their hands off of each other. Jason is possessive and I’d die for a possessive MC anyday. Olive is sweet and sexy and the smut between the two, as they deal with their fake marriage, is totally worth a read.

This is a slow read but it’s one of those books you need when you are looking for a breather from fast-paced, quick burns. It’s cute and sexy and truly worth your time.

8. Under Locke

Under Locke

• Author – Mariana Zapata
• Genre/Sub-genre – Romance, new adult, contemporary, contemporary romance, adult, humor, erotica, chick lit
• Content warning – Death of a parent, violence, abandonment, gun violence, injury/injury detail
• Type – Standalone
• No. of pages – 497
• Goodreads rating – 3.94
• Spice meter – 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

$21.99

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Under Locke had a super interesting setup with a biker gang and a tattoo shop and opposites attract romance, so never having been a biker girl myself, I just wanted to find the appeal.

I’m happy to say that it appealed really well. Our MMC, Dex, is a player type with a bad temper, and Iris, his friend’s half-sister is innocent and sweet as they come. She moves to Dex’s town after personal tragedy and tries to find her footing, which she finds in Dex’s tattoo shop.

The two have the hots for each other but both are in denial because for Dex, it isn’t honorable to go for his friend’s sister and for Iris, Dex spells bad boy. A series of angst and acts of jealousy later, they get together and we find out exactly how bad Dex is 🔥

There’s some suspense as well when things escalate with a few dangerous people, and I found it a bit jarring because it took me out of the love story, but that might be just a me thing. Mariana Zapata executed the steam and the romance exceptionally well, so I’d say I’m pretty happy with how it turned out overall.

Read this if you need a bad boy-good girl romance in your life. Under Locke won’t disappoint you.

9. Mr. Wrong Number

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Mr. Wrong Number

• Author – Lynn Painter
• Genre/Sub-genre – Romance, contemporary romance, contemporary, adult, adult fiction, chick lit, new adult
• Content warning – Fire/fire injury, blood, injury/injury detail
• Type – Series
• No. of pages – 350
• Goodreads rating – 3.72
• Spice meter – 🌶️🌶️🌶️

$10.73

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I discovered Lynn Painter through Better Than The Movies (like most of you, I think), and I was super excited to see how she went about an adult romance. Let me tell you, she did not disappoint.

We have Olivia, our chaotic disaster (I relate!) of an FMC and Colin, her brother’s best friend and new roommate. Roommate, because Olivia has to move somewhere after setting fire to her apartment (I did say she’s chaotic).

After receiving a random text from a stranger, Olivia and ‘Mr. Wrong Number’ keep up this hilarious back and forth which I absolutely loved. Things get flirty between them just as Olivia and Colin start to live together.

Colin has always teased and made fun of Olivia when they were kids, and Olivia dislikes Colin for his controlling, meticulous nature. Or… does she? I’d say you should pick up the book and read what happens, because anything beyond this point is a spoiler.

One thing I didn’t like much is how Colin’s character traits change across the book. Don’t get me wrong, I love a hero who grows and changes for the better, but these were more subtle changes that didn’t add up and left me confused.

At the end of the day though, this story is as cute and sexy as you need your standard romcom to be, so it should definitely be on your TBR if you love the brother’s best friend trope.

10. Rush

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Rush (Breathless)

• Author – Maya Banks
• Genre/Sub-genre – Romance, erotica, BDSM, contemporary, contemporary romance, erotic romance, adult, new adult
• Content warning – Sexual assault, death of a parent, violence
• Type – Series
• No. of pages – 396
• Goodreads rating – 3.89
• Spice meter – 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

$14.00

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Rush is book 1 of the Breathless series and my god, does it serve the name of the series well. This book is not just your typical fuzzy romance, there’s BDSM and smut involved, so proceed with caution (or frenzy 🔥).

If you’re a fan of the Fifty Shades of Grey series, then this is the book for you. It comes with the BDSM, the brooding, the rich MMC, the contract, the whole works, except with slightly less erotica (I know, I was sad about that too). What I really liked about the pair, Gabe and Mia, was the fact that they both secretly pined for each other for years, before finally jumping into bed with each other. There’s a ton of affection and history involved, along with all the smut and sex, so this is the perfect trust-building BDSM romance for those of us who are a bit on the wild side.

Maya Banks does not disappoint in this book, and I’m waiting to give the rest of the series a try. Pick it up for a steamy quick burn!

11. 99 Percent Mine

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99 Percent Mine: A Novel

• Author – Sally Thorne
• Genre/Sub-genre – Romance, contemporary romance, contemporary, chick lit, adult, new adult, adult fiction, humor
• Content warning – Chronic illness, medical content, alcoholism, abandonment, sexual harassment
• Type – Standalone
• No. of pages – 368
• Goodreads rating – 3.36
• Spice meter – 🌶️🌶️🌶️

$6.99

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Sally Thorne hasn’t let me down yet. The Hating Game was amazing and 99 Percent Mine followed through fantastically as well. This book is so freaking charming. It’s a soft read, and you find yourself just rooting for the FMC. Darcy is a total sweetheart and an accomplished baddie, and she’s not afraid to chase after her twin brother’s best friend, Tom, when he comes to renovate the cottage she’s inherited.

The heart wants what it wants and I loved Darcy because the woman has no fear going after what her heart wants. She’s the spark to Tom’s quiet nature and the pair are truly well-matched. I was laughing at the parts where she makes Tom all uncomfortable with her inappropriate comments while he’s trying to remain serious. We love a serious, kind MC over here and Tom did not disappoint. That said, we do also have some brother drama in this book. I think Jamie, Darcy’s twin, was a little bit too invested in his sister’s love life, but that didn’t take out any steam in the story for me.

If you’re looking for a fun, quirky, vibrant romance read for the weekend, then settle down with this Sally Thorne.

12. Play with Me

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Play With Me Special Edition

• Author – Becka Mack
• Genre/Sub-genre – Romance, sports romance, hockey, sports, contemporary, contemporary romance, adult, new adult
• Content warning – Substance abuse, death of a parent, bullying, pregnancy
• Type – Series
• No. of pages – 569
• Goodreads rating – 4.30
• Spice meter – 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

$18.94

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I tend to avoid sports romances (unless they’re written by Elle Kennedy, of course). Sue me, I’m a nerd. But Garrett and Jennie really redeemed the trope for me – they’re so incredibly cute together, and it all starts with friendship! I’m a sucker as any for a good friends-to-lovers story and watching these two open up to and care about each other, while enjoying certain other benefits (hint hint), really did wonders for me. It’s not just steamy between them, there’s a lot of affection too; they bring the fluff and the smut perfectly together.

The sneaking around in this book is all sorts of hot and heavy, especially because Jennie’s older brother is so overprotective. Garrett is angelic though, and so sweet and patient. He’s a jock and not my type IRL, but he’s definitely a favorite MC of mine. He’s the good kind of simp though, and the connection between the two is so obvious from the get-up (except to them. They take their own sweet time figuring it out).

The conversations between the characters though can be a little off-putting – to me, they sounded like the author was trying too hard. I wasn’t really a fan of that because it made the book drag on a little bit. But, if you’re into slow relationship building and all those forbidden scenes, give this one a go.

13. Done and Dusted

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Done and Dusted: A Small Town Romance (Rebel Blue Ranch)

• Author – Lyla Sage
• Genre/Sub-genre – Romance, westerns, contemporary, contemporary romance, sports romance, adult, sports, new adult, chick lit
• Content warning – Injury/injury detail, death of a parent, violence, abandonment
• Type – Series
• No. of pages – 348
• Goodreads rating – 4.02
• Spice meter – 🌶️🌶️

$2.19

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When I tell you I BINGED this book, I really mean it. A sexy cowboy for the MC, a girl who returns to her small hometown from college as the FMC? Done. Dusted. Sign me up.

Luke is Emmy’s older brother’s best friend, who’s been practically raised by Emmy’s well-off family because of his troubled childhood. They’ve known each other for decades and care for each other in a sibling-kinda way, which changes pretty fast once Emmy returns from college after a horse riding accident.

He may have been a bad boy in the past, but with her he’s the softest, sweetest Western cowboy. He becomes her safe space, and the way Sage builds the story to show how the trust between them develops gave me all the warm feels. I’m all for a sexy, grumpy MC but this MC who knows how to communicate, is patient with and proud of his girl is everything.

This book is that sweet, warm, small-town romance you’ve been looking for. Just read it today.

14. The Off Limits Rule

The Off Limits Rule: A Romantic Comedy

• Author – Sarah Adams
• Genre/Sub-genre – Romance, contemporary romance, contemporary, adult, humor, clean romance, chick lit, new adult
• Content warning – Pregnancy, bullying, stalking, abandonment
• Type – Series
• No. of pages – 282
• Goodreads rating – 3.69
• Spice meter – 🌶️🌶️

$29.95

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I devoured this book; it was so fun and swoon-worthy. I loved that the character arcs were so well-written, with Lucy who has hit rock bottom coming to live with her brother and trying to restart her life. She’s such a breath of fresh air because she’s so realistically written – she’s a fiercely independent single mother who’s doing it all.

Cooper, her brother’s best friend, is literally the perfect match for her. He’s also learning how to trust again, and together, the two of them really get a fresh start on love and life. You are left rooting for them because they’re big hearted and adorable and I just read the entire thing with a big-ass smile on my face.

