Book Lists

Here’s my annual roundup of notable reads from the past year, sorted by “Best of” categories…like the Oscars, but for books!

Here’s my personal list of some of the scariest books I’ve ever read, including coming-of-age horror classics for kids, Gothic novels, spooky classics, dark mysteries, haunted house stories, ghost stories, and modern-day thrillers.

Do you love the heroines in Jane Austen books? Here are recommended reads, based on each Jane Austen heroine. These classic books feature heroines similar to Elizabeth Bennet, Emma Woodhouse, Anne Elliot, and all the others from Austen’s completed novels.

These must-read books set in Oxford are perfect for anyone who’s ever been captivated by the City of Dreaming Spires! From mystery to romance to historical fiction, these books celebrate the beauty, grandeur, and whimsy of one of England’s most storied cities.

What’s better than a cozy book set in a small town? A whole series of books set in a small town! Read on for 6 small town book series, from cozy mysteries to medical series to rural nonfiction book series.

Here are a few books I loved in 2024: “award winners” for their genre, characters, setting, and things like that. It’s the Tea and Ink Society version of the Oscars!

Here’s my accolade for the pastoral novel, with suggestions for pastoral novels and authors you might like to read when exploring this beautiful genre.

Here’s a look at some of the foundational works of dystopian fiction that helped build the genre, as well as thought-provoking modern-day dystopian novels for both adults and teens.

Immerse yourself in magic, fantasy, and other worlds with this detailed list of lesser-known fantasy read-alouds, middle grade chapter books, and YA novels. You’ll find plenty of variety here in setting and tone, with a blend of high fantasy and low fantasy.

These famous epistolary novels from classic literature display some of the best and most interesting uses of this literary form. You can find epistolary fiction across all genres of literature, from horror to satire to coming-of-age novels. There’s something for everyone!

There are a lot of ways to reflect on and categorize one’s reads from the previous year, but the thing I like to do is to award “Book Oscars” for the books I read! Looking back over all the books I read in 2023, here are the awards I’m handing out for 10 different categories.

If you love the fantasy genre (or want to explore it), add these classic fantasy books to your reading list! Perfect for fans of J. R. R. Tolkien and C. S. Lewis, most of these classic fantasy novels were written before Narnia and Middle Earth, and helped shape modern fantasy literature.

In the mood for dark and cozy books to read this fall? These 6 vintage reads perfectly fit the bill for something a little spooky and sinister, without being full-blown horror. Cozy meets dark for the perfect reading list for autumn and winter nights.

Explore the classic literature of Latin America with this list of classic novels from South America and the Caribbean.

Explore classic Japanese literature with this curated list of best classic Japanese novels and short story collections, from the 18th century through the post-World War II era.

Dive into the best classic fairy tale collections from around the world, from famous folklorists like Andrew and Nora Lang, Joseph Jacobs, and the Brothers Grimm. You’ll also find non-European fairy tale and folktale collections from authors like Yei Ozaki and Lal Behari Dey, and original fairy tales by Hans Christian Andersen and George Macdonald….

Roll out the red carpet, it’s time for the annual Tea and Ink Society Book Oscars! Out of all the books I read in 2022, these are the ones I’m awarding for Best Heroine, Best Setting and Descriptions, Best Nonfiction, and seven other categories. See which books topped my list, and which ones were disappointments.

Discover 13 scary, spooky short stories from the vaults of classic literature! You can read these short horror and ghost stories for free online. Scary, Spooky, and Haunting Short Stories from Classic Literature On days gloomy with mist or blustering winds, or autumn evenings when darkness falls quickly, you’ve got the ideal backdrop for reading…

Unlock the classics and become a deeply well-read person with this list of top 101 classic books to read before you die. These best classic books will make you think, change the way you see the world, and most of all–change you. Best Classic Books to Read Before You Die Have you ever wished you…

Travel through books with these novels and travel memoirs to inspire wanderlust! These books will transport you far away to the Swiss Alps, the English countryside, Venice, Iran, and more… Guest post by Kaitlyn Beck Ah summer! A season of sun, fun, and travel. Many of you will be going on well deserved vacations in…

