Our Favorite Books We’ve Read So Far This Year

Since the beginning of the summer, I have been on a huge reading kick, and George Saunders’ “Lincoln in the Bardo” was one of those books I was able to devour in just over two days. Although historical fiction is not my favorite genre, I was drawn to this book’s unique style. Written like a play, entirely through dialogue, it tells the story of the afterlife of Willie Lincoln, Abe Lincoln’s son who died of typhoid. Although it sounds incredibly sad and depressing, the novel is a beautiful reflection on what it really means to be alive.

– Emma, Editorial Intern

A collection of essays and poems by women about climate change. This book is essential reading for anyone looking to learn more about the interplay between climate change, institutional racism/sexism, and anyone who needs hope for the future of the planet.

– Emma, Editorial Intern

Yes, I did read this book for class. But it was one the most profound and insightful books I’ve ever seen. Reframing violent reactions against American policing as “riots” to as “rebellions” as a demonstration by the police as part of broader systemic problems.

– Emma, Editorial Intern

When my friend let me borrow this book last summer, it sat on my shelt for a while before I picked it up, even though she told me it was amazing, had so many twists and turns, and made her stare at a wall for 10 minutes after she read it (something that tells me a plot twist is damn good—the only book that has made me do that so far have been I’m Thinking of Ending Things). It was so good that I couldn’t put it down when I finally got it. This book is not your usual thriller. But it has so many twists, turns, and kept me interested the whole time. You won’t regret it if you don’t know what to expect.

– Beth, Beauty Content Manager

Gorgeous, beautiful girls love a thriller. However, not all are the same. I thought I was getting something with a predictable plot twist all about a cheating husband and his naive wife—but I was wrong. I gasped in awe at the plot twist, and then I went back to reading earlier chapters because it was so clever and engaging. I haven’t put the book down since.

– Beth, Beauty Content Manager

The first of this trilogy, “Get A Life, Chloe Brown,” exceeded my expectations. It showed me that I could like a romance interest who wasn’t a complete f*ckboy with a corporate job, that even the books with the cutest covers can have the most steam, and that even I, a resident hater of all-things British slang, could get down with a book set abroad. So, I was even more surprised when the second novel following Chloe’s sister—a plus-size, bisexual Ph.D. candidate and professor with amazing style who casts spells and appreciates the company of a one-night stand—became my favorite. This novel had all the amazing aspects of the first book but the connection and characters were even more impressive. It features fake dating, lots and steam, great anxiety representation, a Black lead and many other things.

– Beth, Beauty Content Manager

I am a SUCKER for a funny-mixed-with-emotional memoir, and tie in a little bit of Hollywood drama and consider me obsessed. Busy Phillip’s hilarious memoir was a page turner for so many reasons: for one being that she did spill a lot of tea on relationships with celebrities, certain big-time products/directors/actors, etc. Despite this, I was captivated by her honest, funny, and touching retelling her entire life. You can think of it as a coming-of-age story with lots of laugh-out loud humor, juicy details, and relatable stories that are brutally honest, emotionally, and real. It’s a quick read that makes it a great travel book.

– Josie, Wellness Content Manager

I’m big on memoirs and self-help books, but this is one of those stand-out books that I have aggressively highlighted every page, dog-eared the entire book, and reread multiple times. From her fascinating takes on gender, family, and going through hard things, Doyle’s writing truly made me laugh and cry so many times from the first to last page. It also gave me my #1 affirmation of the year and the phrase I go to every time I’m struggling: “Your job is to disappoint as many people as possible to avoid disappointing yourself” (as a chronic people-pleaser, this hit hard). It is a wake up call for all women to live authentic lives. Read if you’re in major need of some inspiration, motivation, or a reminder of your purpose in life.

– Josie, Wellness Content Manager

After hearing Taylor Jenkins Reid love from everyone I knew, I downloaded her book to my Kindle. After finishing the book, I downloaded The Seven Husbands Of Evelyn Hugo, Daisy Jones, and The Six. Her writing style is very different from many of the books I have read in recent years. This book filled a void in me reading life that I didn’t know existed. This story was full of romance, family dynamics, and even mystery. It has that special feeling of being connected to the characters, and really wanting to be a part a fictional world.

