Rare 5 star reads so far this year.
I’m always thinking about Lit List posts, and I’ve been trying to pivot away from just recommendations towards more general lists of books I’ve loved, hated, and everything in between. While they may feel like pseudo-recommendations, they aren’t outright recommendations.
So far this year, I’ve read 65 books and only had 4 five-star reads. If I stuck strictly to those, this would be a very short post, so I’m going to be a bit cheeky and include some four-star reads as well.
These are all the stories I’ve not only enjoyed but that have really stuck with me. I’m quite a strict reviewer, so just know these four-star reads are also very good books. They don’t include every four-star I’ve rated this year—just the ones that have stayed with me the most.
4 Star Reads
Kindred by Octavia Butler
A harrowing but enjoyable experience – I love historical fiction, and while the subject matter here was harsh and painful, the writing was still engaging and I thoroughly enjoyed this one and the blend of historical and science fiction.
The Parlour Wife by Foluso Agbaje
I really enjoyed this story – it’s not often we hear stories about how the colonial territories fared during the wars, and rarely from a woman’s perspective. I loved the glimpse into the Africans who fought in those wars. So many untold stories getting a spotlight.
Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby van Pelt
Such a cute and enjoyable read. I recently watched the movie adaptation and it reminded me how much I loved it!
Cursed Daughters by Oyinkan Braithwaite
I have a full review of this, so you can explore my thoughts and feelings in more depth. I loved reading and writing about this story – so many layered concepts, with women at the core. A great full-length story from Oyinkan Braithwaite.
Till Summer Do us Part by Meghan Quinn
I read this on a whim from a recommendation from a friend, and I actually thoroughly enjoyed it. Very laugh-out-loud, crazy, but wholesome and still mature. I love a fake relationship trope and this does it perfectly to the max. I didn’t expect to enjoy this as much as I did.
Royce by Grey Huffington
I was worried about this one as I really didn’t enjoy the previous book in the series from Grey Huffington. This one was handled much better – the writing was more mature, I liked the themes explored, and the relationship felt fully fledged. I was in support and understood the emotions of the main characters. Much better development overall. A great romance.
An Orchestra of Minorities by Chigozie Obioma
I thoroughly enjoyed this despite the fact that, upon reflection, I have some major issues with it from a critical analysis perspective. However, as far as enjoyment goes, I liked the plot – it was one unfortunate event after another, I was stressed as hell my word. The ending was so disappointing (in a wow way, not a bad writing way). I think it’s well written and I completely understand its acclaim.
Legendborn by Tracy Deonn
We all know how I feel about this as my review only came out two weeks ago. A pleasant surprise for me, with a world and magic system that felt familiar yet still unique. I loved the racial element of the story as well.
Pomegranate by Helen Elain Lee
I loved the symbolism in this. It’s my first proper sapphic/queer novel and I’ve been getting more and more into them this year. A beautiful story about struggle and overcoming, as well as intense commentary on racial and discriminatory systems and the cumulative effect they can have on someone. Despite its shortcomings, a good read overall.
5 Star Reads
Me Before You by Jojo Moyes
Beautiful, beautiful book about life, love, and hard decisions. After crying while reading the book, I am even less likely to finish watching the movie as it’s simply too heart-breaking. It is such a well-rounded story, and I felt so late to the party reading it in 2026, but I’m so glad I did.
Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir
We know from my book vs screen how much I loved and enjoyed this book. The audiobook was sensational, the writing was great – I cried, I laughed, I felt joy. It was heart-warming while being so intelligent at the same time. It reignited my love for science fiction. I’m so glad I read this.
Pachinko by Min Jin Lee
I plan to do a full review of this. I thoroughly enjoyed this story and it has taught me so much about a history I knew next to nothing about. It really opened up my eyes to a history that feels so different yet extremely similar to that of any immigrant or victim of colonial violence. I now want to know and learn so much more about it. So glad I finally read this and highly recommend it.
How Beautiful We Were by Imbolo Mbue
This might be my favourite book of the year so far. I still think about it almost every day. The way it ended felt so realistic, showing that sometimes the fight takes us nowhere and we continue to be victims of imperial violence no matter what we do. A sad and harrowing acceptance. I refuse to believe freedom is out of our reach and will always hold space for those who perished in their fight. I know the story is fictional, but there is a village, a community, and people who it represents so strongly – and this is for them.
If you want to see my full reading list and how I’ve rated everything, follow me on Fable and Goodreads to get the full view of what I’m reading, loving, and hating. I’m always open to recommendations too, so drop your 5 star reads in the comments and I’ll make sure to give them a go.
As always, thanks for reading, and I’ll see you on Friday for a post I’m very excited to write!
Signed,
