I used to think thrillers weren’t for me. The tension, the high stakes, the creeping sense that something sinister lurked just beyond the page—I preferred stories that felt a little softer, a little cozier. But then, in 2022, The Housemaid by Freida McFadden took BookTok by storm, and curiosity got the best of me. I picked it up expecting a quick, entertaining read. Instead, I was consumed. There was something deliciously immersive about the way the plot twisted and turned, pulling me deeper with each chapter. I finally understood the allure of a great thriller—not just the adrenaline rush, but the intimacy of being let in on a secret, of uncovering the truth alongside the characters. And if you’re searching for the best thriller books 2025 has to offer, you’re in for that same thrill.

This year’s releases prove that the genre is more nuanced than ever. From intricate psychological dramas to fast-paced, high-stakes mysteries, 2025’s thrillers offer suspense that lingers long after the final page. These books tap into our fascination with deception and desire, our hunger for stories that unravel in unexpected ways. They are as gripping as they are thought-provoking, balancing page-turning tension with writing that lingers—a reminder that thrillers, at their best, aren’t just about shock value but about peeling back the layers of human nature itself.

Featured image from our interview with Inge Theron by Teal Thomsen.

10 Best Thriller Books to Keep You on the Edge in 2025

Whether you’re a longtime devotee or a more recent convert (welcome to the club), these books promise to keep you hooked from start to finish. So find a cozy corner and prepare to lose yourself in some of the most unputdownable reads of the year. Just don’t be surprised if you stay up past midnight, promising yourself just one more chapter.

The Woman in Suite 11 by Ruth Ware

Ruth Ware has long mastered the art of crafting thrillers that feel both elegant and unrelenting. The Woman in Suite 11? It might just be her most intoxicating yet. Set in a secluded, snow-draped resort, the novel drips with the kind of creeping unease that makes you glance over your shoulder while reading. Ware’s signature slow-burn suspense builds to a masterfully orchestrated unraveling, proving once again that no one captures atmosphere quite like she does. It’s the kind of book you sink into, equal parts entranced by its eerie beauty and desperate to see how it all comes undone.

Available: July 8, 2025

The Woman in Suite 11

$20.99 at Amazon

Our Last Resort by Clémence Michallon

With precision and perspective, Clémence Michallon carves out a thriller that is as haunting as it is hypnotic. Our Last Resort unfolds in a sun-drenched, picture-perfect setting—one that quickly warps under the weight of buried secrets and quiet menace. Michallon’s gift lies in her restraint, letting the tension simmer until it’s nearly unbearable, making every reveal feel like a gut punch you never saw coming.

Available: Now

Our Last Resort

$29 at Amazon

The Lake Escape by Jamie Day

Jamie Day exemplifies how few settings are as ripe for tension as a secluded lakeside retreat. The Lake Escape lures you in with its promise of an idyllic getaway, only to unravel into a labyrinth of betrayals, hidden motives, and chilling revelations. Day’s pacing is razor-sharp, delivering twists that feel both shocking and inevitable—a balance that only the best thriller writers achieve. It’s the kind of novel that keeps you up late, the stillness of the night suddenly feeling a little less serene.

Available: July 15, 2025

The Lake Escape

$29 at Amazon

Seven for a Secret by Mary E. Roach

Seven for a Secret is steeped in gothic allure, weaving folklore, family secrets, and an ever-tightening sense of dread. Roach’s prose is lyrical yet razor-sharp, unfurling each revelation with a quiet inevitability. It’s the perfect read for those who love their thrillers with a touch of the uncanny—where the line between past and present, truth and illusion, is never quite clear.

Available: September 30, 2025

Seven for a Secret

$18.99 at Amazon

Cross My Heart by Megan Collins

In Cross My Heart, Megan Collins delivers a haunting tale of obsession, fate, and the tangled web of love. Rosie Lachlan, a woman still reeling from a broken engagement, receives a life-saving heart transplant and becomes convinced that the heart she now carries once belonged to Daphne, the wife of a local celebrity author Morgan Thorne. As Rosie anonymously reaches out to Morgan, a connection blooms—but so do her doubts about his involvement in Daphne’s mysterious death. Collins’ sharp psychological tension keeps you hooked, leaving you to wonder if Rosie’s heart will betray her—or if she’s in deeper danger than she ever imagined.

Available: Now

Cross My Heart

$22.81 at Amazon

The Influencers by Anna-Marie McLemore

May Iverson has built a viral empire around her five daughters, but now that they’re grown, the consequences of their publicized childhoods come crashing into view—especially after May’s husband is murdered and their mansion is set ablaze. As secrets about the family unravel, McLemore weaves a story that exposes the fractures between the Iverson sisters, who each grapple with the legacy of their mother’s influence in different ways. With its critique of influencer culture, race, gender, and class, The Influencers is a page-turning read that will leave you questioning the cost of fame and the dark truths lurking beneath its glossy surface.

Available: April 15, 2025

The Influencers

$28 at Amazon

A Serial Killer’s Guide to Marriage by Asia Mackay

A left turn from the other thrillers featured in this list, A Serial Killer’s Guide to Marriage is darkly humorous, following the life of a suburban mom who just happens to have a deadly past. Hazel and Fox once thrived in a world of high-stakes murder, but now, they’re bogged down by diapers, playdates, and a life that feels far too normal. Hazel’s boredom with the everyday life she’s tried to embrace grows as the urge to return to her former (serial killer) ways creeps back into her mind. Mackay skillfully blends wit with suspense, delivering a sharp and hilarious critique of domestic life, while exploring just how far one woman will go to keep her family—and her secrets—intact. It’s a twisted, funny, and entertaining exploration of love, marriage, and the deadly games we play.

Available: Now

A Serial Killer’s Guide to Marriage

$24.50 at Amazon

Don’t Let Him In by Lisa Jewell

Lisa Jewell’s Don’t Let Him In is an exploration of trust, deception, and the secrets lurking just beneath the surface. When Nina Swann falls for the charming Nick Radcliffe, she believes she’s found the stability she so desperately needs after her husband’s death. But her daughter Ash isn’t so sure, sensing something off about Nick’s too-perfect exterior. Meanwhile, Martha, a florist living in a neighboring town, begins to suspect her husband Alistair’s increasing absences aren’t as innocent as he claims. It’s a book that will have you questioning everyone—and everything—until the very last page.

Available: June 24, 2025

Don’t Let Him In

$20.99 at Amazon

The Crash by Freida McFadden

Freida McFadden was my introduction to the world of thrillers, and The Crash is a perfect example of why she’s become a master of the genre. Just like her previous bestsellers, this novel hooks you from the very first page. McFadden’s ability to build tension is unparalleled, drawing out suspense in the most subtle, unexpected ways. With each twist, you find yourself questioning not only the characters but your own assumptions about what’s really happening. That’s the beauty of a great thriller—it keeps you just as engaged in the unraveling as in the mystery itself. If you’re looking for a book that delivers that same addictive pull, The Crash is a must-read.

Available: Now

The Crash

$24.24 at Amazon

Beautiful Ugly by Alice Feeney

Alice Feeney’s Beautiful Ugly is a masterclass in psychological tension. With a plot that twists and turns, Feeney keeps you on edge, questioning every character’s motives and every piece of information you’re given. Her sharp, incisive writing is matched only by the emotional complexity of the story, making each revelation hit harder than the last. Trust me: This is the kind of thriller that burrows under your skin.

Available: Now

Beautiful Ugly

$20.29 at Amazon

The post 10 New Thrillers You Won’t Be Able to Put Down appeared first on Camille Styles.

The goal of any vacation is always the same: to check out and check into a completely different world, being as unplugged or as unreachable as you’d like. Maybe the magic is to feel transported by the setting—a buzzy city or sun-baked coastline—or to feel the thrill of letting your hair down, unlocking a different side to your personality. To travel is to dive more deeply into life itself, and when a physical vacation is out of the question (or budget), there’s a good chance a great book can take you there instead.

So whether you’re dreaming about a European getaway, craving the calm of seaside introspection, or even looking for a fantastical, otherworldly escape, below is a list of reads that will feel like a vacation—enveloping you in anywhere but where you are. No boarding pass required.

13 Books That Feel Like a Vacation

The Invitation by Lucy Foley

Rome, 1953: Man meets woman at a rooftop party. They spend an impassioned night together, presumably never to see each other again—until they’re reunited one year later on a secret-fueled yacht sailing along the Italian coast. Fans of Foley’s later works, like The Guest List and The Midnight Feast, will appreciate this slower, more suspenseful build that, if nothing else, will inspire a summer of silk scarves and satisfy some Italian wanderlust.

The Invitation by Lucy Foley

$12.79 at Amazon

The Summer Book by Tove Jansson 

This is a quiet book, filled with vignettes that immortalize the passing of time during a summer shared between a grandmother and her granddaughter on a Finnish island. Yet, it reveals the kind of fundamental truths that always seem closer on vacation: that the simple things are really the profound, that life is a web connecting sorrows with joy, and that the ability to truly see and savor the present is all we can hope for, at any age, with loved ones nearby.

The Summer Book by Tove Jansson

$13.08 at Amazon

How to End a Love Story by Yulin Kuang

From New York to Los Angeles, this book makes for the perfect getaway. It follows the story of Helen and Grant, bonded by a tragic past who meet again as adults when work brings them together. Kuang, who is also a director and screenwriter (adapting author Emily Henry’s first forays into film), gives you a peek inside the world of TV writing with this honest and vulnerable love story. Sometimes you just want a frothy, bi-coastal romp, and that’s exactly what this is.

How to End a Love Story by Yulin Kuang

$9.86 at Amazon

A Week at the Airport by Alain de Botton

Few would consider the airport the destination, but Alain de Botton’s contemplative point-of-view draws back the curtain on a place many of us visit, but rarely discover. After spending a week at London’s Heathrow airport as its “writer-in-residence,” he shares his unprecedented access through a curious, poetic lens that will leave you looking at a terminal—and travel in general—with wider, deeper appreciation.

A Week at the Airport by Alain de Botton

$18.95 at Amazon

Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros

For pure escapism in the best way, if you haven’t already discovered Yarros’ Empyrean series, now is the time. This first book has everything you need; it’s fast-paced, a little unhinged, and completely addictive. Add in the dragons, the tension, and the romance—and there is zero chance of you putting it down.

Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros

$15.90 at Amazon

A Wizard of Earthsea by Ursala K. Le Guin

For more fantasy—especially those who think they’re not fantasy fans—know that Le Guin’s Earthsea novels are some of the most awarded books in literature, beloved on the level of The Chronicles of Narnia and The Lord of the Rings. Start with this first one, a wizard coming-of-age story (note: this wizard school predates Hogwarts by decades) that’s less trope than it is transcendent introspection on the nature of all things.

A Wizard of Earthsea by Ursala K. Le Guin

$8.99 at Amazon

A Wreath for the Enemy by Pamela Frankau

You’d be forgiven for thinking this book was a contemporary novel, even though it was written in 1954. Surprisingly readable, it’s the story of two teenagers—one whose Bohemian family runs a hotel, the other whose family vacations in the villa below it—and the people they become as their perspective grows and changes. Located on the French Riviera also makes for a stunning backdrop; you’ll practically smell the wisteria. 

A Wreath for the Enemy by Pamela Frankau

$12.31 at Amazon

Neither Here Nor There by Bill Bryson

If a classic backpacking trip through Europe is what you’re after, this hilarious memoir takes you on the journey without the trek. With a tone that’s equally sarcastic as it is endearing, Bryson sets out to recreate a backpacking trip he took in the 70s, relived through older, self-reflective eyes. Those nostalgic for an era of travel that’s pre-smartphone, TikTok, or Instagram will appreciate his kind of “winging-it-with-a-paper-map” approach that you just don’t see anymore.

Neither Here Nor There by Bill Bryson

$10.99 at Amazon

The Island of Sea Women by Lisa See

This sparkling sprawl of friendship spans a lifetime on the tiny Korean island of Jeju, diving deep into the fascinating, matriarchal world of the haenyeo—female free divers who have traditionally harvested seafood without the use of scuba gear. Though it’s historical fiction, you’ll follow the bond of Mi-ja and Young-sook through a sobering history lesson that’s less of a vacation, more like an homage to what comes to the surface when pressed on all sides.

The Island of Sea Women by Lisa See

$9.99 at Amazon

From Scratch: A Memoir of Love, Sicily, and Finding Home by Tembi Locke

Love, legacy, and loads of fresh parsley. This engrossing memoir is a vivid retelling of the author’s real-life love story born in Florence, nurtured in the neighborhoods of Los Angeles, and deepened through time in the Sicilian countryside. It’s a raw, sincere reminder of the power of family—the ones we’re born into and the ones we create along the way.

From Scratch by Tembi Locke

$9.99 at Amazon

Sandwich by Catherine Newman

This quirky, hilarious story follows the 50-something Rocky during a summer in Cape Cod, where she spends a week with both her adult kids and aging parents in their yearly rental cabin. It’s for anyone who’s ever faced the complicated, shifting dynamics of motherhood, childhood, or growing up sandwiched between who you were and facing who you’re becoming—with a side of clams.

Sandwich by Catherine Newman

$13.09 at Amazon

Husbands & Lovers by Beatriz Williams

Two timelines intersect in this global tale of heartbreak and redemption, weaving post-WWII Egypt together with modern-day New England. As single mother Mallory rushes to find a kidney donor for her young son, Hannah, an ex-countess, struggles to adapt to life as a British diplomat’s wife. The twists of their stories will keep you guessing until the end—ultimately giving room to the beauty, and weight, of the feminine experience.

Husbands & Lovers by Beatriz Williams

$15.23 at Amazon

Outline by Rachel Cusk

This one won’t be for everyone, but if you’re the kind of person who gets lost in existential dread and loves an outlet for challenging your perspective, then you’ll enjoy these narratives encountered by a writer on her way to teach a course in Athens. Reading it feels like dissociating while on vacation (in a good way)…with lush descriptions of Greece that aid in its transportive power.

Outline by Rachel Cusk

$11.34 at Amazon

The post These 13 Books Feel Like a Vacation—No Flight Required appeared first on Camille Styles.

Picture this: a blanket wrapped around you (perhaps with a sleeping pet), a steaming mug of tea in your hands, and a cozy book resting in your lap. Outside, the world may be cold and chaotic, but within the pages of a well-loved story, there’s warmth, comfort, and the kind of escape only reading can provide. These are the moments we crave during the colder months. They remind us to slow down, savor the stillness, and reconnect with ourselves.

This time of year, the fleeting daylight might seem at odds with the relentless pace of life, leaving little space to pause. But that’s exactly why cozy books hold such power. They’re not just stories—they’re invitations to step into a world where the stakes are softer, the characters feel like friends, and the settings are imbued with a sense of nostalgia or wonder. Whether it’s the crackle of a fireplace in a small-town romance, the quiet tension of a gentle mystery, or the reflective prose of a heartfelt memoir, cozy books meet us where we are and remind us of the comfort found in simplicity.

Featured image from our interview with Sabeena Ladha by Suruchi Avasthi.

The Best Cozy Books to Keep You Warm and Inspired Until Spring

Ahead, we’ve gathered 15 of the best cozy books to curl up with this season. From timeless classics to contemporary gems, there’s something here for every reader. Whether you’re seeking stories that feel like a warm embrace or tales that transport you to charming, picturesque worlds, these books will provide the solace and joy you’re looking for. So, grab your favorite blanket, brew a warm beverage, and settle in—these are the reads you’ll want to return to again and again.

These are not just stories—they’re invitations to pause, breathe, and step into a world where the stakes are softer, the characters feel like friends, and the settings are imbued with a sense of nostalgia or wonder.

What makes a book cozy?

It’s the way the book wraps you in a world that feels both inviting and familiar, where the settings become as much a part of the story as the characters themselves. Think charming small towns with tree-lined streets, cottages nestled in the countryside, or quaint city corners where the coffee shop owner knows everyone by name. These stories often explore heartwarming themes—friendship that withstands the test of time, love that feels honest and real, and the quiet triumphs of self-discovery. They’re grounded in gentle pacing, with characters who feel like old friends, drawing you into their lives in a way that’s effortless and deeply satisfying.

At their core, cozy books provide more than just a good story—they offer an escape into a world of emotional warmth and comfort. They remind us to slow down, savor the little moments, and find joy in the simple pleasures of life. These books create a sense of connection that lingers long after the final page. For anyone seeking calm in the whirlwind of life, cozy books are the perfect companion.

The Best Cozy Books to Add to Your Reading List

This list has something for everyone. Each book offers a unique blend of comfort and escapism, perfect for curling up with on a quiet afternoon. Get ready to infuse a little extra joy into your reading routine.

Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery

Set in the fictional village of Avonlea, this beloved classic follows the adventures of spirited Anne Shirley as she finds friendship, love, and a true sense of belonging. With its charming setting and heartwarming themes of self-discovery and resilience, this book is the ultimate cozy read.

Anne of Green Gables

$13.78 at Target

Little Women by Louisa May Alcott

A timeless tale of sisterhood, love, and perseverance, Little Women captures the joys and challenges of family life with its signature, deeply relatable characters. The coziness of the March family home and the enduring bonds between the sisters make it a perfect read for any wrap-yourself-in-warmth moment.

Little Women

$6.99 at Target

Be Ready When the Luck Happens by Ina Garten

This isn’t just a memoir—it’s an invitation into a life built on curiosity, confidence, and a deep love of good food. With her signature warmth and effortless charm, Ina shares the behind-the-scenes moments that led her from the White House to the Barefoot Contessa empire, proving that success is equal parts preparation and saying “yes” to the right opportunities. Her storytelling feels like a leisurely afternoon in her East Hampton kitchen, where wisdom is shared over perfectly roasted chicken and a crisp glass of wine. If you’ve ever dreamed of reinventing yourself—or just want Ina’s voice in your head reminding you that you can—this book is the cozy, inspiring read you need.

Be Ready When the Luck Happens

$21 at Target

The Lost Art of Mixing by Erica Bauermeister

Erica Bauermeister has a way of writing that feels like slipping into a warm kitchen on a rainy afternoon—comforting, familiar, and filled with quiet magic. The Lost Art of Mixing is a blend of interconnected lives, each character carrying their own heartbreaks and hopes, all woven together through the language of food. There’s a softness to her storytelling, a sense that even life’s messiest moments can be stirred into something beautiful.