The brother drama in this one is big though – it’s actually a big plot driver. Drew, Lucy’s brother, is completely against these two dating, and I could think of three times I got furious with him for his attitude. I kept yelling in my head saying, ‘Lucy and Cooper are adults, my dude!’

Despite getting mad at Drew, I truly enjoyed this book and won’t think twice about recommending it. If you need a romance that makes you feel all lovey-dovey (and a little mad), take this book and settle down with a hot drink on a cold, rainy day.

15. Where Good Girls Go To Die

Where Good Girls Go to Die

• Author – Holly Renee
• Genre/Sub-genre – Romance, new adult, contemporary, contemporary romance, adult, dark, erotica, new adult romance
• Content warning – Miscarriage, car accident
• Type – Series
• No. of pages – 340
• Goodreads rating – 3.69
• Spice meter – 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

$12.00

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I LOVE second-chance romances and I LOVE good girls who develop a darker streak, so when I read the blurb of this book, I knew I had to read it. I’m so glad I did.

This book isn’t for the faint-hearted; it’s not your typical fuzzy love story. There’s heartbreak, lies, love and hate, all rolled into one perfect romance novel. More than anything, the writing in this book is phenomenal. Holly Renee really has a beautiful way with words and I couldn’t put the book down.

Livy is working at a strip club when she runs into Parker for the first time in years. He’s her brother’s best friend and the reason why she left home in the first place. The real problem? He’s getting married to someone else and now, they have to figure out how to be friends with each other.

Where Good Girls Go To Die deals with heavy themes like infidelity and forgiveness. I’d recommend this book any day for those looking for the most perfect slowburn with themes for the more adult crowd.

16. Bad Habit

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Bad Habit (Bad Love)

• Author – Charleigh Rose
• Genre/Sub-genre – Romance, high school, contemporary, contemporary romance, dark, adult, abuse
• Content warning – Substance abuse, death of a parent, violence, injury/injury detail
• Type – Series
• No. of pages – 348
• Goodreads rating – 3.79
• Spice meter – 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

$9.97

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I like romance, but give me dark romance, and I’m yours forever. Forbidden love, scandal, betrayal, second chances – Bad Habit ticked all of these boxes for me. I couldn’t put the book down, not just because of the well-written characters, but also because of the plot. 10/10 to Charleigh Rose for perfectly crafting the plot and fleshing it out across the book.

I’m a total simp for bad boys and I swooned over Asher. He’s misunderstood, flawed, and an alphahole. He lives like he has nothing to lose, but completely loses it when anyone dares go near Briar! He’s total ‘I’d burn the world for you’ vibes and we are all here for it. Very simply put, Asher is Sexy with a capital S. Briar is the perfect match for him because she’s so different from him – she’s kind, committed, helpful, and very mature, even though she’s much younger than Asher.

I became a huge fan of Charleigh after this book – she gave me everything I look for from a dark romance, from heart stopping emotions to drool-worthy sexual tension. If you’re looking for a bad boy alphahole and an opposites-attract trope, this is the book for you.

17. Playing for Keeps

Playing for Keeps (Hot Jocks)

• Author – Kendall Ryan
• Genre/Sub-genre – Romance, sports, sports romance, hockey, contemporary, contemporary romance, new adult, adult
• Content warning – Sexual assault, injury/injury detail
• Type – Series
• No. of pages – 190
• Goodreads rating – 3.80
• Spice meter – 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

$14.99

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This is a girl-next-door-meets-hot-jock romance and it’s a fresh spin on a classic trope. It starts with a drunken night and ends with an HEA and really, what more can you ask for?

I loved that both Elise and Justin harbored crushes for each other for years, stomping down on their true feelings because Justin’s best friend is Elise’s brother. Both of them are so endearing, both individually and together. Although Justin may come off as your typical manwhore jock, his soft spot for Elise trumps it all.

Personally, I’m not usually a fan of one-night stand love stories, but this one swayed me because it had the pining and the angst before they slept together.

One night is never enough with the love of your life, as Elise and Justin very rightly realize throughout the book. It’s a sexy, fun sports romance and I 100% recommend this for all of you who want to settle down with an uncomplicated, easy read.

18. A False Start

A False Start: A Small Town Brother's Best Friend Romance (Gold Rush Ranch)

• Author – Elsie Silver
• Genre/Sub-genre – Romance, contemporary, contemporary romance, westerns, sports romance, sports, adult, western romance, mental health, new adult
• Content warning – Substance abuse, domestic abuse, violence
• Type – Series
• No. of pages – 404
• Goodreads rating – 4.17
• Spice meter – 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

$17.00

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I found the Gold Rush Ranch series when I was looking for a warm and cuddly small town romance, and it really did the trope justice. Think Gilmore Girls but cuter and fuzzier and with more farmland. It’s a trope you could easily mess up but Silver doesn’t make it too formulaic – I think that’s where her charm lies. This is a series of interconnected standalones so you can just pick up A False Start without much worry.

I really, REALLY loved Nadia – what a well-written FMC! Girl really knew how to learn from her past, grow, and deal with her mental health, all the while falling in love with her brother’s grumpy best friend, Griffin. Total girl crush, for real. And the fact that she first kissed him in a bar, and only saw him again two years later, on her brother’s ranch? Ugh, so perfect, that pining and dreaming about that one interaction. The two really complement each other; he’s grumpy and she’s sassy so there’s a perfect push and pull between the pair.

Like Nadia, Griffin has amazing character development too. He’s like the definition of ‘if he wanted to, he would.’ He changes for her! I mean, what more can you ask for, right? The age gap of fourteen years was an added bonus for me!

Elsie never fails to make me cry, so yes, I was bawling by the end of this book. It’s so character-centered and you get so emotionally connected to all of them. The book can get a little slow towards the end, but I’d recommend not giving up on it.

19. The Secret to Dating Your Best Friend’s Sister

The Secret to Dating Your Best Friend's Sister (The Bromance Club Book 1)

• Author – Meghan Quinn
• Genre/Sub-genre – Romance, new adult, contemporary, contemporary romance, adult, humor, college, chick lit
• Content warning – Sexual assault, alcoholism
• Type – Standalone
• No. of pages – 344
• Goodreads rating – 4.09
• Spice meter – 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

$4.99

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I loved, loved, loved  The Secret to Dating Your Best Friend’s Brother (the title’s a little on the nose, true)! Why? Simple reason, the MMC, Bram. My hero. The myth. The legend. He’s everything a girl could ask for, seriously. The effort this man puts into making his girl happy, showing her how much he loves her. I ask you, why would anybody settle for any less?

Julia, Julia, Julia. The FMC. I’m torn about her, to be honest. She’s highly accomplished and a freaking dating expert, but can’t figure out what she has right in front of her. Thankfully for all of us, Bram is patient, kind, and not ready to give up on his forever-crush. Together, both of them give us a quirky and warm romance – a Meghan Quinn special. After all, I only pick up an MQ book when I want to feel good.

This one’s for all of you who want to laugh while wanting to throw a book at the FMC for being so stubborn. She’s a we-love-to-hate-but-will-root-for-her kinda girl. Read it for Bram, though. Stay for Bram. Dream of Bram.

20. The Bookworm’s Guide to Dating

The Bookworm's Guide to Dating

• Author – Emma Hart
• Genre/Sub-genre – Romance, new adult, contemporary, contemporary romance, adult, chick lit, humor
• Content warning – Violence, pregnancy
• Type – Series
• No. of pages – 362
• Goodreads rating – 3.67
• Spice meter – 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

$15.24

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I’m a sucker for a good romcom so when I came across this book, I had to give it a go and it DID NOT disappoint. It’s about a close-knit group of friends so it was instantly warm and fuzzy and funny. I found myself rooting for all the characters because of how close they are with each other.

The biggest plus for me? Kinsley, our FMC, is a bookworm, owns a bookstore, and spends her time dreaming about book boyfriends (hitting really close to home there!). I really related to her character and how she struggles in the modern dating world, plus I absolutely loved the ‘I’ll teach you about dating’ trope of the book. Kinsley and Josh are the perfect friends-to-lovers and they are both the right amount of quirky and goofy. These two are sweet, but don’t get me wrong, the sex scenes are steamy.

It’s a quick and easy read; it’s got realistic characters, it’s funny, it’s romantic, need I say more? This is your perfect weekend read.

And there you have it! Those are my top 20 brother’s best friend books, and I know you’ll believe me when I say I can’t get enough of this trope. I’ve been head-over-heels with it since I started reading because of all the sneaking around and the angst it brings to the relationship. Hope you enjoy the books as much as I did and happy reading.

What to read next

If you loved these recs I’m pretty sure you’ll be up for cozy and warm love stories that heat up at just the right places. Check out my list of best hockey romance books (which I read after convincing myself sports romances can be as adorable as any other romance.)

FAQs

The post 20 Brother’s Best Friend Romance Books to Swoon Over appeared first on Bookishnerd.

There are so many books in the series that it can be difficult to choose which ones you want to buy first – especially if you’re on a budget and don’t want to go broke buying them all at once!

That’s why I created this list for you: The 13 (not an ominous number at all) best Goosebumps books by R. L. Stine.

Please enjoy these top picks from one who loves the Goosebumps series just as much as you do!

First off, here is the quick list:

1. Welcome to Dead House

Welcome to Dead House (Classic Goosebumps #13)

• Amazon Kindle Edition
• Stine, R. L. (Author)
• English (Publication Language)
• 128 Pages - 08/01/2011 (Publication Date) - Scholastic Paperbacks (Publisher)

$3.99

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The first book in the classic Goosebumps series is a part of this list for a reason. It’s Goosebumps gold.