These classic books like Anne of Green Gables are perfect for L. M. Montgomery fans looking for more books and series written in a similar vein! Books to Read if You Like Anne of Green Gables L. M. Montgomery made a huge contribution to the girls’ fiction genre when she published Anne of Green Gables in…

These unfinished novels were penned by some of the world’s most famous authors, who died before they could complete their manuscripts. Some of these incomplete books had the potential to become masterpieces…unfortunately, we’ll never know exactly how their authors would’ve written the endings! Unfinished Classic Novels Sometimes an author’s own life story ends before they…

It’s award season! For the books I read, that is. Here are my 2022 Book Oscar picks gleaned from my personal reading log. Out of many contenders, these eight books won awards for their protagonists, settings, dialogue, and more. It’s my habit to look back over the books I logged during the year and select…

Wish you could find more books like Little Women by Louisa May Alcott? These classic books for fans of Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy will remind you of Little Women, with picks for children and teens as well as adults. If you’ve ever wondered what book you should read if you love Little Women, start…

These are the best books I read in 2020 for seven different categories, including Best Setting, Best Dialogue, Best Hero, and more! I’m handing out awards to my favourites!

Treat yourself to some fireside reading and capture the holiday spirit with a bit of old-fashioned storytelling from Christmas past. You can read–or listen–to these short stories for free!

When rain falls, books call. Answer the summons with one of these novels that are perfect for cozy, rainy day reading at home. These rainy day reads might just make you wish for grey days! Books to Read on a Rainy Day Close your eyes for a minute (when you’re done reading this sentence), and…

Want to build your L. M. Montgomery collection with the most beautiful book editions and cover art? I scoured the internet for the best copies of Anne of Green Gables, Emily of New Moon, The Blue Castle, and every other Montgomery novel. Happy shopping! Finding the Best L. M. Montgomery Book Editions I had fun…

A lot of contemporary fiction is overhyped, but I’ve found a few new releases that deserve all the praise they can get. Here are five of my favourite auto-read (or auto-buy) contemporary authors. I’ll read everything new they publish! My Picks for Enjoyable Contemporary Fiction Writers If you’ve spent more than two minutes on this…

Ever wondered what classic children’s chapter books are worth adding to your family’s library? These 50 chapter book picks are child and parent approved, and make for excellent family read-alouds! Get your children hooked on classic books from an early age–or use this reading list to fill in the gaps with children’s classics you may…

Visit Ireland through the pages of a book! These classic books set in Ireland will give you a taste of Irish culture, history, and landscape. I’ve included both Irish novels and short story collections in this sampling of classic Irish fiction. Irish Classics: Written by Irish Authors, Set in Ireland I know a lot more…

I’m reviewing my 2019 reading year by passing out “Book Oscars” to books that were a big win for me in various genres and categories. If they gave Oscars to books, these 11 picks would win an award! Hope you find some good inspiration from this list as you compile your own TBR! Each new…

There’s a book for every mood! Here’s a list of novels to read based on your mood, whether you want romance, humor, tragedy, or anything in between. These mood-based reading recommendations will help you decide exactly what to read next. Classic Books to Suit Every Mood There are lots of ways to choose which book…

These beach reads all take place by the sea or on the ocean. Add them to your summer reading list and toss one in your beach bag before you hit the sand! (Also great to read if you want to imagine you’re at the beach, but can’t actually go there!) Books Set at the Beach…

How many of these Southern fiction classics have you read? These bestselling Southern novels and short stories will challenge and inspire as they transport you to the American South. You’ll find a range of styles here from Southern gothic to Southern humor books, all written by best-selling Southern authors, both old and new. Best Southern…

You’re never too old for a good, escapist melodramatic novel. Enjoy these five cozy romantic classics when you’re in the mood for an old-fashioned love story. Best Melodrama Books If you’re like me, you may have relished, in your younger days, a good deal of melodramatic novels. You know–the classic kind of melodramas–the kind that…

