forum Good book recommendations?

Started March 08, 2019 by Deleted user

tune

My preferred type of books are:

• Must have a healthy dose of non-cliche
• Strong female leads
• No morally dubious relationships (teacher/student, abusive)
• Healthy LGBT relationships that aren't shown on the cover or stated that it's in the summary (homophobic parents)
• No insta-love
• Good chemistry between characters, especially those in a relationship
• Good villain
• Deep thoughts (like We Are The Ants, for example)
• Good description (I could literally feel and smell the garden around me in The Secret Garden, for example)
• The perfect blend of light humor and dark elements
• Political commentary (subtle, although I guess non-subtle works as well)

These aren't required, but I love books with these! For example, I don't like Twilight, The Selection, or Throne of Glass series, but I do love Simon vs. THSA, We Are The Ants, Song of Achilles, Diviners (!!) and more!

Ahem. I will yeet on in here and recommend TERRY PRATCHETT'S DISCWORLD!! Omg it fits the bill entirely for you from what you said you're looking for in books, you'd love his works. He takes cliches and adds nuance, he's a really cool author this you'd love. I'd recommend the Tiffany Aching or Night Watch series, but all of them are really cool. Currently reading both Jingo and A Hat Full Of Sky, can't decide which is my favorite at the moment but Lord Vetinari is senpai and Rob Anybody and the rest of the Nac Mac Feegle are such an adorable little stealin' drinkin' and fightin' bunch, you'd love it. His books are comedy/fantasy, there's 41 in all and he's got loads of other works as well.

Some books that I've read that are really good would have to be (in no particular order):

• Splintered by AG Howard - Its a spin off Alice in Wonderland (but not even close to a cliche way). It is an adventure, fantasy and romance book, no lgbt. Each character's relationship is well developed to the point of where they're on the same side yet still have their differences. It is from the point of a female, and in my opinion one of the strongest female characters Ive read, with well deviled thoughts. This book could be considered dark and twisted but it has the perfect mix of light in it. The overall series has 4 books and one mini book. There is not really a defined villain in the books but some would consider one of the good characters a bad guy.

• The Disasters by MK England - This book is about some students who flunk out of a space school that explodes and must help save the universe (that sounds kinda cliche but trust me, I havent read anything like this before). It is a fantasy and adventure book. It does have some characters who are trans, bi and gay, and is not mentioned at all in the summary or the cover. It is from a male's perspective but does have 3 females that are main characters. The villain in this book I would have to say is a little basic but it doesn't really affect the story at all. This book has very well written thoughts, but not so much with the scenery. Sometimes I was left a little confused as to where they were and had to reread the paragraph. This book does have a lot to do with fantasy politics, which is actually kinda neat. There is a subtle love story in this book; not even part of the main focus. Its moves very slowly, sometimes I wished it moved faster. The characters in this book get along well, which is good, but is also boring. This is a stand alone book.

• One of Us is Lying by Karen M. McManus - You might have heard about this book or seen it at your bookstore. This book was a great read, but for me it was a little over-rated (but that won't stop me from recommending it to everyone). Five students go in to detention and only four come out alive. In this book they're trying to figure out who murdered the fifth student. It switches between the four remaining student's perspective, two females and two males (I think each these characters are well developed and show clear character development). A murder mystery, with lgbt, once again not mentioned in the cover or the summery. In this book there is not really a known villain until the end. This book has many twists and turns throughout the book leaving you clueless to who really was the murder. I honestly thought at one point or another EVERY SINGLE CHARACTER in this bool was the murderer. This book is a stand alone book.

