Read with Kennie
Book Reviews, Analyses, and Ramblings
MY TOP BOOKS
I read (and review) a lot of books, and if you're coming here to find book recommendations, that can be quite difficult. So, here is a non-comprehensive list of my favorites.
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I will also include a link to my most recent Book Awards, which has my favorites (and least favorites) from the past year. You can also see links to my top rated reviews.
Books By Ratings:
A LITTLE MORE
THAN KIN
"HAMLET"
BY WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE
It's no secret that I'm a Hamlet stan. I love this character, I love the play, and some part of me loves every retelling of it that I read. I'm aware that the average person is probably not interested in picking up and reading a Shakespeare play, but I figured I should put it out there because of how foundational it is.
"THE KING OF INFINITE SPACE"
BY LYNDSAY FAYE
I did preface this with my love for Hamlet, so you're not allowed to act surprised here. This retelling is by far my favorite that I've read so far. I'm aware of some technical issues, and I'm not going to pretend it's perfect, but I love it all the same. I love the way the characters are rewritten into the modern era, particularly Hamlet himself (who, in this case, is Benjamin). This book is the closest I've ever come to understanding gatekeeping, because I don't want people to read it who won't cherish it in the way I do.
TOP SERIES
THE PERCY JACKSON BOOKS
BY RICK RIORDAN
This is one of the most popular book series of all time, so I don't think I need to work too hard to pitch them to you. I read them as a kid, and I've been a fan ever since. I'm not exactly in Riordan's target demographic anymore, but everyone is allowed an easy and nostalgic read sometimes.
THE ERNEST CUNNINGHAM BOOKS
BY BENJAMIN STEVENSON
For me, Stevenson has redefined what a good mystery is with these books. He breaks the genre down in such a clever and unique way. And Ernest Cunningham is truly one of my favorite main characters; he's not without his flaws, but his meta-commentary creates such a good story. There's truly a lot to love about these books for the reader who loves the mystery genre.
THE COLLECTION
BY DOT HUTCHISON
Beginning with The Butterfly Garden, this four book series is a beautiful and compelling story about finding community and love and beauty in the face of trauma and the most horrific parts of life. Again, I can acknowledge these books aren't perfect, but I love them all the same.
ARC OF A SCYTHE
BY NEAL SHUSTERMAN
This series should've been more popular during the YA Dytopian craze, but I will not stop singing its praises now. It's not particularly unpopular, but it should get more love. These books cover so many topics: religion, AI, death, love, life, politics, morality, and more. It would take a couple reads to truly grasp everything these books hold, but as it was, it's a very moving story.
RAPID FIRE RECS
NOVELS
This is How You Lose the Time War
By: Amal El-Mohtar and Max Gladstone
If We Were Villains
By: M.L. Rio
Bird Box
By: Josh Malerman
Our Wives Under the Sea
By: Julia Armfield
The Haunting of Hill House
By: Shirley Jackson
The Historian
By: Elizabeth Kostova
The Princess Bride
By: William Goldman
Remarkably Bright Creatures
By: Shelby Van Pelt
Hamnet
By: Maggie O'Farrell
SHORT STORIES
A Small, Good Thing
By: Raymond Carver
Ushers
By: Joe Hill
The Answer is No
By: Fredrik Backman (Translator: Elizabeth DeNoma)
AUTHORS
STUART TURTON
The Seven and a Half Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle continues to be one of the most unique mysteries I've ever read, and I've loved every one of his books. Individually, his books aren't necessarily my favorites, but I always enjoy reading them.
HOLLY JACKSON
Everyone knows and loves A Good Girl's Guide to Murder, and for good reason, but I have found Five Survive to be severely underrated. I eagerly await publishing news from Jackson, knowing that I'll be in store for a new harrowing thriller.
SUZANNE COLLINS
I mean, duh, right? Who doesn't love The Hunger Games? It's popular for a reason. Ballad was shocking, but it was seriously so good. Everything she writes has me stunned. She could write a grocery list on a dirty napkin and I would tell you how beautiful it is.