12 Books That Transform & Transport
As an avid writer and reader, I’ve traversed many worlds between pages and met unforgettable characters along the way. Of course, not every novel I’ve picked up is one to write home about (cough, cough “LA Woman” — sorry Eve Babitz), but there are a special few that have stuck with me long past their final chapters. Here are 12 that I think every 20-to-30-something should put on their Goodreads “want to read” list.
The Great Believers
This profound novel by Rebecca Makkai is set in 1980s Chicago during the early years of the AIDS epidemic. It's a beautifully written story about friendship, loss, and the families we choose. Makkai paints an evocative picture of a generation impacted by tragedy. I never wanted this one to end. In fact, I think I maybe cried when it was over.
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Ask Again, Yes
A family saga full of heart from Mary Beth Keane, this book moved me with its poetic prose and intricate exploration of the bonds and rifts that form between two neighboring families over the years. It's a perceptive look at the secrets we keep and the pasts we can't quite shake.
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Writers & Lovers
Lily King's latest novel truly spoke to me as a chronicle of an aspiring writer struggling with grief and romantic entanglements as she tries to forge her own path. It's an insightful meditation on vocation, creativity, and becoming who we're meant to be. I can confidently rank this as one of my top five favorite books right now.
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Talking at Night
This tender, lyrical debut from Claire Daverley follows the lifelong connection between two opposites, Will and Rosie, who fall for each other as teenagers until tragedy strikes. It tells a story of sudden connections, missed opportunities, the many loves we have over a lifetime. I convinced my book club to read this one after I had already finished, and everyone adored it. Shout out to Regan for the rec.
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My Year of Rest and Relaxation
As someone who appreciates a darkly funny escapist tale, I loved Ottessa Moshfegh's story of a young woman who tries to sleep away an entire year while spiraling out of control. It's a blistering yet poignant satire of millennial ennui. Be warned, not everyone in my book club loved this one — but I somehow read the entire thing in about 5 hours.
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Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow
I was completely swept up in this epic story from Gabrielle Zevin of a decades-long friendship between two game designers. It's an enormously compassionate take on ambition, love, art, and coming to terms with the choices we make. It got a lot of hype this year, and for good reason. I hope the movie can do it justice.
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The Rachel Incident
Aching with humor and longing, this debut from Irish author Caroline O'Donoghue follows the intertwining fates of Rachel, a lovesick bookstore clerk, her charismatic gay roommate, James, and the married professor he and Rachel both fall for, Fred. Their bohemian life in Cork city is shadowed by financial crises and secrets, binding all of them for life. I’m gonna go ahead and claim that Irish authors are the best. Is that the McCarthy talking in me?
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Beautiful World, Where Are You
The latest from the always perceptive Sally Rooney, this novel resonated with me in its intimate portrayal of two couples struggling to connect meaningfully in a distracted modern age. I might be biased as one of Sally Rooney’s biggest fans, but I truly believe she’s one of the greatest writers of our time (and unsurprisingly Irish).
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Bitter Orange
Years later and I still think about this Gothic psychological thriller by Claire Fuller. The novel simmers with tension as it slowly unravels the secrets binding its three central characters on an isolated English country estate one summer. The writing is vivid, transportive, and bizarre — my favorite combo.
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Cleopatra & Frankenstein
This imaginative debut by Coco Mellors weaves together the lives of an impulsive newlywed couple whose marriage irreversibly alters their futures and their loved ones. With humor and wisdom, it explores the trials of relationships, identity, and dependence. I was entirely sold when I read the description, “Perfect for readers of Modern Lovers and Conversations with Friends.” Say no more.
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My Absolute Darling
Gabriel Tallent's disturbing yet nuanced debut follows a young girl's resilience as she seeks connection and tends to escape her isolated, abusive life with her father on the Northern California coast. This one hit me deeply with its emotional, provocative prose. Now that I’m reminiscing, I may need to pick this one up to re-read.
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The Immortalists
This captivating saga from Chloe Benjamin follows four siblings haunted by the fortunes told by a psychic predicting their death dates, which profoundly shape the courses of their lives as they come of age in 1960s New York. It’s a deeply moving testament to the power of story, the nature of belief, and the unrelenting pull of familial bonds. Total stroke of luck that I read this one right after “My Absolute Darling;” they both completely revived my love for fiction post college.
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P.S. I dropped in Amazon links, but if you’re able to, please support your local book store! Find me on Goodreads here.
Featured image courtesy of House & Garden
