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15 Unforgettable Books That Will Leave You with the Best Book Hangover
If you’ve ever finished a book and couldn’t start another because it was that good, you know what a reading hangover feels like. Honestly, it’s one of the best problems to have! In this post, I’m sharing some of the most unforgettable books I’ve read as a book blogger. These uplifting books, shocking twists, and emotional novels stayed in my mind long after the last page. They’re perfect picks for your book club or anyone who loves a great thriller. I really feel these are the kind of books that make every sleepless night worth it. These are also great to start your reading habit too.
Book Hangover Books
The Great Alone by Kristin Hannah
The Great Alone is one of the most emotional stories I’ve ever read. It’s about a family trying to survive in the wilds of Alaska after moving there on a whim. The harsh winter and the father’s unpredictable nature create so much misery. Leni, the young daughter, just wants a better life for her family, but things don’t go as planned. Hannah’s writing is incredible. she makes you feel the cold, the isolation, and the love and pain of the characters. I highly recommend the audiobook version; Julia Whelan did an amazing job narrating it. This book turned me into a fan, and I’ve read most of Kristin Hannah’s books by now. If you’re looking for more, check out my post on full list of Kristin Hannah books.
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The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides
The Silent Patient hooked me right from the start. Alicia, an artist, stops speaking after shooting her husband. Theo, a psychotherapist, is determined to uncover why she did it. The twists in this book are mind-blowing. The fast pace and suspenseful story kept me reading late into the night. So if you love thrillers with shocking plot twists, you need to read this one. It’s one of the best mysteries I’ve ever picked up. And if you have read this one check out thrillers like The Silent Patient.
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Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver
Demon Copperhead is heartbreaking but so powerful. It’s about a boy named Demon, born into poverty in the Appalachian Mountains. His life is a constant struggle, but his humor and determination make him unforgettable. The setting is raw and real, and Kingsolver’s writing is unmatched. This book is an emotional rollercoaster. The story, characters, and plot make it a perfect pick for a book club reading list.
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The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid
The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo feels like sitting down with a Hollywood legend spilling all her secrets. Evelyn Hugo is a strong, ambitious woman who does whatever it takes to succeed. Reid’s writing is amazing because she makes every character feel real. Evelyn’s life is glamorous, messy, and heartbreaking, and you’ll feel every emotion with her. It’s must-read historical fiction and one of my all-time favorites. Check out my review of The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo.
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Me Before You by JoJo Moyes
Me Before You broke my heart in the best way. Louisa is an ordinary girl who becomes a caregiver for Will. He is someone who has lost his will to live. Their relationship is so beautiful and heartbreaking at the same time. Lou’s character growth is inspiring, and you’ll laugh and cry with her. Which is why I think this book will give you the best hangover.
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Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir
Project Hail Mary is both addictive and surprisingly emotional. Andy Weir takes complicated scientific ideas and makes them easy to follow. The story is about Ryland Grace, who wakes up alone on a spaceship, trying to save Earth. It’s full of twists and humor. It’s also one of the bestselling audiobooks I highly recommend.
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A Little Life by Hanya Yanagihara
A Little Life is probably one of the most powerful and emotional novel. It follows the lives of four friends, focusing deeply on Jude. he is someone who is haunted by a traumatic past. The book examines the themes of friendship, love, and survival. Hanya Yanagihara’s writing is incredibly raw and vivid. She makes sure you feel every ounce of Jude’s pain. It’s so heartbreaking. It’s the saddest book I have ever read.
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Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens
Where the Crawdads Sing follows Kya who is left to survive on her own in the marshes of North Carolina. She learns to live in the wild and connects deeply with the land and animals around her. The best part about the book is Owens’ writing. It makes the marsh feel real. You can imagine the birds and the quiet water. The story also has a mystery about a local man’s death, which keeps it exciting. What makes this book special is Kya herself. She is strong, lonely, and fights to live her life her way. This is also one of my favorite picks from Reese Witherspoon’s book club.
