Updated on January 29th, 2026
7 years ago, I started my blog Tales of Belle. My first blog post was a book review of Dream House by Marzia Bisognin, and for my 7th blogiversary, I wanted to do a round-up of the best books I have read and reviewed on my blog since starting it in 2016.
This post contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a commission if you make a purchase through my links, but there is no extra cost to you.
The 20 Best Books I Have Read
#1 Are You Sleeping by Kathleen Barber
This book was quite intriguing because it follows Josie when she returns to her hometown after her mother’s death and an investigative reporter starts a podcast on her father’s murder. The book includes transcripts of the podcast and social media posts along with the story, and it was a great mystery.
#2 Astrophysics for People in a Hurry by Neil deGrasse Tyson
If you are interested in learning about the universe around you, I recommend this book. The book covers the Big Bang and black holes to the search for planets and life in an easy-to-understand way.
Available at Bookshop
#3 Beartown by Fredrik Backman
Beartown is the first book I have read by Fredrik Backman, and I loved it. Beartown follows the people of a dying town and the junior ice hockey championship that will determine the fate of their town. Even though I have no interest in hockey, the story covers a lot outside of hockey including serious topics that I did not expect.
Available at Bookshop
#4 Bird Box by Josh Malerman
Bird Box is definitely a creepy read because it follows Malorie and her two children as they travel to a safer place. However, there are creatures outside that as soon as a person sees them, they die. Bird Box is a great post-apocalyptic and psychological horror read.
Available at Bookshop
#5 Coraline by Neil Gaiman
Coraline is a fantastic read. In the book, Coraline and her parents move into a new flat where Coraline discovers a door to a parallel world where everyone has button eyes. The other mother in the parallel world kidnaps Coraline’s parents in an attempt to keep Coraline there, and Coraline must get her parents back.
Available at Bookshop
#6 The Death of Mrs. Westaway by Ruth Ware
In The Death of Mrs. Westaway, Hal Westaway is a 21-year-old attempting to make it on her own after her mother’s death when she receives an inheritance letter stating her grandmother Hester Westaway passed away. However, Hal’s grandmother died 20 years earlier, but she pretends to be the long-lost granddaughter to receive the inheritance and have the security she needs. The Death of Mrs. Westaway was a good combination of mystery and family drama, and I quite liked it.
Available at Bookshop
#7 The Forgotten Keychains by Julian Kennedy
The Forgotten Keychains is the debut thriller novel of Julian Kennedy, and the book follows Dannie who is a real estate photographer. At one of the homes they were doing a photoshoot at, Dannie finds a mysterious set of keychains. The book was an enjoyable mystery with multiple perspectives.
Available at Amazon
#8 The Girl on the Train by Paula Hawkins
The Girl on the Train follows the perspective of 3 women Rachel, Megan, and Anna when Rachel notices something unusual on her daily commute. The 3 perspectives worked well, and The Girl on the Train was a great read.
Available at Bookshop
#9-10 Heartstopper Volumes 1-2 and Heartstopper Volumes 3-4 by Alice Oseman
Heartstopper is a heart-warming series that follows Charlie and Nick after they are placed in the same form group at their school. Charlie starts falling for Nick, but he does not think he has a chance. The story is sweet, and I love the supporting characters as well. Also, later volumes have more serious themes and focus more on mental health.
Available at Bookshop
#11 The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood
The Handmaid’s Tale is set in the dystopian world of Gilead and follows Offred who is forced into being a handmaid for a high-ranking couple who cannot have children of their own. The story is an intriguing and also disturbing account of what could happen in a patriarchal society.
Available at Bookshop
#12 Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children by Ransom Riggs
This is the first book in the Miss Peregrine’s Peculiar Children series, and I loved it. The book follows Jacob when he visits a small island in Wales where his grandfather grew up in a children’s home during the war. During his visit, Jacob discovers the peculiar world and the peculiar children there. I enjoyed the book and learning about the peculiar children.