• Autoboyography by Christina Lauren - (This book punched me so hard in the gut and made me cry so hard). Autoboyography is about two boys who fall in love. One is out to his family but not his friends and the other isn't even out to himself because it isn't allowed in his religion. So yes there is lgbt and its in the summery but not the cover. (I honestly just bought this book because I thought it had a pretty cover and never even read the summery until after.) Sadly, its a stand alone book. Its realistic fiction and romance. The character are so well developed, some of the best I've seen. The only villain in this story is the closeted guys family and religion. There are few female characters in this book; mostly just family and friends. Its what I want to call a "light" book because it has some humor in it but it also deals with some of the most relatable struggle (even without being lgbt). The main character does sorta fall instantly in love but doesn't realize it until later and no true romance happens until the other guy figures himself out. This book has some of the best descriptions I've ever read; between thoughts and scenery. In case you didn't know this book was written by two authors and it really pays off.

• The Third Twin by CJ Omololu - Once again I have a mystery book for you. Its about twin sisters who like to dress up and pretend they are some one else; a third twin who goes to parties ad dates all sorta of guys. They have been doing this practically their whole lives. One of the sisters dresses up as the third sister and the first murder happens. Shortly after this all the girls the third twin had dated start dying. The main character must figure out if her sister is the murderer or if there really is a third twin. (I explained the summary so badly. Google probably has a better summary.) This third sister is so well developed without even being a "real" character. This book does have a strong female lead. The villain so well developed and you can't even see the ending coming. A mystery book, no lgbt. There is a small love story going on in this book, its not the main focus and moves along at a realistic pace. Everything in this book written with good descriptions. And again a stand alone book.

• The Love Interest by Cale Dietrich - One of the best books I've read in a while. This book is about a company sends out a "good" and a "bad" (meaning basically nerdy vs rebel) guy and sees who can make their target fall in love with them first. Who ever fails is put to death. Fantasy romance, lgbt. The lgbt is implied in the summery but its not really clear that that's what they're referring to. Same for the cover. It is in the perspective of a guy, but has an empowering female in the book. Well written, with good descriptions. The villain in this book is an organization (sounds cliche but this organization is actually terrifying. I was scared of them for a while, even though they aren't real.) The chemistry between all the characters is very unique and probably my favorite character chemistry ever. A stand alone book.

• The Loneliest Girl in the Universe by Lauren James - Short summary: This girl was born on a spaceship, her parents died and now she's been alone in space for the past couple of years. That is until a new ship is coming her way. Very unique because 95% of the book she is the only character present (not including emails because that's their only form of communication). This book is fantasy, I guess, no lgbt and stand alone. Since there really is only one character in this book I'd say she's a strong female lead. And not just because of that, but also because of some of the things she does. The villain in this book is actually quite interesting. And all of the (two) characters in this book are well written along with descriptions.

• They Both Die at the End by Adam Silvera - (Ok, honestly a very sad book that made me cry). You get a phone call on the day you're going to die. There is nothing you can do to stop it. There is an app that where you can meet someone who is also dying that day. Two guys meet up and spend their last day together. Fantasy, slight romance (more towards the end) and lgbt. The lgbt is referenced to in the summary but its not really confirmed in the summery. As for the cover, if you look closely you will notice the shadows are both guys but if you don't look closely they're just shadows. A stand alone book that switches between the two guys perspective. The book has really good descriptions. Since the book takes place during only one day it has amazing character development. There are two villains in this book. Death and another character who doesn't play too much into the story. One of the most non-cliche books I've ever read. The chemistry between these characters is amazing since they only met that day, and its also realistic considering that. Its a funny book, even though they're on the verge of death.

• Little Women by Louisa May Alcott - You mentioned the Secret Garden so I figured I'd mention this book. Its about the struggles that four sisters go through in the 1860s. Its based off of the author's own life and is really just an amazing book. It was published in 1869, so no lgbt. Its a stand alone book and has so much description and character development. One of my favorite books. Very, very strong female lead(s).

Ok, that's all the books I can think of off the top of my head. All the books I mentioned have no dubious relationships. And wow, I started typing this 4 minutes after this thread was posted. I can't believe its been two hours!

