r/suggestmeabook 20d ago

[Megathread] Summer Reads

32 Upvotes

Hi bookworms,

It is summer in the northern hemisphere. Suggest us some of your favorite summer reads!

These can be books with a summer feel or setting, books you personally love to read in summer, or just fun “beach” reads of any kind, regardless of genre or setting.

Hopefully this will give some of our readers that don’t even know where to start, or what to ask for, some ideas of titles to try :)

Happy reading, all!


r/suggestmeabook 20d ago

[Megathread] 1/2 thru the year check-in: Favorite books of 2026 so far?

82 Upvotes

Hi wonderful readers, We are now 1/2 of our way through 2026!

Please tell us some of the books you’ve read and loved so far this year!

These can be published anytime, just shout-out favorites you’ve personally read/discovered since the new year.

Hopefully this will give some of our readers that don’t even know where to start, or what to ask for, some ideas of titles to try :)

Happy reading, all!


r/suggestmeabook 8h ago

Books that have an unusual or unique point-of-view

78 Upvotes

I’m looking for books that have a POV that is different from most. The category can be anything: fiction, nonfiction, etc. An example is Kate Durbin’s Hoarders, which is a funny and heartbreaking book from the POV of both the people and the objects they collect at the same time. 

The form of the book can also be unique! But really I’m looking for POV more than anything.


r/suggestmeabook 17h ago

Something to explain to my parents that I need to be my own person as a 33 y/o female

204 Upvotes

I’m a 33 y/o American female with zero cultural norms or expectations that would explain their expected control.

I called off an engagement a few years ago (that I’ve not once regretted, I would already be divorced), and they were so disappointed in me for not setting for a man that treated me well and could financially take care of me. I make $200k a year so that felt really irrelevant to me.

I’ve now broken up with my current boyfriend because he doesn’t treat me well, and I’m going to Europe solo for 2 months to travel.

Anything I do is met with contempt. I should be experiencing being married, and having kids, and I’m missing out on everything in their opinion. My mom was absolutely distraught when I told her I was going to Europe alone. Her first words were “absolutely not” and told me it’s so unsafe I’m basically committing suicide.

I’m a 33 year old woman. I’m not asking for permission. I also handle these conversations really delicately bc I know what’s coming. And sometimes, I have to just not tell them things. I went to Africa with my boyfriend for two weeks and didn’t tell them because I just. didn’t. want. to. hear. it.

They seem to have no interest in understanding that my biggest life goal is not to be married and have kids. It is to enjoy my life, learn who I am, experience things, find the right person, whenever that happens to be, and be happy.

I’ve literally told them so many times “I’m happy, I realize it’s not your perfect scenario for me but IM happy and I’d love if you could just be supportive” and they tell me they’re disappointed in me and that um missing out on the best parts of life.

I would like to suggest a book for them to read to help them understand my side of things and how frustrating and suffocating it feels to not feel like I can tell them anything because I’m going to get in trouble.

There was an example in one of Dolly Alderton’s books where the mother wrote in and said she fears for her daughter doing activities alone since she’s not in a relationship, but she knows she can’t hold her back.

Something along those lines. Even when I tell them things like I’d like to run in the mornings, it’s like I’m getting in trouble because they don’t think I should be doing that.

Any recommendations about how important it is to let your children live with the life that they want and our happiness would be greatly appreciated.


r/suggestmeabook 11h ago

Any genre! A book to read in London

31 Upvotes

I'm going to London next week and looking for a companion read (or two). Suggest me your favorite book related to London. Fiction or non-fiction, classic or contemporary, doesn't matter. Anything that's a good read. Thank you!


r/suggestmeabook 9h ago

Suggest me a book that would be great to read while camping

21 Upvotes

I usually gravitate toward heavier books, but since I'm heading out on a camping trip, I'm looking for something that fits the setting a little better. I'm open to almost any genre, as long as it isn't too dark. Ideally, I'd love a book that complements the experience and makes relaxing outdoors even more enjoyable.

Perhaps some wholesome story, some adventure, a book that always makes you feel better, or something similar, but more than open to anything.

EDIT: Doesn't need to be related to camping, I think some wholesome, feel-good story is mostly what I'm looking for. Something inspiring, maybe.

Not looking for horror and thriller that much, as camping is very relaxing and non-scary for me, and I want a break from heavier, darker topics I usually read. (i.e. I'm looking for something like Tuesdays with Morrie, Hitchhiker's Guide to Galaxy etc) I actually only realised this later after posting here. I still appreciate your suggestions in those categories, if you left them prior to this edit.


r/suggestmeabook 3h ago

Recommendations for Incredibly masculine fiction?