The Lost Art of Mixing

$14.24 at Target

Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen

A masterful blend of romance, wit, and social commentary, Austen’s classic novel is as comforting as the many cups of tea the Bennet sisters sip. With its endearing characters, elegant prose, and picturesque English countryside, Pride and Prejudice offers both escapism and emotional depth. It’s proof that the enemies-to-lovers framework will forever endure.

Pride and Prejudice

$22 at Target

The Wind in the Willows by Kenneth Grahame

This whimsical tale of friendship and adventure among woodland creatures captures the magic of small, meaningful moments. The cozy riverside setting and themes of camaraderie and home make it a delightful and heartening read for all ages.

The Wind in the Willows

$13.29 at Target

Meredith, Alone by Claire Alexander

This can’t-put-it-down quick read tells the story of Meredith, a woman who has spent years living alone, avoiding the outside world after a traumatic event. As she begins to open herself up to new relationships and experiences, her journey toward healing and self-acceptance is both uplifting and relatable, offering a comforting reminder of the power of human connection and resilience.

Meredith, Alone

$12.89 at Target

The Flatshare by Beth O’Leary

A delightful romantic comedy about two strangers who share a flat but have never met. Through a unique arrangement, they begin to learn more about each other’s lives and develop a deep bond, all while navigating their own personal journeys.

The Flatshare

$12.57 at Target

The Wedding People by Alison Espach

The Wedding People (also known as my favorite book of 2024) follows Phoebe Stone, who arrives at a wedding in Newport, Rhode Island, alone and at rock bottom after her marriage falls apart. Seeking one last indulgent escape, Phoebe unexpectedly bonds with the bride, and the novel explores themes of self-discovery, healing, and the surprising ways we can be rerouted on our journeys.

The Wedding People

$18.37 at Target

Tom Lake by Ann Patchett

Ann Patchett’s Tom Lake is the kind of novel that wraps around you like a well-worn quilt—soft, familiar, and stitched with quiet wisdom. Set against the backdrop of a Michigan summer, it’s a story of love, nostalgia, and the gentle unraveling of youthful illusions, told with Patchett’s signature grace. (Listen to it on audiobook if you want a perfect narration by Meryl Streep. Her voice carries the story with an effortless intimacy that deepens its warmth.)

Tom Lake

$15.68 at Target

Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus

Lessons in Chemistry is sharp, funny, and comforting—but with a kick. Elizabeth Zott is a heroine unlike any other, a chemist-turned-unlikely-TV-star whose brilliance refuses to be dimmed by the 1960s patriarchy. The novel simmers with quiet rage, bubbling over with humor and heart, making it impossible to put down. Cozy in the way that intelligence and rebellion can be, Lessons in Chemistry is the literary equivalent of a perfectly balanced recipe: equal parts warmth, wit, and a dash of revolution.

Lessons in Chemistry

$15.41 at Target

Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt

There’s cozy, and then there’s Remarkably Bright Creatures cozy—the kind of book that feels like sipping tea by a rain-streaked window, watching the world soften at the edges. Shelby Van Pelt delivers a story that is equal parts tender and surprising, weaving together a grieving widow, a mischievous octopus (who absolutely steals the show), and a search for connection that spans generations. It’s charming without being saccharine, moving without being heavy. In short, this is a novel that lingers.

Remarkably Bright Creatures

$16.05 at Target

Just One Taste by Lizzy Dent

In Just One Taste, Lizzy Dent serves up a delightful mix of romance, self-discovery, and seriously mouthwatering food descriptions—because yes, the love story is delicious, but so is the way this book captures ambition, second chances, and the quiet longing for something more. With humor and heart, it’s the kind of read that feels indulgent in the best way.

Just One Taste

$15.10 at Target

Gift from the Sea by Anne Morrow Lindbergh

Camille and I have long bonded over our shared love of Gift from the Sea—a book that, no matter your background, no matter your hopes, desires, or dreams, will find a way to speak to your soul. Anne Morrow Lindbergh’s reflections on solitude, love, and the ever-shifting tides of womanhood feel as timeless as the ocean itself. It’s a book to return to, again and again with each reading offering something new, something needed. Poetic, wise, and deeply resonant, it’s a reminder to seek beauty, embrace stillness, and trust in the rhythms of your life.

Gift from the Sea

$9.99 at Target

The Gastronomical Me by M.F.K. Fisher 

Reading The Gastronomical Me feels like being let in on a delicious secret—one only M.F.K. Fisher could tell with such wit, elegance, and sensuality. She writes about food the way others write about love, weaving together meals and memories in a way that makes you want to linger at the table just a little longer. But beneath the recipes and reveries, there’s something deeper: a woman discovering herself, one bite at a time. It’s a book that satisfies in every sense—rich, indulgent, and impossible to put down.

The Gastronomical Me

$15.47 at Target

The post 15 Cozy Books to Curl Up With This Winter, from Classics to Newer Gems appeared first on Camille Styles.

With the new year comes the promise of fresh beginnings and new possibilities. It’s a time when many of us reflect on what we want to achieve in the months ahead—whether it’s professional milestones, personal growth, or simply embracing healthier habits. The act of setting goals is a powerful catalyst for change, providing direction and purpose in a world that often feels overwhelming. Yet, despite the best intentions, navigating the path to our dreams can sometimes feel unclear. That’s where the right guidance comes in. A well-chosen book can be a transformative companion on your journey, offering both the inspiration and practical tools needed to turn intentions into lasting change.

Featured image from our interview with Sanne Vloet by Michelle Nash.

10 Goal-Setting Books to Inspire Success in 2025

Ahead, we’ve curated a collection of 10 goal-setting books that offer unique perspectives and actionable strategies to help you make 2025 your most fulfilling year yet. From building small, sustainable habits to mastering the art of designing a life you love, these books invite you to think critically about your aspirations and the steps it takes to achieve them. Whether you’re a seasoned goal-setter or embarking on this journey for the first time, these titles provide a mix of wisdom, motivation, and fresh insights that will help you set goals that truly resonate—and empower you to turn them into reality.

Creating a Life That Matters by Rivka Goldstein & Manis Friedman 

Creating a Life That Matters offers a fresh and thought-provoking take on goal-setting. With wit and wisdom, Friedman explores the complexities of modern life—touching on relationships, parenting, and the search for purpose—while guiding readers to focus on what truly matters. This book goes beyond practical goal-setting strategies, encouraging readers to cultivate peace of mind and lasting happiness as they navigate life’s challenges. It’s an inspiring reminder that achieving our goals is about more than just productivity; it’s about creating a meaningful life filled with connection and fulfillment.

Creating a Life That Matters

$20.99 at Target

New Happy by Stephanie Harrison

This book is a transformative guide that redefines what it means to live a fulfilling and joyful life. Challenging society’s outdated notions of happiness, Harrison combines years of research with heartfelt compassion to reveal the steps we can take to break free from perfectionism, loneliness, and self-doubt. Through actionable advice and inspiring illustrations, she empowers readers to embrace self-acceptance, cultivate meaningful connections, and uncover their unique strengths. New Happy offers a revolutionary framework for finding purpose and creating positive change—for ourselves and the world around us.

New Happy

$23.49 at Target

Designing Your Life: How to Build a Well-Lived, Joyful Life by Bill Burnett and Dave Evans

This book is more than just a guide—it’s a mindset shift. By reframing challenges as design opportunities, readers are empowered to experiment, learn, and pivot toward a life that feels meaningful and aligned. Packed with exercises and insights, Designing Your Life is perfect for anyone ready to take an intentional, creative approach to crafting the life they’ve always imagined.

Designing Your Life: How to Build a Well-Lived, Joyful Life

$15.40 at Target

The 5 AM Club: Own Your Morning. Elevate Your Life by Robin Sharma

Think of this book as a compelling blueprint for unlocking your full potential through the power of an early start. Drawing on decades of experience coaching high achievers, Sharma intertwines actionable strategies with an inspiring narrative about transformation and success.

From safeguarding the quiet hours of dawn for personal growth to mastering focus and creativity, this book delivers a science-backed formula for thriving in a fast-paced world. Whether you’re aiming to supercharge your productivity or create a more peaceful, purpose-driven life, The 5 AM Club is a guide to making mornings your most powerful ally.

The 5 AM Club: Own Your Morning. Elevate Your Life

$16.49 at Target

Essentialism by Greg McKeown

Essentialism redefines productivity with a counterintuitive yet profoundly effective principle: doing less, but better. This book challenges the modern hustle mentality, encouraging readers to strip away distractions and focus solely on what matters.

Through practical strategies and thought-provoking insights, McKeown introduces the “Way of the Essentialist,” a disciplined approach to prioritizing your time, energy, and choices. Whether you’re navigating career demands, personal relationships, or life’s daily chaos, Essentialism provides a framework for reclaiming control and achieving meaningful success by focusing on the essential and discarding the rest.

Essentialism

$16 at Target

Win the Day by Mark Batterson

Mark Batterson equips readers with a faith-fueled strategy for achieving ambitious goals by focusing on the transformative power of daily habits. Rejecting the paralysis of regret or fear of the future, Batterson’s seven habits offer practical, actionable steps to help readers live with greater purpose and intention.

From “Flipping the Script” to reframe your mindset to “Seeding the Clouds” to invest in tomorrow’s success, each habit is rooted in timeless wisdom and designed for immediate application. Inspiring and grounded, Win the Day is a guide to embracing life one day at a time, unlocking the extraordinary through small, consistent actions.

Win the Day

$11.99 at Target

Measure What Matters by John Doerr

In Measure What Matters, legendary venture capitalist John Doerr introduces readers to the transformative power of Objectives and Key Results (OKRs), a goal-setting framework that has driven success for some of the world’s most influential companies, including Intel and Google.

Through captivating behind-the-scenes stories from leaders like Bono and Bill Gates, Doerr reveals how OKRs bring clarity and focus to organizations by aligning priorities, fostering collaboration, and driving measurable results. Whether you’re leading a team, launching a start-up, or simply aiming to improve personal productivity, this system provides the blueprint for achieving your most ambitious goals.

Measure What Matters

$15.49 at Target

Mind Shift by Erwin Raphael McManus

Mind Shift

$16.50 at Target

Dream Big by Bob Goff

What happened to the life you once dreamed of? In Dream Big, New York Times bestselling author Bob Goff invites readers to rediscover the vibrant dreams they left behind, buried under fear, doubt, and the weight of daily life. Goff shares practical, heartfelt guidance to help you uncover your purpose and take meaningful action toward the life you’ve always imagined.

With warmth, humor, and down-to-earth wisdom, Dream Big is a call to stop settling for “good enough” and start chasing the life you were made for. This is your roadmap to a life filled with passion, purpose, and excitement—because it’s never too late to dream big.

Dream Big

$14.54 at Target

Build the Life You Want: The Art and Science of Getting Happier by Arthur C. Brooks and Oprah Winfrey

Happiness is within your reach. Build the Life You Want offers a transformative journey toward greater joy and fulfillment, no matter your current circumstances. With a blend of science, wisdom, and practical advice, this book empowers you to take control of your happiness starting right now. Drawing on their own experiences and years of helping people turn ideas into action, Brooks and Winfrey guide you through the four pillars of happiness: family, friendship, work, and faith. With a focus on emotional self-management, they provide research-backed strategies to help you thrive, regardless of life’s challenges.

Build the Life You Want: The Art and Science of Getting Happier

$17.04 at Target

The post 10 Books to Help You Reach Your Goals This Year appeared first on Camille Styles.

Picture this: a chilly weekend afternoon, the world outside blanketed in quiet, and hours stretching ahead, perfect for curling up with a good book. Winter has a way of inviting us to slow down, seeking warmth not just in blankets and tea but also in the stories that transport and comfort us. With this in mind, I’ve crafted a winter reading list tailored for the season—a mix of classics and contemporary gems that offer both escape and introspection.

20 Books to Add to Your Winter Reading List

Each title on this list reflects the spirit of winter in its own way, whether through themes of resilience, introspection, or the simple pleasures of life. These books are more than just pages to pass the time; they are nourishment for the soul, an invitation to embrace the stillness of the season. So, light a candle, pour your favorite drink, and let these stories guide you through the beauty of winter’s quiet moments.

Get the complete winter reading list—on page 34 of Camille Styles EDIT, a brand-new digital magazine designed to help you create your most beautiful life. Grab your issue here.

Eileen by Ottessa Moshfegh

Ottessa Moshfegh’s Eileen is a masterclass in character-driven storytelling, making it a perfect companion for winter’s introspection. Set against a bleak New England backdrop, the novel delves into the unsettling psyche of its titular character, a lonely and disillusioned young woman trapped in a suffocating life. The stark, wintry setting mirrors Eileen’s internal world, creating an atmosphere that’s both chilling and hypnotic. As the plot twists unexpectedly, readers are drawn into a dark yet strangely intimate narrative, making Eileen a compelling pick for cozy nights.

Eileen by Ottessa Moshfegh

$12.23 at Target

No Two Persons by Erica Bauermeister

No Two Persons is a love letter to the transformative power of literature. As one of my favorite authors, Bauermeister captures the profound beauty in life’s smallest moments, weaving stories that resonate deeply. In this novel, she explores how a single book can connect and impact different readers, celebrating the joy of reading and its ability to shape our inner lives. It’s a heartwarming, introspective choice for the quiet magic of the season.

No Two Persons by Erica Bauermeister

$16.29 at Target

In the Midst of Winter by Isabel Allende

This book epitomizes coziness, standing as a poignant exploration of love, resilience, and human connection set against the backdrop of a snowy Brooklyn winter. The story intertwines the lives of three characters—each carrying their own burdens of trauma and loss—united by an unexpected accident. Allende’s lyrical prose and deeply empathetic storytelling make this a compelling read for the season, inviting reflection on the warmth we find in others amidst the cold. It’s a moving reminder of life’s capacity for renewal and hope, even in the bleakest times.

In the Midst of Winter by Isabel Allende

$10.89 at Target

Five Tuesdays in Winter by Lily King

I love short stories during this quiet, contemplative time of year. This tender and evocative collection beautifully captures the complexities of love, longing, and human connection. King’s prose is both luminous and intimate, shining a spotlight on the quiet yet transformative moments that shape our lives. The titular story, steeped in vulnerability, explores the blossoming of unexpected relationships, making it perfect for cozy winter reading. King’s collection invites readers to slow down and savor the beauty of life’s fleeting, profound interactions.

Five Tuesdays in Winter by Lily King

$9.99 at Target

A Quiet Life by Ethan Joella

Grief, hope, and resilience come together in this touching, poetic novel. A Quiet Life weaves together the lives of three strangers—Chuck, Ella, and Kirsten—each navigating loss in their own way. Joella’s gift lies in his ability to find beauty in the mundane and profound meaning in everyday moments. This deeply empathetic story invites reflection, offering warmth and comfort as it reminds us of the interconnectedness of our lives and the quiet strength found in community.

A Quiet Life by Ethan Joella

$14.49 at Target

Ethan Frome by Edith Wharton

To be expected of one of the most compelling female writers in American literature, Edith Wharton’s Ethan Frome is a masterpiece of atmospheric storytelling. Set in a harsh, wintry New England landscape, its stark setting mirrors the bleakness of Ethan’s life, trapped in an unhappy marriage and yearning for something more. When he falls for Mattie, his wife’s cousin, their forbidden love unravels into a tragic exploration of longing, duty, and fate. The novel’s vivid descriptions of snow and cold deepen its haunting mood, offering readers a tale both chilling and profoundly moving.

Ethan Frome by Edith Wharton

$12 at Target

Winter Solstice by Elin Hilderbrand

While Elin Hilderbrand’s novels are often synonymous with sunny Nantucket beaches, Winter Solstice proves her remarkable skill at capturing the magic of a snowy, wintery landscape. Part of her Winter Street series, this novel transports readers to a cozy, festive New England setting where a family comes together to heal and rediscover the warmth of the season. With its gentle exploration of love, loss, and the possibility of new beginnings, this book is perfect for reading by the fire, offering a heartwarming and immersive winter escape.

Winter Solstice by Elin Hilderbrand

$13.49 at Target

The Librarianist by Patrick DeWitt

The Librarianist by Patrick DeWitt is a beautifully touching novel about a retired librarian, Bob Comet, who is quietly navigating his later years. With his dry wit and sharp observations, DeWitt explores the life of a man who, though isolated, finds subtle connections in the world around him. Ideal for winter reading, the novel’s introspective tone and reflective moments pair well with the stillness of the season, offering readers a gentle meditation on life, purpose, and the unexpected bonds we form.

The Librarianist by Patrick DeWitt

$17.69 at Target

Consider the Oyster by MFK Fisher

Consider the Oyster by M.F.K. Fisher is a delightful exploration of the oyster, both as a culinary delicacy and as a metaphor for life. Written with Fisher’s signature elegance and wit, the book is an ode to the oyster’s understated beauty and its transformative power. Perfect for winter, this book invites readers to slow down and appreciate the quiet, reflective pleasures of life. It reads much like the way you might enjoy an oyster, one delicate bite at a time.

Consider the Oyster by MFK Fisher

$10.99 at Target

Comfort & Joy by Kristin Hannah

Set against the backdrop of a snowy winter landscape, Comfort & Joy follows Joy, a woman navigating a pivotal moment in her life. This heartwarming holiday novel is a quiet yet powerful reminder of the small, tender moments that bring comfort and hope during difficult times. It’s an exploration of how unexpected connections can transform our understanding of happiness.

Comfort & Joy by Kristin Hannah

$11.58 at Target

The post Your Winter Reading List: 20 Books for Your Cozy Night In appeared first on Camille Styles.

I’m always on the lookout for the best self-help books that offer new insights, but I’ve noticed the genre sometimes carries a certain stigma. Still, I’ve long believed that surrounding ourselves with inspiration—whether through books, people, or experiences—can be transformative in and of itself. The act of seeking growth plants a seed, and over time, that intention blooms into meaningful change. Of course, progress also happens through the small, practical steps we take each day, moving steadily toward the version of ourselves we hope to become.

