There’s something deeply personal about the books you own. They’re not just stories—they’re memories, identities, decor, and, occasionally, emotional support paperbacks. So today I’m sharing my Top 12 Favorite Books From My Own Shelf. No library returns, no borrowing from besties—these are the ones I can physically reach out and hug (and maybe sob into again).
1. Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn
Sometimes I’m a sunshine girlie. Sometimes I want to fake my death and ruin a man’s life. This book is unhinged perfection and I revisit it anytime I need a reminder that female rage is beautiful.
2. Red Queen by Victoria Aveyard
This book is pure dystopian mess and I love it. Mare is angry, powerful, and always making questionable decisions. It’s basically my Roman Empire. Bonus: betrayal hits so hard when lightning is involved.
3. Percy Jackson and the Olympians: The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan
This was my gateway drug into mythology, sass, and chosen-one plots. Percy had ADHD and trauma and still managed to be hilarious. Truly a foundational text. Any other Annabeth Chase Stans in the house?
4. Vampire Academy by Richelle Mead
Rose Hathaway walked so all other sarcastic, stabby YA heroines could run. She taught me how to flirt and fight. Iconic behavior.
5. Dark Lover by J.R. Ward
If you’ve never dramatically whispered “Wrath” while holding this book to your chest, are you even a romance reader? It’s dark, emotional, and oh-so-2005 vampirecore.
6. Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi
This book is 85% mental breakdown, 10% poetic metaphors, and 5% Adam being wrong for her. I highlighted everything. Juliette is unwell and I support her. My book is very, very well loved.
7. The Cruel Prince by Holly Black
I will never not be obsessed with Jude Duarte and her stabby ambitions. This book is pure dark fae girl fantasy. Also, Cardan. Enough said.
8. City of Bones by Cassandra Clare
Were the movie and TV series shit? Yes. Did this series raise me? Also yes. I wanted to be a Shadowhunter so bad, runes and all.
9. Shiver by Maggie Stiefvater
Soft werewolves? Melancholy winters? This book is so quietly emotional it hurts. Reading it feels like standing in snow while holding hands with someone you’re scared to love.
11.Succubus Blues by Richelle Mead
This one’s criminally underrated. Hot demons. Tragic immortality. Bookstore setting. It’s giving cozy + cursed, which is basically my brand.
10. The Love Hypothesis by Ali Hazelwood
I’m keeping this one in the list because it just feels like me. STEM + love + grumpy man = the ultimate comfort reread. I eat this up like it’s a warm cookie and I haven’t eaten all day.
12. Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas
Yes, I still think about Celaena. Yes, I still have trust issues because of this series. Yes, I’ll always be slightly in love with several men in this story. It’s dramatic, dangerous, and has that “main character moment” energy that makes you want to sword-fight in a ball gown.
What book on your shelf says “this is who I am”? And if you’ve read Shiver or Dark Lover, please message me immediately—we’re starting a very niche book club
Happy Reading!
Taylor