Available at Bookshop
#13 Hollow City by Ransom Riggs
Hollow City is the second book in the Miss Peregrine’s Peculiar Children series, and it was a fantastic sequel. The book continues the story from before and explores the peculiar world in London.
Available at Bookshop
#14 Simon vs the Homo Sapiens Agenda by Becky Albertalli
This book follows Simon who is gay, but he has not come out to his family and friends. Simon finds an anonymous post on Tumblr from another junior at his school, and they begin emailing each other. The story is sweet, and it is a great coming-out read.
Available at Bookshop
#15 They Both Die at the End by Adam Silvera
They Both Die at the End is a thought-provoking book because it follows Mateo and Rufus when they receive a call from Death-Cast that they are going to die that day. Mateo and Rufus end up connecting and spending their End Day together. The story is touching and heartbreaking and definitely makes you think about death and if you would want to know when you were going to die.
Available at Bookshop
#16 Thrive by J.J. Eden
Thrive is a collection of poems about the beautiful chaos of life. Thrive is wonderful to pick up every now and then and read a few poems and find a poem that resonates with you.
Available at Amazon
#17 To All The Boys I’ve Loved Before by Jenny Han
To All The Boys I’ve Loved Before is the first book in the trilogy by Jenny Han. The book follows Lara Jean when the 5 letters she wrote to the boys she loved and kept to herself are mysteriously mailed. The story is a cute read, and I enjoyed it.
Available at Bookshop
#18 The Upside of Unrequited by Becky Albertalli
The Upside of Unrequited takes place in the same universe as Simon vs The Homo Sapiens Agenda, but instead, it follows Molly who has had 26 crushes but has not done anything about them. When Molly starts a new job, she meets her coworker Reid and begins having a crush on him. The book focuses on if Molly will do anything about her 27th crush. The Upside of Unrequited is a sweet and relatable story.
Available at Bookshop
#19 The Woman in Cabin 10 by Ruth Ware
The Woman in Cabin 10 is another book by Ruth Ware that I enjoyed. The book follows Lo who is a travel journalist and is given the opportunity to spend a week aboard a luxury cruise in Norway. However, Lo witnesses a woman being thrown overboard, but all of the passengers and staff are accounted for. The Woman in Cabin 10 is a fantastic mystery set in the fjords of Norway.
Available at Bookshop
#20 90s Nostalgia: Influential Moments, Movies, Music and More from One of the Greatest Childhood Decades by Krista Brea
90s Nostalgia is a fun read all about the popular TV shows and movies, music, fashion, technology, and more from the 90s. The book is great for reminiscing and taking a trip down memory lane.
Available at Amazon
Overall Thoughts on the Best Books I Read
It was fun going back and seeing the best books I read and reviewed on my blog since I began my blog in 2016. My favorite genre is mystery, and the majority of books I read were fiction. 9 of these books I enjoyed would fall under the mystery and thriller genre. The next largest genre was young adult, and 6 of these books were young adult with 5 having LGBT+ themes. I also read and enjoyed 2 adult fiction books, 2 nonfiction books, and 1 poetry collection.
So many great recommendations. I love a good mystery thrillers and the Woman on the cabin sounds interesting. I have heard of The girl on the train and Handmaid’s tale. Thanks for sharing. I am a slow reader and enjoy every moment in the books.
Via | https://glossnglitters.com
Thank you! The Woman in Cabin 10 is a fantastic book and I especially loved the setting. Also, both The Girl on the Train and The Handmaid’s Tale are great.
These are all great recommendations! I have to bookmark this page for sure. Thank you for sharing!
Have a great week!
PerlaGiselle | iamperlita.com
♥ | instagram.com/iamperlita
You’re welcome! I hope you have a fantastic week too!
I didn’t know the film Bird Box was based on a book. Are You Sleeping hits home for me because I’ve been concerned about returning to my hometown when my mum dies. I hate my racist hometown, but my mum’s terminal cancer could return at any time and I’d have to go back to sort out her affairs or help out
The movie Bird Box is based on a book, but I believe the book is 100 times better.