Not only is it super fun to read, but it’s also the first Goosebumps book that Mr. Stine ever wrote.

In this book, a family moves into a house that is haunted by ghosts and other creatures of the night!

It’s up to them to take care of it while keeping their sanity in check. It really makes for an interesting story because you can’t help but be on edge during every moment reading about what will happen next.

2. Say Cheese And Die!

Say Cheese and Die! (Classic Goosebumps #8)

• Amazon Kindle Edition
• Stine, R. L. (Author)
• English (Publication Language)
• 162 Pages - 08/01/2011 (Publication Date) - Scholastic Paperbacks (Publisher)

$4.99

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Say Cheese And Die! is about a boy who finds a camera that shows the horrible things that will happen to you in the future.

He and his friends use it to their advantage – but soon realize they may have bitten off more than they can chew!

I love this book because it has a little bit of everything – mystery, horror and humor.

It’s definitely one that you should read if you haven’t already!

3. Welcome to Camp Nightmare

Welcome to Camp Nightmare (Classic Goosebumps #14)

• Amazon Kindle Edition
• Stine, R. L. (Author)
• English (Publication Language)
• 163 Pages - 08/01/2011 (Publication Date) - Scholastic Paperbacks (Publisher)

$4.99

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Welcome to Camp Nightmare is about a boy who goes to summer camp and learns that it might not be as safe as he thought.

He soon discovers the dangers of monsters lurking in the woods – including some right at his new home! As people are vanishing, eventually the boy finds himself all on his own, and you don’t know how he’s going to get out of it.

I honestly love this book because I think many people can relate to having a fear of going somewhere new for the first time.

It also brings out the idea of monsters being hidden in plain sight – which is awesome to read about. The twist at the end is a little hokey, but the journey to get there is worth it.

It’s definitely a great book for summer time reading!

4. The Horror at Camp Jellyjam

The Horror at Camp Jellyjam (Classic Goosebumps #9)

• Amazon Kindle Edition
• Stine, R. L. (Author)
• English (Publication Language)
• 147 Pages - 08/01/2011 (Publication Date) - Scholastic Paperbacks (Publisher)

$3.99

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The Horror at Camp Jellyjam involves two kids who get separated from their parents and end up at Camp Jellyjam, but things are not all what they seem.

The story follows the two kids as they uncover what is going on in this strange camp, and why the adults are acting very weird.

It’s one of the better examples of R. L. Stine’s writing mastery, which gives it a very appropriate place on this list.

I like this story because it has some good character development, and the ending is very interesting.

I would recommend this to anyone who likes Goosebumps or horror books in general, as well as those that like a bit of mystery with their scare factor.

5. Piano Lessons Can Be Murder

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Piano Lessons Can Be Murder (Goosebumps #13)

• Stine, R. L. (Author)
• English (Publication Language)
• 124 Pages - 08/01/1995 (Publication Date) - Apple (Publisher)

$2.26

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Did your mom ever make you practice piano, and you would think any excuse to get out of them. How about a haunted piano?

That’s the premise of this book, where a boy finds a haunted piano in the attic. And as he starts taking lessons from the mysterious Mr. Shreek, he finds out that not all is as it seems.

This one was fun because it is an interesting twist on the haunted house trope.

I would recommend this to anyone who likes scary pianos, or just wants something fun and quick to read.

6. Deep Trouble

Deep Trouble (Classic Goosebumps #2)

• Amazon Kindle Edition
• Stine, R. L. (Author)
• English (Publication Language)
• 125 Pages - 08/01/2011 (Publication Date) - Scholastic Paperbacks (Publisher)

$4.99

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If you’re like me, you still haven’t recovered from seeing Jaws in theaters. If that’s the case, you might have a hard time with this particular story.

The story involves our heroes searching for a real-life mermaid, but that search leads them into danger as they face evil mermaids, hungry sharks, and a group of rogue bandits.

You’ll like this book if you like action, excitement and more than a hint of danger.

I would recommend this to anyone who loves sharks or mermaids, as well as those looking for some good old fashioned adventure.

7. Monster Blood

Monster Blood (Classic Goosebumps #3)

• Amazon Kindle Edition
• Stine, R. L. (Author)
• English (Publication Language)
• 147 Pages - 08/01/2011 (Publication Date) - Scholastic Paperbacks (Publisher)

$4.99

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Monster Blood is one of the most successful sub franchises in Goosebumps history.

Stine would later go on to write three sequels (the best of which is Monster Blood II) and a follow-up to Goosebumps: Horrorland that tied into it, but the first book is still the one you want to read. It’s about a boy who is stuck with his aunt for a few weeks and discovers a can full of greenish goo labeled monster blood.

The goo eventually takes over and becomes the blob, an entity that consumes everything in its path.

This book is great because of the classic R. L. Stine humor, as well as great suspenseful scenes, scary situations, and gooey monsters.

I would recommend this to anyone who loves monster stories in Stine’s work.

8. Night of the Living Dummy

Night of the Living Dummy (Classic Goosebumps #1)

• Amazon Kindle Edition
• Stine, R. L. (Author)
• English (Publication Language)
• 133 Pages - 08/01/2011 (Publication Date) - Scholastic Paperbacks (Publisher)

$4.99

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Easily the most popular antagonist in the Goosebumps series is a living ventriloquist dummy known as Slappy.

Slappy was first introduced in the Night of the Living Dummy. Funny enough, Slappy is only a supporting player in this book, and the real threat is his ventriloquist dummy brother named Mr. Wood.

It’s a chilling story, and one that I would highly recommend for those with a strong constitution. Faint of heart, do not get into this whole Slappy business. It can be terrifying at times.

But if you’re into that sort of thing (which I am not), then I would definitely recommend this.

9. The Haunted Mask

The Haunted Mask (Classic Goosebumps #4)

• Amazon Kindle Edition
• Stine, R. L. (Author)
• English (Publication Language)
• 126 Pages - 08/01/2011 (Publication Date) - Scholastic Paperbacks (Publisher)

$4.99

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Probably the book that I remember the most, or at least the one I saw on shelves the most, is The Haunted Mask. This was the first book to be set on Halloween, which may be surprising to some.

Have you ever been scared of changing into someone else, perhaps someone dark? That’s what happens in this story to a girl named Carly Beth who, in an attempt to pull a prank, puts on a spooky mask. But that mask ends up changing her, making her angry and violent.

Personally, I have a hard time with mutations stories. There’s just something about them that I really don’t like. But these books are supposed to be scary right? So I guess in that sense, it does its job well.

I would recommend this to anyone looking for a good Halloween scare.

10. One Day at Horrorland

One Day at HorrorLand (Classic Goosebumps #5)

• Amazon Kindle Edition
• Stine, R. L. (Author)
• English (Publication Language)
• 123 Pages - 08/01/2011 (Publication Date) - Scholastic Paperbacks (Publisher)

$4.99

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One Day at Horrorland spawned a large franchise centered around this scary theme park. It’s about a family that takes a wrong turn and ends up at this spooky amusement park, and when their car mysteriously explodes, they are stranded and have no way of leaving.

They then have to survive rides that have a mind of their own, creepy employees, and locked gates as they try to find a way to leave the amusement park.

This book is great because it’s a fun read that has some spookier elements.

I would recommend this to those who love amusement parks and scary rides, as well as readers looking for something lighthearted with just a hint of danger.

11. Beware the Snowman

Beware, The Snowman (Goosebumps #51)

• Amazon Kindle Edition
• Stine, R. L. (Author)
• English (Publication Language)
• 107 Pages - 09/25/2018 (Publication Date) - Scholastic Inc. (Publisher)

$3.99

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This is another one where I saw the cover all over libraries. That image of the creepy snowman with arms raised in a menacing pose, is a sight to see. It’s about a young girl and her aunt who moved to a tiny village at the edge of the Arctic Circle.

Not only is the girl relatively alone, but there are some weird things about this village. At night there are strange howling noises, and there is a snowman in front of every house.

If you’re into spooky winter tales, then I would recommend this. It’s a good read for those who crave something chilling as the cold settles in.

12. Ghost Beach

Ghost Beach (Classic Goosebumps #15)

• Amazon Kindle Edition
• Stine, R. L. (Author)
• English (Publication Language)
• 162 Pages - 08/01/2011 (Publication Date) - Scholastic Paperbacks (Publisher)

$4.99

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Ghost Beach is more of your typical haunted story. It involves a pair of siblings staying at the beach, who discover an unexpected haunting, and a ghost who comes out to prey on innocent victims during a full moon.

It’s not the most original of Stine’s work, but it is definitely something you should check out if you like ghosts, graveyards, haunted houses, or beaches. We all like one of those things, right?

13. It Came From Beneath the Sink

It Came from Beneath the Sink! (Goosebumps Book 30)

• Amazon Kindle Edition
• Stine, R. L. (Author)
• English (Publication Language)
• 114 Pages - 01/06/2015 (Publication Date) - Scholastic Paperbacks (Publisher)

$5.99

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This is a book that probably resonated with a lot of children. Whenever you hear that garbage disposal in the sink, you may have thought it was a monster.

Well in this book, there is a monster under the sink, further feeding that active imagination of every kid.

I had a particularly hard time with this one, because now it’s all I can think about when I open up the drawers beneath my sink. So that’s nice…

But if you’re into those sort of stories, I would definitely recommend this.

