Atmosphere has become my favourite book of the year, lingering in my mind long after I finished it. Joan’s quiet strength, her love for the universe, and the fierce, tender connections she builds left me completely undone. It’s raw, breath-taking, and beautifully crafted, a story of ambition, sacrifice, self-discovery, and love in all its forms.
Sarah Damoff’s moving debut that follows a family through decades of love, loss, and healing. The Bright Years captures life’s highs and lows with raw honesty. Heart-breaking yet hopeful, it left a lasting ache in the best way. Authentic characters, powerful themes, and unforgettable emotion — a standout read of the year.
One Day is a bittersweet story about love, timing, and all the almost-moments that shape our lives. After falling completely in love with the Netflix adaptation, I finally picked up the book to see how the original compared. Both versions deliver the emotion and heartache, yet each brings its own strengths, proving this story was truly made to be adapted.
This post is a round-up of the standout reads I finally picked up from my TBR , stories that moved me, taught me, and stayed with me long after the final page. From sweeping family sagas to powerful reflections on race identity, legacy and love, here are the books that truly lived up to the hype.
Carrie Soto Is Back is a fierce, emotionally charged story about ambition, legacy, and the cost of greatness. Taylor Jenkins Reid captures the loneliness of success, the scrutiny of women in sport, and the hunger to reclaim lost glory. It’s sharp, cinematic, and deeply human—a masterful portrait of drive and redemption.
Bernardine Evaristo’s Girl Woman Other is a vibrant celebration of Black British womanhood — exploring identity, resilience, and connection through a chorus of voices. Told in Evaristo’s bold, free-flowing style, it captures life’s beauty and struggle with humour and honesty, reminding us of the strength in shared experience.
Noughts and Crosses brings Malorie Blackman’s powerful story of love, race, and resilience to life on screen. With a vibrant Afro-futuristic setting, strong performances, and a compelling narrative, the adaptation celebrates Black British people, offering both long-time fans and new audiences an engaging and visually striking portrayal of this essential story.
Yaa Gyasi’s Homegoing is a poignant, ambitious debut that traces centuries of trauma and resilience. Through lyrical storytelling and unforgettable characters, Gyasi captures the enduring legacy of slavery and colonialism, reminding us that history’s echoes shape who we are — and that remembering is an act of strength.
Wattpad shaped me as a reader, and no story captures that nostalgia more than Rachelle Mills’ Clayton and Dallas. What began as late-night chapter drops and heated comment section debates has stayed with me for years. These books aren’t just romance, they’re about resilience, identity, and the courage to choose yourself. Even now, long after my tastes have changed, they remain a solid 5/5 in my heart.
The Fault in Our Stars was the first book that ever made me cry, and the film only deepened that heartbreak. Both the novel and film adaptation capture the same unforgettable love story, but through different strengths. With faithful storytelling, powerful performances, and a heartfelt tone, the adaptation proves how John Green’s story thrives in both mediums without losing its impact.