But getting started is often the hardest part. When I find myself stuck, even the smallest action can feel like it takes everything I have. We hesitate, paralyzed by the fear of getting it wrong, and fuss over details that don’t really matter—anything to avoid the discomfort of simply beginning.

Featured image from our interview with Radhi Devlukia-Shetty by Michelle Nash.

31 Self-Help Books to Change Your Life

So, how do we loosen the grip of that stuck, super-glued feeling we all encounter? The answer lies in action. As one article puts it, “taking action is proactive. It values forward motion and momentum over wondering and worrying. It puts you firmly in the driver’s seat and builds the confidence you need to face whatever’s holding you back.”

Once we take that first step, momentum kicks in and carries us forward. What once felt impossible begins to feel achievable, and before we know it, we’ve crossed the finish line. It’s funny how something so daunting can shift so quickly once we simply begin.

With that in mind, we’ve curated a list of our favorite self-help books to help you take those first steps toward a more fulfilling, productive future. Whether you need motivation or just a gentle nudge, these reads are perfect for those moments when life feels a bit stuck.

Self-Help Books for Creativity

These books are a lifeline when inspiration feels just out of reach. They don’t just offer tips and tricks—they remind us that creativity is less about perfection and more about showing up, embracing curiosity, and trusting the process. These books encourage us to let go of self-doubt, lean into experimentation, and find beauty in imperfection.

The Creative Act: A Way of Being by Rick Rubin

Rick Rubin, the famed record executive and co-founder of Def Jam Recordings, compiled all of his most potent creative wisdom into a single (admittedly hefty) book. It reads like poetry, and you’ll be inspired to share snaps of the pages to your Instagram story.

$19.25 at Target

The Power of Fun: How To Feel Alive Again by Catherine Price

Many of us go through life hyper-focused on success and power, so much so that we forget to enjoy the lives we’re given. The Power of Having Fun teaches us to simply have fun, despite the common belief that fun itself may be “indulgent, even immature and selfish.” 

$15.89 at Target

Creativity, Inc. by Ed Catmull

Creativity, Inc. dives into the meetings, postmortems, and “Braintrust” sessions where some of the most successful films in history are made. This is an insightful self-help book about how to build a successful, empowering creative culture.

$18.59 at Target

Originals by Adam Grant

Originals re-defines what being creative means by using specific examples of how persistence, transparency, critical thinking, and perspective can be brought together to change the world. 

$11.99 at Target

Self-Help Books for Leveling Up Your Life

Shift your mindset, break old patterns, and step fully into your potential. These reads serve as a compass for personal growth, offering practical tools while also inviting deeper reflection. Ultimately, these books remind us that leveling up isn’t about perfection but about becoming the most intentional, empowered version of ourselves—one step, habit, and mindset shift at a time.

The Universe Has Your Back by Gabriele Bernstein

Gaby gives you the tools to find strength when you’re down, synchronicity, and support when you’re lost, safety in the face of uncertainty, and joy when you’re otherwise in pain. Follow her secrets to unleash the presence of your power, and know that the universe always has your back.

$9.39 at Target

How to Change by Katy Milkman

The stories are extremely relatable and perfectly illustrate just how challenging it can be to adopt new patterns and behaviors. But with a shift in mindset, positive and meaningful change is possible. It’s truly a must-read if you’re looking to jump into new habits and establish healthy routines for the year to come (and beyond!).

$16.99 at Target

The Well-Lived Life: A 102-Year-Old Doctor’s Six Secrets to Health and Happiness at Every Age by Gladys McGarey

Written by the mother of holistic medicine, this book simultaneously inspires and teaches you to build a life of passion, purpose, and love. It’ll guide you to build rich and rewarding experiences and to make the most of each day.

$16.73 at Bookshop.org

The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz

Self-limiting beliefs can be one of the biggest obstacles to changing your life as you know it. This book couldn’t be a more perfect read for defining your life through simple and natural acts.

$7 at Target

Build the Life You Want: The Art and Science of Getting Happier by Arthur C. Brooks and Oprah Winfrey

Stop waiting for your life to change and take control of your present and future with this book’s ready-to-apply tips. If you’re looking for guidance that will take you through every step of designing a happy life, pick this up, stat.

$17.04 at Target

You Can Heal Your Life by Louise Hay

This book is the perfect reminder that everything we do is a work in progress, and that the misconception of perfection is nothing more than an obstacle in the healing process.

$8.79 at Target

Quarterlife by Satya Doye Byock

Whether you’re in your late teens or mid-thirties, this book is a valuable read, with many relatable and validating concepts for those struggling to find themselves.

$13.89 at Target

The French Art of Not Trying Too Hard by Ollivier Pourriol

May I present the idea that perhaps success doesn’t require all the hustle our society says it does? The French Art of Not Trying Too Hard encapsulates this idea by referencing French philosophers who believed that letting go may be the answer to heightened creativity and a more fulfilling life. 

$12.79 at Target

Self-Help Books for Productivity and Work

These books go beyond teaching time management—they help you cultivate a mindset that balances efficiency with purpose. These reads go beyond to-do lists, providing frameworks for working smarter, not harder. At their core, they encourage you to align your work with your values, so productivity becomes less about doing more and more about doing what matters.

The Power of Self-Discipline by Peter Hollins

This book breaks down the science behind that truth and provides you with the practices and habits to keep committing to yourself, day after day. We all know that willpower is a limited resource and one that depletes faster the more we have to exercise it. But The Power of Self-Discipline helps make will-power habitual, helping you say no to what doesn’t align and yes to what really matters.

$15.83 at Target

The 5 Am Club by Robin Sharma

Romanticizing your morning routine is one of the best ways to up-level your life. The 5AM Club couldn’t do a better job of reiterating the importance of morning rituals. The book tells the fictional story of four characters who use the first hour of their day to get ahead and seek inspiration.

$12.89 at Target

Free Time by Jenny Blake

Sharing how she never works more than 30 hours a week, Jenny focuses her efforts on systems that will help her business function so she can free up time for outside enjoyment—which we could all use a little more of.

$26.86 at Target

Burnout by Emily and Amelia Nagoski

Written with her sister, Amelia Nagoski, DMA, Burnout dives deep into the reasons why the phenomenon impacts women more than men and provides readers with actionable steps for decreasing stress and stepping into each day with more ease and joy. Lauded by everyone from Brené Brown to Gwyneth Paltrow, this book defines the must-read genre.

$10.07 at Target

Four Thousand Weeks: Time Management for Mortals by Oliver Burkeman

Founded on the premise that, if we live to eighty, we have four thousand weeks, this book shows you how to make the best use of your time. Full disclosure: This doesn’t mean that life hacks and ever-expanding to-do lists are the answer to becoming your most productive self. Instead, Oliver Burkeman shows you how to find meaning for yourself by embracing a different idea of time and living your life in a way that creates space for what matters most to you.

$15.49 at Target

Atomic Habits by James Clear

Your morning rituals and habits may have more impact than you think. James Clear took the world by storm with his book Atomic Habits, which teaches several important lessons, including the effect of “marginal gains” and that whether you win or lose, your goal stays the same, but the ability within yourself to reach that goal you is what you must evaluate.  

$13.99 at Target

Self-Help Books for Physical and Emotional Wellness

When it comes to physical and emotional wellness, the best self-help books act like a compass, gently guiding you back to yourself. These reads don’t preach perfection—they offer tools for tuning in: to your breath, your thoughts, and the signals your body sends. Some will inspire you to build strength and energy; others will help you release what weighs you down emotionally. Together, they encourage a more intuitive approach to well-being, where rest is as essential as movement and joy is as important as discipline. Because at the heart of wellness is balance—finding rhythms that nourish you in every season.

Buy Yourself the F*cking Lilies by Tara Schuster

Maybe you’re looking to redefine your relationship with yourself or break free of self-limiting patterns and beliefs. Whatever the inspiration is you’re looking for, this book has you covered.

$9.99 at Target

Wintering: The Power of Rest and Retreat In Difficult Times by Katherine May

An emotional must-read, Wintering reminded me that our lives are cyclical and that sometimes the best thing you can do in the healing process is rest.

$13.32 at Target

The Clarity Cleanse by Habib Sadeghi

Experience a journey of self-discovery to unlock the unresolved emotional issues hurting your health and success, and how to live with greater self-awareness. An advisor to Gwyneth Paltrow, Emily Blunt, Tim Robbins, Stella McCartney, and others, Dr. Sadeghi shows you how to turn obstacles into healing and energizing opportunities through a liberating 12-step guide to recognizing the emotional issues that hold you back. 

$11.99 at Target

The Self-Care Year by Alison Davies

Moving and flowing with the seasons is such a beautiful concept that The Self Care Year illustrates so well. It’s a light read with beautiful illustrations that capture the beauty of nature and our alignment with it.

$14.99 at Target

Unwinding Anxiety by Judson Brewer

If you’ve ever believed that things like procrastination, phone addiction, or less-than-healthy eating patterns are a result of a lack of willpower, read this book. If overwhelm has been your new normal, read this book. If you’ve experienced an increase in anxious thoughts and feelings over the past two years (who hasn’t?), read this book.

$12.47 at Target

The Wisdom of Your Body by Hillary L. McBride

Like many women, learning to make peace with my body (a part of myself I’ve been taught to vilify since I was born) has been a journey fraught with complexity. But through McBride’s writing, research, and compassionate approach, I’ve learned to create a healthier relationship with my body, my appearance, and myself.

$39.99 at Target

Home Body by Rupi Kaur

While the concepts of self-love and forgiveness can feel elusive at times, Kaur speaks to what it means to connect with and embrace all parts of ourselves. You’ll be beautifully shocked by the ways this book encourages you to grow.

$10.07 at Target

Quit Like a Woman by Holly Whitaker

In Quit Like a Woman, Whitaker unpacks our world’s obsession with drinking—pointing out its presence at just about every social gathering and function we attend. She shares her own personal journey toward sobriety while tracking the larger ways alcohol companies target women. 

$15.89 at Target

Comfortable with Uncertainty: 108 Teachings on Cultivating Fearlessness and Compassion by Pema Chodron

This book explores Buddhism and its teachings which detail many essential life lessons, including that nothing in life will ever be certain. Coming to terms with that idea through mindfulness, meditation, and self-awareness is the key to finding happiness in the unknown.

$11.99 at Target

The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der Kolk

Trauma isn’t just something that exists in the abstract—it impacts both our body and brain in significant ways. It influences how we experience everything from trust to pleasure, and shapes how we relate to the world. This book is impressively researched and draws upon the latest scientific data to provide readers with a renewed sense of hope and a path to healing.

$10.86 at Target

Self-Help Books for Relationships

Relationships—whether with a partner, friend, or family member—are where we experience the most growth, and often, the most challenge. The right self-help book can offer insight into how we connect with others, communicate our needs, and navigate conflict with grace. These books invite us to reflect on the patterns we bring into relationships, helping us cultivate empathy and deeper intimacy. Some provide tools for healing, while others remind us of the importance of boundaries and self-love. Because thriving relationships start with showing up authentically—not only for others, but for ourselves.

The Courage to be Disliked by Ichiro Kishimi and Fumitake Koga

Continuously practicing self-love is one of the most important things we can do in an age of judgment and hate. This book serves as a reminder that changing your mind may be the first step in liberating yourself and finding self-fulfillment.

$14.99 at Target

The Highly Sensitive Person by Elaine N. Aron

Hypersensitivity is a trait that often garners a negative connotation. However, The Highly Sensitive Person teaches readers to embrace their sensitivity and work with it to flourish in an overwhelming world.

$14.99 at Target

Set Boundaries, Find Peace: A Guide to Reclaiming Yourself by Nedra Glover

After reading this, I’ve recovered from chronic burnout and find myself able to show up with greater presence and authenticity for all the relationships in my life (including the one I have with myself).

$14.20 at Target

The post 31 Self-Help Books That’ll Inspire Growth and Healing in Every Area of Your Life appeared first on Camille Styles.

There’s nothing better than reading (cooking, baking, movie-watching, and cozying up) in the fall. Otherwise stated: Everything is better in the fall. The elusive season catches us just as we tire of the summer heat and before we’re prepped to hibernate for winter. Autumn is the perfect respite from it all. And though it passes us by all too quickly, the best fall books are the perfect way to celebrate this special time of year.

Featured image from our interview with Sabeena Ladha by Suruchi Avasthi.

What books should I read in autumn?

During the short, leaf-strewn months of September through November, I want nothing more than to curl up with a blanket and a tall stack of cozy, comforting, and sometimes spooky novels. While some may designate the ubiquitous pumpkin spice latte the signal of the season, my mind shifts instead to romantic stories about a small town in New England, a thriller scattered with secrets, or books about book clubs where the unlikely protagonist finds connection, discovers hope, and leans into love.

As you can tell, there’s a certain mood, a specific vibe, and at times, a little magic that comes with the best fall books. While summer’s all about beach reads and the start of winter sees us diving deep into our tossed-aside pile of self-help books, my favorite fall books transport me like no other novel can.

So, at the beginning of October and as we near the spookiest time of year (Halloween, y’all), I encourage you to add a few of the titles below to your TBR. If yours looks similar to mine, it’s likely an ever-growing list. But hey, when it comes to the best fall books, the more the merrier, right?

The Best Fall Books To Cozy Up With

1. Intermezzo by Sally Rooney

Genre: Literary Fiction

The latest from Sally Rooney is a masterclass in emotional nuance, exploring the quiet moments that shape relationships and identity. Set against the backdrop of shifting political and personal landscapes, Rooney’s signature introspection is as sharp as ever, drawing readers into the intimate lives of her characters with unflinching honesty. The novel delves into the complexities of communication—what’s said, unsaid, and everything in between—with a sensitivity that feels both familiar and profound. While I didn’t love Beautiful World, her forth novel is a rich, thought-provoking work, perfect for cozy fall reading.

Release Date: Available now

Intermezzo by Sally Rooney

$20.40 at Target

2. Be Ready When the Luck Happens: A Memoir by Ina Garten

Genre: Memoir

If you know me, you know I’ve been waiting for this book for years. It’s a heartfelt and inspiring look into the life of a beloved culinary icon. As someone who has long admired Ina’s approachable elegance and warm, inviting presence, this memoir feels like a gift. She offers readers an intimate look into her personal journey—from her early days in Washington, D.C., to building her dream career in the Hamptons. Her candid reflections on seizing opportunities, overcoming challenges, and creating a life filled with passion and purpose make this a long-awaited treasure for fans. For those of us who’ve followed her for years, it’s the perfect fall read to cozy up with, a reminder that with heart and perseverance, beautiful things happen.

Release Date: Available now

Be Ready When the Luck Happens: A Memoir by Ina Garten

$21.99 at Target

3. From Here to the Great Unknown by Lisa Marie Presley and Riley Keough

Genre: Memoir

Clearly, when fall comes around, memoirs are at the top of my reading list. This is poignant and deeply reflective memoir offers a rare glimpse into Presley and Keough’s extraordinary lives. Co-written by mother and daughter, the book weaves together their shared experiences of fame, loss, and resilience, painting an intimate portrait of the legacies they’ve inherited. With heartfelt honesty, they explore their complex family history, while also embracing the quiet moments that have shaped their identities. Notably, Presley passed away unexpectedly a month after she asked Keough to help her finish her memoir. Keough poured over the tapes that her mother had recorded, telling the story of her life. This memoir is a long-awaited journey into the heart of these woman’s personal and artistic worlds—perfect for fall reading that invites introspection and connection.

Release Date: Available now

From Here to the Great Unknown by Lisa Marie Presley and Riley Keough

$21.49 at Target

4. The Blue Hour by Paula Hawkins

Genre: Thriller + Suspense

With Halloween on its way, the fall is a perfect time to dive deep into this gripping psychological thriller, filled with the dark, atmospheric tension Hawkins is known for. Set during the mysterious twilight between night and dawn, the novel unravels the lives of its complex characters, each haunted by secrets they desperately try to keep buried. Hawkins’ gift for weaving suspense and emotional depth makes this story both chilling and intimate, drawing readers into a web of lies, guilt, and unexpected twists.

Release Date: Available now

The Blue Hour by Paula Hawkins

$27 at Target

5. Didion and Babitz by Lili Anolik

Genre: Biography

This is more than a biography—Didion and Babitz is an engrossing dual portrait of two of the most iconic women writers of Los Angeles. With her sharp, insightful prose, Anolik explores the contrasting yet intertwined legacies of Didion’s cool, detached reportage and Babitz’s vibrant, hedonistic charm. The book brilliantly captures how these women, through their writing and lives, defined an era of California culture and left indelible marks on American literature. For fans of either—or both—this is an absolute must-read, offering a fascinating exploration of friendship, fame, and the art of living.

Release Date: November 12

Didion and Babitz by Lili Anolik

$27.99 at Target

6. The Great When by Alan Moore

Genre: Fantasy

Alan Moore’s The Great When is a spellbinding exploration of time, existence, and human potential, blending philosophical depth with a richly imaginative narrative. The novel delves into the complexities of fate and free will, weaving together surreal elements with profound reflections on how we shape our own destinies. Moore’s writing is as intellectually rigorous as it is emotionally resonant, inviting readers to question their understanding of the world and their place within it.

Release Date: Available now

The Great When by Alan Moore

$29.99 at Target

7. The Night We Lost Him by Laura Dave

Genre: Mystery

Expect a deeply emotional, suspense-filled novel that masterfully weaves together family secrets, love, and the lengths we go to protect those we care about. Known for her heartfelt storytelling, Dave captures a family’s unraveling when the patriarch suddenly disappears, blending mystery with her signature warmth and insight into human relationships. Each page pulls you further into the tension and emotional stakes, as revelations come to light and the bonds between characters are tested.

Release Date: Available now

The Night We Lost Him by Laura Dave

$20.28 at Target

8. Tell Me Everything by Elizabeth Strout

Genre: Literary Fiction

With her trademark subtlety and emotional insight, Strout delves into the intimate connections between family, friends, and strangers, revealing how even the smallest moments can carry profound meaning. The novel captures the rawness of vulnerability, the weight of untold stories, and the deep yearning to be truly known by another. Strout’s eloquent prose invites readers to sit with these emotional truths, making Tell Me Everything the perfect fall read for those who love character-driven narratives that resonate long after the final page.

