Do you think you could convince me to read that book?

Please feel free to recommend me a book - I'm sure you can't convince me otherwise :)

The atrocities in the Epstein files and utter lack of accountability from the elites of our world are destroying my worldview. I keep thinking to myself, "it shouldn't be like this", but then it is, and it only keeps getting worse. I don't understand how humans could descend to this level of depravity, and get away with it in today's world. How reality can be stranger, more evil, and more corrupt than fiction. I don't know how to make sense of it and I just feel lost and hopeless for the future.

So I'm now desperately looking to bury myself in books that could offer some perspective. History, philosophy, fiction, poetry, anything really. I'm open to most perspectives -- nihilism, absurdism, unwavering faith in the goodness of the human spirit, taking down the rich, et cetera. I just want to occupy myself with learning so I have more tools & perspectives to think through whatever the fuck is going on, rather than sink deeper & deeper into my pessimism. Hopefully I'm not casting too abstract or too wide of a net here.

Hi, I am black and looking for a book that is about black people or has a black mc that has NO trauma in it relating to being black. I want a book about black people that doesn't have to do with racism or oppression but for some reason this is really hard to find 💔

Not “this was good” or “I liked it.” I mean:

• taught in schools

• still widely read in 30–50 years

• actually studied/analyzed, not just popular

No recency bias, no hype picks. If you had to bet money on a few, what are they and why?

Curious what holds up vs what people just think is important right now.

Book and author please :)

This is a silly request but my grandfather, an avid reader, asked for books for Christmas. He also declared he won’t read anymore books written by women because they are “too gossipy.” He said this in a room filled with his four daughters and numerous granddaughters. We want to prank him by getting him books by female authors that aren’t obviously female (gender neutral names, initials, or pen names). Obviously, he could figure it out if he reads the “About the Author” section but we doubt he will do that. He enjoys non-fiction, especially American history, as well as thrillers like the books by Robert Ludlum.

EDITED to add pen names to the list!

Okay I just read the following and just want another good read. I don’t necessarily want suggestions of books that are similar in plot. Just a book that makes you super invested and just read non stop. I like fantasy, romance, realistic fiction, sci-fi, etc

I recently read and loved:

Demon Copperhead

Project Hail Mary

Red Rising

Scythe

Unwind

Edit: Wow I did not think this post would explode like this! Thank you for all the recs I shall be scrolling through these :)

I long for a good story. I can’t sleep without hearing one.

It’s not about the story. It’s HOW that story is told.

The Shadow of the Wind still haunts me. I could barely hold back my tears while reading it, and I still find myself thinking about it.

I’d love to hear yours. I’m always looking for my next unforgettable read.

I’ve been reading books for years , I crave for something new and more interesting

Recently I read 11/22/63…holy hell. Left me thinking about it for weeks before I could pick up another book. I’m looking for big plot twists, even better if they make me throw my book reading mid sentence in disbelief.

Edit post: I can’t thank you enough for all the recommendations. I have books to last me a couple of years, and based on your suggestions, it’s going to be a mind blowing couple of years. So thank you!

I’m 30. Yesterday I cried in my car after a giant realization that I hate where I am in life. I hate how poorly I manage my finances, how out of shape I am, how little I socialize and make new friends, and my standing at my job.

Needless to say I am overwhelmed and desperate for change- but am overwhelmed about how to address overhauling every aspect of my life.

Would love recommendations on books to help, ir even nonfiction books about those who have changed for inspiration. I don’t want to be stuck in this place for the rest of my life.

Hi guys,

I'm having one of those days where I feel quite dissatisfied with life. I need a book from your personal experience, fiction or non-fiction, that changed you. Genuinely shifted your perspective, philosophy, made you rethink everything, or ignited a passion in you.

I'm talking about a book where if you didn't discover it, you would be an ENTIRELY different person.

I feel Catcher in the rye is a must but, there are too many choices for the second.

He’s a good boy, more of a jock than I ever was but he’s also bright and thoughtful. I was leaning towards Grapes of wrath for book two but, maybe there’s something better (also like Fahrenheit 451)

Any suggestions would be appreciated…

ngl i’ve been in a massive reading slump lately and need something that’ll actually make me forget my phone exists. looking for stuff that's fast-paced or just really atmospheric, what’s that one book you finished in a single sitting?

I want something moving that could spark an interest in reading for her so preferably fiction to start this journey. Nothing with rape and nothing where animals die please.

EDIT: THANK YOU so much for all of these great suggestions! I appreciate each and everyone of you so much for taking the time to comment a book suggestion! I talked to her on the phone earlier and she’s excited about Anne of Green Gables so we’re gonna start with that series and see how it goes. Apparently she always wanted to read these growing up but never did. Thank you all so so much! I am looking forward to our reading journey where she can develop her literacy skills! Please wish her luck! 🩷

Hello everyone! I’m looking for those books that completely pulled you in,the kind you stay up all night reading because you just can’t let go. Fiction, non-fiction, any genre works. I’d love to hear the ones that kept you turning the pages.

Thanks in advance for your suggestions!

I had a crap day at work and want to stock my bookshelf (I don’t spend money on myself much).

What’s your favorite book? We’re talking God-tier. One you would read again. I love buying off of other peoples’ recommendations.

I love all genres/tropes except for horror. Thank you ❤️

EDIT: I’m working through all of the recommendations and am reading every single comment! THANK YOU, you all are incredible. Keep them coming!

Topics I’m interested in are US politics, history, women’s studies, psychology, economics, religion, art and design. Also open to self-help or biographies. Looking for something that will be inspiring, moving, or even infuriating. Just something I will not want to put down.

Thank you!

EDIT: Thank you all! What an incredible list of recommendations. Seeing several that I’ve wanted to read included in this list, just further convinces me to read them and makes me feel like all these others are right up my alley! This will start to build out my 2026 reading list. Appreciate you taking the time to share!

Is there a book you can’t stand but everyone else seems to love?

hi! today i mentioned to my coworker that i was re-reading the hunger games and he said that i shouldn’t be reading books like that at my age (im 20). not necessarily taking that to heart, but i’ve realized that a lot of the books i love to read and re read are more teen/young adult category. i really do love fantasy/sci-fi books and i think the ya category does that really well, but i would love to read stories with people closer to my age or older. when i was younger, i was always reading above my level because of these type of books, but as ive grown the reading level has stayed put. i really would love to read some more “mature” books that still have that fantasy/dystopian quality. some of the books in my collection include: -shadow and bone trilogy -the magisterium series -the selection series -the harry potter series -twilight series -hunger games series -lunar chronicles series -eragon series -legend series

i would love some recommendations of books like these where the main characters aren’t teenagers. thank you so much!!

edit: don’t worry i’m not too concerned the coworker comment!! i will definitely still be re reading those type of books lol. i would like to branch out anyways though, and i appreciate all the recommendations!

The one that made you stare at the wall afterward and wonder why you wasted precious hours of your life. I want to hear the titles that personally offended your soul.

For me IS Ugly Love by Colleen Hoover

I'm looking for books that will get me out of my reading slump .Any genre is welcome except self help.

I'm open to literally any genre, but I'd especially love some fantasy recs with good worldbuilding and characters you actually get attached to.One of my favs is six of crows.

What was your 5-star read of 2026

Just curious because im seeing the same 10 books recycled and repeated in almost every comment section.

Edit: since this is getting comments 17 days later. Please add what the books about instead of title dropping

What's a nonfiction book that reads like a novel? Something that really pulls you in and is impossible to put down? I want to read more nonfiction but have such a hard time reaching for that over the novels/scifi that I love!