I’m so sorry to hear about your mom and about your hometown.
All of these books sound so interesting. I will be reading quite a few of them. Thank you for sharing.
You’re welcome!
Can’t tell if many authors are indie or older than that. I’m only familiar with Atwood and Gaiman haha! Will increase my knowledge on these. Though that’s a good read list you did there. Xx
Isa A. Blogger
Haha Atwood and Gaiman are both fantastic authors. Thanks!
This is a great topic! I’ve only read two, The Handmaid’s Tale and The Girl on a Train, but there are others that interest me.
Thank you! Both of those are great books!
I’ve read all the Ransom Riggs books and loved them so much they are on my Re-Read pile now, to be savoured afresh in the future. I hadn’t realised Coraline was a book either – so thank you for that, I shall track it down now and compare to the film 🙂 Happy blogiversary too! x
Thank you! I still have a couple of Ransom Riggs books to read, but I’ve been enjoying the series!
Coraline is a book and it is a lot like the movie, but of course, there are differences!
Happy Blogiversary! 🙂
I don’t think I’ve read any of these books, though Handmaid’s Tale is definitely on my list to read. My favourite genre is mystery too, so I’ll have to take a look at some of these titles.
Thank you! The Handmaid’s Tale is a great read even though it is dark.
I love Becky Albertalli and Heartstopper. I must check out Beartown as that is right up my street. Congratulations on seven years!
Thank you! I love Becky Albertalli’s books as well as the Heartstopper series. Beartown is an amazing book, and I hope you enjoy reading it.
Nice list. Went back and read Margaret Atwood…littler scarier than I remembered!
Thanks! Yes the book is rather dark and scary,
Whoah! So many good reads here! You have been busy. Thanks for all the great recommendations!
Allie of
http://www.allienyc.com
You’re welcome!
I had Beartown on my reading list a while back but haven’t got around to reading it yet — this reminded me to check it out! All these books sound really interesting; you’ve given me some ideas to add to what I want to read this year.
I definitely recommend reading Beartown! It’s an amazing book, and I hope you enjoy it. That’s fantastic!
Love this post! I’m putting Neil deGrasse Tyson’s and Neil Gaiman’s books on my list. Thanks for sharing 🙂
Thanks! Both of those are great books!
This is such a great list. I love the variety of genres you’ve shared. I’ve read one of Ruth Ware’s books and have picked up The Woman In Cabin 10. Thank you for sharing your picks!
Thank you! I loved The Woman In Cabin 10, and Ruth Ware is a great mystery author!
I haven’t read any of these but the 90s one sounds like something I would read. Is BirdBox the book of that film with Sandra Bullock? You have shared a lot of favourites. I definitely want to look at the 90s one as I feel like I could relate a lot. Thank you for sharing your top picks!
Lauren x
I love the 90s Nostalgia book! Yes the movie with Sandra Bullock is based on the book Bird Box, but I think the book is 100 times better.
I haven’t read any of these books. I used to read a lot of fiction, but my tastes have changed to prefer non-fiction, so the two books from your favourite reads that appeal to me most are the two non-fictions.
Right now, I just started reading The Five Dysfunctions of a Team -this has a fictional story of a dysfunctional team followed by a non-fiction treatment of the topic in a workbook style – an interesting combination that you might like.
As I get older, my tastes in books may change, but for now I do prefer fiction over non-fiction.
That sounds like an interesting combination of a fictional story with a non-fiction workbook style treatment. Thanks for the recommendation!
Interesting books, some o these are new to me but will add them to the list to read them. Thank you for sharing these great suggestions.
Thanks and you’re welcome!