Ok here are some book recommendations (with their actual inside descriptions)

Runebinder
by Alex R. Kahler

• When magic returned to the world, it could have saved humanity, but greed and thirst for power caused mankind’s downfall instead. Now once-human monsters called Howls prowl abandoned streets, their hunger guided by corrupt necromancers and the all-powerful Kin. Only Hunters have the power to fight back in the unending war, using the same magic that ended civilization in the first place.
  But they are losing.
  Tenn is a Hunter, resigned to fight even though hope is nearly lost. When he is singled out by a seductive Kin named Tom‡s and the enigmatic Hunter Jarrett, Tenn realizes he’s become a pawn in a bigger game. One that could turn the tides of war. But if his mutinous magic and wayward heart get in the way, his power might not be used in favor of mankind.
  If Tenn fails to play his part, it could cost him his friends, his life…and the entire world.
  (Second book is Runebreaker)

Frost
by M.P. Kozlowsky

• 16-year-old Frost understands why she's spent her entire life in an abandoned apartment building. The ruined streets below are hunting grounds for rogue robots and Eaters.She understands why she's never met a human besides her father. She even understands why he forbids her to look for medicine for her dying pet. But the thing is, it's not her real father giving the orders . . .It's his memories.Before he died, Frost's father uploaded his consciousness into their robot servant. But the technology malfunctioned, and now her father fades in and out. So when Frost learns that there might be medicine on the other side of the ravaged city, she embarks on a dangerous journey to save the only living creature she loves.With only a robot as a companion, Frost must face terrors of all sorts, from outrunning the vicious Eaters. . .to talking to the first boy she's ever set eyes on. But can a girl who's only seen the world through books and dusty windows survive on her own?

Rocks Fall Everyone Dies
by Lindsay Ribar

• Aspen Quick has never really worried about how he's affecting people when he steals from them. But this summer he'll discover just how strong the Quick family magic is–and how far they'll go to keep their secrets safe. With a smart, arrogant protagonist, a sinister family tradition, and an ending you won't see coming, this is a fast-paced, twisty story about power, addiction, and deciding what kind of person you want to be, in a family that has the ability to control everything you are.

Three Dark Crowns
by Kendare Blake

• In every generation on the island of Fennbirn, a set of triplets is born: three queens, all equal heirs to the crown and each possessor of a coveted magic. Mirabella is a fierce elemental, able to spark hungry flames or vicious storms at the snap of her fingers. Katharine is a poisoner, one who can ingest the deadliest poisons without so much as a stomachache. Arsinoe, a naturalist, is said to have the ability to bloom the reddest rose and control the fiercest of lions.
  But becoming the Queen Crowned isn’t solely a matter of royal birth. Each sister has to fight for it. And it’s not just a game of win or lose…it’s life or death. The night the sisters turn sixteen, the battle begins. The last queen standing gets the crown.
  (Other books in this series are One Dark Throne and Two Dark Reigns)

