The best books to take you on an emotional journey and discover the truest version of yourself

Compelling (adj.): evoking interest, attention, or admiration in a powerfully irresistible way.

It’s a favorite word in my vocabulary. But I'm compelled (ironically) to remove it from past reviews. This novel sets a new benchmark for this word's literary meaning.

This story addresses controversial topics that keep the reader thinking while considering their own stance on societal issues. There is language and sexual undertones throughout this novel, but it’s done in a respectful manner that adds tone and depth to the characters instead of detracting from them.

If you're looking for a story that helps to find yourself amidst the chaos of everyday life, Evelyn Hugo and Monique Grant, through the compelling storytelling prowess of Ms. Reid, might give you a peek behind the curtain that reveals a greater truth.

Occasionally, a book affects you profoundly: as a reader, writer, and person.

As a reader, the characters were part of my life. The ebb and flow of conflict, resolution, and tension was captivating. While reading this book, I slowed down instead of speeding up, to savor every emotion with intensity.

As a writer, Ms. Hannah uses language to convey heart-wrenching emotion. This is the joy, despair, hope, love, anger, and rage I want to share in my stories.

As a person, stories let us inspect the complex intricacies of humanity. It’s inspiring, moving, and encouraging. This one evocatively demonstrates the power of love, family, courage, and hope. I would be surprised if this book disappointed you, and not surprised a bit if it changes you on some deeper level.

Lauren Denton continues leading me down a road filled with glory and unparalleled splendor. The authenticity and raw connectedness to her characters resonates on a level that transcends fiction.

Life is messy and uncertain. It’s the people we surround ourselves with and summoning the courage to open up that makes everything seem “right”. There’s no word for it, that feeling when everything settles into place because you’ve given yourself permission to be the person you truly are. But the entirety of this novel wraps around you with that message.

Find your path, with all its grooves, bumps, and ruts. There might be dusty fragments scattered in the breeze or thick mud that slows you down, but when it’s “your” road and choice, it’s undeniably the most glorious road you’ll travel.

I hoped to like this book, but I didn’t expect to. I don’t usually read YA novels. No matter your normal reading preferences, though, there’s something special here for every reader.

Abbie captures elements of the human condition with artistic and poetic fluency that make it a joy to read her prose. But there’s more to love about this story. Tessa and Weston are two characters I immediately identified with and connected to, because of their authentic feelings and flawed selves.

Finding yourself amid chaos becomes easier when you have someone to share that experience with. Tessa and Weston prove this in a way that’s emotionally moving and authentic. Part coming of age and love story, 100 Days of Sunlight will shine bright long beyond that span of time.

There are twenty-six letters in the alphabet and infinite ways to combine them, to portray every emotion a human experiences.

The overarching sentiment I appreciate after reading this book is that the beauty of romance can’t be fully captured with inky black symbols, even if arranged perfectly. You can get close, but true love is something that is felt.

In countless places, my heart was torn apart and healed, all inside a single sentence. This paradox and roller coaster of emotions encapsulates the rapturous essence of love.

We need more of the unnamed sentiments in this book to pour into our world. There’s a bygone nostalgia and charm, a flame to reignite through stories like this. Embrace the magic of love. Believe in it, feel it, and share it.