And that will do it for my list of recommendations, but let’s talk about one more very important question…

Is Goosebumps Still Good in the 2020s?

I wouldn’t say they are ‘good’ per se, but I think it’s important to remember the impact these books have had. They gave us some fun stories, and were a big part of our childhoods. And before Harry Potter came along, this was the series that got most kids reading.

So if you see them on the shelf or in an antique store or something, go ahead and pick one up…or two. You may remember the nostalgia of how much you used to love them. Or you might find that your own kids love them just as much.

Or you might give them nightmares, who knows?

But overall, if you’re a fan of horror, or a young reader, and you want something more like Stephen King for kids, then the Goosebumps series is still one of the best out there.

The post Why the Goosebumps Books Belong at the Top of Your Bookshelf appeared first on Bookishnerd.

It shouldn’t come as a surprise that we’re choosing Stephen King as our first author. He is one of the most prolific authors of our time–if not all time. He is known as one of the true masters of the Horror genre and for good reason. But he’s also extremely versatile with other works including dramas, non-fiction, supernatural, fantasy, and more. And so many of those writings have been converted into award-winning TV series or movies.

After selling over 350 million copies worldwide–as of writing this–and more to come, Stephen King has become a household name and worthy to kick off the inaugural article of this series.

Alright folks…here’s where I gotta do my thing and give you this disclaimer. I will be using affiliate links within this article. But trust me, the links do not change my opinion on these books whatsoever–maybe you can in the comments though. They just help keep my teapots full of good brew so I can keep bringing you the content you deserve.

Mind you, this list is entirely subjective. But these are some serious page turners that I love to re-read over and over. Now with that out of the way, curl up into your favorite reading chair and here are the nine best Stephen King books ranked:

The 9 Best Stephen King Books Ranked from Best to Worst

1. The Shining
2. It
3. Misery
4. The Stand
5. The Dark Tower Series
6. The Green Mile
7. On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft
8. Salem’s Lot
9. Carrie

The Shining (1977)

Ok. So if there’s ever a top contender for this spot, it has to be The Shining. This book gives me the heebie-jeebies just thinking about it. Mind you, this was one of King’s earliest works in his decades long career. And it’s still terrifying people to this day. Let’s break this down for those of you unaware.

Plot Summary and Extra Info

Jack Torrence is a writer–just like us– who’s got a serious case of writer’s block. Not to mention an alcoholic trying to get his life back on track. In order to break the dry spell and mend relations with his family, he takes a job as winter caretaker at The Overlook Hotel and moves out with his family. The hotel is this sprawling manor of a building out in the Colorado Rockies isolated from pretty much everything. As far horror stories go…this is being setup to be a doozy.

Unbeknownst to Jack and his wife, his son Danny possesses special telepathic gifts known as “the shining”. This allows him to look in to the hotel’s past. And let’s just say… there’s nothing nice to see. The hotel is like stupid haunted. And trying to take over Danny. Thankfully for Danny, he’s too powerful a psychic to be influenced by the evil there. But as for Jack, the struggles with writer’s block, alcoholism, and isolationism makes him vulnerable to possession. And the Overlook Hotel gets him.

And what happens next is a veritable hell storm of evil. Just thinking about it now sends chills down my spine. And here’s the thing…. In true Stephen King fashion, this book was actually based off of real events in his life. The book is inspired by King’s own personal battle with alcoholism and the feeling of being isolated while doing so. And the hotel… Don’t think that doesn’t have an inspiration too. King based The Overlook off a hotel that his wife–Tabitha–and he had stayed at back in 1974. The Stanley Hotel. Which apparently has taken on some ghostly visitors after the writing of this novel.

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It (1986)

What do you get when you mix killer clown demons and a ragtag group of kids? Enough nightmare fuel to affect entire generations. After the release of It, coulrophobia (or fear of clowns) saw a visible increase and then even more so when the movie adaptation was released. So, what’s It all about?

Plot Summary and Extra Info

The story takes place in Derry, Maine (a hotspot for King’s writing) on a rainy 1957 day. Little Georgie Denbrough is out sailing his paper boat when it heads down a storm drain. Being the inquisitive little fellow he is, Georgie follows the boat and is greeted by Pennywise the Clown from storm drain opening. (Everything floats down there ensues. We all know the scene.) Either way, eventually Georgie’s body ends up back in the arms of his grieving family. Then… fast forward one year. Georgie’s older brother (builder of the aforementioned paper boat and blessed with a stutter) Bill forms an alliance with other socially rejected kids and aptly name themselves The Losers.

But the story doesn’t end there. Throughout that summer, Pennywise appears to each of the Losers terrifying and tormenting them. It’s later revealed that Pennywise is actually a shape-shifting ancient alien creature that hibernates for 27 years only coming out to feed. The group bands together and eventually defeats the monster. Now, this would be the part where everyone rejoices and goes home right? Not according to Mr. King. You see this is only the first part of the story. The second half begins 27 years later and the Losers returning to face the demon once more.

When the book was first released, it received many mixed reviews. Some likened the real horror to that of adolesence and growing older. Many were revolted by overt sexuality that was portrayed by the children in the book. And some didn’t care too much for it because it was too stinkin’ long. But after it was edited and turned into a motion picture… it was universally accepted that It and Pennywise were truly evil and fun entertainment. Here’s a fun fact. Tim Curry (he’s a freaking genius BTW and the actor who played Pennywise) is petrified of clowns. Let’s just say costume and makeup weren’t super fun for him.

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Misery (1987)

This was another book that really got to me. Not because of any ghosts or ancient aliens. But because something like this could actually happen in real life. The villain of Misery is as human as you, me, or Mark Zuckerberg. Ah, who are we kidding? He’s as reptilian as they come.

Plot Summary and Extra Info

Yet again, Stephen King has introduced another troubled writer as the protagonist to his story. Paul Sheldon is a celebrated author of a series of Victorian Era romance novels based on a sultry young woman named Misery Chastain. But… Paul’s ready to move on. And in his last and final installment of the series, Paul kills off Misery. But that doesn’t mean a writer’s life is over. Paul had already completed his first manuscript for his new crime novel. But while driving through remote Colorado, he finds himself in a terrible snowstorm and totals his car.

Thankfully, former nurse Annie Wilkes lived nearby and was able to arrive to the rescue. She takes him back to her home where he can properly care for him. Or so you think… Anywho, upon learning Paul’s identity, she quickly reveals herself to be Paul’s number one fan of the Misery series. And this is where things get weird. Annie now refuses to take Paul to the hospital because she insists on treating Paul’s mangled body herself. However, when Annie learns of Misery’s death in the book, things take a turn for the demented. She abandons Paul at her home without food, water, or medicine for two days. And when she returns she’s able to take advantage of a weakened Paul. Mutilating and cackling the whole way.

This book was received exceptionally well and received the first Bram Stoker Award for Novel in 1987. And was nominated for the 1988 World Fantasy Award for Best Novel. Not only that…but King got another one of his many, many screen adaptations in which Kathy Bates took home the Oscar for Best Actress.

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The Stand (1978)

This book is by and far one of the best Stephen King books. And you can easily find this post-apocalyptic thriller topping other lists of this nature. The Stand is based on the premise that a genetically engineered influenza super-bug has been accidentally released and kills off 99% of the world population. Gnarly.

Plot Summary and Extra Info

Now this book is huge. It’s literally the longest book King ever wrote. He designed this to be an epic adventure akin to Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings but post-apocalyptic. The actual text is divided into three main parts. In the first part, King develops the backstory as to how this virus was created an subsequently released. Next, two major rival groups have formed. One who follow the spiritual guidance of a “Mother Abigail” and those who follow a one Randall Flagg, a terrible being possessing supernatural powers. And while Mother Abigail’s group wants to peacefully resettle, Flagg has other plans. The book’s epic conclusion is actually called The Stand. And it’s come down to that inevitable final confrontation between the two.

If you’re thinking that this sounds like it would be awesome on the silver screen (or elsewhere), you’re not alone. As a matter of fact, The Stand has been in and out of Hollywood circles for decades. However, not too much has come from it. A single miniseries was made in the early 90s, but… it just didn’t do it justice. Movie talks have been floating around along with finished screenplays, but due to production rights issues, nothing ever took off. But there is good news. CBS has acquired the rights free and clear with a new miniseries arriving in late 2020.

Other than just film and TV issues, the book itself had problems when King first took it to publishers. Not due to content though, but because of length and publishing costs. This forced King to have to cut about 400 pages (150000 words) from the book. He has since then released a limited edition full and unabridged version. Oh! And here’s a neat factoid. Metallica actually named their iconic album “Ride the Lightning” based off a quote inside the book. Rock on, Mr. King. Rock on.

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The Dark Tower Series (1982-2012)

The Dark Tower series is an 8-book collection that is often considered to be the glue to Stephen King’s multiverse. It follows Roland Deschain, the last of a group known simply as the gunslingers and of his family line Arthur Eld–that being Roland’s world’s equivalent to King Arthur. Roland is searching for The Dark Tower, a tower which is the nexus for many different worlds and universes.

As mentioned before, The Dark Tower serves as a focal point for the Stephen King multiverse. The series has direct multiverse ties to the following Stephen King books:

• It
• The Stand
• ‘Salem’s Lot
• Insomnia
• Hearts in Atlantis
• The Eyes of the Dragon
• The Shining
• Cell

So if you’re looking for a Stephen King reading list, this series provides the basis for many others including some on this list.

