Looking for some great books to add to your “to be read” list? Then look no further! I’ve been on a bit of a reading kick lately (especially since I’m rereading all of the Harry Potter books again) so I’m coming at you with some fantastic book recommendations! I’ve got recommendations for everything from Young Adult Fiction to Psychological Thrillers so there really is something for every reader on this list.

Thank you to Darrian for this guest post! I just had my infusion and will be absent for a few days as I recover.

This post contains affiliate links. Thank you for supporting Kate the (Almost) Great!

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone by J. K. Rowling

Okay, hear me out. When was the last time you sat down and actually read the Harry Potter books? If your answer was “Never,” then I’m not sure we can be friends (totally kidding, of course) but if you answered “It’s been a while” then I suggest you grab your favorite steaming hot beverage and curl up with Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone again. I have always considered myself an expert on all things related to Harry Potter but boy was there a lot of information I had forgotten over the years! When a popular series has been made into a film series, it can be easy to get confused about what happened in the movies versus what actually happened in the books. While we can have an entire debate on whether or not you consider the movies canon, one thing is for sure: if it’s been more than a couple of years since you’ve read Harry Potter, it’s bound to feel like reading it all over again for the very first time! I’ve been chatting about Harry Potter a lot recently in my Saturday Morning Coffee posts, a weekly recap post, so definitely check those posts out for more Harry Potter and book related gab!

The Woman in the Window by A. J. Finn

I actually Listened to The Woman in the Window on audiobook but I highly suggest reading this one in book form. The Woman in the Window is a thrilling novel (though I will warn you, it’s pretty long) that chronicles the life of a woman who suffers from Agoraphobia and is unable to leave her New York City brownstone. Just when you think you have this daring thriller figured out, I guarantee it will surprise you. The Woman in the Window is literally unputdownable and had me listening to it well past my morning and evening commutes.

Illuminae (The Illuminae Files #1) by Amie Kaufman

If you’re a fan of pretty much anything that combines science fiction and YA like I am, then you will probably love Illuminae. I’ll be honest, it took me a while to actually get into this hefty book because the way it’s presented actually forces you to sit down, focus, and read it. Illuminae is another book I definitely recommend picking up in the hardback version. The first book in the series details Kady’s path from a normal girl with relationship drama to an intergalactic refuge. With everything from technology to plagues and more, Illuminae really has all of the basics covered when it comes to sci-fi. Illuminae takes a new approach to storytelling by being told through a hacked dossier including emails, maps, files, chats, and more.

The 5 Love Languages by Gary Chapman

Regardless of whether you’re in a relationship or not, everyone needs to read this book. The 5 Love Languages changed my relationship with my fiance virtually overnight and has made such a lasting impression on us as we prepare for our wedding. The 5 Love Languages teaches you, the reader, what your love language is. Your love language is basically how you like to be loved to put it simply. I truly believe that The 5 Love Languages is a great book for anyone to read, regardless of relationship status, because love languages can help us assess how we act with our friends and families in addition to romantic partners. Plus, it’s a pretty quick read if you’re looking for a little self-development.

One Of Us is Lying by Karen M. McManus

Diving back into the realm of Young Adult Fiction for my final recommendation for One of Us is Lying. One of Us is Lying is a fantastic, quick paced, story about a murder during a high school detention. Basically The Breakfast Club but with a whodunit attached. I also chose to listen to this in audiobook format and I’m so happy I did because the characters are actually voiced by different voice actors which made the story that much more immersive. I’m normally pretty good at figuring out the plot of a book before the big reveal but One of Us is Lying had me guessing until the very end!

And there you have it, my recommendations of 5 books you need to put on your next reading list! I would love to see what you’re currently reading so make sure to leave the title down in the comments! As I mentioned, I’m always on the hunt for books to add to my reading list!

Darrian Duckworth is a full-time Human Resources professional and a part-time blogger at her namesake blog, Darrian Michelle, a New York lifestyle blog with a mission of building a community of inspired women, living life fearlessly. On Darrian Michelle, she shares the struggles and excitement of transitioning to life as a military spouse, practical wedding planning advice for the everyday bride, and her take on the latest style and fashion trends. Darrian has a passion for helping people through sharing her personal triumphs and struggles, exploring local brunch spots, and obsessing over Harry Potter. When she’s not working or blogging, you can find her sipping on a large cup of coffee, taking long walks down every aisle in Target, or cuddling on the couch with her two dogs, Gatsby and Hemingway. You can keep up with her by following her on Instagram or Twitter!

What’s on your next to-read list?

Like this post? Check out:

2018 Recent Reads: January-March, 31 Historical Fiction Novels To Take You Back in Time, Why You Should Read and Watch Outlander, Best Books on Writing