Release Date: Available now

Tell Me Everything by Elizabeth Strout

$21 at Target

9. The City and Its Uncertain Walls by Haruki Murakami

Genre: Literary Fiction + Fantasy

This book reads as a mesmerizing journey into the surreal, blending dreamscapes with haunting explorations of memory, identity, and the subconscious. In classic Murakami style, the novel unfolds in a world where the lines between reality and fantasy blur, drawing readers into a labyrinth of existential questions and enigmatic characters. With his signature blend of melancholy and wonder, Murakami invites us to wander through a city that feels both familiar and unsettling, where nothing is as it seems. For fans of his meditative, otherworldly storytelling, The City and Its Uncertain Walls is an immersive, thought-provoking read that’s perfect for long, contemplative fall nights.

Release Date: November 19 (English Translation)

The City and Its Uncertain Walls by Haruki Murakami

$31.50 at Target

10. Madwoman by Chelsea Bieker

Genre: Literary Fiction

Author Ashley Audrain said it best: “[This is] the rare kind of book that lives in your bones.” And it’s true—this is a raw, electrifying novel that explores the fragility of sanity. With unflinching prose, Bieker plunges readers into the chaotic, often brutal world of a woman on the edge, grappling with trauma, motherhood, and the longing for redemption. The novel’s intensity is matched by its deep emotional undercurrents, as Bieker expertly weaves together themes of resilience, identity, and the limits of control. It’s a gripping, visceral read.

Release Date: Available now

Madwoman by Chelsea Bieker

$26.49 at Target

11. No One Gets to Fall Apart by Sarah Labrie

Genre: Memoir

Sarah Labrie invites readers into a world where vulnerability and resilience coexist in the delicate balance of everyday life. Through lyrical prose, she delves into the intricate dance of relationships and self-discovery, capturing the raw emotions that come with navigating heartache and healing. Labrie’s insights into the human condition resonate deeply, making her exploration of struggle and triumph feel intimate and relatable. Expect to find yourself reflecting on your own experiences, drawn in by a narrative that masterfully balances sorrow and hope.

Release Date: October 22

No One Gets to Fall Apart by Sarah Labrie

$27.99 at Target

12. Here One Moment by Liane Moriarty

Genre: Mystery

Liane Moriarty is best read in the fall, when books serve as a reflective companion, inviting you to contemplate the fragility of existence and the beauty of human connection. In her latest book, Moriarty weaves a captivating tale that explores the fleeting nature of life and the connections that define us. With her signature blend of sharp wit and emotional depth, Moriarty delves into the lives of characters grappling with moments of profound change, loss, and unexpected revelations. Her storytelling will leave you (as always) deeply entertained.

Release Date: Available now

Here One Moment by Liane Moriarty

$20.20 at Target

The post Fall Is Arguably the Best Time for Reading—These 12 Books Are at the Top of Our List appeared first on Camille Styles.

Sexuality is an inherently intimate topic—and one that comes with its own set of taboos. But understanding and embracing our sexuality is also an essential part of the human experience. For many of us, this journey toward self-discovery and acceptance can feel daunting, especially when societal expectations often leave us questioning what counts as “normal.” When it comes to our desires, fantasies, and how we connect with ourselves and others, there is no one-size-fits-all answer—and the best sexuality books prove exactly that.

The more we explore and expand our understanding of our sexuality, the more empowered we become in owning our unique identities. As someone who’s always found books to be a source of both knowledge and comfort, they’ve also served as a resource along a path that’s often hard to navigate. Books offer a safe space to delve into topics that may feel unfamiliar or even intimidating. Through stories and expert insights, we can learn more about what lights us up—and proceed with the most passion and purpose.

Must-Read Sexuality Books to Empower a New Level of Self

What I find most powerful about sexuality books is that they hold the potential to challenge old beliefs, inspire new perspectives, and help us uncover the full spectrum of what it means to be a person. If that doesn’t immediately resonate, consider how sexuality extends to all experience—what inspires creativity and influences thought. They’re a reminder that there should be no shame in wanting to learn more about ourselves.

Whether you’re looking to deepen your relationship with yourself, strengthen your connection with a partner, or simply satisfy your curiosity, these sexuality books are here to guide and support you. As you explore these recommendations, know that you are not alone—each step you take toward understanding is a step toward embracing your fullest self.

Mating in Captivity: Unlocking Erotic Intelligence by Esther Perel

Renowned psychotherapist Esther Perel is widely known for her work on human relationships. Her research and insights have encouraged people around the world to deepen their curiosity about what makes them feel connected and alive. Mating in Captivity explores the delicate balance between desire and intimacy in long-term relationships. As I delved into this book, I found myself reconsidering the conventional wisdom that closeness and comfort are the ultimate markers of a thriving relationship.

Instead, Perel challenges us to recognize that eroticism (in her words, “not sex per se, but the qualities of vitality, curiosity, and spontaneity”) thrives in spaces where mystery and individuality are preserved. Her words encourage readers to embrace the complexities of their desires and the nuances of their relationships. For anyone seeking to enrich their relationships—or simply to understand their own erotic intelligence—Mating in Captivity offers invaluable guidance that resonates on both personal and relational levels.

Mating in Captivity: Unlocking Erotic Intelligence by Esther Perel

$17.66 at Bookshop.org

Come As You Are by Emily Nagoski

Fun fact: Emily Nagoski was the Director of Wellness Education at Smith College during my undergrad tenure—and Come As You Are was considered required reading among the entire student body. In the decade since then, I’ve re-read it twice. I’ve always marveled at the new takeaways I’ve gathered in every subsequent reading. Throughout my 20s, this guide to female sexuality has served as an important reminder that there is no “right” way to feel desire or pleasure, and Nagoski’s science-backed insights feel both liberating and affirming.

Nagoski offers a compassionate and deeply researched approach, helping us better understand our bodies and the various factors—biological, psychological, and social—that influence our sexual experiences. Come As You Are dismantles myths and gives readers practical tools to enhance sexual well-being. For anyone looking to embrace their sexuality with confidence and curiosity, Come As You Are is an essential read.

Come As You Are by Emily Nagoski

$20.46 at Bookshop.org

The Highly Sensitive Person in Love by Elain N. Aaron

The best sexuality books are written with compassion and insight. They offer understanding, reminding readers that they’re never alone in their journey. The Highly Sensitive Person in Love treats two challenging topics—sensitivity and relationships—with empathy and validation. As I immersed myself in Aron’s work, I gained a deeper understanding of what it means to be a highly sensitive person (HSP). Beyond that, I also learned how it influences not just how we love, but how we navigate intimacy, conflict, and connection. While high sensitivity can introduce unique challenges to relationships, it also offers profound strengths. Being a HSP helps us form deep emotional connections and develop an acute awareness of our partner’s needs.

Expect practical advice on how to cultivate fulfilling relationships that honor your sensitivity. And while not required, I’d recommend reading Aaron’s The Highly Sensitive Person as well. It reads like a guidebook for anyone who’s often felt overwhelmed by the world.

The Highly Sensitive Person in Love by Elain N. Aaron

$16.73 at Bookshop.org

More: A Memoir of Open Marriage by Molly Roden Winter

As ethical non-monogamy grows in interest, I appreciated Winter’s honest and thought-provoking account of her journey into its complexities. I was struck by her courage to question traditional relationship norms and her willingness to explore what truly fulfills her. The narrative is deeply personal, and Winter opens up about the challenges, joys, and self-discoveries that come with navigating an open marriage.

The memoir sheds light on the multifaceted nature of desire and the importance of honesty, communication, and self-awareness in any relationship. For those interested in expanding their understanding of love and commitment, More offers a candid and nuanced perspective that encourages us to explore what more we might want from our own lives and relationships.

More: A Memoir of Open Marriage by Molly Roden Winter

$26.04 at Bookshop.org

Three Women by Lisa Taddeo

Among sexuality books and books in general, Three Women will always be the most gripping exploration of desire and power I’ve ever read. Through the vivid, real-life stories of three women, Taddeo delves into the raw emotions, vulnerabilities, and societal pressures that shape their experience of love and lust. The book reveals just how impactful our deepest desires can be and the ways in which they influence our sense of self.

Taddeo’s writing is both empathetic and unflinching, offering a window into the nuanced realities of women’s lives that are often left unspoken. This book reminds us that our stories, no matter how complex or conflicted, deserve to be told. It’s ultimately an eye-opening read that resonates long after the final page.

Three Women by Lisa Taddeo

$16.94 at Target

Conversations on Love by Natasha Lunn

This is a tender and insightful collection of dialogues that explore the many facets of love—romantic, platonic, familial, and self-love. In this series of interviews, Lunn delves into the joys, challenges, and evolving nature of love. I was moved by the honesty and vulnerability that each conversation brings, offering resonant perspectives that invite reflection. Conversations on Love is a reminder that love is not a static experience. Love is a journey that requires continuous nurturing, understanding, and, communication.

This book reminds us that love is as much about connection with others as it is about our relationship with ourselves. For anyone looking to deepen their understanding of love and to find wisdom in the shared experiences of others, Conversations on Love is a beautifully crafted guide that offers both comfort and insight.

Conversations on Love by Natasha Lunn

$20.99 at Target

How to Know a Person by David Brooks

To truly understand and connect with others is an art—one that David Brooks explores with careful consideration. His writing emphasizes the importance of seeing people not just for who they are on the surface, but for the rich, complex beings they are beneath. Brooks offers practical guidance on how to cultivate empathy, listen deeply, and approach relationships with a desire to know and be known. I stepped away understanding that our connections with others are enriched when we approach them with curiosity and openness, allowing us to build deeper, more meaningful relationships.

How to Know a Person by David Brooks

$17.99 at Target

Now and Not Yet by Ruth Chao Simons

As someone who’s spent much of her life questioning the internal tension between where I am and where I aspire to be, Simons’ wisdom was an encouraging reminder to embrace the present—even when it feels like a waiting period. What I found most impactful was her reminder that growth and contentment aren’t distant goals. They’re desires that can be nurtured in our everyday moments. Of all the best sexuality books, this is perhaps the most all-compassing look at the concept of desire, wanting, and lust.

If you’re navigating life’s in-between spaces, Now and Not Yet provides the inspiration to appreciate the journey, trusting that each season has its own unique purpose.

Now and Not Yet by Ruth Chao Simons

$20.49 at Target

Well, This Is Exhausting by Sophia Benoit

I’m clearly in my memoir era, and This Is Exhausting is a new fave. Benoit’s writing is sharp and witty, uncovering the pressures and pitfalls of modern womanhood with humor and candor. Through her essays, Benoit unpacks the relentless pursuit of perfection and the societal expectations that often leave us feeling, well, exhausted. Benoit’s ability to blend humor with genuine insight makes her writing not just relatable, but also deeply resonant. She captures the absurdity of trying to have it all while encouraging us to laugh at the messiness of it all.

As women, our sexuality is uniquely tied to the societal pressures put on us. Well, This Is Exhausting is a refreshing reminder that our imperfections are our strengths—and that sometimes, the most liberating thing we can do is let go of trying so hard.

Well, This Is Exhausting by Sophia Benoit

$17.39 at Target

Radical Intimacy by Sophie K. Rosa

In a world where apps determine our dating options and social media drives our connections both IRL and online, Radical Intimacy is a thought-provoking look at how to form authentic relationships amidst the digital noise. Rosa explores the concept of radical intimacy, challenging us to rethink what it means to connect with others beyond surface-level interactions. Through her insightful analysis and personal reflections, Rosa highlights the transformative power of vulnerability and honest communication. She offers practical advice on how to cultivate relationships, demonstrating that meaningful connections are not only possible but essential for a fulfilling life.

Radical Intimacy by Sophie K. Rosa

$18.55 at Bookshop.org

The post 10 Sexuality Books That Will Help You Embrace Your Most Aligned Self appeared first on Camille Styles.

I need a good book going at all times. It’s the perfect distraction from my everyday life—a solid plot that takes me out of the busyness and bustle of every day. I treat the characters like my friends and family, getting accustomed to their lovable quirks and internal struggles. The best books of 2024 that I’ve read so far do exactly that: situate me in a world that helps me shift perspective, ultimately teaching me something transformative.

With every year comes a new crop of standouts. (The New York Times just released their full list of the best 100 books of this century so far—take a peek.) But the first six months of 2024 have delivered a slew of stories, characters, narratives, and dialogue that has surprised, shocked, and captivated me in countless ways. Read on for the best books of 2024—I can’t wait to see what the rest of the year has in store for us.

10 Best Books of 2024 So Far

To note: I’m a fiction girlie. You’ll see that largely reflected in the books listed below—except for one memoir, I couldn’t help myself, Glynnis MacNiol is that good. I love nonfiction and certainly have a soft spot for self-help, but it just so happens that the best books of 2024 all aligned in my favorite genre. However, I’d be remiss not to share a few exceptional honorable mentions.

• Slow Productivity by Cal Newport. The widely-read author of both Digital Minimalism and Deep Work is back with a philosophy to help you avoid overwhelm and produce meaningful work.
• When Women Ran Fifth Avenue by Julie Satow. An inquiring look into the lives of the three women who helmed the golden age of American department stores.
• Coming Home by Brittney Griner. Brittney Griner’s honest and raw reflection on the story we were glued to, but couldn’t possibly have known the depths of.
• Magic Enuff by Tara M Stringfellow. From the author of Memphis, this collection of poetry celebrates Black Southern womanhood, revealing the often unsung, but beautiful ways love manifests itself across these bonds.

With that, let’s get into the best (of the best) books of 2024 to add to your TBR immediately.

The World After Alice by Lauren Aliza Green

For three days, I was completely consumed by this book. It’s a story brimming with human insight, revealing truths about family, about love, and about moving forward after unimaginable loss. It’s a brilliant debut that’s deeply rooted in a quest to reveal the desires, quirks, and flaws that make us human. By oscillating between the past and present, Green shows the reader the many truths we discover in both tragedy and celebration.

Read this if: You love a good family drama and appreciate beautiful, thoughtful writing.

From the publisher: When Morgan and Benji surprise their families with a wedding invitation to Maine, they’re aware the news of their clandestine relationship will come as a shock. Twelve years have passed since the stunning loss of sixteen-year-old Alice, Benji’s sister and Morgan’s best friend, and no one is quite the same. But the young couple decide to plunge headlong into matrimony, marking the first time their fractured families will reunite since Alice’s funeral.

The World After Alice by Lauren Aliza Green

$30 at Target

Summer Romance by Annabel Monaghan

If you’re expecting a breezy beach read, you’ll certainly get exactly that—and more. Ali, the protagonist is easy to love and her journey points to many of our own shortcomings that can be challenging to see. While the quaint, small-town setting could make it easy for the author to lean on one-dimensional, clichéd characters, everyone has heart, plenty of imperfections, and funny one-liners you’ll love. Without giving anything away, I’ll share that if you need a happy, tied-with-a-bow ending, this is the book to pick up.

Read this if: You’re craving a beach read that’ll encourage a summer of introspection and self-growth.

From the publisher: No one is more surprised than Ali when the first time she takes off her wedding ring and puts on pants with hardware—overalls count, right?—she meets someone. Or rather, her dog claims a man for her in the same way he claimed his favorite of her three children: by peeing on him. Ethan smiles at Ali like her pants are just right–like he likes what he sees. He looks at her as if she’s a version of herself she hasn’t been in a long while. The last thing newly single mom Ali needs is to make her life messier, but there’s no harm in a little summer romance. Is there?

Summer Romance by Annabel Monaghan

$13.57 at Target

Good Material by Dolly Alderton

We’ve all felt completely unmoored when a breakup takes us by surprise. You’re not sure what went wrong, what you could’ve done, and really—what to do next. Andy’s experiencing exactly that after his long-term girlfriend, Jen ends things unexpectedly. Dolly Alderton deftly speaks to both the heartbreak and humor that crop up during this vulnerable time, and she makes clear that as formative as love is, there’s always the possibility that we can move on.

Read this if: You can relate to feeling adrift post-breakup and are ready for a fresh start.

From the publisher: Jen has dumped Andy, and he’s handling the breakup in exactly the way all his friends and family might have expected: very, very badly. Crashing at his mother’s house and obsessively photographing his hairline, Andy embraces the rites and rituals of every breakup—the ill-advised decision to move onto a houseboat, the forced merriment of a lads’ night out, the accidental late-night text to the ex—all resulting in a never-ending shame spiral. Even as Andy tests the waters of a new relationship, he finds himself drawn back to Jen, revisiting old texts and emails, trying to figure out what truly went wrong.

Good Material by Dolly Alderton

$15.71 at Target

I’m Mostly Here to Enjoy Myself: One Woman’s Pursuit of Pleasure in Paris by Glynnis MacNicol

I first encountered Glynnis MacNiol’s poignant writing in her 2018 memoir, No One Tells You This. The book covers many of the same anxieties women contend with when turning 40: Does my lack of a husband or children negate the successful career—and life—I’ve built for myself? Now, in the sequel, MacNicol explores the abundance and freedom that comes with that very predicament. In being childfree, single, and entirely unafraid, MacNicol explores the rich possibilities and pleasures that come from living for ourselves.

Read this if: You need a little shake-up from your every day and love anything Nora Ephron has ever touched.

From the publisher: When you’re a woman of a certain age, you are only promised that everything will get worse. But what if everything you’ve been told is a lie? Come to Paris, August 2021, when the City of Lights was still empty of tourists and a thirst for long-overdue pleasure gripped those who wandered its streets. After New York City emptied out in March 2020, Glynnis MacNicol, aged forty-six, unmarried with no children, spent sixteen months alone in her tiny Manhattan apartment. The isolation was punishing. A year without touch.

Women are warned of invisibility as they age, but this was an extreme loneliness no one can prepare you for. When the opportunity to sublet a friend’s apartment in Paris arose, MacNicol jumped on it. Leaving felt less like a risk than a necessity. What follows is a decadent, joyful, unexpected journey into one woman’s pursuit of radical enjoyment.

