5 Amazing Books to Add to Your Reading List

One of the most exciting things about a new year is the chance to discover new stories and expand my reading list. I love getting lost in different worlds, learning, and growing alongside the characters. Last year I achieved my goal to read 20 books by December 31st. I spent months flipping through pages of clever dialogue, vivid scenery, and unexpected plot twists. Some books left me giggling and kicking my feet, while others made me reflect on life and the world we live in. This is the joy of reading!

You may be wondering, “What’s her reading goal for this year?” The answer is: I don’t have one. While it was a fun challenge to read more than I ever had before, I felt growing pressure toward the end of the year when I had four books to go. I don’t want reading to inadvertently become a chore, so this year, I will read at my own pace. There are already a few titles on my reading list that I’m eager to dive into:

• Sweet Heat by Bolu Babalola: This is the highly anticipated sequel to Honey & Spice, which follows Kiki Banjo, a sharp-witted university student and host of a popular campus radio show. She finds herself entangled in a fake relationship with the charismatic Malakai Korede to protect her reputation amongst her listeners. If it is anything like its predecessor, Sweet Heat will be packed with the same charm, romance, and drama that made Honey & Spice a success.
• Children of Anguish and Anarchy by Tomi Adeyemi: This book was released last summer as the finale to the incredible Legacy of Orisha trilogy, which chronicles the journey of Zélie Adebola, a young woman on a quest to restore the magic that once flourished in her land before it was brutally wiped out by the monarchy. After years of waiting, I’m excited to revisit its world of gods, warriors, and royals before bidding it farewell.
• The Inheritance Games by Jennifer Barnes: This book and series has been praised in almost every review I’ve read. I’ll be going in with very little context, which I like to do often because it frees my mind from any expectations. 

My reading selection last year intentionally spanned through a range of genres. I wanted to step out of my comfort zone and experience stories with new cultures, time periods, and age ranges. I recommend doing this if you’re experiencing a slump and looking to feel excited about reading again.  If you want to read more this year and are interested in books that will enhance your love of reading, here are five must-read books to add to your reading list:

1. Pachinko

Fans of historical fiction probably already know about this critically acclaimed novel. This book is an amazing introduction, for anyone unfamiliar with the genre like I was. Pachinko is a gripping story that follows a poor Korean family as they navigate the Japanese-Korean war. The events in the story take place over the course of multiple generations. It’s an incredible look at the lasting effects of family, love, loss, and cultural identity on who we are and how we see the world.

2. Vera Wong’s Unsolicited Advice for Murderers

I decided to read this book solely because of its crazy title. I had no clue what to expect but I was not disappointed. This cozy mystery is about a sixty-something year old woman who discovers a dead body in the middle of her tea shop one morning. She takes it upon herself to find the culprit and encounters a slew of interesting characters/suspects along the way. It’s as funny and heartwarming as an old lady solving a murder mystery can get.

3. The Exception to the Rule

I read this short story in one sitting and couldn’t stop smiling afterwards. What a treat! The story starts with an accidental email sent to the wrong person on Valentine’s Day. This sparks an exchange between two students and evolves into an unexpected pen pal friendship. It’s the perfect selection for your reading list if you like romance, easy reads, and witty writing. 

4. The Thing Around Your Neck

If you’re not familiar with the work of Chimamanda Ngozie Adichie, read this book and thank me later. I’ve been a fan of the author since I read her debut novel, Purple Hibiscus, and watched her riveting TED Talk in high school. The Thing Around Your Neck is a compelling collection of short stories filled with complex relationships, beauty, sorrow and longing. The book’s immersive storytelling and fascinating characters make it a must-read for anyone interested in African literature, specifically Nigerian fiction.

5. A Man Called Ove

I read this book based on a friend’s recommendation. With four weeks left in the year and four books to go, it was the perfect choice to keep me on track. The book is about a grumpy yet lovable man whose quiet, solitary life is disrupted when a lively young family moves in next door. It’s a heartfelt story infused with dry humour, making it an enjoyable read. There’s also a movie adaptation starring Tom Hanks, which I recommend watching after you’ve read the book. 

Closing Thoughts

Reading becomes a joyful activity when you find books that align with your interests. Whether you’re a bookworm who’s already finished 10 books in January, a newbie looking to build a reading habit, or somewhere in between, I hope this list has given you some gems to add to your collection. 

What’s one book that’s on your reading list this year? Let me know in the comments!