– Jess, Junior Graphic Designer

I am 25 years old and have recently rediscovered my love of Young Adult fiction. The stories and the way they’re written make them fun and easy to read, while still absorbing you completely. This is definitely true for They Wish They Were Us. I loved it so much that I would recommend it to everyone. It’s a perfect blend of classic YA teen romances and friendship drama, as well as a Gone Girl-style thriller/mystery. The story revolves around a secret society at an elite prep school, and the mystery surrounding the murder of the school’s most popular girl—AKA the perfect recipe for a book you just can’t put down.

– Jess, Junior Graphic Designer

Let me start by saying I read a lot. In fact, this year I have read more books in my lifetime than any other time. Since I mainly stick to psychological thrillers (and since so many have similar plots) 90 percent of them blur together for me—so the 10 percent that doesn’t are really good. This was the first book that came to mind when I was thinking about books I had read in 2018. It’s a quick, entertaining read with a plot that isn’t like anything else I’ve ever read. It will keep your attention and surprise you at the end.

– Maddie, Fashion Content Manager

I’ve already spoken about this before, but I will continue to because it just might be my favorite book I’ve ever read. It was insanely funny and left me with a swollen jaw. Trust me, this thriller is the one you should read.

– Maddie, Fashion Content Manager

I can’t stop thinking about this book. It was a fast-paced 48-hour read that I couldn’t put down. It is dark. It is horrible. It is heart-pounding, pulsating, and breath-catching. I loved it, I hated it, and I loved it. I’ve never been so absorbed in a world like it. The story centers on Laia, who is a slave in a world loosely related to ancient Rome. I loved that Laia wasn’t your typical guns-blazing badass fantasy female heroine but instead scared out of her wits, trying to save her brother, and gradually becoming so realistically badass—it’s eat-your-heart-out satisfying. This is the book for fantasy lovers. This is the place to go if you love love-to-hate love triangles. If you enjoy sociopathic morally-grey characters who will make your hair stand on its end, this is the book for you. This is my point.

– Kelly, Course Director

The Bone Season series is one of my favorite. all. time. I read the first two installments in one week. The next two books had a similar effect. The series follows Paige Mahoney, a member of London’s clairvoyant underground in the not-so-distant future. Paige deals with both mental and physical trauma from the three previous books in The Mask Falling. At this point, Paige must find a way for her to continue fighting when she really needs to heal. This book is a perfect blend of quiet, character-building moments and action scenes that leave you breathless. I was so close at the end that I almost flew to London to ask the author for the next chapter.

– Garri, Managing Editor

After hearing nothing but positive things about this book for literally months, it finally made it to the top of my TBR-pile. I was so disappointed that I didn’t read it sooner. I read some really great books this year, and a few others I’d give five stars to, but when it comes down to it, this one will have a permanent place on my all-time favorite list. For fans of magic, love, and adventure, it doesn’t get much better than this. Don’t get me wrong, this book will absolutely break your heart, but I promise the ending makes everything worth it.

– Garri, Managing Editor

Even though I’m very busy with my classes readings, I still try and find a couple books to read for pleasure whenever I have the time. Since I’m obsessed with mystery and romance novels, I chose to read We Were Liars and am so glad I did. We Were Liars is the story of four best friends who travel every summer to a private island until a tragic accident occurs. The quiet, imaginative girl in the friend group is forced into investigating the incident and finding out what happened to her friends. This novel was so compelling and emotionally charged that I couldn’t put it down. We Were Liars is a quick and easy read that will move you emotionally.

– Caitlyn, Editorial Intern

Jen Atkin is a huge fan of my work so I was eager to read her book. She uses concrete examples from her career as a celebrity stylist, but the empowering insights and lessons she gives to readers can be applied in any industry. She offers tips and advice on how to succeed in your career. She also shares humorous anecdotes with life lessons and tips to help you find your voice. I recommend this book to anyone looking for a motivating and entertaining book to help them get started on their new year’s resolutions.

– Keely, Senior Social Media Editor