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The Green Mile (1996)

The Green Mile is the first on this list that isn’t exactly a horror or dystopian novel. This book was originally put together as a small series of 6 short books to tell the incredible story of John Coffey. This book is a first person narrative which differs from most of King’s previous work.

Plot Summary and Extra Info

The story takes place during two different time periods. In 1996, Paul Edgecombe is spending his remaining days in the Georgia Pines nursing home and is writing down the events that happened while he was a death row bring guard back in 1932. At that time, Paul was assigned to the Cold Mountain Penitentary. He was the block supervisor for the death row inmates there. The block was nicknamed “the green mile” due to the sickly colored linoleum that covered the floor. Things on the mile were pretty much standard operations until the arrival of John Coffey.

John Coffey was a giant of a man. Standing 6′ 8″, he was lumbering hulk of a black man convicted of raping and murdering two small white girls. And while the initial shock of this new inmate intimidated the Mile’s guard staff, they found John to be the most mild-mannered and polite of all individuals. Over the course of the book, Paul realizes that there is more to John than meets the eye–that he’s got a gift of extraordinary power. One that does hurt, but heals. The novel covers the full stint of Coffey’s death row stay from sadistic prison guards to other maniacal inmates.

Honestly, I have no clue how to put into words how emotional I got after reading this novel. It’s such a roller coaster that has you rooting for murderous criminals and ugly sobbing after their executions. This book was made into a film adaptation starring Tom Hanks and the late Michael Clarke Duncan. And it still remains one of my absolute favorites to this day.

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On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft (2000)

You knew this would be on here. There’s no way I’m going to let this escape my list of best Stephen King books. There’s not a single writer I know that hasn’t read (or owned) this book. It’s an autobiographical nonfiction take from King where he uniquely addresses several stages of his life and how that affected him and his writing.

He also goes through writing mechanics, word choice, and other essential skills that any writer would need. But he does it in such a way that’s fun and entertaining. It’s just as gripping as any of his other works on this list. On Writing is an absolute must-read. And you can take that to the bank.

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‘Salem’s Lot (1975)

Back before the Twilight series, vampires were actually scary. And King’s Barlow (the baddie) is no exception. The inspiration for this novel came when King was teaching a high school fantasy and sci-fi class at Hampden Academy. The curriculum had Dracula on it causing him to wonder… What would happen if Dracula came back in 20th Century America?

Plot Summary and Extra Info

‘Salem’s Lot was King’s second published novel. And if he had built this list himself back in the 80s, this would be reigning supreme. In an interview, he claimed that this book was his absolute favorite he had written. The plot focuses on yet another writer, one who returns to his boyhood home to find that its residents are slowly turning into vampires.

Ben Mears had been away from Jerusalem’s Lot, Maine for 25 years before he decided to return. He came back to write a new book about the old Marsten house. It was a place that had traumatized him as a child. Previously owned by a Depression-era hitman, the house now belonged to an Austrian immigrant named Kurt Barlow–an antiques dealer. But soon after Ben’s arrival, sinister things start to happen strting with the disappearance of a young boy and death of the boy’s brother. However, instead of true death…that brother actually became the town’s first vampire. The rampant spread of vampirism ravished the small town with the root cause stemming from the Marsten house.

This book is an absolute classic when it comes to vampires. Nominated in 1987 for the Locus Award for All-time Best Fantasy Novel, ‘Salem’s Lot fully embodies what it means to be a fantasy horror. It was also here in this book where King started to create his overreaching extended Multiverse seen throughout his novels. This book is very closely tied in with his Dark Tower series.

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Carrie (1974)

And this is the one. The OG of the best Stephen King books. His first published novel. For you Stephen King enthusiasts, Carrie wasn’t actually his first novel written. It was his fourth, yet his first published. And it never would have happened without his wonderful wife Tabitha. You see, Carrie was originally supposed to be just a short story for Cavalier Magazine. But after three pages, King couldn’t see himself being able to write the story from the female perspective and tossed it in the trash. Thankfully, Tabitha fished the pages out, told him she would help with the female perspective, turned the book into a novel, and kickstarted the Stephen King brand we know today. Mrs. King… Thank you.

Plot Summary and Extra Info

This is the quintessential coming of age story… if you’re into murderous rampage, supernatural powers, and humiliation.

Carrie White wasn’t just your typical teenage girl. Raised by her mother Margaret–a deeply disturbed and evil woman in her own right–Carrie exhibited very peculiar behavior leading to incessant bullying. One day after gym class, Carrie blossoms into womanhood and receives her first menstruation. Due to her strange upbringing, Carrie has no clue what’s happening and starts to panic. Noticed by her fellow students, she promptly ridiculed with sanitary napkins and tampons thrown at her. And while the gym coach tries her best to explain what’s happening, it doesn’t do much good.

While menstruation is a perfectly normal process, what came along with it was not. Carrie started to develop psychokinetic powers–aka she could control thing with her mind. Meanwhile, the supportive gym coach then punishes Carrie’s tormentors with a week of detention and the consequence of missing prom if skipped. And of course… one of the girls defiantly marches right out the door sealing her fate for prom. Unable to attend prom, she devises a revenge plot against Carrie. And let’s just say… it doesn’t end well for anybody.

This story has been told so many times since its release in so many different medium. It’s been a film adaptation, slated for a miniseries release, and was even a musical hit on Broadway!

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Will these stay the Best Stephen King Books?

Here’s the thing… I love these books. I’ve read them all and will probably re-read all again. However, I can’t say beyond a shadow of a doubt that these books will remain my favorites. And that’s because King is still writing books! Good ones at that.

So yes…this list can be subject to change. But this is just one girl’s opinion. What are you favorite Stephen King books? Do you agree with my choices? If not, share your take down below. I’d love to hear from you.

Ready to leave the horror-filled worlds of Stephen King behind? Why not step into the intricate mysteries spun by Agatha Christie? Check out our top 10 Agatha Christie Books!

Cheers,

The post Best Stephen King Books: Prolific Authors Series appeared first on Bookishnerd.

I decided to put together a list of the books on seduction that I felt really helps you understand how to appeal to someone you’re interested in (or get them to be interested in you!) while also building up your confidence, your understanding of the other person’s needs, and how to be your best, genuine self when appealing to someone. 

Now, seduction books can be either fiction with seduction as a major plotline or self-help books that help the readers learn the art of seduction. In this blog, I focus on the latter, so my list of the best seduction books contains work from the self-help genre that I found to be insightful and helpful. Let’s jump right in!

Best Seduction Books List

What’s a Seduction Book?

Seduction books I’ve reviewed in this article are mostly self-help and nonfiction books that can help you learn what seduction is about. 

Though there are a ton of books written on the topic recently and there’s new research being done, seduction is not a new concept at all – in fact, the idea of seduction has existed as long as human civilization has. For example, Kama Sutra, the centuries-old Indian Sanskrit text, discusses sexuality, eroticism, and emotional fulfillment and shares practical advice on all three topics. 

In the same way, beyond the physical connection segment, seduction is about attraction, intimacy, and long-term relationships, and even leadership and personal growth. So ideally, with good seductive skills, you’ll be able to make your presence matter in any place with anyone – not just in a romantic or sexual context. 

So whether you want to approach someone you’re interested in or you want to lead a team with charisma and empathy, seduction books can help you pick up some very valuable skills and perspectives. Let’s find out how.

Best Seduction Book Review

1. Models: Attract Women Through Honesty – My Favorite

Models: Attract Women Through Honesty

• Author – Mark Manson
• Genre/Sub-genre – Self help, non fiction, relationships, psychology, personal development, social, philosophy, sexuality
• No. of pages – 246
• First publication – January, 2011
• Goodreads rating – 4.30

$12.95

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I was super intrigued when I first came across this book, because the blurb said the book will be looking at seduction as an emotional process as opposed to a logical and technical process, the latter of which is how it’s usually discussed in most books about seduction. And long story short, here I am, writing a review for ‘Models: Attract Women Through Honesty’ because it became my favorite book on the topic as soon as I read it. 

I really enjoyed the approach Manson took in this book, with his focus on men’s personal development, sharing how men can learn to let go of their insecurities (which Manson describes as usually getting in a guy’s way). Manson doesn’t just teach you how to get a girl, he also teaches you how to be comfortable and confident with dating which I think is a really valuable lesson to not just men, but anyone who’s currently dating or looking to get into it. 

I wasn’t surprised that Manson wrote such a great self-help book with sound advice that you usually don’t find elsewhere because he is, after all, the author of The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F***. Those of you who have read that book likely know what I’m talking about here – he’s a no-nonsense author with a pragmatic and no-fluff kinda writing style which keeps you engaged throughout. 

Ultimately, I loved that Manson truly wrote a book where men’s struggles with anxiety and insecurities are discussed at length with recommended approaches to the solution. If you’re a guy looking for a seduction book that actually discusses the challenges you face and how to become your best self, my top recommendation for you is this book.

2. The Art of Seduction

Art of Seduction

• Author – Robert Greene
• Genre/Sub-genre – Psychology, non fiction, self help, philosophy, relationships, personal development, business, history, sexuality
• No. of pages – 466
• First publication – January, 2001
• Goodreads rating – 3.98

$25.13

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Let’s move on to one of the most controversial seduction books of all time, The Art of Seduction. When I first became interested in the topic and started looking for recs, this book was mentioned many times both in a positive and negative light. The Art of Seduction made my TBR immediately thanks to the clashing reviews (I love me some tea) but I wasn’t ready for just how much it changed my views on desire. 

