For when I need a laugh and something heartwarming...

"Don't Ask Me Where I'm From" by Jennifer De Leon

New to my shelf, "Don't Ask Me Where" I'm From is a story about a Latinx teen who has just been accepted to a predominantly wealthy and white high school in Boston, while she comes from immigrant parents and a diverse inner-city. Celeste Ng, author of "Little Fires Everywhere," describes this novel as "funny... and heartwarming" as Liliana finds her voice to speak her truth amidst those trying to silence her.

For when I'm looking for a thrill... 

A Torch Against the Night by Sabaa Tahir

This book is the second in Sabaa Tahir's "An Ember in the Ashes" series. I read the first one a while ago and recently bought the rest of the series because Tahir is releasing the fourth novel of this series in December and I want to read it! The first book was thrilling — full of rebellion, spying, and danger.

The series main characters, Elias and Laia, cross paths when Laia is spying for the Resistance in exchange for her brother's freedom after the Empire raided their home, and Elias wants to escape the Empire's legacy of the tyranny he's likely about to inherit. I'll definitely be reading this when I'm excited to read something new while continuing a familiar, yet thrilling, story.

For when I have the time...

House of Earth and Blood by Sarah J Maas

I got this book the day it came out and still have not read it. Maas is one of my favorite authors, and she always writes huge and beautiful books, but my reading slump took one look at that book and told me I had a lot of time to finish it this summer. Except, the summer went by and it went unread — save for the first 9 pages.

It's the start of a new series, so it's definitely one I'm going to have to give my attention to, and it's about 800 pages long. "House of Earth and Blood" follows Bryce Quinlan, a half-Fae and half-human who lives a life to be envious of until her friends are murdered.

As the demon who committed the crime is still wreaking havoc in her city, Bryce seeks revenge with the help of a Fallen angel named Hunt. It's full of danger, magic, and romance—as well as insanely long. It'll be worth the time when I have it!

For when I don't have much time...

"Clap When You Land" by Elizabeth Acevedo

Even when I'm super busy, I want to take time for myself to do things that I love. So when this happens, I think I'll finish this verse novel that I got about 100 pages into and sadly stopped reading.

Elizabeth Acevedo is another of my favorite authors and poets, and her other books are absolutely amazing (I recommend The Poet X). This verse novel, "Clap When You Land", tells the story of two girls who have no idea they are half-sisters, but the death of their father leaves in its wake lots of devastation and secrets to be uncovered.

It was a fairly quick read when I began and the story was riveting (I can just be a lazy reader). I also have a soft spot for poetry, so it'll be enjoyable and a beautiful read.

For when I'm feeling nostalgic (and in need of serotonin... or a good cry)... 

"Tiger's Curse" by Colleen Houck

I always re-read this book (and series) once a year; I usually read it when I need to escape all my stress. I've read the series more than five times and I always know what's going to happen but I love the feels I get every time.

Houck tells a magical and romantic story of a college freshman (how ironic) who decides to journey to India to help a unique tiger she's met at her summer job settle into his new habitat.

Little does she know that the tiger she's met is actually someone who is going to change her life forever. The story is full of twists and turns, and it's going to be perfect for when I'm overwhelmed by schoolwork, need some stability, and I need to let my emotions out—the series will make you cry I warn you all.