5 Upvotes

I'm stressed out and want to summon my inner Fred Durst and break stuff. I'm looking for fiction focused on a manly man doing man things. Something flavored like Conan the barbarian, Afro Samurai, Samurai jack, Batman, Punisher and He-man sprinkled with life lessons from Splinter, Mr. Miyagi and uncle Iroh.

Jokes aside, I'm looking for something with grit. Something where the character development is really impressive and they make their way to their goals at any cost. I want to feel encouraged and empowered.

I've read christopher buehlman's 'between two fires' and loved it; something along those lines would be great. I also recently read mitch albom's 'the five people you meet in heaven' and that hit me in the emotions; I'm not opposed to crying.

I know this may seem vague but would love to see your suggestions.


r/suggestmeabook 1h ago

Newer sci-fi/fantasy book recommendations similar to 80s/90s ones

Upvotes

Hi guys, I'm looking for a book to get my mom for her birthday. She had a stroke a couple years ago and has been slowly picking reading back up so I'm looking for something that would be an easy read but still intriguing.

She has read a lot of the fantasy and sci-fi books of the 80s, 90s, and early 2000s so I don't want to potentially get her something that she's already read before. I'm looking more for a newer book (like past decade or so) that is in a similar vein to some of her favourites.

She likes Stephen King and has read practically all of his books up until Holly. She loves Terry Brook's Shannara series but I don't think she's read the more recent releases. She also loves dragons, Star Trek, Piers Anthony, and Christopher Stasheff.

She doesn't seem to care much about romance as a main plot. She also likes folk stuff and mythology, from Celtic to Norse and even North American Indigenous stuff.

My mom is also neurodivergent and has been wanting some more representation so that would be a bonus!


r/suggestmeabook 1h ago

Picky Reader Southern Vibes

Upvotes

Please suggest me a book that takes place in the south or has southern vibes.

I have read and watched Fried Green Tomatos at the Whistle Stop Cafe and did not find it to be that great...

I have not read The Help, but the movie is one of my comfort movies.

Help me feel like I am sitting on a porch, sippin sweet tea in a rocking chair.

Also, if it has family drama, that is a plus!


r/suggestmeabook 23h ago

New Reader Recommend me 6 books but 3 must have unreliable narrators

204 Upvotes

I want to read books with unreliable narrators but didn’t wanna search for it bc it would spoil it so mix it in with 3 other books you enjoyed 😭
(All genre’s except romance)


r/suggestmeabook 10h ago

Mythology / Myths Books featuring angels in a contemporary setting.

19 Upvotes

I am looking for something similar to the film "Constantine" but anything featuring characters based on named angels like Gabriel or Michael existing in a modern setting would be of interest.


r/suggestmeabook 3h ago

Books for someone with truly awful reading habbits?

5 Upvotes

Sorry for all the preamble

Last year I tried to start reading again. I honestly just wanted to feel smarter. I like history so I picked up The History of the Peloponnesian War. I barely touched it. Later on I started reading The Count of Monte Cristo because people online said it was pretty easy despite its length. I got further into it but that took months, and i haven't picked it back up in a while.

I don't think the problem was that the books were too long, since i rarely picked them up. Also, when I read for my classes I'm fine, but i struggle so much when trying to read for fun. Most readers I know keep recommending me classics or academic books, which doesn't help.

I was wondering if other people have managed to get into reading despite bad habits, and if there are any books that helped in particular. I will genuinely take anything though.


r/suggestmeabook 15h ago

Books similar to The Secret History?

39 Upvotes

I absolutely loved The Secret History by Donna Tartt, not only for the plot but for how fleshed out the characters were. They each had their own lives and issues, and each shocked me in their own way.

I’m looking for books with a similar vibe: dark academia, an intricate cast of characters, taboo or shocking plot-lines/reveals. Something dark and twisted that’s both appalling and addictive. I’m not too interested in fantastical elements.

(I’ve read If We Were Villains and thoroughly enjoyed it, but Ninth House and The Atlas Six didn't quite hit the mark)


r/suggestmeabook 14h ago

Thanks to this group, over the past 6 weeks I have enjoyed East of Eden and then Demon Copperhead.

