Malibu Rising + Men are from Mars, Women are from Venus + Circe + Days at the Morisaki Bookshop + The Forty Rules of Love+ Too Good To Be True+ Hook, Line, and Sinker+ The Lost Bookshop+ Daisy Jones and The Six

1. Malibu Rising by Taylor Jenkins Reid

Description:

Malibu Rising is a captivating novel set in the glamorous world of 1980s Malibu, revolving around the Riva family. The story centers on Nina Riva, a famous model and surfer, and her siblings—Jay, Hud, and Kit—who are all navigating their own personal struggles. On the night of the Riva's legendary annual party, secrets come to light, and the family's complicated past unfolds against the backdrop of a destructive fire that consumes their house. Reid masterfully weaves themes of fame, family, and self-revelation with the scenic beauty of California.

2. Men Are from Mars, Women Are from Venus by John Gray

Description:

A classic in the self-help genre, Men Are from Mars, Women Are from Venus explores the psychological and emotional differences between men and women in romantic relationships. John Gray offers practical advice on how to bridge the gap in understanding and communication between the sexes. Through this book, readers gain insight into how men and women often approach life, love, and conflict differently, and how they can navigate these differences for healthier, more harmonious relationships.

3. Circe by Madeline Miller

Description:

Circe reimagines the life of Circe, the powerful sorceress from Greek mythology. Told from Circe's perspective, the novel offers a fresh and feminist take on her character, transforming her from a villainous figure to a complex, nuanced protagonist. As Circe navigates her exile on the island of Aiaia, she discovers her true power, forms alliances, and faces the challenges of being a woman in a world dominated by gods and men. Miller's lyrical writing makes this an unforgettable exploration of isolation, identity, and transformation.

4. Days at the Morisaki Bookshop by Seishu Hase

Description:

Set in Tokyo, Days at the Morisaki Bookshop follows a bookstore owner, Mr. Morisaki, whose shop specializes in secondhand books. The novel explores the lives of the people who come to the store, each finding solace and meaning in the books they discover. The main character, a woman named Fuyuko, is at a crossroads in her life and forms a deep bond with Mr. Morisaki. This charming and introspective novel highlights themes of love, healing, and the transformative power of books.

5. The Forty Rules of Love by Elif Shafak

Description:

The Forty Rules of Love is a novel interwoven with two narratives. The first follows Ella Rubinstein, a Jewish housewife in contemporary Istanbul, who starts working as a reader for a literary agency. She is assigned to read a manuscript about the 13th-century poet Rumi and his spiritual guide, Shams of Tabriz. The second story is Rumi's tale of his awakening to divine love through Shams' teachings. This novel explores themes of love, mysticism, and spiritual transformation, offering a beautiful meditation on the nature of connection.

6. Too Good to Be True by Carola Lovering

Description:

Too Good to Be True is a psychological thriller that delves into the complexities of love, trust, and deception. The story alternates between the perspectives of three main characters: Skye, a woman who falls for a seemingly perfect man; her mother, who harbors a dark secret; and the man, who has a hidden past. As the layers of deceit are peeled back, the novel explores the consequences of living in a world where nothing is what it seems. It's a gripping tale of emotional manipulation and the power of secrets.

7. Hook, Line, and Sinker by Tessa Bailey

Description:

A romantic comedy with a slow-burn romance, Hook, Line, and Sinker is the sequel to It Happened One Summer. It follows Fox Thornton, a charismatic and cocky fisherman, and his relationship with Hannah, a woman who's just come out of a relationship. The two strike up a surprising friendship that slowly turns into a sizzling romance. Bailey's writing is witty and charming, with plenty of emotional depth as both characters come to terms with their feelings for each other and face their own personal insecurities.

8. The Lost Bookshop by Evie Woods

Description:

Set in the heart of London, The Lost Bookshop tells the story of a woman named Jess who inherits a secondhand bookstore from her late grandmother. As she restores the shop, Jess discovers that it’s a place of magic and mystery, where the books have the power to change lives. Along the way, she uncovers family secrets, forms new relationships, and begins to understand her own path in life. The novel is a celebration of literature, nostalgia, and the healing power of books.

9. Daisy Jones & The Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid

Description:

Daisy Jones & The Six is an oral history-style novel about a fictional 1970s rock band and their rise to fame. Told from the perspective of band members and those around them, it captures the excitement, turmoil, and dysfunction that comes with being in a legendary music group. The main character, Daisy Jones, is a talented singer who joins the band, and her tumultuous relationship with lead singer Billy Dunne takes the group to new heights—and ultimately leads to their unraveling. Reid expertly explores themes of love, creativity, and self-destruction.