I’m Mostly Here to Enjoy Myself: One Woman’s Pursuit of Pleasure in Paris by Glynnis MacNicol

$27.90 at Bookshop

The Age of Magical Overthinking: Notes on Modern Irrationality by Amanda Montell

I came to this book by way of Montell’s podcast, Sounds Like a Cult, and I was thrilled to discover the same witty critiques and astute commentary that’s garnered her such a huge audience. Montell defines “magical thinking” broadly, describing it as the belief that our internal thoughts can impact unrelated events. Examples in our society today abound—with everything from positive vibes as a cure-all to manifestation delivering outlandish dreams. It’s hilarious, eye-opening, and empathetic. Montell will make you feel seen in uncomfortable, but ultimately revelatory ways.

Read this if: You want language for your personal and widespread cultural anxiety and absurdity.

From the publisher: In all its forms, magical thinking works in service of restoring agency amid chaos, but in The Age of Magical Overthinking, Montell argues that in the modern information age, our brain’s coping mechanisms have been overloaded, and our irrationality turned up to an eleven.

In a series of razor sharp, deeply funny chapters, Montell delves into a cornucopia of the cognitive biases that run rampant in our brains, from how the “halo effect” cultivates worship (and hatred) of larger-than-life celebrities, to how the “sunk cost fallacy” can keep us in detrimental relationships long after we’ve realized they’re not serving us. As she illuminates these concepts with her signature brilliance and wit, Montell’s prevailing message is one of hope, empathy, and ultimately forgiveness for our anxiety-addled human selves.

The Age of Magical Overthinking: Notes on Modern Irrationality by Amanda Montell

$20.49 at Target

Same As It Ever Was by Claire Lombardo

With sharp wit and astute dialogue, Claire Lombardo breaks apart the dysfunctional family narrative, treating it with honesty, humor, and heartfelt empathy. She speaks to the challenges of parenthood, marriage, friendship, family life, and maintaining our sense of self throughout it all. It’s both witty and fun while also being filled with profound reflections on our failings, triumphs, and growth throughout it all.

Read this if: You’re dealing with multigenerational drama and could use an empathetic portrayal of the truths that impact us all, regardless of age.

From the publisher: Julia Ames, after a youth marked by upheaval and emotional turbulence, has found herself on the placid plateau of mid-life. But Julia has never navigated the world with the equanimity of her current privileged class. Having nearly derailed herself several times, making desperate bids for the kind of connection that always felt inaccessible to her, she finally feels, at age fifty seven, that she has a firm handle on things.

She’s unprepared, though, for what comes next: a surprise announcement from her straight-arrow son, an impending separation from her spikey teenaged daughter, and a seductive resurgence of the past, all of which threaten to draw her back into the patterns that had previously kept her on a razor’s edge.

Same As It Ever Was by Claire Lombardo

$30 at Target

Greta & Valdin by Rebecca K Reilly

I love a story filled with misadventures and characters who just can’t seem to get it right (but you’re rooting for them regardless, throughout their journey). Greta & Valdin is messy and eccentric, funny and exciting. It moves quickly, leading you toward an ending that’s surprising and shocking—but that’s perfect for all the complexities this narrative draws up.

Read this if: Life feels chaotic, you’re without direction, and you have no idea what the future may hold.

From the publisher: It’s been a year since his ex-boyfriend dumped him and moved from Auckland to Buenos Aires, and Valdin is doing fine. He has a good flat with his sister Greta, a good career where his colleagues only occasionally remind him that he is the sole Maaori person in the office, and a good friend who he only sleeps with when he’s sad. But when work sends him to Argentina and he’s thrown back in his former lover’s orbit, Valdin is forced to confront the feelings he’s been trying to ignore—and the future he wants.

Greta is not letting her painfully unrequited crush (or her possibly pointless master’s thesis, or her pathetic academic salary…) get her down. She would love to focus on the charming fellow grad student she meets at a party and her friendships with a circle of similarly floundering twenty-somethings, but her chaotic family life won’t stop intruding: her mother is keeping secrets, her nephew is having a gay crisis, and her brother has suddenly flown to South America without a word.

Greta & Valdin by Rebecca K Reilly 

$22.49 at Target

Come and Get It by Kiley Reid

This was another of the best books of 2024 that I couldn’t put down until the very end. Its fast-paced plot drives you through desire-driven bad deeds, cringe-worthy characters portraying privilege at its most destructive, and commentary on the lengths we’ll go to to get what we want. If you loved Reid’s debut, Such a Fun Age, you’re in for an even bigger treat.

Read this if: You love an academic setting and need a good laugh (re: 400 pages of good laughs).

From the publisher: It’s 2017 at the University of Arkansas. Millie Cousins, a senior resident assistant, wants to graduate, get a job, and buy a house. So when Agatha Paul, a visiting professor and writer, offers Millie an easy yet unusual opportunity, she jumps at the chance. But Millie’s starry-eyed hustle becomes jeopardized by odd new friends, vengeful dorm pranks, and illicit intrigue.

Come and Get It by Kiley Reid

$18.10 at Target

Long Island Compromise by Taffy Brodesser-Akner

Like many, Fleishman Is in Trouble had me glued to its addicting pages for several days in the summer of 2019. And when a debut is so solid, it’s hard to anticipate what the author will produce next. Long Island Compromise, however, lives up to the challenge. Vogue likened Brodesser-Akner’s prose to Philip Roth’s provocative portrayals of the American-Jewish identity. It’s funny and entertaining, while still holding a mirror up to our flaws and traumas.

Read this if: You love an epic-like masterpiece that makes astute commentary on the pursuit of success and the shortcomings of the American dream.

From the publisher: In 1980, a wealthy businessman named Carl Fletcher is kidnapped from his driveway, brutalized, and held for ransom. He is returned to his wife and kids less than a week later, only slightly the worse, and the family moves on with their lives, resuming their prized places in the saga of the American dream, comforted in the realization that though their money may have been what endangered them, it is also what assured them their safety.

But now, nearly forty years later, it’s clear that perhaps nobody ever got over anything, after all. As the family hovers at the delicate precipice of a different kind of survival, they learn that the family fortune has dwindled to just about nothing, and they must face desperate questions about how much their wealth has played a part in both their lives’ successes and failures.

Long Island Compromise by Taffy Brodesser-Akner

$27.49 at Target

Hey, Zoey by Sarah Crossan 

The narrative surrounding AI has largely been one of fear, but what if it showed up at your house in the form of a $8,000 sex doll named Zoey that your husband secretly purchased? Terrifying. That is until Dolores begins talking to Zoey and she’s confronted with painful truths and revelations that impact her relationships and view of herself. It’s a tender, inquisitive look into the unexpected ways we forge connection in our modern world.

Read this if: You need an episode of Black Mirror in written form.

From the publisher: 43-year-old Dolores O’Shea is logical, organized, and prepared to handle whatever comes her way. She keeps up with her job and housework, takes care of her mentally declining mother, and remains close with her old friends and her younger sister who’s moved to New York. Though her marriage with David, an anesthesiologist, isn’t what is used to be, nothing can quite prepare her for Zoey, the $8,000 AI sex doll that David has secretly purchased and stuffed away in the garage.

At first, Zoey sparks an uncharacteristically strong violence in Dolores, whose entire life is suddenly cast in doubt. But then, Dolores and Zoey start to talk… and what surfaces runs deeper than Dolores could have ever expected, with consequences for all of the relationships in her life, especially her relationship to herself. 

Hey, Zoey by Sarah Crossan 

$26.97 at Bookshop

The post These Are the Best Books of 2024 So Far, According to Our Managing Editor appeared first on Camille Styles.

I like to think that life builds itself in the in-betweens. Those ordinary moments made remarkable because they merit a slight pause. It can be the sparkle of sunlight filtering through a window, or perhaps a summer salad composed just so. With each passing year, I learn that these quiet calls of observation outweigh the pursuit of any milestone. Because while the high highs of life present moments of elation, it’s impossible to maintain this unrestrained joy. But what is possible? Filling your days with small opportunities to smile, laugh, and lean into what brings us a bit of happiness—no matter how fleeting. What better way to experience that than by building a spring reading list to inspire growth and renewal in your life?

Reading is a life-long practice that—with everything we maintain for years—inevitably ebbs and flows. But living in step with the seasons offers us a chance to realign with the habit. And while the new year often sparks a little *change your life* energy, the spring is just as powerful a time for transformation. With that being said, the ultimate spring reading list—complete with life-shifting revelations—is here. Break out your Goodreads, and get ready to take notes.

11 Books to Add to Your Spring Reading List

To be clear, these are not recently released books. For that, we have you covered with our favorite new spring reads. Instead, this spring reading list is a compilation of books that align perfectly with the season. They’re reads that elicit contemplation and evoke growth. And because not all of these titles are new releases, many can be found at your nearest library. Accessible inspiration? Always a win.

This Is Happiness by Niall Williams

Genre: Literary Fiction

“You don’t see rain stop, but you sense it. You sense something has changed in the frequency you’ve been living and you hear the quietness you thought was silence get quieter still, and you raise your head so your eyes can make sense of what your ears have already told you, which at first is only: something has changed.”

This Is Happiness expertly combines a quiet but thrilling narrative with pastoral and luminous depictions of a community. The writing pulls at the idiosyncrasies and contrasting truths that exist within us and our relationships—our highs and lows, triumphs and failures, wants and needs are all put on display. Focused on an Irish family mid-century whose town is finally about to get electricity, the book tracks the everyday magic and miracles that follow us throughout life.

This Is Happiness by Niall Williams

$15.49 at Target

Before We Were Innocent by Ella Berman

Genre: Mystery

Every spring reading list needs a solid mystery. Before We Were Innocent follows best friends Bess and Joni, who, a decade prior, were cleared from any involvement in their friend Evangeline’s death. The pair has gone on to lead two very separate lives—Joni, becoming a motivational speaker and Bess, withdrawing from it all. But when Joni’s name gets tied to a crime in Greece closely mirroring that of Evangeline’s death, Bess has to choose whether or not to support her—and involve herself in all the complications that entails.

Before We Were Innocent by Ella Berman

$13.48 at Target

Save Me the Plums by Ruth Reichl

Genre: Food Memoir

Food writer, chef, and editor widely lauded for her prolific tenures at both the Los Angeles Times and The New York Times, Ruth Reichl is a gastronomic tour de force. The author of several cookbooks and memoirs, she’s been instrumental in revolutionizing how we read, write, and think about food. And while there’s much to romanticize about her career, Save Me the Plums is both gritty and poignant, taking readers behind the scenes of what it looks like to make it big in the food world. The memoir takes you from the offices of Condé Nast to intimate conversations with legendaries like David Chang and even David Foster Wallace. With recipes punctuating its chapters, Save Me the Plums is part cookbook, part reflection on what it really means to pair passion with your career.

Save Me the Plums by Ruth Reichl

$10.99 at Target

The School of Essential Ingredients by Erica Bauermeister

Genre: Food Fiction

Erica Bauermeister, my forever favorite author. She has a gift for turning the simple sensational, connecting us with the beauty that exists in everyday moments. Her books build through a focus on the senses. Our ability to smell, taste, touch, see, and hear all become infused with a certain romance and profundity through her words. On the surface, her characters mirror much of our own normalcy, but they become all the more human as you learn of their struggles, searches, and ultimate growth.

The School of Essential Ingredients wraps itself around all of this, following the lives of eight cooking students and their teacher, Lillian in the back of her restaurant. Every Monday evening, the group meets to practice new dishes, techniques, and skills. But Lillian imparts more than her cooking expertise. As the students trial and error their way through dishes, they simultaneously become transformed by the food themselves. Be sure to add its sequel, The Lost Art of Mixing, to your spring reading list as well.

The School of Essential Ingredients by Erica Bauermeister

$9.99 at Target

Home in Bloom by Ariella Chezar

Genre: Design and Floral Arranging

This book recently came across my desk and I was immediately entranced not only by its visuals, but Chezar’s ability to put into words the resonant, ephemeral beauty of florals. As a master floral designer and author of several other flower arranging books, Chezar is highly sought after for her organic and innovative arrangements. What’s more, she pioneered the farm-to-flower revolution, standing as an authoritative figure of the movement. Home in Bloom goes beyond being a gorgeous coffee table book. It’s a comprehensive guide that you’ll return to again and again for inspiration on bringing nature’s beauty into your home.

Home in Bloom by Ariella Chezar

$24.99 at Target

A Room with a View by E.M. Forster

Genre: Literary Fiction

A classic romance, A Room with a View has encouraged readers to pursue meaningful, long-lasting love in lieu of fortune since its first publishing in 1908. Entrenched in the snobbery and stuffiness of British high society of the time, the novel follows heroine Lucy Honeychurch as she navigates her feelings and fate, faced with choosing between status and an expansive true love. I always return to this book each spring as it sets the groundwork for the reader’s evolution and fulfillment, providing encouragement for whatever our hearts truly desire.

A Room with a View by E.M. Forster

$9.99 at Target

The Bee Sting by Paul Murray

Genre: Fiction

Clearly, something about spring inspires me to dive deep into contemporary Irish fiction. But the mastery of The Bee Sting spans far beyond genre and geography. Following the Barnes family, its pages blend a tragic plot with expertly-executed comedic touches. As each character grapples with their own challenges and struggles, Murray dazzles his reader with a fast-paced narrative and deeply relatable observations on what it means to pursue goodness.

The Bee Sting by Paul Murray

$18.99 at Target

Search by Michelle Huneven

Genre: Memoirist Fiction

I was blown away by the layers of perspective Michelle Huneven weaves into this book. Situated in Southern California, the plot tracks a search committee’s appointment of the community’s next Unitarian pastor. But… with recipes and a memoirist framing, Search expands far beyond the basis of its plot. The book’s protagonist, Dana Potowski is a restaurant critic and food writer alongside being a longstanding member of the congregation. Asked to join the search, she secretly pens a memoir (complete with recipes) reflecting on the experience. Though she begins the project with a certain level of detachment, she finds herself growing increasingly invested not only in the search, but the entire committee itself.

Search by Michelle Huneven

$14.49 at Target

Post-Traumatic by Chantal V. Johnson

Genre: Psychological Fiction

Who doesn’t love a story that goes deep into the reality of a supposed success story? Post-Traumatic centers on Vivian, a successful lawyer advocating for mentally ill patients at a New York City psychiatric hospital. But beneath the surface, Vivian is grappling with the impact of her troubled childhood and struggling to navigate life as a Black Latinx woman in America. Her self-medicated solution is a mix of dating, dieting, and smoking weed. Then, a family reunion sparks her pursuit of true healing—but first, she has to unravel.

Post-Traumatic by Chantal V. Johnson

$14.69 at Target

Provence, 1970 by Luke Barr

Genre: Nonfiction

The main criteria for books I’d add to my spring reading list are those that feel deeply seasonal. Not just in the environments and atmospheres they depict, but those that I can easily return to year after year—and still learn and experience something entirely new. Provence, 1970 follows that perfectly. Focusing on a single seminal moment, the book centers on the winter of 1970 when some of the biggest culinary figures of our time—James Beard, M.F.K. Fisher, Julia Child, Richard Olney, Simone Beck, and Judith Jones, gathered in the South of France. Over long meals and hours spent together in the kitchen, they debated taste, reflected on the inherent snobbery of haute cuisine, and questioned the future of food in America. And though these discussions weren’t formalized and their participants didn’t realize it, together, they were shaping how we eat and think about food.

Chronicled by M.F.K. Fisher, documentation of these conversations were then later unearthed by her great-nephew, Luke Barr. His pages do a revelatory job of establishing the context and creating an aesthetic, dreamy, and lush atmosphere to surround these revolutionary discussions.

Provence, 1970 by Luke Barr

$16 at Target

The Jane Austen Book Club by Karen Joy Fowler

Genre: Romantic Fiction

Whether or not you like her books, readers everywhere can confirm the influence of Jane Austen’s work not only on literature but our lives. That truth (universally acknowledged) stands at the center of The Jane Austen Book Club. Following exactly that—an unlikely grouping of people who gather to read Austen’s biggest novels—the book is a charming reflection on the truths of human behavior. Through her characters, Karen Joy Fowler explores the heartbreak and joy inherent in modern relationships—something I have to believe that Austen herself would approve of.

The Jane Austen Book Club by Karen Joy Fowler

$10.39 at Target

The post Your Ultimate Spring Reading List—11 Books for Every Genre appeared first on Camille Styles.

I spent the past weekend indulging in a solid binge-read. It had been far too long since I marathoned a book—often, there’s a combination of too much to do paired with a healthy dose of distraction that keeps me from reading for more than 30 minutes at a time. Even as a self-professed bibliophile, my reading sessions take place between stolen moments in transit or in the minutes before I fall asleep. But after finishing a book in a 12-hour period (Lucy By the Sea, add it to your list), I felt a renewed sense of excitement for the hobby—and to build upon my momentum with the best spring books of 2024.

Nothing inspires me quite like a library. Even when I was younger, I loved the sense of discovery they provoked, and the wonder that filled me with possibility. It’s the anticipation of not only learning, but experiencing something new. Books have the ability to draw out latent emotions and connect us with the magic of a single poignant phrase. They’re entertainment, sure, but they’re also a reflection of how we, as humans, understand ourselves—and work through the countless questions our lives hold.

The Best Spring Books of 2024

In a way, you can never tire of books. Sure, you might hesitate to call yourself a reader, but how else is it defined beyond the simple act of that: reading? No matter how our practices ebb and flow, we always come back to words in some sense. I find that it’s impossible not to derive a certain pleasure from a quiet day spent busying yourself with nothing more than emerging from a book altogether new and entirely transformed.

If that sounds like exactly how you want to romanticize your life this spring, read on. These are the 20 best new releases that deserve a spot on your bookshelf this spring.

1. Come and Get It by Kiley Reid

Following the success of Reid’s widely-praised debut, Come and Get It is built with a fast-paced and tension-filled narrative. Set at The University of Arkansas in Fayetteville, the book is deeply steeped in a coed culture, centered on a messy entanglement between a resident assistant and a visiting professor. In many ways, it made me want to go back to school and never step on a campus again—read it, and you’ll know exactly what I mean.

Genre: Literary Fiction

Release Date: Available now

Come and Get It by Kiley Reid

$20.30 at Target

2. Funny Story by Emily Henry

That’s right, Emily Henry is back. As is usually the case with her releases, this next book is thought to be even better than her last. Henry has a gift for writing in the traditional romantic comedy tropes without her books feeling tired or trite. Funny Story is an opposites-attract-style narrative—but trust, it’s so much more. Think: the perfect couple moves to a small town only to break up—with him leaving her for his childhood best friend. She’s left to pick up the pieces of her life and start over on her terms. It’s messy, fun, and absolutely chaotic, as all the best love stories are.

