My TBR: 10 Must-Read Books Everyone's Talking About

One of my favourite things about reading isn’t just the books themselves—it’s the conversations they spark. I love keeping up with the books everyone is talking about—whether they’re wildly popular, deeply moving, or about to be adapted into film. Discussions, theories, and differing opinions make reading even more exciting, and I can’t resist being part of the conversation.

While thrillers and romance will always be my comfort zones, this year I’ve made it a goal to branch out a bit more. I want to explore memoirs, dive into some non-fiction, and maybe even try out more literary fiction—a genre I’ve rarely reached for in the past. I’m excited to stretch my reading habits and see what other genres have to offer. So, here are 10 books currently sitting at the top of my TBR.

1.  James by Percival Everett

Percival Everett’s James offers a reimagined perspective on Mark Twain’s classic Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, narrated through the eyes of Jim, the enslaved character. This novel delves into Jim’s experiences and challenges, providing a profound commentary on race and freedom in America. James has been shortlisted for the 2024 Booker Prize, highlighting its literary acclaim. It’s a fresh take on a well-known story, and I’m eager to see how Everett brings new depth to a familiar character.

2.  Careless People: The Story of Where I Used to Work by Sarah Wynn Williams

This memoir immediately grabbed my attention—not just for its title, but for its emotional honesty. Sarah Wynn Williams reflects on her time at Facebook, pulling back the curtain on the inner workings of a major tech company during one of the most controversial decades in its history. Careless People is a raw and vulnerable look at toxic workplace culture, mental health, and the journey to reclaim one’s voice. I’ve been drawn more and more to memoirs that explore real-life experiences, and this one promises to be both powerful and deeply relatable.

 

3.  Martyr! by Kaveh Akbar

This is one of those literary fiction novels that’s been all over my social media feeds—and the more I see about it, the more intrigued I am. Martyr! follows Cyrus Shams, a 27-year-old Iranian American poet and recovering addict grappling with the weight of personal grief and existential questions. After the tragic loss of his mother in a U.S. military incident and the death of his father, Cyrus becomes fixated on the concept of martyrdom. His journey leads him to New York City, where he meets Orkideh, a terminally ill Iranian artist staging a final performance called “DEATH-SPEAK.” Their connection sparks deep conversations that challenge and reshape his worldview. Notably, Martyr! was a finalist for the 2024 National Book Awards. I’ve been wanting to push myself into more literary fiction this year, and this book feels like the perfect entry point—it’s poetic, philosophical, and rooted in raw emotional depth. I’m especially drawn to stories that tackle grief and identity in complex, beautiful ways, and everything about Martyr! suggests it will be one of those reads that sticks with me long after I’ve finished.

4.  Blue Sisters by Coco Mellors

Blue Sisters tells the story of three estranged siblings who reunite in New York after the sudden death of their beloved sister. As they navigate their grief, each sister confronts her own struggles with identity, addiction, and familial bonds. It’s been selected as a Read with Jenna pick, which always grabs my attention. As one of three sisters myself, I’m naturally drawn to stories that explore the dynamics of sisterhood—the love, the chaos, the unspoken connection. I have a feeling this one will hit close to home in all the best ways.

 

5.  Sunrise on the Reaping by Suzanne Collins

Suzanne Collins returns to the world of Panem with Sunrise on the Reaping, a prequel set 24 years before the original series. The novel centres on the 50th Hunger Games—also known as the Second Quarter Quell—and explores the early seeds of rebellion through the eyes of a young Haymitch Abernathy. I was a massive Hunger Games fan when the original books came out, so I can’t wait to dive back into this world. There’s something so nostalgic and gripping about returning to Panem, and I’m excited to see how Collins expands the story we all know and love.

 

6. Atmosphere by Taylor Jenkins Reid

Taylor Jenkins Reid could write a cereal box and I’d still read it. Her latest, Atmosphere, centres on a world-famous actress who mysteriously disappears at the peak of her fame, only to resurface years later with secrets that threaten to unravel everything. If you loved Daisy Jones & The Six or The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo, you already know the kind of rich, emotionally layered storytelling she brings. I can’t wait to dive in and lose myself in another world of fame, glamour, and heartbreak.

 

 

7. One Golden Summer by Carley Fortune

This is one for my romance readers! Carley Fortune’s books are such a vibe—always releasing in the summer and the perfect companion for a lazy day by the pool, lake, or ocean. Her stories have this effortless charm that makes them easy to devour, and they never fail to leave a smile on my face. One Golden Summer is sure to be another heartwarming, nostalgic, and beautifully written love story, and I can’t wait to soak it up this season.

 

 

8.  The Ministry of Time by Kaliane Bradley

In her debut novel, Kaliane Bradley introduces a unique blend of science fiction and romance. The Ministry of Timefollows an unnamed civil servant assigned to integrate time-travellers, known as “expats,” into contemporary society. Her charge is Commander Graham Gore, a historical figure from the ill-fated Franklin expedition. The novel has garnered significant acclaim, being longlisted for the 2025 Women's Prize for Fiction and shortlisted for the inaugural Climate Fiction Prize

 

9. All the Colors of the Dark by Chris Whitaker

A good friend of mine put this straight into my hands and said, “You have to read this.” That’s all it took. Whitaker’s novel is a sweeping mystery about a boy’s abduction and the lifelong obsession it triggers in those left behind. With multiple timelines and a cast of unforgettable characters, this one is already being compared to Where the Crawdads Singand We Begin at the End. It was nominated for a Goodreads Choice Award for Best Mystery & Thriller, and I’m ready to get lost in its pages.

 

10. The Let Them Theory by Mel Robbins

If you know me, you know non-fiction isn’t usually my first pick—but this one speaks to me. I’m fully living in my let them era, and I think this book will help solidify that mindset. Mel Robbins lays out how freeing it is to let people be who they are, without trying to control or correct them. It’s a lesson in boundaries, peace, and not taking everything personally. I’ve heard from so many people that this book helped them stop stressing over what others think—and honestly, who doesn’t need more of that?

 

 

That’s my current TBR! Of course, this is just a small excerpt of my ever-growing reading list—every day, I find new books to add. Whether it’s a trending title, a backlist gem, or something completely outside my comfort zone, I’m always on the hunt for a good read. Now I want to hear from you—what’s on your reading list lately? Have you read any of these books yet? Drop a comment below and let’s chat. Because let’s be honest, there’s no such thing as too many books.