The third annual Tea and Ink Society Book Oscars are here! This year there were nine awards. Check out which books won Best Hero, Best Vintage Novel, Best Dialogue, and more… I like to award “Book Oscars” as part of my reflection on the reading year. This is my version of a “best of” or…

These classic Gothic novels will send a delicious chill up your spine! Get ready for secret passages, dark plots, rapacious villains, and Gothic fiction at its best, from Ann Radcliffe to Wilkie Collins to Louisa May Alcott. Best Classic Gothic Novels My sixteenth year was the one I discovered Gothic novels. I was living in…

Here’s a book list for the lover of all things Scottish! These books set in Scotland will make you feel like you’re there, even if a trip to Scotland isn’t on your calendar this year. Add this Scottish reading list to your TBR, which includes classic Scottish novels as well as contemporary Scottish writers. Best…

Want to read a classic book but not sure you have time for something long? Pick up one of these eight short classics, perfect for busy people everywhere. All of these short classic books are under 300 pages, so you can read one in a weekend! Short Classics You Have Time to Read (and Should!)…

Need a riveting good book to bring on your summer vacation? Pack one of these smart summer thrillers and enjoy every page-turning twist while you soak up the summer heat. Thrillers and Page-Turners to Read This Summer Summer brims with activity just like any other season, but it’s important to have a few lazy days…

If you want classic young adult fantasy series, you’ll love these 7 picks, with unforgettable characters, plots, and worlds that stick in your mind for years to come. Read them on your own or to your kids, but they deserve a spot on your fantasy bookshelf! Best Classic Middle Grade and YA Fantasy Series Go…

Give your house guests the gift of a good read during their stay! Here are 13 books that are perfect for your guest room. Many of these double as coffee table books, too! Best Books for a Guest Room Nightstand If you’re wondering what to put in a guest room, books should be near the…

Books deserve Oscars, too. I’m awarding “Book Oscars” to the best books and characters I encountered last year! Here’s my picks for Best Heroine, Best Villain, Best Hero, and more! Welcome to the 2018 Oscars! Book Oscars, that is… As I did last year, I’m recapping the outstanding and most memorable reads from the past…

Books for Slytherins aren’t as hard to come by as you might think! Here’s a wide range of books that will appeal to Slytherins, from YA novels to classic literature. Perfect for anyone who enjoys reading based on their Hogwarts House! Books for Slytherins: What to Read Based on Your Hogwarts House Harry Potter is…

These books that make you think may very well change the way you live, too. Some are controversial, others are subversive; all are thought-provoking reads. You’ll find fiction books that make you think, and nonfiction books that will make you smarter. Read to expand your mind and think about the meaning of life! Nonfiction and…

If you’re a Hufflepuff, you’ll love this Hufflepuff House reading list, created with you in mind! These 10 novels are full of literary Hufflepuffs known for their loyalty, hard work, and quiet heroism. This reading list includes YA books for Hufflepuffs and classic novels Hufflepuffs will love. Best Books for Hufflepuffs: What to Read Based…

Books for Gryffindors are full of adventure and heroism! Gryffindor personality types value courage and daring, and these books won’t disappoint. This Gryffindor house reading list includes classic books, YA novels, and contemporary fiction. Books for Gryffindors: What to Read Based on Your Hogwarts House Among the four Hogwarts Houses of the Harry Potter series, Ravenclaws…

Ravenclaws will love this Hogwarts House reading list! Known for their cleverness and love of knowledge, Ravenclaw personality types are often bookish types, too. If you love intelligent books that are full of wit and whimsy, these 10 reads won’t disappoint. Find suggestions below for YA books for Ravenclaws, classic novels, and contemporary fiction. Books…

YA fairy tale retellings are a popular genre, but which ones should you read, and which should you skip? These five fresh takes on timeless fairy tales are perfect for young adults and tweens (or adults)! They’ll continue to enchant long after you’ve turned the last page.

Nautical fiction offers an expansive, other-worldly experience that pulls us out to sea, immerses us in pure adventure, and casts us back to shore reborn.

If books could get Oscars, these 10 from my reading list last year would win an award! These are the best literary heroes, heroines, villains, and more!