Genre: Romantic Fiction

Release Date: April 23

Funny Story by Emily Henry

$18.99 at Target

3. Table for Two by Amor Towles

I fell for Towles’ gift for storytelling after reading Rules of Civility, and of course, I fell even harder once I’d finished A Gentleman in Moscow. In Table for Two, Towles strays from his past novels with shorter fiction, setting them in New York City and a novella in Golden Age Hollywood. His characters are deeply human, with their complexities put on display as they navigate compelling romances and challenging narratives—and ultimately, find new and hopeful futures.

Genre: Literary Fiction

Release Date: April 2

Table for Two by Amor Towles

$28.80 at Target

4. All in Her Head by Elizabeth Comen

Women everywhere have been calling for a change in how the medical establishment approaches our bodies and health. With All in Her Head, Dr. Elizabeth Comen contributes significant work to the revolution, presenting a deeply-researched perspective that diverts from the traditional male-centric narrative. Her writing is empathetic and informative, drawing upon medical journals, interviews with physicians, and Dr. Comen’s own work in treating thousands of women over the years. It can be heavy at times, but is an important read for everyone.

Genre: Nonfiction, Women’s Health

Release Date: Available Now

All in Her Head by Elizabeth Comen

$25.99 at Target

5. Memory Piece by Lisa Ko

Three deeply creative and idealistic teenagers transform into women trying to navigate the difficulties of growing up and realizing their dreams in New York City. Memory Piece not only asks the important question of how we derive value from our lives but chronicles three different journeys that, in many ways, represent our collective search for fulfillment and satisfaction in a world that tries to steer us from ever reaching either.

Genre: Literary Fiction

Release Date: Available Now

Memory Piece by Lisa Ko

$24.99 at Target

6. The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt

It’s no secret: even before the pandemic propelled a significant downturn in our global mental health, adolescent mental well-being was already on the decline. In The Anxious Generation, social psychologist Jonathan Haidt tracks this epidemic of teen mental illness to several factors, including the collective transition from a play-based childhood to one driven by our devices and screens. But beyond identifying these issues, Haidt presents parents, caregivers, and educators with the support needed to help the children in their lives regain a sense of community, connection, and curiosity.

Genre: Parenting, Psychology

Release Date: March 26

The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt

$27.49 at Target

7. The Sicilian Inheritance by Jo Piazza

Spring and summer always see me gravitating more toward travel-based reads—and as such, The Sicilian Inheritance is high on my list. You’ll see Italy through the lens of a dysfunctional family with secrets at its center and a mysterious murder that the protagonist will stop at nothing to solve.

Genre: Historical Mystery

Release Date: April 2

The Sicilian Inheritance by Jo Piazza

$25.49 at Target

8. What the Mountains Remember by Joy Callaway

I love the transportive aspect of historical fiction—particularly when it’s grounded in the romantic quality of the early twentieth century. In What the Mountains Remember, Callaway’s details are rich with lush descriptions of an opulent way of life, providing an engaging narrative framework of a famed place and legendary family. The book is impressively researched, with a page-turning, dramatic plot at its center.

Genre: Historical Fiction

Release Date: April 2

What the Mountains Remember by Joy Callaway

$18.99 at Target

9. The Other Valley by Scott Alexander Howard 

In The Other Valley, neighboring towns are divided by the past and future—with the valley to the east 20 years ahead while the west is 20 years behind. Suddenly, sixteen-year-old Odile is given an impossible choice: to preserve this universe’s careful balance or put her future in jeopardy to save the boy she loves.

Genre: Literary Fiction

Release Date: Available Now

The Other Valley by Scott Alexander Howard 

$23.99 at Target

10. Expiration Dates by Rebecca Serle

Daphne has always believed that no matter what happens, the universe has a plan in store. But after losing hope in finding the one, she meets Jake, who’s perfect in just about every way. As they grow closer, Daphne wonders how much of herself she can share, and if she can trust him to hold her secrets.

Genre: Romantic Fiction

Release Date: Available Now

Expiration Dates by Rebecca Serle

$18.90 (reg. $24.30) at Target

11. The Celestial Wife by Leslie Howard

It’s 1964, and fifteen-year-old Daisy Shoemaker dreams of leaving her fundamentalist Mormon community to find a life beyond its borders and her destiny to become a sister-wife and a mother. When the bishop chooses a man 40 years older to become Daisy’s husband, she escapes. Years later, Daisy has beloved friends, secured a job, and embraced a newfound sense of independence—until her past comes hurtling back.

Genre: Historical Fiction

Release Date: April 9

The Celestial Wife by Leslie Howard

$17.99 at Target

12. The Ritual Effect by Michael Norton

We’re obsessed with rituals at Camille Styles—leaning upon our habits and practices to help us step into each day feeling energized and inspired. Social psychologist, Michael Norton, analyzes the power of rituals from both a practical and psychological sense. In The Ritual Effect, Norton looks at the science behind how approaching everyday activities with intention can transform your life for the better.

Genre: Self Help, Psychology

Release Date: April 9

The Ritual Effect by Michael Norton

$28.49 at Target

13. The Hunter by Tana French

A leading author in the genres of mystery and thriller, Tana French is back with another nuanced novel that will have you entranced from the first page. Set in the West of Ireland, The Hunter puts revenge, love, and familial sacrifice at the center of its spellbinding plot.

Genre: Mystery

Release Date: Available Now

The Hunter by Tana French

$20.79 at Target

14. The American Daughters by Maurice Carlos Ruffin

Enslaved to a businessman in the French Quarter of New Orleans, Ady and her mother, Sanite spend every day together. But when they become separated, Ady turns hopeless. That is until she befriends Lenore, a free Black woman who invites Ady to join a secret society of spies called the Daughters. Emboldened by memories of her courageous mother and the strong women she meets, Ady builds the inner strength to believe in a new and brighter future for herself.

Genre: Historical Fiction

Release Date: Available Now

The American Daughters by Maurice Carlos Ruffin

$28 at Target

15. Instructions for Traveling West by Joy Sullivan

First, you must realize you’re homesick for all the lives you’re not living. Then, you must commit to the road and the rising loneliness. To the sincere thrill of coming apart. These introductory lines of Joy Sullivan’s debut poetry collection exemplify the earnest call to action Instructions for Traveling West instills in its readers. It encourages us to consider what we’re sacrificing if we don’t give ourselves the chance to live in alignment—and to grasp the courage it takes to begin anew.

Genre: Poetry

Release Date: April 9

Instructions for Traveling West by Joy Sullivan

$16.99 at Target

16. Slow Productivity by Cal Newport 

As a chronically online woman sitting squarely on the millennial/Gen Z cusp, I deeply resonate with all of Cal Newport’s work. Both Digital Minimalism and Deep Work transformed how I approach my digital life, helping not only change my behaviors for the better but also connect with a greater sense of satisfaction in this hyper-connected age. In his newest book, Newport argues for a quality-over-quantity relationship to our output. He presents compelling research on habits and mindset while laying the framework for what “slow productivity” looks like—and how to reap the benefits of this game-changing alternative.

Genre: Self Help, Productivity

Release Date: Available Now

Slow Productivity by Cal Newport 

$19.19 at Target

17. Supercommunicators by Charles Duhigg

By the author of The Power of Habit, this highly-anticipated new release uncovers the science behind how we connect through words. Duhigg’s research and inquiry into the skills and intuition of these so-called “supercommunicators” reveals consistencies in how we recognize emotions, convey empathy, and are led by our own biases and perspectives.

Genre: Psychology, Self Help

Release Date: Available Now

Supercommunicators by Charles Duhigg

$19.17 at Target

18. Evenings and Weekends by Oisín McKenna

Set in summertime London throughout one weekend, Evenings and Weekends is built on the hopes, dreams, challenges, and harrowing realities of a multi-generational cast of characters. It reads with the quick clever dialogue of Sally Rooney and is filled with the vibrant possibilities that can only exist in a city during the summer.

Genre: Psychological Fiction

Release Date: April 16

Evenings and Weekends by Oisín McKenna

$30.49 at Target

19. While We Were Burning by Sara Koffi

For when you’re craving a rush of cortisol, While We Were Burning is sure to keep you up at night. When Elizabeth Smith’s perfect life spirals out of control following the mysterious death of her best friend, she hires Brianna, who appears to be the perfect assistant. That is until Brianna starts asking questions herself, wanting to know why the police killed her young Black son. And because it was someone in Elizabeth’s neighborhood who called the cops in the first place, Brianna chose to go to exactly where she hopes to find answers.

Genre: Thriller

Release Date: April 16

While We Were Burning by Sara Koffi

$25.49 at Target

20. In the Shadow of the Greenbrier by Emily Matchar

Growing up, my family vacationed at the Greenbrier Resort. To a nine-year-old, the West Virginia hotel was not only massive and grand but I remember being deeply aware of how many stories and memories it held. And though I haven’t been back since, even today, I have to imagine it would feel just as expansive. But all that opulence and glamour takes on a dramatic edge as the backdrop to this gripping family saga. The story follows generations of the Zelners, who each struggle to accept their family’s dark secrets and sinister past.

In the Shadow of the Greenbrier by Emily Matchar

$16.19 at Target

The post Refresh Your Reading List With the Most Anticipated Spring Books of 2024 appeared first on Camille Styles.

Reading is an unparalleled pleasure. There’s little else in life that can ground and inspire you at once. I find that no matter what I need, reading always seems to be the salve. Stressed? Cozy up with a book. A lack of motivation? Head straight to the self-help shelves. While it can be hard to prioritize reading when our attention is divided among so much, I consider it a key habit in my everyday wellness routine. And clearly, our team of bibliophiles does as well. That’s why I had to tap our editors for their thoughts on the best books of 2023.

Our Slack channels, email threads, and chats IRL often drift to the topic of reading. Whether it’s social strategy or content planning, everything can segue into the books we can’t put down. We read not only to learn, but to experience worlds outside of our own—coming back to our own lives with a greater empathy and understanding of others’ stories. Otherwise said: books offer us a gift and level of connection that little else can.

The Best Books of 2023, According to Our Editors

Whether or not you caught the book bug this year, there’s a beautiful truth about reading: it’s a habit you can always return to. So many of us think about reading the same way we do working out. There’s just not enough time! And sure, while a busy day might not allow for an hours-long reading marathon, pockets of time do present themselves. Whether it’s in the five minutes between meetings or in the parking lot for school pick-up, we just have to be more intentional with how we make space for what’s important. Swap your scroll for a few minutes spent reading. You’ll never go back.

So, if you’re wondering whether our Goodreads looked anything like yours or you simply want to update your TBR for the year ahead, keep reading for the best books of 2023 that our editors couldn’t put down. There’s something for everyone.

Cleopatra and Frankenstein

The way this book BROKE me and somehow put me back together again. I’m a girl who goes hard for the “no plot, just vibes” genre, and Coco Mellors perfected it beautifully in this debut novel. Expect stylistic writing, a devastating narrative, strangely lovable characters, and an ending that leaves you feeling empty but paradoxically understood. (Trust me, just read it.) — Isabelle, Managing Editor

Cleopatra and Frankenstein by Coco Mellors

$19.59

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Dear Edward

My favorite kind of novel is one that feels so close to reality that you can imagine yourself in the plot line—which is what made Dear Edward so heartbreaking, and also so beautiful. This is the story of a boy who has to learn to live again after an unimaginable tragedy and answers the question that we all ask ourselves: how could you find strength to fully live life when you’ve lost everything? — Camille, Editor-in-Chief

Dear Edward by Ann Napolitano

$15.54

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The Wrath & the Dawn

Khalid, the young king of Khorasan, takes a new bride each night only to have her executed at sunrise, until a girl named Shahrzad volunteers to marry him. But she does so with a plan to take revenge for the murder of her best friend and the many other brides before her. This was a surprisingly quick and enthralling read that is more enchanting than thriller-esque. The storytelling is beautiful, each of the characters is intriguing, and I finished this story wanting to talk to all my friends about it. — Suruchi, Food Editor

The Wrath & the Dawn by Renée Ahdieh

$11.69

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Good Inside

We’re currently in the thick of navigating life with a “threenager” with another little one on the way—emotions are high and patience is low. SOS. Life is full and this book continues to provide solace, practical tips, and creative ways to support our growing toddler. Although I’ve mostly steered from parenting books, this is a valuable, relatable resource I often turn to. If you need empowerment, empathy, or a reminder that your children are good inside, this is worth the shelf space. — Edie, Wellness Editor

Good Inside by Becky Kennedy

$18.19

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The Creative Act

I’ve always been a fan of Rick Rubin, so I was quick to get my hands on this book when it first came out in January. It turned out to be the perfect New Year’s read, full of creative inspiration and tangible advice on how to embrace your inner artist. — Michelle, Executive Producer

The Creative Act by Rick Rubin

$17.49

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Hello Beautiful

Think: Little Women but with a modern and all-too-realistic narrative. Hello Beautiful was such a thought-provoking book that touches on realities hard to address in print. It’s a slower read, but one that will imprint on the way you look at realistic fiction. — Casey, Editorial Intern

Hello Beautiful by Ann Napolitano

$15.56

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Cues: Master the Secret Language of Charismatic Communication

I’m fascinated by the topic of charisma—what gives certain people that secret sauce of magnetism and likability? In this fascinating book, Van Edwards breaks it down, and what I love about this book is that it’s full of surprises. If you want to unlock the secrets to captivating a room, being a leader, and conveying confidence, so much of it is in the body language and vocal inflections that most of us are unaware of. And it turns out, we can subtly tweak those cues to have more influence. — Camille, Editor-in-Chief

Cues: Master the Secret Language of Charismatic Communication, by Vanessa Van Edwards

$18.79

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The Guest

If you also devoured The Girls, then you’re well aware that Emma Cline is capable of weaving together a fast-paced narrative through the development of her characters alone. This relatively short read moves quickly, driven by the desperation of its protagonist to find a place for herself in an unforgiving world. — Isabelle, Managing Editor

The Guest by Emma Cline

$16.79

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The Trouble with Hating You

I’m not usually one for rom-com type books, but this one hooked me right away with lovable characters and a classic enemies-to-lovers arc. The main characters’ banter and individual storylines come together in the best way. This was a fun read for anyone looking for a rom-com novel that celebrates culture, friendship, and strong characters you find yourself rooting for chapter after chapter. — Suruchi, Food Editor

The Trouble with Hating You by Sajni Patel

$12.79

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The Almanack of Naval Ravikant

I was late to the party on this one but am so glad I finally picked it up. I’ve never highlighted and annotated a book so much in my life! I found it to be an incredible source of wisdom on how to build wealth, cultivate happiness, and live a life led by your core values. — Michelle, Executive Producer

The Almanack of Naval Ravikant by Eric Jorgenson

$13.89

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The post The Top 10 Books Our Editors Obsessed Over in 2023 appeared first on Camille Styles.

I’m your typical millennial TikTok user. You know, the one who consumes the most viral videos when they emerge weeks later in my Instagram feed. I’m still mildly wary of the platform where I am decidedly a lurker, not yet an active creator. I forget about TikTok for days on end, partially in an honest attempt to not get sucked into another social media platform but also because I am still slightly bewildered by it all. However, there is one thing that entices me to open the app. Fellow elder millennials, listen up. Let me tell you about a magical little place called #BookTok.

In a nutshell: BookTok is a (massive) corner of the app where users post quick videos, reviewing and recommending novels that generally fall within the genre of young adult and romance. They’re passionate and creative—and there are even fantasy accounts dedicated to fan-favorite characters featured in the most popular TikTok books.

It’s a collection of young, impassioned readers inspiring countless others to join the club, of which they are in packs. (The hashtag is currently sitting at nearly 190 billion views). And while it can’t quite be quantified, we do know that BookTok is driving book sales and even publishing deals thanks to this wildfire word-of-mouth trend.

Featured image from our interview with Roti Brown.

What is a TikTok book?

A TikTok book is quite simply a book that has organically gained popularity on the app. This is very much about judging a book by its cover, and there’s no shame in that. Once you’ve spent some time in this world, you can easily spot the signs. There is often a fantasy element with romance at the center. You’ll find book recommendations based on popular tropes like “forced proximity,” “who did this to you,” and of course, “enemies to lovers.”

Why is BookTok so popular?

Like any good trend, BookTok simply makes reading cool again. It’s introducing young readers to a world beyond a syllabus. One where they can escape their own lives through a relatable main character on a fantastical journey. The pandemic changed everything—including the way we read and hear about books. The BookTok community bridged the gap with videos titled, “books that will make you fall in love with reading,” and “books that left me heartbroken and shattered for days.” In short, BookTok positions reading as accessible—aspirational, even.

The 21 Best BookTok Recommendations to Pick Up, Stat

Time for the big reveal! I recruited two Camille Styles editors and all-around book lovers Bridget Chambers and Isabelle Eyman to help me review as many TikTok bestsellers as possible. These are our 21 best BookTok recommendations. They are all terribly juicy, engrossing, and oh-so-perfect for the cozy reading season.

1. The Guest List by Lucy Foley

Genre: Thriller & Suspense

Review: As much as I love to curl up with a book, it’s rare that I [neglect my family to] read an entire book in a single day. But this one had me hooked from line one—I just had to know who did it. Even a slight predictability couldn’t keep me from thoroughly enjoying the ride. If you like a plot that takes off like a runaway train and keeps pace until the very end, you’ll love this whodunnit where the perfectly cast Irish setting takes center stage. — Brittany

Coming Soon: To a television near you? The author hinted that The Guest List has been optioned as a TV series—time will tell.

