Curb Your Boredom: My Favorite Books

If you’re trying to curb your boredom, now’s a good time to get cozy and pick up a great book. In the past, I have actually actually posted a few book lists (my 50 Must-Read Horror Books and 101 Must-Read Classic Books are popular posts), but I’ve never posted my all time favorite books (up until this point). So, I thought I’d rectify this today and give you all a taste of the worlds I enjoyed exploring. 🙂 Keep in mind that I’ve narrowed down my list in each genre as much as possible. There were some difficult choices to make … so, yeah. I should also mention that I’m not quite as well-read when it comes to certain genres (romance, erotica, non-fiction), and have opted not to include those genres on my list. That being said, I think these books will hold you over for a while. 🙂

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Curb Your Boredom

Historical Fiction

The Hunger by Alma Katsu is a historical fiction horror that follows the doomed Donner Party on their journey to California. It’s an excellent read from beginning to end, and a little different to what you’d usually expect from a historical fiction novel.

Conn Iggulden’s Wars of the Roses series is one of my favorite historical fiction series to get lost in. Stormbirds (Wars of the Roses #1) starts off in 1437, when Henry IV, ascends to the English throne. The book is full of courtly intrigue, drama, battles, and superb writing.

Outlander by Diana Gabaldon is one of my many guilty pleasures. While the book plays off in both during post-WW2 England and the systematic uprising of Scotland in 1743, it’s an easy read (although it’s a tome). You can expect some sexy moments, a few trigger-worthy things, and a new love for all things Scottish.

While Between Shades of Gray by Ruta Sepetys is technically marketed toward a Young Adult audience, I still enjoyed the amount of research that went into the book. Playing off during WW2, readers are introduced to the lesser-known horrors of what’d befallen a group of people, thanks to the Soviet Army. It’s absolutely riveting (and much better than the film).

Fantasy

Poison Study by Maria V. Snyder was an addictive fantasy read from beginning to end. I loved the protagonist, Yelena, because she was such a broken girl at the beginning, but somehow was able to rise from the ashes. The book is full of magic, death, danger, and a whole lot of awesome. Also, it’s a big series to get lost in. 🙂

It’s no secret that I’m a huge Brandon Sanderson fan. While I love all of his books, The Final Empire (Mistborn #1) is my favorite, because it introduced me to a whole new multiverse with weird magic, religions, and exceptional world-building. What’s more, all of Brandon Sanderson’s series interconnect in some way or another, so it’s awesome.

The Amazing Maurice and his Educated Rodents by Terry Pratchett is actually one of my favorite books of all time. This Pied-Piper retelling is simply amazing. With a lot of Pratchett humor, some great characters, and a fabulous twist, I’m certain you (and your little one) will love it.

Neil Gaiman’s a household name for both fantasy and horror fans, but my favorite of his works—and the book that introduced me to his back-list, actually—is none other than The Ocean at the End of the Lane. It’s a modern day fairy tale for Adults. Definitely give this one a try if you haven’t already (and revisit it if you already have read the book).

Horror

This was a tricky genre to narrow down, since I love so many horror books. Somehow I managed to pick 4, but it was a painful process.

Jago by Kim Newman is one of those books that either folks don’t know about or don’t care for, but I love it. From a weird cult in a small British town to an end-of-the-world scenario of Biblical proportions, it has everything you could possibly want from a religious horror novel. Check it out if you haven’t already.

I’ve read NOS4A2 by Joe Hill quite a few times since its initial release, and I still find myself enjoying every re-read. There are so many easily-overlooked underlining things in the book; twisty, turny parts that changes the story into so much more. Also, if you didn’t know yet, NOS4A2 manages to become part of Stephen King’s multiverse …

I actually only recently read A Head Full of Ghosts by Paul Tremblay, but it’s such a memorable read that it’s quickly become one of my all-time faves. If you love stories about possession, you’re gonna enjoy every moment of this book. Pinky promise.

Broken Monsters by Lauren Beukes is a type of crime thriller with a whole lot of horror elements that’ll keep you turning the pages. It’s creepy and contemporary and just perfect in every way. If you’re looking for something with a grungy feel, you need this book in your life.

Science Fiction

Another one of my all-time favorites is none other than The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams. It’s funny, intelligent, and just so random at times. If you need a laugh, you’re in for a treat.

1984 by George Orwell has recently seen more popularity, and with good reason. Real world iffiness aside, though, it’s a classic for a reason, and will ensure a few hours of enjoyment (or horror, depending on your mood) as you try to draw comparisons between the book and the world as we know it.

If you’re feeling a tad nostalgic, and you’re missing the 1980s, Ready Player One by Ernst Cline is the book you need to read. Yes, they made a movie, but it wasn’t even close to being as wonderful as the book. Seriously, after your Stranger Things binge during quarantine, you need to give this one a try.

Okay, so I’ve always been a big fan of Planet of the Apes by Pierre Boulle, and yes, I know not many people would agree. But is it seriously so far-fetched to think the future could be run by chimpanzees? I think not. We’re one lab experiment away from creating something uncontrollable, so … think about that for a second.

Crime Thrillers

I was introduced to The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson through the original film, weirdly enough, and found the book equally riveting when I read it afterward. With memorable characters that are worlds apart, a plot that seamlessly combines murder mystery, family saga, love story, and financial intrigue, and a satisfying ending, what more can you possibly want?

Pretty Girls by Karen Slaughter is a gritty novel that stays with you long after you’ve finished the book. There’s something about the novel that I just can’t shake—whether it’s the plot that seems just a tad too realistic or the good writing, I don’t know. Either way, brace yourself for some difficult moments if you decide to pick up this one.

Another gritty novel, one that lingers long after you’ve finished it, is The Widow by Fiona Barton. Now, this book plays off in the UK and is a difficult one to read. It’s uncomfortable at times, because somehow the author gets you to feel sorry for the protagonist even though you hate her too. If you’re looking for good writing, this is the one for you.

It’s not called a classic for no reason. The Hound of the Baskervilles by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle has a bit of a gothic feel to it with its folktales and creepy setting, and it’s stood the test of time. If you’re looking for a tried and tested murder mystery, one that’ll give you some shivers, this is the book you need in your life.

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Phew! This was one massive post, and a little draining … It’s always been difficult to choose my favorite books, but wow this was hard. Hopefully, my recommendations helped to curb your boredom a bit, especially if you were search for some good reads—I mean, I’m personally always on the hunt for new reads, regardless of how big my TBR pile is. So if you have any recommendations for me, let me know in the comments. 🙂

Happy reading!
Monique