If prepping for this post taught me anything, it’s that I don’t give out five stars lightly. In the last year, I’ve read well over 50+ books, but could only find five that I gave five stars to. Four star books are easy to find, but it’s the five star ones that leave an impression. I’m a tough rater. A book will only get five stars if I will think about it on a regular basis and/or I will recommend it to anyone asking for what to read next. The type of book that when I get to the back cover I think, or audibly say, “Woah.” So here are the last five books I’ve rated five stars, latest first. I tend to skip the book summaries as Goodreads, the authors themselves, and other platforms do a much better job at it than I ever could…
On Writing by Stephen King
Genre: Non-Fiction
I know. I’m also shocked that I read a non-fiction book, let alone gave it an enthusiastic five stars. This book is a must for anyone considering writing anything creative. It gave me permissions I didn’t know I was waiting for. King’s writing style just made sense and it’s the type of book I’ll keep in my collection forever. There’s comfort in knowing I can grab it off the shelf when it’s time to dust off my 15,000 word draft I abandoned for a full time job.
It’s the type of book that sparks inspiration. Similar to that feeling you get after you’ve attended a conference for a few days. A sense of rekindled purpose and passion.
If you have no intention to write anything, this is probably not for you. But any creative could probably glean some gems from this quick read.
The Fifth Season by N.K. Jemisin
Genre: Science Fiction
As with most science fiction trilogies, this series is a commitment, but a story I still think about months after reading. It follows a couple different storylines in a dystopian world with a “magic” element that doesn’t feel overdone or “18-year-old chosen one.” The world-building is heavy at first, but worth chewing through to get to an amazingly poignant plot. The world is a character in itself and I just love when that happens.
All the summaries don’t do it justice, but I now, in this moment of my own attempt, understand how difficult it is to describe this book in a few enticing sentences.
If you like science fiction, read it. If you aren’t into the genre, I would pass. The other two books in the series don’t live up to this one, but you’ll want to see the story through to the end.
How to End a Love Story by Yulin Kuang
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Trust in the fact that ya girl reads a lot of contemporary romance. They usually sit firmly in the three to four star categories as I eat them up like fast food meals. Yet this one felt different, hit different. The plot is interesting, the characters complex without feeling unrealistic, and there weren’t any cringy tropes (if there’s a pregnancy scare I’m out with a spinning chair left in my wake).
The writing is enjoyable and you’ll be left feeling satiated by the end. I also can’t help loving a book where the characters are writers (I’m looking at you Book Lovers).
Kiss Her Once for Me by Alison Cochrun
Genre: Holiday Romance
Another contemporary romance that needs to be at the top of your holiday themed books this year. Don’t have a holiday themed reading list? You’re missing out. Switching to a holiday themed contemporary romance just adds another level to the short season (now if only I could find non-holiday wintery books to make January and February not feel so dreary).
The plot twists and surprises in this book are a delight and it doesn’t take itself too seriously. There’s a redemption arc that leaves you rooting for the two female love interests in a squeal-quietly-to-yourself-at-two-am kind of way.
A Letter to the Luminous Deep by Sylvie Cathrall
Genre: Fantasy
I’ve sang this book’s praises in an individual blog post so I won’t go into too much detail, but this is still one of the best stories I’ve read in years. It’s part of a duology that is finished so you won’t have to suffer to find out what happens like I did.
The entire story is written in letters and coorespondence between all the characters. You learn about a fantasy world while uncovering snippets of a story told both in the present and the past.
It’s beautiful. Heartbreaking. And wildly interesting. If you read no other book from this list, choose this one.
I’m always on the hunt for my next five star “woah” read, but they really have to work for it these days. I’d love to hear your most recent five star reads. Book ratings are such personal things and really tell a lot about a person, so I’d love some insight into who you are.
Happy reading! 📚