The Guest List by Lucy Foley

$12.48

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2. Every Summer After by Carley Fortune

Genre: Fiction

Review: Every Summer After is the perfect summertime read about a summertime romance between best friends. It’s People We Meet on Vacation meets The Summer I Turned Pretty, and had me incredibly attached to and invested in every character. My only complaint is that the ending felt a bit rushed, but that’s probably because I didn’t want it to end at all. — Bridget 

Every Summer After by Carley Fortune

$9.50

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3. Mexican Gothic by Silvia Moreno-Garcia

Genre: Horror Fiction

Review: October is the perfect time to pick up this slightly scary and yet very engrossing novel. It’s the perfect book to correspond with spooky season without being pure horror. Personally, I’m not a horror fan but I do love a good mystery with a dark and looming house involved. This one does get a little bit icky but it didn’t keep me up at night. I’d read it again. — Brittany

Coming Soon: To a streaming service near you—Mexican Gothic is in development as a Hulu Original Series produced by Kelly Ripa and Mark Consuelos.

Mexican Gothic by Silvia Moreno-Garcia

$14.69

4. The Wedding Date by Jasmine Guillory

Genre: Fiction Romance

Review: I was on the hunt for a breezy romcom and had high hopes for The Wedding Date. The meet-cute is indeed cute but unfortunately, I found it a bit eye-roll-inducing throughout. I didn’t find the characters to be likable or super reliable and the open-door scenes felt more gratuitous than anything else. However, the end was (again) cute and it was a decent palette cleanser between novels. — Brittany

The Wedding Date by Jasmine Guillory

$9.32

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5. The Midnight Library by Matt Haig

Genre: Science Fiction

Review: Along with the stellar reviews and numerous recommendations, I was first drawn to the magic-adjacent aspect of this story. A library where you can “try on” different lives? I needed to know more. But for some reason, I just never found myself lost in the story. Perhaps it’s because I didn’t want to—I found it quite sad (if not also beautiful) and a bit predictable. Still, I do enjoy Matt Haig’s writing style, and yes, I’m in the minority as The Midnight Library has amassed nearly 200 thousand reviews and 4.5 stars on Amazon. (Trigger warning: the story centers around an attempted suicide.) — Brittany

Coming Soon: To a movie theater near you—StudioCanal and Blueprint Pictures have optioned the film rights.

The Midnight Library by Matt Haig

$18

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6. The Four Winds by Kristin Hannah

Genre: Historical Fiction

Review: This book is a beautiful, heartbreaking, empowering epic-adjacent story and I thoroughly enjoyed every moment. I typically avoid books that will 100% make me cry but with Kirstin Hannah, it always feels earned and worthwhile. This one was made all the more better with some perfect casting in my head, Gwendoline Christie (aka, Game of Thrones’ Brienne of Tarth) as Elsa Wolcott. — Brittany

The Four Winds by Kristin Hannah

$12.08

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7. The Nightengale by Kristin Hannah

Genre: Historical Fiction

Review: Bridget has long sung the praises of this beautiful novel and I am in utter agreement. It is a story stunningly told of two sisters in war-torn France, where both the characters and the setting vividly come to life in beautiful, easy prose. If you’ve yet to pick it up, this is your sign. — Brittany

Coming Soon: To a movie theater near you—real-life sisters Dakota and Elle Fanning have been cast as Vianne and Isabelle.

The Nightengale by Kristin Hannah

$9.40

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8. Book Lovers by Emily Henry

Genre: Fiction Romance

Review: What’s a TikTok book roundup without an Emily Henry novel? I’m new to the delightful world of Emily Henry, I must admit, and this was the perfect introduction. Henry masters the art of the rom-com. The story is fun and witty, the characters’ nuances feel earned, and the lightness is well-balanced with grounded storytelling. I’m officially joining the Emily Henry fan club. — Brittany

Book Lovers by Emily Henry

$9.90

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9. Verity by Colleen Hoover

Genre: Psychological Thriller

Review: This might be a very controversial opinion, but Verity is by far my favorite Colleen Hoover novel. While Hoover is most popular for her romance novels, Verity is a thriller that kept me turning pages long after my bedtime… and then made me too scared to turn off the lights. It’s one of those books that has you thinking about it long after you read the last page and contains one of my favorite endings to discuss with friends. — Bridget  

Verity by Colleen Hoover

$11.19

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10. It Ends With Us by Colleen Hoover

Genre: Fiction Romance

Review: I have heard and seen more about It Ends With Us than any other TikTok book. It’s in the process of becoming a movie, and I have no doubt that the movie will garner the same level of attention. Perhaps because the hype was so intense, I felt slightly let down by the book, considering I didn’t have the same visceral reaction that everyone else seems to have. This book does deserve a trigger warning, however, considering it discusses some harsh realities about domestic abuse. — Bridget

Coming Soon: A movie, potentially. The rights were purchased by Justin Baldoni’s company Wayfarer Entertainment in 2019.

It Ends With Us by Colleen Hoover

$10.39

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11. Love and Other Words by Christina Lauren

Genre: Fiction Romance

Review: Love and Other Words is a very similar read as Every Summer After, which is probably why I liked it so much. I’m a sucker for a good best friends-turned-lovers plot, and Macy’s and Elliot’s story is one of my favorites. They are a testament that some bonds truly can never be broken and if something is meant to be, it will be. Even though it’s a fictional story, it warmed my heart to the fullest. — Bridget

Love and Other Words by Christina Lauren

$10.69

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12. A Court of Thorns and Roses The Series by Sarah J. Maas

Genre: Fantasy, Romance

Review: And now we come to the series that launched a thousand (more like a million) BookTokers. I decided to pick up the first book in the series to see what all the hype was about. The PLAN was to stop there and read a few more TikTok books to provide the most reviews I could muster. Friends, I have let you down. Or have I… ?

I am currently savoring book five in this ongoing series. The hype was real, at least for me. I love a plot-driven, world-building, good versus evil story. I love a character who’s special in ways yet to be revealed. I love a love story with tension (that enemies-to-lovers trope is a good one). If any of those sound appealing to you, welcome to the world of—as the BookTokers call it—ACOTR. (P.S. It gets a little spicy.) — Brittany

Coming Soon: To a streaming service near you. Hulu has optioned the rights with Outlander showrunner Ron Moore at the helm.

A Court of Thorns and Roses The Series by Sarah J. Maas

$48.77

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13. Throne of Glass The Series by Sarah J. Maas

Genre: Young Adult Fantasy, Romance

Review: Before there was ACOTR, there was the Throne of Glass series. I actually read this series first even though it’s not the most popular of the two. And I enjoyed it for a few reasons, one of which is a bit unexpected.

You see, Sarah J. Maas began writing her first novel, the first in this series, at sixteen years old. Yep. And what I found to be truly engaging throughout the series was simply witnessing her writing grow and mature with each book. I also loved the unexpected twists and turns that Maas is now known for. There are seven books in the series and my favorite character (Yrene, perfectly imagined in my head as Zendayah) shows up in book six. — Brittany

P.S. Despite my love for the story, I was always totally thrown off by the covers and it seems marketing got the memo. The books re-release in February 2023 with sleek new covers.

Throne of Glass The Series by Sarah J. Maas

$147.99

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14. The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid 

Genre: Historical Fiction

Review: The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo was the first #BookTok book that I read. It immediately transported me to the glory days of Old Hollywood and sucked me into the world of the rich and famous that isn’t as fabulous as it’s chalked up to be. Evelyn Hugo is a character who everybody will feel and root for, envy and pity. Fun fact: All of Taylor Jenkins Reid’s books have characters that cross over from novel to novel, so Malibu Rising fans will recognize Mick Riva as one of the seven husbands. — Bridget

Coming Soon: To a streaming service near you—Netflix is developing the film.

The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid 

$22.49

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15. The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue by V. E. Schwab

Genre: Fantasy Fiction

Review: This novel easily features one of the most intriguing elevator pitches: a young woman makes a deal for immortality. In exchange, she’s doomed to be forgotten… until she walks into a bookstore 300 years later and a boy remembers her name. Right?! Listen, it delivers. I don’t want to give anything away but if you like a book with mystery, magic, and a little spice, this is the one for you. Another good one for spooky season. — Brittany

Coming Soon: To a movie theater near your—eOne acquired rights to the movie, which will be produced by Gerard Butler’s company G-Base.

The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue by V. E. Schwab

$13.50

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16. Funny You Should Ask by Elissa Sussman

Genre: Fiction Romance

Review: Imagine getting assigned to write a profile on your celebrity crush, having him/her fall for you, spending an entire weekend with him/her, and then reuniting a decade later for a follow-up interview. It’s something that my 15-year-old dreams were made of, but with clever dialogue and a little spice. Totally unrealistic and slightly cheesy, but one of my favorite novels to escape real life. — Bridget

Funny You Should Ask by Elissa Sussman

$10.95

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17. Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir

Genre: Science Fiction, Adventure

Review: This book goes in my top 10 of all time and I will forever recommend it to anyone who asks. It is so many things at once which makes it wildly appealing. I’m talking laugh-out-loud funny, endearing, adventurous, and leaves you in awe of the resilience of the human spirit. But there’s also a compelling mystery and an entire “lone man must save the world” plotline. I truly enjoyed Weirs’ first book, The Martian, and this one is even better. — Brittany

Coming Soon: To a movie theater near you—with none other than RYAN GOSLING in the lead role.

Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir

$13.98

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18. Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow: A Novel by Gabrielle Zevin

Genre: Contemporary Fiction

Review: I just finished reading this buzzy book about two friends who create video games and, let me tell you, it was a good read. It’s contemporary but still creates (literally and figuratively) its own type of world, and having no video game knowledge myself, I was excited to dive into something new. There were truly just so many layers to the story and now having finished, I can say it was a really beautiful experience. I went into it knowing very little but some may appreciate a trigger warning. If that’s you, just do a little research before you pick it up. — Brittany

Coming Soon: To a movie theater near you—Paramount Pictures acquired the movie rights for a cool $2 million.

Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow: A Novel by Gabrielle Zevin

$14.71

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19. The Five-Star Weekend by Elin Hilderbrand

Genre: Romantic Fiction

Review: While I usually prefer a hard copy rather than an audiobook, The Five-Star Weekend was the perfect listen. Elin Hilderbrand is very much worth the hype and writes about Nantucket in a way that’s dreamy and wistful without falling into a cliché. I’m loving the transition to books about women exploring new beginnings in mid-life, and Hilderbrand executed the trope perfectly. If you want drama and a heartwarming narrative with female friendship at the center, pick this up. — Isabelle

The Five-Star Weekend by Elin Hilderbrand

$18.32

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20. I’m Glad My Mom Died by Jennette McCurdy

Genre: Memoir

Review: Of course you’re going to pick up a memoir with such a proactive title. And frankly, you’ll be glad you did. Child star Jennette McCurdy (of iCarly fame) doesn’t hold anything back. In its pages, she reveals the truths behind the glitz of television and the reality of growing up with an abusive mother. It’s admittedly hard to read at times, but McCurdy writes honestly and openly about the challenge of protecting your own mental and emotional well-being against a parent you’re expected to trust. — Isabelle

I’m Glad My Mom Died by Jennette McCurdy

$19.79

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21. My Year of Rest and Relaxation by Ottessa Moshfegh

Genre: Literary fiction

Review: Of all the best BookTok recommendations, this will forever be my go-to. Ottessa Moshfegh writes like no other contemporary author I’ve ever picked up. And this strange not-quite-a-plot narrative (only vibes) pulls you in from the beginning. The writing encapsulates you with the unnamed narrator’s loneliness and search for meaning, and it’ll have you reflecting on the purpose behind every moment. It gets existential at times as all the best BookTok recommendations should. — Isabelle

My Year of Rest and Relaxation by Ottessa Moshfegh

$10.08

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The post We Read the Most Popular Books On BookTok—These Are Our Honest Thoughts appeared first on Camille Styles.

While we’re a few official weeks into fall, I’m writing to you from my very first *actually cozy* day. The temps have dipped below 65, there’s color in the trees, and my craving for hot cider is justified. There’s little I wouldn’t give to experience the autumnal coziness year-round, (when it comes to fall, the “too much of a good thing” adage doesn’t apply). And while some may tell you there’s nothing better than indulging in a summer beach read, my fall reading list has that simple pleasure beat.

Fall exudes coziness—with our desire for all things comfy, wholesome, and warm reaching its peak. It only makes sense that now is the perfect time to plow through your TBR. But with the fall scene set just so, not just any books will do. We want to be scared, soothed, and set in a small town where characters wear turtlenecks and gather for knitting clubs in the local coffee shop. I’m talking about the classics, the horror, and the “no plot, just vibes” novels that make every short, dark day worth the cozy return.

Featured image by Riley Blanks Reed.

What books are best to read in the fall?

Every book is an opportunity to enjoy a little escape from the reality of our daily routines. We read to go places we’ve never been, experience contexts we’ve never known, and dive into the relationships and psyches of people entirely unlike our surrounding circle. But during the fall, in particular, it’s natural to gravitate toward books that echo the crisp weather and align with the season’s vibes. With Halloween on its way, horror, thrillers, and psychological fiction reads are perfect spooky material. The start of the school year falls in step with our love of anything academia. And of course, cuffing season is fast approaching, and there’s no better time than the fall get us in the mood—romantic fiction is a must.

With all of that in mind, I curated a fall reading list that offers something for everyone. Whether you take this season to indulge in Literature with a capital “L,” scratch your Hallmark romance itch, or enjoy a little scare, read on—these 15 reads are right up your alley.

Your Fall Reading List: 15 Books to Devour, Stat

The Bell Jar by Sylvia Plath

Genre: Autobiographical novel/Psychological fiction

Fun fact: I went to the same college as Sylvia Plath—and actually lived in her same dorm room. My fascination with the author certainly contributed to my English major, and I consider an annual re-read of The Bell Jar part of my continuing education. If you know anything about Sylvia Plath’s story of mental illness, literary fame, and the ultimate tragedy of her life, you’ll think of this as an autobiographical novel. And even if you don’t become a “Plathie,” you’ll still enjoy the fascinating peek into a woman weighed down by her own beautiful mind—as well as the horrific limitations of mid-century mental healthcare.

The Bell Jar by Sylvia Plath

$13.99

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My Salinger Year by Joanna Rakoff

Genre: Memoir

I devour this book every time I read it—and proceed to encourage everyone to add it to their fall reading list. While the narrative relies on some of the tired tropes of the publishing industry on the cusp of the 2000s, you’ll immediately be mesmerized by the entirely different world Joanna Rakoff stepped into when she took a job as an assistant to the literary agent for J.D. Salinger. It’s a heart-warming and intriguing coming-of-age story in which a young woman discovers her own voice by mimicking that of one of the world’s most famous authors.

My Salinger Year by Joanna Rakoff

$9.89

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Meredith, Alone by Claire Alexander

Genre: Psychological Fiction

If you want to cry, then laugh, then cry and laugh again, pick up Meredith, Alone. It was one of my favorite books of last year, and though I plowed through it in December, it’s a perfect fall read. The premise: Meredith hasn’t left her home in three years, but little by little—through the help of friends old and new—she learns to trust the world again. Claire Alexander does an incredible job of slowly teasing out elements of Meredith’s backstory, making it impossible to put down as you dive deeper into this lovable, complicated character.

Meredith, Alone by Claire Alexander

$15.49

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Happy Hour by Marlowe Granados

Genre: Coming-of-age

One of my favorite books of all time, Happy Hour perfectly epitomizes the TikTok category of “no plot, just vibes” books. Meaning: while the book doesn’t track a clear progression of events, you dive deep into the mesmerizing, desperate world of two young, twenty-something friends—Isabelle and Gala—as they navigate life in New York City through charm, whit, and an unsettling brilliance.

When asked about her thoughts on this categorization, author Marlowe Granados shared with Elle, “When you put it all together, there’s not this traditional structure of rising and falling action, because I’m not interested in that. All the books I love aren’t traditional in that way, and I’m open to exploring non-linear expressions and narratives.”

Happy Hour by Marlowe Granados

$14.49

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My Year of Rest and Relaxation by Ottessa Moshfegh

Genre: Literary fiction

To be clear: this is a must-add to your fall reading list as is everything else Ottessa Moshfegh has penned. (Eileen and her latest, Lapvona are two more faves.) Immediately upon reading, you’ll discover an entirely different sort of book, where the constraints of prose and plot are quickly bypassed. Set in New York City in 2000 and 2001, My Year of Rest and Relaxation follows the narrator (unnamed) as she seeks to spend a year asleep—induced by a cocktail of medications—to reset her life. What she discovers is a way forward in a world that’s often difficult to bear.

My Year of Rest and Relaxation by Ottessa Moshfegh

$13.27

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Cleopatra and Frankenstein by Coco Mellors

Genre: Literary fiction

If you love anything Sally Rooney, Cleopatra and Frankenstein is a natural progression. Cleo and Frank dive headfirst into a seemingly mismatched pairing. (She, a beautiful, young painter, and he, twenty years her senior, leading a life of excess and wealth.) Their romance impulsively turns to marriage, dissolving quickly into a complex and challenging relationship. As the reader, you want desperately for each to experience some semblance of happiness—and at the end, you discover just how complex true satisfaction in life can be.

Cleopatra and Frankenstein by Coco Mellors

$19.59

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Sweetbitter by Stephanie Danler

Genre: Novel

If you love food and are fascinated by the behind-the-scenes hustle of New York City kitchens, Sweetbitter is your go-to fall read. The novel tracks Tess, a twenty-two-year-old as she learns the rules of the road—and life—working at a celebrated New York restaurant. The book is full of glitz and glam but reveals the elite industry’s truths of chaos and grime. But the beyond being an exposé of the restaurant industry itself, Sweetbitter perfectly encapsulates a young woman’s pursuit of place and identity in an oftentimes unforgiving world.

Sweetbitter by Stephanie Danler

$12.35

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The Haunting of Hill House by Shirley Jackson

Genre: Horror fiction

Behind (almost) every great Netflix series is the book that inspired it. Many agree that Shirley Jackson is the queen of horror—she’s the author of “The Lottery,” and clearly deserving of the moniker. The Haunting of Hill House takes the reader through a perfectly executed example of the haunted house story, and it even earned Stephen King’s seal of approval. Paranormal activity, psychological suspense—it’s fall horror perfection.

The Haunting of Hill House by Shirley Jackson

$10.99

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Tom Lake by Ann Patchett

Genre: Coming-of-age story

My book club read this in September and it’s one of the few books that’s earned the group’s unanimous appreciation. (Read all the way to the end of this fall reading list, and you’ll know how deep my Ann Patchett obsession runs.) In Tom Lake, her latest release, Patchett’s ability to convey the endurance of love is coupled with meditations on the ties between family members and how these bonds shape the outcomes of our lives.

