Under Story by Chloe Benjamin
Under Story by Chloe Benjamin
Beautifully written, deeply layered, and full of meaningful connections. I loved the exploration of nature, science, and the invisible threads that bind us together. Set against the backdrop of Antarctica, this is a heartbreaking and thought-provoking story that stays with you.
I Who Have Never Known Men by Jacqueline Harpman
A haunting and thought-provoking work of speculative fiction, I Who Have Never Known Men explores questions of isolation, community, purpose, and what it means to live when you have no understanding of the world you're supposed to inhabit. This novel is a unique, suspenseful, and almost dreamlike experience that lingers long after reading.
Normal People by Sally Rooney
Sally Rooney’s Normal People is not a picture-perfect love story. It’s a complicated, emotional exploration of growing up, relationships, and the ways other people’s opinions can shape our lives. Months after finishing it, I’m still thinking about the characters, their choices, and what the story left me feeling.
The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas
Some books entertain, and some books change the way you see the world. In this thoughtful review, El shares why The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas left such a lasting impact and why they believe it's a story everyone should read.
Amanda’s Recent Reads
Looking for your next great read? Amanda shares six recent favorites and why each one earned a spot on her recommendation list.
James by Percival Everett
Percival Everett retells Huckleberry Finn from Jim's perspective, and it's far rawer than the original. I formed my first impressions halfway through, then finishing the book changed every one of them.
Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin
Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow is a deeply moving, character-driven novel about friendship, love, and the messy beauty of living. Following Sadie Green and Sam Masur through grief, identity, and creative ambition, Gabrielle Zevin delivers a thoughtful, emotionally rich story that lingers long after the final page. A standout pick for readers who enjoy reflective, conversation-starting books.
Crier’s War by Nina Varela
In a beautiful mix of fantasy and sapphic love, Crier’s War begs the question: what really makes us human?
YA Romantasy Reads: Lightlark & Powerless
Two high-stakes YA “romantasy” novels filled with danger, romance, and shifting alliances, but told in very different ways. In Lightlark and Powerless, strong female protagonists must navigate deadly competitions, fragile trust, and complicated relationships where survival depends on both strength and strategy. While both stories share familiar romance and fantasy elements, each brings a distinct tone and structure to the genre that makes them compelling in their own right.
The Lost Symbol by Dan Brown
A 2009 thriller I somehow never got around to. Read it on vacation and didn't expect it to connect with conversations my wife and I have about scripture and parables. And yet...