• Six of Crows and Crooked Kingdom by Leigh Bardugo: A duology about six teenagers who are hired to pull off a seemingly impossible heist. There's mayhem, strong female characters, amazing romances (2 m/f and one m/m). SoC does start off fairly slow but picks up a lot in the middle, and CK is action from the get-go. It also pretty much hits all the points on your list.
• Red Queen series by Victoria Aveyard: A lot of people complain about this being cliche but I didn't find it cliche? Mare, Evangeline, Farley, and Cameron are all strong women, and there's a f/f romance starting in book 3. There is a morally dubious relationship, but it's one-sided (one male character has a very unhealthy obsession with Mare, but she doesn't return his feelings)
• Saving Red and The Opposite of Innocent by Sonya Sones: Novels in verse with compelling female leads. Not really much LGBTQA+ rep, although a character in TOOI is, as he puts it, '100% gay'. I will say that there is a STRONG content warning for TOOI due to its nature, although there is nothing explicit in the text. It's very much meant to make you uncomfortable and it works. Saving Red is about a girl with anxiety who feels ignored by her drug addict mother and her workaholic father after the disappearance of her older brother. She then partakes in the local homeless count and meets a girl named Red. She then becomes friends with Red and vows to get her home in time for the holidays. Red's schizoaffective disorder complicates this a bit, and the girls become good friends as they try to find a common ground. There is instalove between Christo and Molly, the MC, but it's not as front-and-focused as Molly's friendship with Red. The Opposite of Innocent is about Lily, a teenage girl with a huge crush on a friend of her father's. She finally meets him again after he was in Africa for 2 years and is still obsessed with him. To her joy, he seems to like her back. It's very uncomfortable to read about Lily's relationship with Luke, the whole time I was mentally screaming to her to realize it wasn't okay. As their 'relationship' progresses, Lily starts to realize how wrong it is.
• The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins: Simply put, one of the best series I've ever read, it feels so real and raw.
• A Night Divided and Resistance by Jennifer A. Nielson: AND is about a girl living in Germany during the time of the Berlin wall, and her attempts to sneak to the other side, where her father and brother are. Resistance is about a Jewish girl during the Holocaust fighting Nazis and being clever and badass.
• Code Name Verity by Elizabeth Wein: Told in two parts, one from the point of view of a Scottish girl being interrogated by Nazis and the other by her friend, a pilot who escaped the crash. You'll cry a lot. It's a super good book with one of my favorite plot twists ever, and I will forever love Scottie/Queenie/Verity/whatever you want to call her. In the prequel, The Pearl Thief, she is confirmed to be bisexual and it's kinda hinted at with her relationship with Maddie.

ALSO! There is a graphic novel version of Little Women called Meg, Jo, Beth, and amy (the most wonderful woman in the world) and Jo is gay in it!!!

The Wings of Fire series by Tui T. Sutherland has everything you want and more! It has your entire list AND DRAGONS! Everything about this series is amazing and has one of my favorite plot twists out of all the literature I have read. Not nearly enough people have read this series, I highly recommend it!

Rune binder is just gay in general. Like the main character is quite gay.

• My Lady Jane: Magical people and historical revisionism. Kickass women as well.
• My Plain Jane: Jane Eyre but with ghosts and no uncomfortable relationship.
• An Enchantment of Ravens: Fae who are really fae, not hot guys with pointed ears, clever leading lady, adorkable romance.
• Turtle In Paradise: Takes place during the Great Depression. A girl is sent to live with her extended family she's never met in the Florida Keys. Chaos ensues.
• Penny From Heaven: Takes place in the 50s. Girl is just trying to enjoy her summer, but it's difficult with a paranoid mom, a smothering grandma, and a grandpa that can't read social cues to save his life. Really sweet extended family relationships, and I love the banter between Penny and her cousin Frankie, they really read as real kids.
• Frankenstein: A college dropout builds a guy, passes out, and chaos ensues.
• Hamilton and Peggy: Historical fiction, great sibling relationships, awesome female lead.

Your summary of Frankenstein!

Your summary of Frankenstein!

IT'S ACCURATE!
At least more accurate than my copy, which claims to have a 'passionate romance'.

I know a good book that fits into the majority of your criteria, but this book moved me and it was just so relevant and realistic to current people/teens in these situations that I couldn't go anywhere without it.
Leah On the Offbeat
It is the second book to a series but you could read it as a stand-alone if you truly wanted. There'd only be a few things you didn't 100% understand, but nothing too vital to the main character (of this book's) storyline of the time.

I'm going to recommend Scythe by Neal Shusterman (go ahead and act surprised). This series blew my mind, and it does tick off most of the criteria. I think the only things it doesn't have are an LGBT romance and I wouldn't really say it has much of a political commentary either. It sure is one of those "makes you think" kind of book. It's also a "makes you cry" kind of book, or at least that's my opinion anyways.