Tom Lake by Ann Patchett

$17.99

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The House Across the Lake by Riley Sager

Genre: Psychological thriller and mystery

There’s no time better than the cool, crisp nights of fall to cuddle up with a thriller. The House Across the Lake? An all-time best for the season Though I read it when it initially came out last June, I have no shame in plowing through it (again) this fall. Starting with the expected plot of the protagonist quitting the city for the calming (and eerily quiet) woods, this novel offers a compelling departure in its many twists and turns.

Casey Fletcher (said protagonist who settles in Vermont), befriends the glamorous couple across the lake. But when the wife mysteriously disappears, what initially looked like a perfect marriage suddenly becomes the center of a psychologically suspenseful and constantly shifting plot.

The House Across the Lake by Riley Sager

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$10.03

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Wuthering Heights by Emily Brontë

Genre: Gothic fiction

Though you may have left this book behind in college, I can’t stress it enough: pick it back up immediately. While it was written nearly 200 years ago and the nuances of life in the landed gentry are no longer common knowledge, the romance and very human emotions put on display are always relevant. If you really want to dive deep into the Gothic romances this fall, follow it up with Jane Eyre.

Wuthering Heights by Emily Brontë

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$18.19

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All Good People Here by Ashley Flowers

Genre: Crime fiction and mystery

Though this was a new release last year, I didn’t get my hands on it until a week ago. And… I finished it in a day. With Ashley Flowers’ extensive experience investigating crimes both solved and cold, she displays an incredible ability to build a suspenseful, shocking narrative—even in her debut novel.

A journalist who’s moved back to her hometown, Margot Davies becomes obsessed with the infamous murder of January Jacobs. She goes to extensive lengths to find the solve the case—and bring the killer to justice. Along the way, she discovers that many of the townspeople she thought she knew are hiding twisted, chilling secrets.

All Good People Here by Ashley Flowers

$15.44

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The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald

Genre: Literary fiction

There’s no better time than autumn to re-read the classics. Though I’m quick to recommend Fitzgerald’s other novels before The Great Gatsby, nothing encapsulates the season more than the book’s standout line: “Life starts all over again when it gets crisp in the fall.” I’ll admit, every time I turn back to this book, I’m always in awe at its ability to capture the sense of loss and longing that can exist between people who desperately seek happiness in all the wrong places.

The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald

$8.89

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Persuasion by Jane Austen

Genre: Romance novel

IMO—this is Jane Austen at her best. I don’t need to tell you that she’s the queen of romance and putting women on their rightful pedestal. Persuasion gives readers an opportunity to indulge in a second-chance love. It’s witty (of course) and convoluted in a way that only Austen can make enjoyable. (Who’s married to who, again?) For anyone new to Jane Austen, you can certainly start with Pride & Prejudice, but I’d say Persuasion is the right choice.

Persuasion by Jane Austen

$23.49

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The Dutch House by Ann Patchett

Genre: Historical fiction

I listened to this in the car with my mom on a drive across the country, and though I loved Tom Hanks’ narration, it’s even more enjoyable to curl up with on my couch. It’s dark and haunting, but displays the power of a sibling bond to overcome all odds. Forced into the same poverty their parents escaped, Danny and Maeve struggle to leave behind their past even as they experience inklings of hope and success. The Dutch House looks at the complexities that can exist between families, and ultimately asks if love is really what’s most important.

The Dutch House by Ann Patchett

$11.99

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The post Your Essential Fall Reading List—15 Books That Deliver the Cozy Vibes We Need Right Now appeared first on Camille Styles.

Is there a better winter activity than reading? The temps are low and our homes are the coziest they’ll get all year. And when spring comes around, we’ll be too busy picnicking and hiking to prioritize our literary lives. While January through March can often be met with worry about how we’ll fill our weeks, it’s the perfect time to take out our winter bucket lists and start crossing off our favorite activities. My number one priority? Reading through all the best, most-anticipated 2023 books coming out this year.

On my long list of intentions for the year ahead, reading is high among the things I want to make a larger part of my everyday. And based on conversations I’ve had with others about how they’re approaching 2023, I know I’m not alone. So, to help us all become reading girlies this year, I rounded up the best books coming out in the months to come.

We have mysteries, thrillers, memoirs, and essays, compelling non-fiction, and historical dramas. Needless to say, 2023 books have a lot to offer. So pull up your StoryGraph accounts and let’s start making our reading lists together.

Image above by Belathée Photography.

The 15 Best 2023 Books Coming Out This Year

Every product is curated with care by our editors. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a small commission at no cost to you.

The House in the Pines by Ana Reyes

This is the year I indulge my true crime fixation through reading. I’ve listened to the podcasts, watched the series, and now, I’ve been staying up late reading The House in the Pines since I picked it up yesterday. When Maya’s in high school, her best friend Aubrey passes away without a clear cause—but she places a mysterious man that they’ve spent the summer with at the center of it all. Years later, it may seem like Maya’s put it all behind her, but the trauma returns when she sees a YouTube video that caught Aubrey’s death on tape. When Maya returns home to try and face her past, she comes into contact with the answers she’s been seeking for years.

Released January 3

The House in the Pines

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The Villa by Rachel Hawkins

The Villa has it all—a decades-long female friendship, a girls’ trip to Italy, and a gorgeous villa with a mysterious past. Best friends Emily and Chess book a vacation at Villa Aestas in Orvieto. When Emily digs into the villa’s history, she discovers a story of sex, drugs, rock and roll—and a murder that she’s determined to solve before the villa claims another victim.

Released January 3

The Villa

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All the Dangerous Things by Stacy Willingham

In the middle of the night, Isabelle’s worst nightmare comes true: her son is taken from his crib while she and her husband sleep. The case quickly runs cold, but Isabelle can’t stop looking for answers, and she won’t sleep until she gets them. Literally—she hasn’t slept in a year. Desperate to know what happened to her son, she teams up with a true crime podcaster. But when the conversation makes her question her own memories of what happened, Isabelle doesn’t know who we can trust. Herself, included.

Available January 10

All the Dangerous Things

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“You Just Need to Lose Weight”: And 19 Other Myths About Fat People by Aubrey Gordon

Aubrey Gordon co-hosts what is perhaps the best podcast (and the one I can’t stop recommending to everyone): Maintenance Phase. Her new book, “You Just Need to Lose Weight”: And 19 Other Myths About Fat People amplifies much of what the podcast discusses: the many anti-fat myths that have gone unchallenged in our society for far too long. Gordon is a brilliant voice who brings to light the insights and information to equip you with the tools to promote fat justice. This is a must-read for everyone.

Available January 10

“You Just Need to Lose Weight”: And 19 Other Myths About Fat People

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Spare by Prince Harry

Of all the books we can’t wait to come out in 2023, this is perhaps the one we’re most excited to come out in January (i.e., we don’t have to wait months to know all of Prince Harry’s inner thoughts). The synopsis paints us a jarring picture: the image of Harry walking next to William as they both trail behind their mother’s coffin. For decades, we’ve wondered what was going through the boys’ heads, and how that grief would impact them in the years to come. Finally, Harry’s telling his story.

Available January 10

Spare

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Locust Lane by Stephen Amidon

When you’re told that you’ll like a book if you devoured Little Fires Everywhere, you count down the days until it’s released. Like Celeste Ng’s bestseller, this is a story driven by power and influence. When a murder takes place in an affluent New England town, the three teenagers partying with the dead girl all are questioned—but the parents, with motivations of their own, complicate the investigation. Because when your own child becomes a suspect, you’ll do anything to protect them.

Available January 17

Locust Lane

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Love, Pamela by Pamela Anderson

Despite what countless tabloids would have you believe, we don’t really know Pam Anderson’s story. But now, everything’s finally coming to life. This is the story of how a small-town girl rises to unexpected stardom—and what gets sacrificed along the way. But with grit and grace, she learns to find herself again.

Available January 31

Love, Pamela

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The Writing Retreat by Julia Bartz

When Alex, an aspiring author is ready to give up, she finds herself the recipient of a ticket to an exclusive writing retreat. Also in attendance? Her former best friend and rival. But when they arrive, the writers learn that they’re in competition to finish a whole novel in the month of their stay. And there’s a seven-figure publishing deal at stake. But with an allegedly haunted mansion, strange behavior among the other guests, and a writer who mysteriously disappears, it’s clear that something’s afoot. The clock’s ticking, and Alex has to finish her book—and save herself from the danger all around her.

Available February 21

The Writing Retreat

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I Have Some Questions for You by Rebecca Makkai

We’re in good company calling this one of the most anticipated 2023 books—TIME, NPR, The Seattle Times, and Good Housekeeping are all in agreement. Everything’s going well for Bodie Kane, a film professor and podcaster. But… things are only as good as her ability to forget her past—a past that involves a family tragedy, a less-than-ideal boarding school experience, and the murder of her senior year roommate. When Bodie’s invited back to teach a course, she’s drawn back to the case and the flaws in its conviction. As she falls down a rabbit hole, Brodie realizes that she might have crucial answers herself.

Available February 21

I Have Some Questions for You

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Beyond That, the Sea by Laura Spence-Ash

Who else could use a love story right now? This story spans decades and miles, finding connection and hope at the center. It’s 1940, and to save their 11-year-daughter Beatrix from Germany’s assault on London, Millie and Reginald send her to America. Bea quickly falls into Boston life with her new family, the Gregorys. She becomes comfortable with their affluent lifestyle and grows close to their two boys, one older and one younger. But when she’s called back home to London after the war, it feels impossible to forget her life in America. Will she be able to move on and make sense of her broken world?

Available on March 21

Beyond That, the Sea

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The Mostly True Story of Tanner & Louise by Colleen Oakley

While I love a good plot, for me, it’s the characters that always seal the deal on an incredible book. If you agree, pick this read up now (well, wait until it comes out this spring). Twenty-one-year-old Tanner is desperate for somewhere to stay, but with no money (and no aspirations) her only option is to become Louise’s, an elderly woman’s, caregiver. Everything is going well, until it starts to look like Louise is hiding some suspicious secrets—like… Louise looking oddly like the suspect in a large jewelry heist—and the fact that she shows up in Tanner’s room in the middle of the night saying she needs to pack her bags immediately. The ensuing adventure is wild, and proves that sometimes the most unlikely friendships are also the most loving.

Available on March 28

The Mostly True Story of Tanner u0026 Louise

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If We’re Being Honest by Cat Shook

I. Can’t. Put. This. Book. Down. That was, until I finished it in record time. I was lucky to receive an advanced reader’s copy, and all I can say is this: count down the days until its release. The first chapter fills you in with everything you need to know, including a before-the-book-starts plot twist that throws a wrench in all of the main characters’ plans. If you love Emma Straub’s fast-paced narratives driven by flawed, but fire characters, you’ll fall hard Cat Shook’s debut—and finish it within 24 hours. (Guilty.)

Available on March 28

If We’re Being Honest

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Happy Place by Emily Henry

The queen of romantic comedy is back. Happy Place tells the story of *the happiest* couple who’s broken up after being together for years, but who pretend to be together for their annual weeklong vacation to appease their best friends. Will they be able to keep up the ruse? Only an idyllic week in Maine will tell…

Available April 25

Happy Place

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Meet Me at the Lake by Carley Fortune

Did you also obsess over Every Summer After? If so, you’ll want to pick up Fortune’s perfect-for-summer read. If you were also a fan of the Before Sunrise franchise, expect a similarly irresistible plot. Fern and Will only have 24 hours together, and by the end of it, they’ve shared all their secrets and agree to meet exactly a year later. Only problem? Fern shows up—and Will doesn’t. Several years have passed, and Fern finds herself in a dead-end job, working for her mother and living back home. When Will appears out of nowhere, Fern isn’t sure whether she can trust him, but in her desperation, she realizes that she might not have a choice.

Available May 2

Meet Me at the Lake

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Nothing Special by Nicole Flattery

When Sally Rooney calls a book “bold, irreverent, and agonizingly funny,” you know you have to pick it up. Nothing Special is a thoughtfully written, no-holds-barred coming-of-age novel centered around seventeen-year-old Mae. She lives with her alcoholic mother and her less-than-charming (re: awful) boyfriend in a run-down apartment. When Mae drops out of school, she’s presented with a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity: to work as Andy Warhol’s typist.

What ensues is a brilliant cultural critique and a deeply personal journey of a young girl tasked with balancing the countercultural movement developing around her with her own reality. It’s funny, sharp, and exactly the read you’ll want to define your summer.

Available July 11

Nothing Special

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The post Get Excited for These 15 Buzzy New Books—Your 2023 Reading List Is Here appeared first on Camille Styles.

I was destined to be an English major. Sure, I tacked French onto my diploma as well, but if there’s one area of study I identify with most, it’s that of the bookish, always-reading literature enthusiast. Perhaps it’s that sense of possibility I’ve always felt when I enter a library, or the palpable warmth found on the shelves of my favorite bookstores. Whatever it is, having my head in one of my happy books is the best place to be.

I’m lucky to be surrounded by countless folks who share my love of reading (and its physical representation, too—new book smell, anyone?). I’ve met my best friends at book clubs, bonded with strangers over our mutual appreciation for the classics, and I grow more inspired each day by the recommendations shared by my Camille Styles fam. Seriously—we have a Slack channel dedicated to recos and start every editorial team meeting reflecting on what we’ve been reading. We’re that obsessed.

To let you in on the literary goodness, we pooled our Goodreads and rounded up the books we reach for and read (and re-read) whenever we’re in need of a mood boost. While the list includes those you wouldn’t immediately label “happy books,” they all inspire us to love deeper, laugh harder, and live fuller each day. Now that I think of it, isn’t that happiness?

Featured image by Michelle Nash.

8 Happy Books to Inspire Personal Growth

Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert

The same author of Eat, Pray, Love and The Signature of All Things wrote her first non-fiction book about creative living. You can get a physical copy, but I recommend getting an audiobook for this one. I’ve listened to this book so many times over the last couple of years, reaching for it whenever I need extra words of encouragement or wisdom. — Nihel, Social Media Manager

Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert

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Gift From the Sea by Anne Morrow Lindberg

While this isn’t a book that’ll make you laugh out loud or smile at quippy, clever sentences, it is a beautiful work that’s filled with resonant epiphanies about what it means, as a woman, to live a life that’s authentic and true to you. If you read A Room of One’s Own in college and immediately felt the need to push forward with strength and independence, consider this a softer manifesto—but a manifesto nonetheless.

Lindberg’s writing will inspire you not only to create space for yourself each day but to obsessively write out half of the book’s sentences and post the affirmations all around your house. I’m speaking from personal experience.

My favorite line (and perhaps the book’s most famous quote): “The sea does not reward those who are too anxious, too greedy, or too impatient. To dig for treasures shows not only impatience and greed, but lack of faith. Patience, patience, patience, is what the sea teaches. Patience and faith. One should lie empty, open, choiceless as a beach—waiting for a gift from the sea.” — Isabelle, Managing Editor

Gift From the Sea by Anne Morrow Lindberg

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The Mountain Is You by Brianna Wiest

I can’t get enough of Brianna Wiest. I began reading one of her other incredibly popular (and for good reason) books, 101 Essays That Will Change The Way You Think, and my life was forever changed. Her mastery recently blew me away in The Mountain Is You, a book about why we can’t escape our most toxic habits and how we must step out of our own way to reach our potential. It’s a reference book for life—one you’ll want to start your day with and give to all your closest friends. — Edie, Wellness Contributor

The Mountain Is You by Brianna Wiest

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Group by Christie Tate

Upon first glance, you might be thinking: hmmm, a summer feel-good read? But trust me when I tell you that this page-turner had me inspired and hopeful that with enough tenacity and a whole lot of hard work, all of us really can live our best lives. While sometimes, the paths we end up on may not have been what we had always dreamt of, there’s beauty to be found in the unexpected. — Anne, Contributing Editor

Group by Christie Tate

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The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shaffer

For this one, I saw the movie first. (It’s on Netflix—you must watch!) In a rare case, I loved the film and the book equally. The synopsis: A London writer bonds with the colorful residents of Guernsey as she learns about the book club they formed during the WWII German occupation.

If you love tropes like “found family” and “small-town-hunk-makes-big-city-fiancé seem like a bore,” then this book is for you. It’s told by way of letters, which I found thoroughly creative and engaging. I thought it might take away some of the heart and detail of the story, but it was quite the opposite. It’s a quick read and while some of the plot lines are heavy, they’re handled with such delicacy and care. I loved the ending, too. — Brittany, Content Marketing Director

The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shaffer

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A Short Guide to a Happy Life by Anna Quindlen

This is one of my favorite books of all time. I keep it by my bed so I can pick it up and read a random chapter whenever I need something uplifting. I cry every time I read it, but in a good way that makes me want to hug everyone I love and never take them for granted. Bonus: You can read this book from start to finish in about an hour. — Camille, Editor-in-Chief

A Short Guide to a Happy Life by Anna Quindlen

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Anything and everything by Fannie Flagg

Why you recommend it: You’ve likely heard her name attached to the famous, made-into-another-feel-good-movie, Fried Green Tomatoes at the Whistle Stop Cafe. But trust me: Flagg has plenty more goodness to come. At age 77, she has 11 books under her belt (written between 1981 and 2020). Each book features relatable, lovable, and quirky characters who find themselves triumphing against many diverse challenges (that often involve epic stories and journeys). While you should definitely commence your deep-dive immediately, I’d recommend easing your way in with my favorites: Standing in the Rainbow and I Still Dream About You. — Isabelle, Managing Editor

Standing in the Rainbow by Fannie Flagg

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The Tao of Pooh by Benjamin Hoff 

If you want to know about Taoism through witty and brilliant dialogue, look no further than The Tao of Pooh. This beautiful, digestible book shares practical life lessons that can help lead you to your own personal moral code. Think of this less as an intro to religion and more of a guide to finding happiness, fulfillment, and purpose through identifying the things that matter—and leaving the rest. — Brandy, Motherhood Contributor

The Tao of Pooh by Benjamin Hoff 

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The post 8 Feel Good Books to Add to Your Summer Reading List appeared first on Camille Styles.