32 Upvotes

DC was probably one of the best books I have read in a long time. I'm not sure if I want something lighter next or keep up the "classic" momentum. All I know is I did need a few days to reflect and process this incredible story. Looking for some good ideas for late summer reading. TIA


r/suggestmeabook 2h ago

Any genre! Lesbian literature on the experience of being a lesbian similar to Bell Hooks

3 Upvotes

I’ve recently been reading and enjoying feminist literature. In particular, this week I finished {Companion the Search for Female Love by Bell Hooks} and {Sexed Up by Julia Sorano}. I LOVE the way Bell Hooks writes about being socialized as a woman. I find her so well spoken, understandable, and relatable. The way she breaks down complicated gender dynamics in such understandable ways is amazing. So, I’m now looking for books about the lesbian experience written similarly. Specifically, books on the sociology of being a lesbian, accepting your lesbian identity, or even good fiction/non fiction books that are EXPLICITLY lesbian (read: characters identify as LESBIAN—not bisexual, unlabeled, or queer more generally).

Please suggest me some lesbian literature!


r/suggestmeabook 3h ago

Thriller / Suspense Need thriller books like Then She Was Gone

4 Upvotes

I’ve read Never Lie, The Housemaid, and The Tenant by Freida McFadden and loved it. Then I read Then She Was Gone and I swear it was like my life was changed. I could not put it down. No book compared to the shock and high I got reading that one thriller. I’m kind of in a slump now and need more recs. My only issue is I would prefer them to not have SA scenes in them please as it is very triggering for me.


r/suggestmeabook 8h ago

need distracting, immersive fiction

9 Upvotes

I’ve been eyeball-deep in non-fiction for several years now. Which has been fascinating, but I want pleasure reading now. The last fiction book I read was Stephen King’s ‘Fairy Tale’, which I loved (I love all of his books). Aside from that, my last fiction books were read in 2003 when I sucked down the Harry Potter books while my baby was nursing non-stop.

I like King-style horror, thriller, mystery, and fantasy, though I also like a good personal drama as long as it’s not too sad. Lord of the Rings is my favorite fantasy series. I am completely out of the loop on what new publications might be interesting to me due to parenting for the last 24 years.

If knowing my personality helps, I’m 54F, my favorite bands are Nine Inch Nails and Rush, I’m half goth-half hippie, but live like a Hobbit.

Thank you for any suggestions.


r/suggestmeabook 1h ago

Seeking read-alikes Love Desmond Bagley books

Upvotes

Recently consumed 10 in a row. Seeking suggestions for similar books. TIA.


r/suggestmeabook 2h ago

Seeking read-alikes Looking for investigative books

2 Upvotes

looking for books where there are lot of investigative work and not too much "action".

to give an example would be

  • Millenium series
  • C B Strike series

Bosch has a little too much action and not much investigative work.


r/suggestmeabook 2h ago

Any genre! Something for the burnt out

2 Upvotes

I’m tired and sick of the world, I’m a year away from being a caretaker for my grandparents and I just cut my toxic, mentally ill mother out of my life. It’s hard to enjoy things and cozy books feel patronizing. I’m looking for something where a character is in a similar situation or is in the process of rebuilding their life or just struggling to cope with systemic burnout


r/suggestmeabook 3h ago

RomCom Well written contemporary rom com books without "cinematic" prose

3 Upvotes

By contemporary I roughly mean the last 40 years or so.

Admittedly, I am completely new to romance novels, never read one in my life. But I want to get a feel for how romantic comedy can be done well in contemporary writing. And a big problem I have with contemporary genre fiction is the "cinematic" prose style that's overly focused on visuals and sarcastic quips that really work better on screen than in writing. I assume that probably carries over to romance as well.

Can anyone suggest romcom books that escape that pitfall? Thanks!


r/suggestmeabook 20h ago

Any genre! Give me your best literary love story.

41 Upvotes

I say 'literary' because I don't really want a romcom book. I want something that feels like a classic (even if it's not). I want a book that reaches into my guts and takes me on a tortuous journey of longing and desire. I'd love for it to connect with bigger themes too. (In other words, I want the love story to be the main focus, but for other interesting things to be going on in the book's world.)

Happy ending not required. But preferably not an utterly depressing ending either.


r/suggestmeabook 1h ago

I need something fun or lighter due to burnout

Upvotes

I burnt myself out on classics and heavier topics. I can't even bring myself to finish clear masterpieces because my brain feels like goo. When I told myself to take a break, I felt my chronic back pain subside a lot. I still want to read but I realize now I need entertainment and not something heavy for a bit.

I like science fiction and fantasy but anything will do. I am not a fan of romance. I've tried several times and can't deal with it, no offense. Thank you!


r/suggestmeabook 17h ago

Anything about Canadian history, culture, or society in general?

19 Upvotes

I'm realizing I don't know as much as I should, especially considering I moved to a town only a few hours from the Canadian/US border and a bunch of people here are Canadian. I want to have a better understanding of the country as a whole so: it can be good, bad, neutral, region/province specific, issue-specific, or very broad.