What a great list! I haven’t read everything here, but I’ve read quite a few–and I tend to agree with you! I just read Heartstopper earlier this year (the volumes that are out, anyway), and I fell in love! Absolutely adorable. I’m a big fan of Coraline, too; perfectly creepy, and I think the film does an excellent job of capturing that, too. Gaiman’s a great storyteller! Thanks for sharing.
Thank you! I LOVE the Heartstopper series, and I’m glad to hear you feel the same! Have you seen the Heartstopper Netflix series?
Coraline is a fantastic book, and I agree the movie is great too!
Fab list, I haven’t read a lot of these so will have to check them out. Beartown was also my first Backman and I enjoyed it too, need to read more of his work.
Thank you! Beartown is a fantastic book! I’m currently reading A Man Called Ove by Backman, and so far, it’s a great book. I also bought Britt-Marie Was Here, but I haven’t started reading it yet.
Excellent picks! Coraline is one of my all-time faves books/films. I love the story, it’s so weird and creepy! Bird Box was a fantastic book, I absolutely flew through that one and it gave me proper chills!
Thank you! Coraline is a fantastic book, and the movie is great too!
Bird Box was creepy as well, but I didn’t like the movie that much!
Some great books on this list. I love The Handmaid’s Tale. But there are also some titles I haven’t read!
Thank you! The Handmaid’s Tale is a classic, and I’m wondering if I should read the sequel The Testaments.
I also really enjoyed the woman in cabin 10 by Ruth ware….but it made me skeptical about cruise ships. Lol …
I loved The Woman in Cabin 10! Haha I feel you
These sound like great books, all different genres! x
Lucy | http://www.lucymary.co.uk
Thank you and yes I was a bit surprised to see that even though I love mysteries, I do mix it up a bit!
I’ve only read The Girl on the Train – which I loved. Since you liked it too, I’m excited to try the others you liked!
So many great books on your list!! I also loved The Girl on The Train, Handmaids Tale and Birdbox. All fantastically written.
My favourite book from the past few years has to be The Midnight Library by Matt Haig. Very thought provoking.
Olivia
Yes those are great books!
I’ve heard about The Midnight Library, but I haven’t read it. I defintiely should since it is your favorite!
The Girl on the Train was fantastic, and I liked the movie too! I hope you find a new book to read that you enjoy!
This was such a fun post, there a few on here that I’ve read, and a few I haven’t read yet that I want to. There are also some books that got hyped up a while ago, and I completely forgot about! Great recommendations, and what a fun post for your 7 years of blogging! xxx
Melina | http://www.melinaelisa.com
Thank you! It was fun looking back at what books I read and enjoyed over the years!
I’m a big fan of Ruth Ware’s work (keeps you guessing until the end), and the Miss Peregrine series. Have you read Malorie (the sequel to Birdbox)? It’s not as intense as Birdbox (IMO) but answers the “but what happens next” you get at the end of a great story. I’m going to give some of the others on your list a try. Thanks for sharing.
That’s great to hear you’re a fan of Ruth Ware too!
I haven’t read Malorie, but it’s on my TBR! It’s good to know that it answers some questions from Bird Box, and I’m excited to read it!
To All The Boys I’ve Loved Before is one of our favorite series!
I love it too! I recently finished reading P.S. I Still Love You, and I’m excited to read the 3rd book!
I prefer non-fiction books, but I read the girl on the train last year on holiday and I really enjoy it.
I’m glad to hear you enjoyed The Girl on the Train even though you do prefer non-fiction books.
Number 1, 6, and 19 sound interesting. I love reading mysteries and drama.
Out of the 3, I did enjoy The Woman in Cabin 10 the most, but they’re all fantastic mysteries!
Thanks for the suggestions. I’ve pinned this for future reference. I have read The Handmaid’s Tale, The Girl On The Train, and The Woman In Cabin 10. I enjoyed them all.
You’re welcome and thanks! I’m glad to hear you enjoyed those books too, and The Handmaid’s Tale is a great classic, and The Girl On The Train and The Woman In Cabin 10 are fantastic mysteries!