5 Great Books I've Read So Far This Year...

I've read some pretty good books in the last three months and I thought it would be a good time to share some of them with you. Some of you follow my book reviews quite carefully and so, there will be no surprises in the following list. There are definitely some contenders for the best book of the year. This year has been especially good for discovering some brand new authors I had never encountered before and also, for reading outside of my comfort zone whilst also maintaining a good relationship with modern horror which is one of my favourite genres.

Now, we're going to go through a list of five books, a mix of fiction and nonfiction, and explore which books I've chosen and why. Hopefully, this comprehensive account will encourage some reading lists you have made for the coming year.

1. Diavola by Jennifer Thorne

In my writing upon Diavola by Jennifer Thorne, I praised the novel for its captivating mix of gothic horror and family drama. I loved how Thorne weaves supernatural elements into the complexities of familial relationships, making the story both eerie and emotionally gripping. The atmospheric setting of the Tuscan villa and the growing tension between the characters kept me hooked. I found Diavola to be an immersive read, exploring themes of belonging and the haunting nature of family in a truly compelling way.

Read the full review here

2. Fear by Robert Peckham

In my review of Fear: An Alternative History of the World by Robert Peckham, I highlighted how the book offers a fascinating exploration of fear’s role in shaping history and society. I appreciated the way Peckham re-examines key events, like the plague and the AIDS crisis, challenging conventional narratives. The cover design, with its striking mix of a plague doctor’s mask and a 1950s gangster-style hat, also caught my attention as I know it will definitely catch yours. This book definitely does not disappoint.

Read the full review here

3. The Eyes are the Best Part by Monika Kim

When I reviewed The Eyes Are the Best Part by Monika Kim, I praised the novel for its unsettling and thought-provoking narrative. I appreciated how Kim delves into themes of cultural identity, familial trauma, and the fetishisation of Asian women, portraying the protagonist Ji-won's descent into madness with unsettling realism. The novel's slow-burning tension and blend of psychological horror with social commentary resonated deeply with me. If you want to discover new and exciting modern horrors then this book definitely is for you.

Read the full review here

4. Pulphead by John Jeremiah Sullivan

​In my review of Pulphead by John Jeremiah Sullivan, I expressed admiration for his insightful essays that delve into various facets of American culture. I appreciated Sullivan's ability to blend personal anecdotes with broader societal observations, offering a fresh perspective on topics ranging from a Christian rock festival to the legacy of Michael Jackson. His engaging writing style and keen eye for detail made each essay a compelling read. If you want a new nonfiction to add to your collection then I can't recommend this enough.

Read the full review here

5. Plainsong by Kent Haruf

I wrote a review of Plainsong by Kent Haruf and I praised the novel for its unembellished prose and profound exploration of human relationships within a small Colorado town. I was particularly moved by how Haruf's minimalist writing style vividly portrays the interconnected lives of characters like the pregnant teenager Victoria Roubideaux, the solitary McPheron brothers, and the young brothers Ike and Bobby Guthrie. The depiction of their struggles and the quiet strength they exhibit resonated deeply with me. I was only sad about the fact I had never discovered this book before 2025.

Read the full review here

Conclusion

I hope this has given you some recommendations of what your next read should be. Some of these are horror yes, and I still have more to come out regarding that genre. But books like Plainsong are beautiful books which tell a compelling story, centred on characters in strife. I would actually say that books like that often don't just grab my attention but they seem to completely take it for the entirety of the reading experience. Again, I hope you've got some ideas from this and, if you want to give me any recommendations then please drop them in the comments.