One reason why I enjoyed this book so much was the explanation of the relationship between the seducer and the ‘victim’ (Greene’s words, can’t say I’m too happy about the word choice though). He highlights that there are two steps to any type of seduction – understanding one’s self and understanding the victim (or target) – so there’s no beating about the bush around the nature of the power dynamics at play in Greene’s techniques of seduction. 

Speaking of types of seduction, this book provides a great explanation on how seduction is not merely a lead up to physical intimacy – it can also be used in a plethora of ways to make your voice heard in your professional or personal life. Put this way, The Art of Seduction was really the first book that opened my eyes into how people can use you (and how you can use people, if you’re feeling particularly evil) which I think is a necessary life lesson for all of us. By the way, this insight into manipulation and power is what landed the book in hot water and got it banned from a lot of prisons in the US, so… read responsibly!

Back to the book, I also liked reading about how Greene profiled nine types of seducers (Siren, Rake, etc.) by attributing qualities to some of history’s most famous seducers like Cleopatra and John F. Kennedy. This unique insight into history, and how the ‘game’, so to speak, had been successfully played by some of the world’s biggest names made for a really interesting read. 

Greene also explains the nine shades of anti-seducers, the 18 types of seduction victims, and the 24-step seduction process, all of which provided deep insight into human psychology. In fact, this deep dive into human psychology is the aspect I enjoyed the most about the book. 

The Art of Seduction is a masterful portrayal of the psychology that goes into seduction and the book holds nothing back, for better and for worse—Greene’s writing is super blunt, but there’s a lot to learn. From history buffs to psychology enthusiasts and those looking for a complete guide on seduction, this book has something for everyone. Pick it up to broaden your knowledge of seduction and for important lessons on how the world uses seduction in a multitude of ways.

3. No More Mr. Nice Guy

No more Mr. Nice Guy!: A proven plan for getting what you want in love, sex and life

• Author – Robert A. Glover
• Genre/Sub-genre – Self help, psychology, non fiction, relationships, personal development, philosophy, social, health, productivity
• No. of pages – 208
• First publication – November, 2000
• Goodreads rating – 4.04

$58.55

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A friend told me that No More Mr. Nice Guy is a must-read when it comes to seduction books, so I jumped into it one weekend to see what all the fuss was about. And there, I found another wonderful piece on male psychology which I enjoyed learning about and dissecting. 

Glover says that ‘nice guys’ are always looking for the approval of women because of their childhood, where they were primarily raised by mothers and their teachers were almost exclusively females. For me, this was a really interesting dive into male psychology (honestly I’d never thought about the effect that a lack of male figures have on young men), and I kept reading it because Glover managed to properly define between being a pushover and a jerk, and who lies in between. 

I was also moved by the stories of men that Glover referred to throughout the book – men who have been complacent and silent about things they were unhappy about because they were afraid of abandonment by the women in their lives. Glover documents how, once they stopped playing into the ‘nice guy’ narrative, they initially faced pushback from the women in their life, but then were respected. 

I didn’t buy into the idea that being ‘nice’ can cost you respect and that respect is something that you can get if you stop being a nice person, but ultimately, this book offers an insightful outlook into the male experience, dynamics of male empowerment, and their relationship roles. Go forth, and have a thought-provoking read, folks!

4. The Game: Penetrating the Secret Society of Pickup Artists

The Game: Penetrating the Secret Society of Pickup Artists by Neil Strauss (2006-12-23)

• Author – Neil Strauss
• Genre/Sub-genre – Non fiction, psychology, relationships, self help, biography, memoir, personal development, sociology, romance, love
• No. of pages – 452
• First publication – January, 2005
• Goodreads rating – 3.73

$17.50

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I love investigative reports of real people doing absolutely unreal things so when I came across The Game, I knew I had to read it. I’m not even kidding when I say I still have trouble believing the events in the book actually happened, but they did indeed and I got a fascinating eye-opener about the art of seduction. 

Told in a narrative biographical style, this book is more a cautionary tale than a guide to seduction, but I included it in my list because this was an enlightening read. 

First, we are introduced to how Strauss discovered the society of Pickup Artists (PUAs) – men who are obsessed with “hacking” human social constructs to pick up women. PUAs use the internet to form a community and share knowledge with each other, and that’s how our author/narrator, Strauss, comes across them while working on an article. He joins these online discussion forums and goes from being an “Average Frustrated Chump” to the best PUA in a few years. 

This book reads as a lived experience of Strauss so I didn’t doubt the book’s credibility at all even though there were a lot of unbelievable stories inside it. The techniques and experiences he detailed were on the side of unhinged, but they rang true and seemed to work, which made for a really intriguing reading experience. 

This meant that I was hooked into the book, right from the beginning and through to the climax of the story, which is about ‘Project Hollywood’ – a house for PUA gurus (you need to brace yourself to read this particular bit). 

For me though, the most important takeaway from the book happened when Strauss realized he had to revert to his true self when he found his “one-itis” – an obsession with a particular person as opposed to picking up many women. It went on to show that even the best techniques could go so far as to get a partner to willingly sleep with you, but not for them to fall in love as they can see through the deception. 

That’s what made this book such a great insight into the society we live in, and why it made my list of best seduction books. I’d totally recommend it to anyone looking for a fast-paced biographical account on seduction and a society obsessed with sex.

5. The Way of the Superior Man: A Spiritual Guide to Mastering the Challenges of Women, Work, and Sexual Desire

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The Way of the Superior Man: A Spiritual Guide to Mastering the Challenges of Women, Work, and Sexual Desire (20th Anniversary Edition)

• Author – David Deida
• Genre/Sub-genre – Self help, non fiction, psychology, philosophy, relationships, personal development, spirituality, sexuality, health
• No. of pages – 207
• First publication – January, 1997
• Goodreads rating – 4.06

$12.00

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I was reluctant to get off the male psychology train I jumped on, so I went on to read The Way of the Superior Man too. I’m super glad I did, because it provided me with a unique outlook into gender, masculinity, femininity, and constructs that define our gender roles. 

One of the best things about this book for me was the description of feminine and masculine energies. Deida describes feminine energy as everything that flows while masculine energy is stillness and how they hold space for each other, similar to how the riverbanks (stillness) hold space for the river (life) to flow. This was such a beautiful interpretation of the masculine and feminine selves we embody that I had to stop reading for a bit and truly absorb what it meant.

Deida writes this book as a guide for men, and it is organized in a way which makes it very easy to follow and understand. He instructs men that to be a superior man, one must understand these masculine and feminine energies, and deal with them accordingly. 

The one issue I have about this book though is Deida’s use of some problematic language such as “your woman” and “p*ssywhipped” (come on, this is the 21st century). Despite this, the book is definitely worth your time because it provides a unique insight into how male mindset works. This, combined with his short chapters (some only two pages long), gives an easily digestible guide on male assertiveness. 

I found the lessons of male psychology really valuable in this book and if you’re interested in learning the same or if you’re looking for a quick guide on embracing your masculine/feminine energy, this book is an educational choice.

6. The Female Brain

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The Female Brain

• Author – Louann Brizendine
• Genre/Sub-genre – Non fiction, psychology, science, neuroscience, health, women’s health, self help, feminism, brain, biology
• No. of pages – 304
• First publication – January, 2006
• Goodreads rating – 3.84

$10.55

Buy on Amazon

I got multiple recommendations for this book from many girl friends. That and the glowing reviews made me immediately pick up this book which I found to be one of the most insightful writings about female psychology. Honestly, I really felt like this book helps you understand where women come from and their thinking in order to better engage with them, so that’s why this went on my list of best seduction books. 

Right off the bat, I have to say that I really enjoyed Brizendine’s accessible writing style, despite the heavily-researched content. I love authors who write about complex topics in simple terms because it means one, they have a comprehensive understanding of the subject and two, they’re truly intentional about providing that information to their readers. Neuropsychiatrist Dr. Brizendine does exactly that by converting her clinical research into an easy-to-follow book about women. 

Brizendine is thorough with the research and she uses it to take us through the emotional development and brain processes of a woman from childhood to adulthood. The goal of this is to show the world how women make decisions in everyday life, how they function in society, and the biological and evolutionary traits which define a woman’s perspective on life. This intimate look into women’s minds from a reliable source – a female researcher – would be super helpful when interacting with a woman you’re interested in, as the insights from the book allows you to be more respectful and understanding of how women think and work.  

Regardless of gender, it is one of the best (and very relatable for us girls) books you will find into the female psyche. Pick it up for yourself, your significant other, your friend, or colleague because everyone stands to gain something from this book.

7. The Desire Map – My First Seduction Book

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The Desire Map: A Guide to Creating Goals with Soul

• Author – Danielle LaPorte
• Genre/Sub-genre – Self help, non fiction, personal development, spirituality, productivity, psychology, business, philosophy, inspirational, journaling
• No. of pages – 288
• First publication – December, 2012
• Goodreads rating – 3.91

$10.50

Buy on Amazon

Before I started down the seduction book rabbit hole, I had one burning question: how do you know what you want? Appearing desirable is about the other person’s perspective of you, so how do you determine what you desire? A friend recommended The Desire Map saying it might give me some insight, and LaPorte did a fabulous job answering the question that a lot of books in the genre left unanswered. 

