I love a variety of genres and thought it would be interesting to share a mixed bag of recommendations. I gravitate towards stories that either share a love of storytelling, or the writing stands out as something particularly strong, so these recommendations have that in common.
The Starless Sea
I had read the Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern a few years ago and was mesmerized by her writing style. Since then, I always had The Starless Sea on my TBR pile but hadn't picked it up until last year. I was blown away all over again by Erin Morgenstern. The story follows Zachary as he finds a mysterious book, and slowly falls into a rabbit hole of stories, magical locations, and variously motivated people. The novel fascinatingly explores layers of storytelling and winds the audience deeper and deeper into these worlds as they become more relevant and complex over time.
I'd recommend either book by Erin Morgenstern, but especially The Starless Sea for its emphasis on and creative approach to storytelling. I've never quite read a book like it before or since, so its uniqueness always stands out to me.
Seven Days in June
I read Seven Days in June by Tia Williams over three years ago and can't stop thinking about it. This is a romance that follows two writers who met when they were younger, and still haven't gotten over one another by the time they are reunited over a decade later. Tia Williams beautifully captures the magic and pain of falling in love and being a writer. The 300-some-odd pages pack a poignant punch as it delves into themes of family, divorce, second chances, longing, history, and love.
The novel emphasizes the character development as it approaches them as two individuals who unique circumstances in both the past and the present, which makes them amazing to follow as a couple and individuals. This would be a recommendation because of the beautiful writing and thematic resonance.
We Were Dreamers
Simu Liu shares his experiences in his memoir We Were Dreamers: An Immigrant Superhero Origin Story. I listened to the audiobook that he narrated, which elevated the story by making it feel more personal. Liu reflects on the process and realities of immigration, the life of an actor, and connection to family. It isn't a super long book, but it brings to life everything he's trying to say in a streamlined, sentimental way.
Liu's memoir emphasizes personal themes and story and relates it to a general audience to understand, relates, and empathize with his experiences. I would recommend this book because it's personal, well-written, and insightful.