12 Book Recommendations I’ll Never Stop Talking About
I feel like before we get too far into book recommendations over here, it only makes sense to start with the books that have stuck with me the most—the ones I still think about, still recommend, and would reread in a heartbeat.
I’ve loved books for as long as I can remember. A coffee shop, delicious food, and local book store are my favorite kind of days. But fun fact—I actually wasn’t a very strong reader growing up. I was always in extra reading classes because reading didn’t come naturally to me. But somewhere in that process of having to read more, I ended up falling in love with it.
And now here we are.
These days, reading is one of my favorite ways to unwind or start my day, and I feel like I’m always in the middle of a book (or three). I also feel like I should say…I don’t really have a “favorite genre.” I tend to bounce around a lot. I love historical fiction, but I’ll read romance, literary fiction, the occasional thriller, non-fiction, and every now and then even something a little outside my comfort zone (looking at you, sci-fi…which I somehow end up loving from time to time).
So here are my top 12 books to read, in no particular order because that feels…impossible.
The House in the Cerulean Sea by TJ Klune
This book just feels like a warm hug. It follows a caseworker who visits an orphanage for magical children, and the characters are what make this story so special. It’s whimsical, a little quirky, and just one of those books that leaves you feeling lighter when you finish it.
Heart the Lover by Lily King
This is more of a quiet, character-driven story centered around relationships and human behavior. It’s one of those books that isn’t fast-paced, but you still find yourself thinking about it afterward.
The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah
This one is set during World War II and follows two sisters navigating life in occupied France. It’s emotional, heavy at times, but so beautifully written—the kind of story that completely pulls you in and doesn’t really let go. Full transparency…I cried ugly tears.
Every Summer After by Carly Fortune
This one is a nostalgic, second-chance love story told across different timelines. I still remember how it made me feel while reading it—one of those emotional, can’t-put-it-down kind of books. And it was her debut novel (round of applause)!
Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir
This one surprised me in the best way. It’s about a man waking up alone on a spaceship with no memory of how he got there, and somehow it manages to be funny, smart, and emotional all at once. Sci-fi is usually not my go-to, but I loved this. HIGHLY recommend listening on audio!
The Frozen River by Ariel Lawhon
Historical fiction will almost always get me, and this one is based on a real-life midwife in the 1700s. It felt so immersive—like you’re right there in the story. And I loved how strong and grounded the main character was.
Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens
This story follows a girl growing up isolated in the marsh, and it blends coming-of-age, mystery, and nature so beautifully. The setting feels incredibly vivid, and there’s something about the quietness of the story that just pulls you in. It unfolds slowly, but in a way that keeps you completely invested.
Verity by Colleen Hoover
You can say whatever you want about Colleen Hoover (I understand)…but this book? Absolutely insane. It’s a psychological thriller about a writer uncovering secrets while finishing another author’s work, and it keeps you questioning everything the entire time.
Atmosphere by Taylor Jenkins Reid
Taylor Jenkins Reid just knows how to write characters that feel real. This one leans into relationships and personal growth in a way that keeps you invested the whole time. I found myself really attached to the characters in this one, and could not put it down.
Little Fires Everywhere by Celeste Ng
This one dives into family dynamics, motherhood, and identity in a really layered way. It’s more of a slow burn, but the way everything unfolds and connects is so well done.
Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert
A little different from the rest, but I had to include it. This one is a non-fiction all about creativity, fear, and pursuing things you love. It’s the kind of book you can come back to when you need a reset.
The Shack by William P. Young
And last but not least…the book that quietly brought me back to loving fiction again in 2013. I know it was a little controversial for some, but for me, it was incredibly impactful. It explores grief, faith, and healing in a way that feels very personal. And the way the author portrayed God challenged what I thought I knew (in the best way)…and it stuck with me.
I’m sure this list will change and grow over time (because that’s the fun of reading), but these are the ones that have really stayed with me. And if you ever feel like you’re “not a reader”…I promise that can change.
If you’ve read any of these, I’d love to know what you thought! And if you have a favorite book you always recommend, tell me in the comments! I’m always adding to my TBR 🙂
If you want to see everything I’ve read and recommend, you can browse my bookshelf, Amazon storefront, or follow along on Goodreads, where I keep track of what I’m currently reading.
If you're new here, this is just the beginning of ItsHannahCallahan. I’ll be sharing books, recipes, motherhood, and everyday life here on the blog.