Feelings are really complicated things and on some days they can feel overwhelming, which I’m sure everyone can relate to. That’s where LaPorte was really helpful – she helped me understand how to narrow down desires and feelings, and how to separate those emotional drives from goals. She doesn’t shame feelings though, in fact she advocates for us to go after our feelings because it is our feelings that determine our goals. This perspective really changed the way I work with emotion, be it mine or other people’s, allowing me to own up to what I want with clarity and confidence. 

Now, you might be thinking how this all fits in with seduction. Well, being confident about what you want is an attractive trait and because people are naturally drawn toward confident energy, they are highly likely to engage with you. I’ve always heard people say that confidence is an aphrodisiac, and after reading LaPorte’s book, I’m convinced of the fact that confidence can truly attract what you desire.  

‘What do I want?’ is a universal question, and The Desire Map sets out to answer that effectively, with nuanced depth and understanding. If you’re struggling with who you are, I totally recommend this read to you, for a better insight into yourself and consequently, into your relationship with others. Happy exploring!

8. The Rational Male

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The Rational Male

• Author – Rollo Tomassi
• Genre/Sub-genre – Psychology, self help, non fiction, relationships, philosophy, personal development, social, sexuality
• No. of pages – 300
• First publication – September, 2013
• Goodreads rating – 4.17

$16.55

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I had heard of Rollo Tomassi’s blog – therationalmale.com – because it garnered so much popularity over the years, so when I learnt that he had written a book based on this blog, I decided to give it a read. It was a compelling read into the power dynamics between men and women and the social conventions that exist in male-female relationships. 

I liked The Rational Male because it provided a unique perspective into dating in the 21st century, especially by elaborating on the PUA movement that is described in The Game (see my review above on it). Written as a set of easy-to-digest essays, Tomassi explains to men the cultural and political forces which surround the sexual marketplace. His writing is very energetic, so I was hooked on his explanations of relational equity and the changing power dynamics between men and women. I think this is especially helpful for men who want to better understand the social conventions between men and women, so they can put their best self forward when reaching out to someone they are interested in. 

One thing I wish Tomassi had included though is about how men can find fulfillment and empowerment without relationships, because The Rational Male doesn’t necessarily talk about how to combat insecurities and discover one’s true self. 

However, as a guide to seduction and dating, it definitely fulfills the purpose so I still recommend this book to those of you who are interested in the psychology behind romantic relationships, and how the modern man would typically approach dating. Whether you’re looking for a quick guide or a dive into relationship dynamics, this book is a good place to begin learning about men and women, and power dynamics between them.

9. How to Be a 3% Man, Winning the Heart of the Woman of Your Dreams

How To Be A 3% Man, Winning The Heart Of The Woman Of Your Dreams

• Author – Corey Wayne
• Genre/Sub-genre – Relationships, self help, non fiction, psychology, personal development, women, love, marriage, social
• No. of pages – 240
• First publication – February, 2006
• Goodreads rating – 4.24

$29.99

Buy on Amazon

A friend told me that How to Be a 3% Man is a statistical approach to relationships. My first response was, “Why involve math in something so complicated already?” but my curiosity got the better of me and I decided to check it out. There were numbers in the book but they were the easily understandable kind that gave me a distinctive insight into relationships. 

Let’s start with why this book made it to my best seduction books list. To start off, Wayne gives you specific percentages into gauging a woman’s interest in you. This meant the book came off a little too technical for my taste, but I have to admit it really takes away that gray area of determining interest in relationships. If you feel like you’re always doubting your partner’s interest in you, Wayne’s statistic-based approach might help you gauge their interest in you and your relationship. 

I liked that Wayne continuously focused on the partner throughout the book – it’s all about trying to figure out their interest in you so you can better understand how to approach them, and if they are interested, you can put effort in becoming a better prospect for them. Wayne also points out the need to routinely romance your current relationship and to not take love – and your partner – for granted. 

The one issue I had though was with the stereotypes that Wayne went by in the book. I felt like those archetypes were limiting and if he had provided a more expansive approach to the different personalities of women, I’m sure his advice would have been all the more valuable. 

However, if you’re looking to really understand someone’s interest in you or your partner’s commitment to your relationship, this book can help you with its statistical approach to figuring out the level of interest. Go for this book if what you’re looking for is answers and reassurance about your partner’s interest.

10. The Manual: What Women Want and How to Give It to Them

The Manual: What Women Want and How to Give It to Them

• Author – W. Anton
• Genre/Sub-genre – Relationships, self help, psychology, non fiction, love, sexuality, women, philosophy, personal development, evolution
• No. of pages – 346
• First publication – December, 2010
• Goodreads rating – 4.22

$29.95

Buy on Amazon

The title of this book made me laugh because it comes from the age-old dilemma of what women want (is it that complicated?) so I decided to go for it. I’m glad I gave it a chance because I found a refreshing take on a guide to dating that deviates from the conventional norms that are usually outlined in self-help books. 

The Manual stays true to its title and provides a manual for readers on how to approach women, understand their needs, and be a better partner to them overall. It was this last aspect that I really appreciated in this book – Anton attempts to properly dissect what your female partner would want from you and how to provide her with her needs while maintaining your confidence and integrity. Anton doesn’t leave out any details in the book about the how-to – he gets into the nitty gritty of interpersonal relationships and how to approach them. 

He provides a philosophical and biological perspective into understanding the needs of your partner, which I loved. The book opens by setting out how the biological differences between men and women lead them to embrace certain behavioral biases. The biases result in a mismatch of expectations because we struggle to understand what we think we want and what we actually need, and that’s what Anton suggests we figure out so we could become a better partner. 

The only downside for me was that the book is slightly tedious because of Anton’s many repetitions throughout the book. I think he could’ve gotten to the point faster if he cut down maybe a quarter of that repetitive content. 

That said, this still doesn’t take away from the fact that this book provides a valuable guide to dating and being in a relationship with advice that you can’t usually source from other places. If you’re looking for a unique perspective on how to really understand what your partner wants, then I definitely recommend picking up this book.

11. Conversation Casanova: How to Effortlessly Start Conversations and Flirt Like a Pro

Conversation Casanova: How to Effortlessly Start Conversations and Flirt Like a Pro (How to Talk to Women)

• Authors – Dave Perrotta, David Perrotta
• Genre/Sub-genre – Relationships, self help, non fiction, psychology, personal development, women, communication, social, sexuality
• No. of pages – 190
• First publication – October, 2016
• Goodreads rating – 3.87

$14.99

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I used to have some trouble starting conversations on a wide variety of topics because after all, I spend most of my time talking about books 😅. That’s why I decided to read Conversation Casanova, because its premise promised me tips and tricks to becoming a better conversationalist. 

This book made it to this list here because I believe that it truly did what it set out to do – teach you how to start conversations, how to maintain them, and to develop an interesting, engaging personality in general. The authors’ advice is simple: approach with the right intentions and confidence, strike a deep conversation, speak with intention, and be an engaging storyteller without giving away too much information. So I’d say this book is super helpful to those who find starting conversations a daunting task, or even for those who want to converse more effectively. 

The authors didn’t rely on heavily misogynistic or stereotypical language to drive their points across (an unfortunate feature in many self-help books on seduction) and that made for an easier, more comfortable read for me overall. 

That being said though, the book doesn’t really delve deep into the women’s psyche, which meant that the advice it provided seemed a bit basic. There’s no exploration of nuances or gray areas, and I wish the authors had done that for a better understanding of being an exceptional conversationalist. 

However, if you’re struggling with taking that first step of starting a conversation with the person you are interested in or even starting conversations in general, then this book is a great place to start off with. So go on and charm them with your conversation skills! 😉

So there you have it, my list of the best books on seduction. Whether you’re looking for a partner or you’re interested in developing your personal skills, these books are a treasure trove of research, teachings from several disciplines, and practical advice bundled together. In fact, I’d say that the sum of what you learn from combining all the ideas across several of these books can give you valuable insight on the most well-rounded ways to grow your seduction skills in a healthy and positive way. These books are bound to give you a thought-provoking reading experience, so pick what interests you best and take a deep dive into the art, science, and the psychology of seduction.

What to read next

If you’ve enjoyed my list of best seduction books, then you’re bound to enjoy How to Win Friends and Influence People, a book that’ll help you climb the ladder of success in both your professional and personal life. I particularly liked this book because the author, Dale Carnegie, writes without being too pushy with his advice and also without making the book overwhelming with research.

I liked The Law of Attraction, a book that deals with the science of attracting more of what you want and less of what you don’t. I honestly thought the ‘law of attraction’ was a bit flaky at first, but reading this gave me a new perspective about how the nature of my thoughts can turn a situation positive or negative. You might want to try this one out too!

If you need more insights on self-help and inspiration, you can check out my other self-help book recommendations and reviews. Whether you’re seeking guidance, motivation, or a new perspective, you’ll find plenty of valuable resources in my curated collection of self-help books.

FAQs

The post 11 Best Seduction Books To Teach You the Art appeared first on Bookishnerd.