Also, I know it's been mentioned already but Six of Crows is really good.

mmmmmmmMMMMMMMMM I LOVE SOC

Also, on TOOI - I'm actually okay with dubious/unhealthy relationships THAT ARE PORTRAYED AS UNHEALTHY AND NOT ROMANTICIZED AND A SOURCE OF MANY PROBLEMS THROUGHOUT THE BOOK
like, one of my favorite books on wattpad is a twist on the good girl and bad boy abuser falls in love trope. she is abused, cheated on, and TRIGGER WARNING

raped, but in the end, she finds the courage to tell him no. i forgot the name though…

Also, on TOOI - I'm actually okay with dubious/unhealthy relationships THAT ARE PORTRAYED AS UNHEALTHY AND NOT ROMANTICIZED AND A SOURCE OF MANY PROBLEMS THROUGHOUT THE BOOK
like, one of my favorite books on wattpad is a twist on the good girl and bad boy abuser falls in love trope. she is abused, cheated on, and TRIGGER WARNING

raped, but in the end, she finds the courage to tell him no. i forgot the name though…

It's very much shown as not okay (Lily's friends are really squicked out by the idea of her being with an older guy, Lily even lies about Luke's age in an attempt to calm them down but it doesn't work) from everyone's POV but Lily's, and she eventually wakes up to it later on.
It's also the source of all of the conflict in the book.

You guys have really good taste in books! I'm going to check a few of these out.

The False Prince is also a really good book!!!
There's 2 more after it that I didn't like as much but they were still good!

• Radio Silence: A fan artist for a podcast makes friends with its creator, a boy with an abusive mother and a lot of personal issues. Great friendship with no romance, except for one between 2 guys at the end. Really good rep and just a very emotional story in general.
• Children of Blood and Bone: African-based fantasy world, feels very 'Avatar: The Last Airbender' (according to reviews, I haven't watched ATLA), split perspectives where each character feels different, just very well-rounded characters in general.

Here are a few that I've read and recommend! Some (or most) of them don't fit everything in your list of preferences, but if you ask for book recommendations,,,,imma take every opportunity to give mine.

1. Blind - Rachel DeWoskin: The title kind of says it all. I was curious how one might write a book from the perspective of a blind character, limiting them from describing visual things, but I then got emotionally invested into the story. A high school girl lost her sight in a tragic accident over the Summer, and had to finish high school with the anxiety of being known as "the blind girl". It's mostly high school drama, but the idea of a character unable to see is really something I'm interested in.
   (Strong female lead, good description despite not using vision, things like that!)

2. Sophie's World - Jostein Gaarder: If you want a trip without getting high, this is the book for you. I do warn, it starts out slow, but that only prepares you for the philosophic loop that it throws you through over and over. A girl, also high school age, receives a strange letter from a name she's never heard before, and the contents of the letter refers to a girl with a different name, but it's not to the wrong address. She then dives into the world of philosophy and discovers a secret that the reader already knows, but will start to wonder themselves. Very fun book and it gave me several existential crises!
   (Not much cliche as far as I remember, strong female lead-she even makes a few feminist comments herself but it's not excessive, no abusive relationships but her mom questions/suspects a relationship but she's incorrect in her suspicions, there's not really any "love" or romantic drive in the story-unless you count philosophy, good chemistry with characters, there's not really a villain per-se other than ignorance i guess?, very nice blend of light humor and dark elements!)
   i just realized i'm completely blanking so that's all i got for now thank u!!
   (unless u want some good childhood books those are all i can think of rn)

Sophie's World sounds like something I would want to read.

Sophie's World sounds like something I would want to read.

Oh yeah I very highly recommend that one! I could hardly put it down and once it finished I definitely wanted a lot more, but I still appreciate where it ended. Not only with tons and tons of questions because of it inflicting an existential crisis upon me, but also One Burning Question. Very good book with fun characters! (Gotta be honest, Hermes is my favorite character ;) )

thanks for all the advice, guys!

I'm reading To Kill A Mockingbird in English and so far it's good

It is.