📚 Books to Read After Malibu Rising
Just finished malibu rising? Here are 5 magical next reads curated just for you:
📘 The House in the Cerulean Sea by TJ Klune
Rating: 4.42 / 5 (64,167 ratings), Published: 2020
When to read it: When you need a heartwarming escape from reality, filled with whimsy and charm.
This enchanting tale follows Linus Baker, a caseworker for magical youth, as he embarks on a unique assignment to an orphanage on a remote island. Through themes of found family and acceptance, this book weaves a poignant story that will leave you feeling uplifted and confident in the power of kindness.
Genres: Fantasy, LGBTQ+, Found Family, Magic Realism
After reading: You'll be left with a renewed sense of hope and a belief in the transformative strength of compassion and understanding.
📘 The Vanishing Half by Brit Bennett
Rating: 4.22 / 5 (197,911 ratings), Published: 2020
When to read it: When you crave a thought-provoking exploration of identity, family, and societal expectations.
Following twin sisters who take divergent paths—one passing as white and the other embracing her Black heritage—this novel delves into themes of race, relationships, and the complexities of personal choice. Through its powerful narrative, it offers profound insights on the impact of decisions and the enduring bonds that tie us together.
Genres: Fiction, Historical Fiction, Family Saga, Race
After reading: You'll gain a deeper understanding of the intricacies of human connection and the profound influence of our choices on our sense of self.
📘 Evvie Drake Starts Over by Linda Holmes
Rating: 3.90 / 5 (60,369 ratings), Published: 2019
When to read it: When you're in need of a light-hearted, feel-good story that still speaks to matters of the heart.
In this charming novel, Evvie Drake finds herself navigating love, loss, and second chances in a small Maine town. With a blend of wit and warmth, this book explores themes of healing, friendship, and the unexpected paths that lead us to new beginnings.
Genres: Romance, Contemporary Fiction, Friendship
After reading: You'll feel a renewed sense of optimism and a reminder that resilience and connection can emerge from life's most challenging moments.
📘 Such a Fun Age by Kiley Reid
Rating: 3.91 / 5 (278,758 ratings), Published: 2019
When to read it: When you're ready to delve into a thought-provoking examination of privilege, race, and social dynamics.
This novel follows Emira, a young Black woman working as a babysitter for a wealthy white family, as she navigates a pivotal moment that unravels complex truths about identity and relationships. Through its insightful storytelling, the book powerfully explores themes of race, class, and the nuances of interpersonal connections.
Genres: Fiction, Contemporary, Race, Social Issues
After reading: You'll be prompted to reflect on societal structures, personal biases, and the impact of privilege on our perceptions and experiences.
📘 The Light We Lost by Jill Santopolo
Rating: 3.91 / 5 (76,423 ratings), Published: 2017
When to read it: When you're in the mood for a poignant and bittersweet love story that lingers in your heart.
Through the lens of a decade-long love story, this novel follows Lucy and Gabe as they navigate the complexities of timing, distance, and the enduring power of first love. With lyrical prose and emotional depth, it explores themes of destiny, sacrifice, and the enduring impact of pivotal relationships on our lives.
Genres: Romance, Contemporary Fiction, Heartbreak
After reading: You'll find yourself contemplating the enduring nature of love, the choices that shape our paths, and the echoes of past connections in our present.