This article will focus on books about dreaming in general–what they are, what they mean, and how you can understand them better with some help from books like The Interpretation of Dreams by Sigmund Freud or books written specifically on dream interpretations such as The Dreamer’s Dictionary by Robinson and Corbett

Now, if you want to see my complete rationale for all of these books, check out the following:

1. A Very Short Introduction to Dreaming by J. Allan Hobson

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Dreaming: A Very Short Introduction

• Hobson, J. Allan (Author)
• English (Publication Language)
• 176 Pages - 06/04/2011 (Publication Date) - Oxford University Press (Publisher)

$12.08

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This book is, as you might expect, is a short introduction to the world of dreams and dreaming.

it’s also a more modern text, so you don’t have to worry about old-fashioned ideas or anything like that. And it’s a great overview of dream science that doesn’t get to woo woo like a lot of other books out there.

I like this text because it was one of the first that I read when I started to learn about dreaming and became interested in interpreting my own dreams. It really helped me to understand the basics of how it all works, and to see why my own dreams might actually matter in understanding my psychology.

I recommended for anyone interested in getting their start in the world of dream theory.

2. The Interpretation of Dreams by Sigmund Freud

The Interpretation of Dreams: The Complete and Definitive Text

• Amazon Kindle Edition
• Freud, Sigmund (Author)
• English (Publication Language)
• 111 Pages - 04/13/2020 (Publication Date) - Medina Univ Pr Intl (Publisher)

$3.99

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Of course, we have to cover one of the most influential books in the history of dream theory, and that is The Interpretation of Dreams by Sigmund Freud. Now, for a modern understanding of dream theory, this is not a book that I would necessarily recommend.

But it does have a very important place in the history of the studies of dreams. No one can deny that the theories put forth by Freud really influence the direction of psychology, and opened up a few ideas that eventually led to the science we know today, even if the science of the time was a little off.

I recommended this for anyone interested in the historical roots of dream theory and how it has evolved over time.

3. The Dream and the Underworld by James Hillman

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The Dream and the Underworld

• Hillman, James (Author)
• English (Publication Language)
• 243 Pages - 07/25/1979 (Publication Date) - Harper & Row (Publisher)

$12.79

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Another book that covers the historical roots of dreams and dream interpretation is The Dream and the Underworld by James Hillman.

This books does a great job of tying together various interpretations across time, from ancient Greece to modern times. And it really helps you see how different authors throughout history have approached dreams in their own unique ways.

I recommend this for anyone who wants a deeper understanding of what cultural influences can do to change our approach to interpreting dreams over time, as well as those interested in studying some more esoteric texts on dream theory from around the world.

4. The Dreamer’s Dictionary by Robinson and Corbett

Dreamer's Dictionary

• Amazon Kindle Edition
• Robinson, Stearn (Author)
• English (Publication Language)
• 388 Pages - 08/03/2021 (Publication Date) - Grand Central Publishing (Publisher)

$7.99

Buy on Amazon

The title of this book explains it all. This dream dictionary is essentially a handbook for dreaming and dreams. It includes over 3000 interpretations of different dream symbols, categorized by topic.

This book is great for anyone who wants to start interpreting their own dreams, because it gives you a really solid foundation to start with. It also helps you develop your own personal symbol dictionary that you can draw from each time you want to interpret a dream.

5. Lucid Dreaming by Robert Waggoner

Lucid Dreaming: Gateway to the Inner Self

• Amazon Kindle Edition
• Waggoner, Robert (Author)
• English (Publication Language)
• 305 Pages - 10/01/2008 (Publication Date) - Moment Point Press (Publisher)

$19.55

Buy on Amazon

Lucid dreaming is the phenomenon of being aware that you are dreaming, and then being able to control the course of the dream.

This book is written by an expert on lucid dreaming, Robert Waggoner, and it covers everything from how to achieve lucidity in your dreams, to how to use lucid dreaming for personal growth.

I recommend this book for anyone who wants to learn more about controlling their own dreams and using them for personal development.

6. Inner Work: Using Dreams and Active Imagination for Personal Growth by Robert A. Johnson

Inner Work: A Four-Step Journey to Self-Transformation, Unearthing Subconscious Strengths, and Interpreting Dreams with Jungian Psychology

• Amazon Kindle Edition
• Johnson, Robert A. (Author)
• English (Publication Language)
• 242 Pages - 10/14/2009 (Publication Date) - HarperOne (Publisher)

$7.99

Buy on Amazon

Inner Work is a great book about how you can use your dreams for personal growth, and it’s been highly influential in the work of modern dream interpretation.

This books dives into Jungian psychology to look at different archetypes that might appear within our dreams, which helps us understand certain things about our inner self on a deeper level.

I recommend this books for anyone who wants to learn more about using their own dreams as a tool for self-growth and development. It’s very useful when used alongside other books on dream interpretation as well!

7. Learn to Lucid Dream by Kristen LaMarca

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This books is a guidebook on how to achieve lucidity in your dreams and use it to your advantage.

It has everything you need to get started with dream interpretation, such as the basics of how lucid dreaming works, step-by-step guides for achieving lucidity, techniques for controlling the course of your dreams once you’re aware that you’re dreaming, and advice on using lucid dreaming to improve different parts of life like relationships or career goals.

I recommend this book if anyone wants their own practical handbook on becoming a lucid dreamer and learning more about what it means.

8. A Field Guide to Lucid Dreaming by Tucillo, Zeizel, and Peisel

A Field Guide to Lucid Dreaming: Mastering the Art of Oneironautics

• Amazon Kindle Edition
• Tuccillo, Dylan (Author)
• English (Publication Language)
• 289 Pages - 02/28/2017 (Publication Date) - Workman Publishing Company (Publisher)

$9.92

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This books is a little different from most of the others on this list, because it takes a more scientific approach to lucid dreaming.

It’s written by three experts in the field of lucid dreaming research, and it covers everything from how to study your own dreams scientifically, to how to use specific techniques to enhance your lucidity while dreaming.

I recommend this for anyone who wants a more scientific look at advanced lucid dreaming and all that it encompasses. It can be especially useful for those interested in doing their own research on the subject.

9. The Dream Interpretation Handbook by Karen Frazier

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This books is a great resource for those who want to learn more about how they can use their dreams as tools for personal growth and development.

It covers everything from beginner’s guides on How To Keep A Dream Journal, tips and techniques for remembering your own dreams, advice on working with recurring dream themes or nightmares, and even some practical exercises you can try out in order to help you interpret your own dreams.

I recommend this books if anyone wants to take an active approach towards interpreting their own dreams; it really helps guide readers through the process step-by-step!

10. The Wisdom of Your Dreams by Jeremy Taylor

The Wisdom of Your Dreams: Using Dreams to Tap into Your Unconscious and Transform Your Life

• Amazon Kindle Edition
• Taylor, Jeremy (Author)
• English (Publication Language)
• 354 Pages - 09/23/2009 (Publication Date) - Tarcher (Publisher)

$5.99

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The Wisdom of Your Dreams by Jeremy Taylor is a book about the symbolism and meaning of dreams. The author provides an in-depth analysis of different dream themes, such as fear, love, and death.

I recommend this books for anyone who wants to learn more about dream interpretation and how it can be used in their own life. This books dives into the symbolism of dreams, which is a great resource when learning how to interpret your own personal dreams!

11. Our Dreaming Mind by Robert L. Van De Castle

Our Dreaming Mind

• CASTLE, Robert L. Van De (Author)
• English (Publication Language)
• 07/19/1995 (Publication Date) - Ballantine (Publisher)

$28.48

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Our Dreaming Mind is a great books on dreams, and it’s written by the expert in dream research Robert L. Van De Castle!

It covers everything from what happens during different stages of sleep that are crucial to getting quality rest, all the way through to how you can use your own dreams for self-growth.

I also like this one because it covers the history of dreaming, and the influence that it has on art, psychology, religion, and our culture. For sure, you will likely step away with this book with a greater appreciation of dreaming in general.

12. The Archetypes and The Collective Unconscious by C.G. Jung

The Collected Works of C. G. Jung, Volume 9 (Part 1): Archetypes and the Collective Unconscious

• Amazon Kindle Edition
• Jung, C. G. (Author)
• English (Publication Language)
• 496 Pages - 03/01/2014 (Publication Date) - Princeton University Press (Publisher)

$22.56

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This books is a classic because it was written by C.G. Jung, who is known as the founder of analytical psychology.

In this books he discusses his theory on the collective unconscious and how it manifests in dreams. He also talks about different archetypes that can be found in dreams, such as the mother, child, hero, etc.

I recommend this books for anyone who wants to explore dream symbolism a little further and learn about some of the deeper psychological aspects that Dreams can reveal about ourselves!

13. Man and His Symbols by C.G. Jung

Man and His Symbols

• Amazon Kindle Edition
• Jung, Carl Gustav (Author)
• English (Publication Language)
• 510 Pages - 02/01/2012 (Publication Date) - Dell (Publisher)

$12.99

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Lastly, I recommend this books for anyone who is interested in C.G Jung’s work and theories on dreams!

In it he discusses how Dreams can be a gateway into exploring our hidden selves, as well as the symbolism that exists within them which reveals deeper meanings of ourselves.

This was essentially Carl Jung’s magnum opus, his greatest achievement, as he tries to really understand the history of mankind’s symbolism. It really is a classic, and one that everyone should read.

The Bottom Line

I hope you found this information interesting. While dreaming isn’t necessarily a subject that everyone must know about, it is one of those interesting things that can really give you direct insight into your own mind.

I found that it makes me super insightful, and even if it’s a bunch of hogwash, I have found some personal reflection opportunities that have really been good for me.

I hope that these books will help you find the same thing. Enjoy!

The post 13 Best Books on Dream Science and Dream Interpretation appeared first on Bookishnerd.