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Room by Emma Donoghue
Told from the perspective of a young boy named Jack,Room is totally unique and gripping. Jack has lived his entire life in one small room. And as a reader seeing the world through his eyes is fascinating. It’s both heartbreaking and uplifting as you watch him and his mom navigate their escape.
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Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus
Elizabeth Zott is a scientist who refuses to let the sexism of the 1960s hold her back. She’s smart, determined, and unapologetically herself. Lessons in Chemistry follows her journey as she breaks barriers in her career and life. She is doing all that while raising her daughter and dealing with the challenges of being a single mother. We also have Six-Thirty, her incredibly lovable dog who adds so much heart to the story. It’s one of the most unforgettable books I’ve read as a book blogger.
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The Midnight Library by Matt Haig
The Midnight Library is a great book for anyone who’s ever wondered about the “what-ifs” in their life. Nora Seed is at her lowest point when she finds herself in a magical library filled with books. It lets her explore all the lives she could have lived. Each book is a chance to see what might have been different if she’d made other choices. It’s such an uplifting book that leaves you feeling inspired and hopeful.
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Anxious People by Fredrik Backman
Anxious People is such a unique mix of humor and heart. A failed bank robbery turns into a hostage situation. However, instead of chaos, it becomes an unexpected exploration of life, love, and loss. Each character has their own baggage, and as we learn about each of them, you see how their lives connect in surprising ways. The dialogue is sharp, and the humor is spot-on. This was the first Backman book I read, and I absolutely loved his writing. It’s also one of those books that’s incredible as an audiobook.
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A Woman Is No Man by Etaf Rum
A Woman Is No Man is raw and so emotional. It tells the story of four generations of Palestinian-American women dealing with cultural expectations, abuse, and the fight to find their voices. The writing feels so real, and you can feel every bit of their pain. What really stuck with me was how it showed the struggles women face breaking free from traditions that hold them back. It made me cry, it made me angry, and it made me think a lot about women’s freedom and what it takes to fight for it. It’s not an easy read. It’s one of the best multi-generational books I’ve ever read.
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Mary Jane by Jessica Anya Blau
Mary Jane is one of those books that feels like stepping into a time machine and living someone else’s life for a while. Set in 1970s Baltimore, it’s about a 14-year-old girl figuring out her sheltered, structured life while working as a nanny for a family that’s the complete opposite of hers. I can’t tell you how much I enjoyed the rock-and-roll vibe the book. Mary Jane is sweet and lovable. By the end, I felt like I’d lived through her summer with her. It’s truly one of the most feel-good books I’ve ever read, and it leaves you smiling long after you close it. Also, one of the great audiobooks, perfect for listening to on a road trip.
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City of Girls by Elizabeth Gilbert
City of Girls is a dazzling story set in 1940s New York. It’s full of glamour, ambition, and drama. Vivian, the main character, is unapologetically bold and adventurous.The book captures the highs and lows of her life, from carefree love affairs to deep heartbreaks. the best part about the book for me was the larger than life characters. Gilbert’s rich writing brings the city and its people to life. It’s fun, emotional and very steamy. After watching the writer’s interview where she said she talked to real showgirls for her book, it made the story feel so much more special. I also think she’s one of those under-the-radar authors you really need to check out.
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Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman
Eleanor Oliphant is unlike any character you’ve ever met. She’s quirky, socially awkward, and has a routine that never changes. But beneath her orderly life lies a lot of pain. Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine follows her as she takes small steps to open herself up to the world. Along the way, she meets great friends. and slowly starts to heal from her past. It’s a mix of laugh-out-loud moments and heart-wrenching realizations. The story is both relatable and touching. It’s also one of those feel good books that you can pick up anytime.
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More Books To Read
8 of the Best Intense Mystery-Thrillers Ever Written
20 December Book Releases You’ll Love
Love a Good Thriller? Check out 5 Must-Read Nominees from the Goodreads Choice Awards
Stephy George
