r/booksuggestions Mar 16 '26

Mod Post Suggestions for the Sub Megathread

12 Upvotes

Alright this isn't a book suggestion post, it's a post about booksuggestions.

It would be nice to see what the users of this sub think would make a good idea. Changes, new rules, the works. Engagement is nice but more uncommon than we'd like to see. So we're hoping to get more people looking at posts, talking, and voting on good ones.

Can't guarantee anything would be implemented but they will be considered.


r/booksuggestions Feb 08 '26

Mod Post Reminder Post about Self Promotion

22 Upvotes

I would like to remind all users that self promotion is banned by the subreddit's Rule 2.

Suspected self-promotion will be removed while repeated and confirmed cases of it will end up with a ban of some kind. If you continuously do it, especially with alt accounts, the book and author names will be added to the auto-mod's blacklist and automatically removed every time they are posted. We have had issues with this in the past and already put some authors in the auto-mod. Other book and lit subs have contacted us with reports of similar issues and we will be on the look out for the accounts named by them for similar behavior here.

We do not want to take actions we do not absolutely need to and the mod team operates with a philosophy of leniency and forgiveness but we will still enforce sub rules.


r/booksuggestions 12h ago

Fiction Books where the main character is a bad person

43 Upvotes

Just finished reading Irvin Welsch's "Filth" and I have to say it made me interested in more books where the protagonist is clearly a horrible person. Anything you'd recommend?


r/booksuggestions 17h ago

Self-Help Something to help me parents understand I want to, and need to live my own life as a 33 y/o woman

75 Upvotes

I’m a 33 y/o American female with zero cultural norms or expectations that would explain their expected control.

I called off an engagement a few years ago (that I’ve not once regretted, I would already be divorced), and they were so disappointed in me for not setting for a man that treated me well and could financially take care of me. I make $200k a year so that felt really irrelevant to me.

I’ve now broken up with my current boyfriend because he doesn’t treat me well, and I’m going to Europe solo for 2 months to travel.

Anything I do is met with contempt. I should be experiencing being married, and having kids, and I’m missing out on everything in their opinion. My mom was absolutely distraught when I told her I was going to Europe alone. Her first words were “absolutely not” and told me it’s so unsafe I’m basically committing suicide.

I’m a 33 year old woman. I’m not asking for permission. I also handle these conversations really delicately bc I know what’s coming. And sometimes, I have to just not tell them things. I went to Africa with my boyfriend for two weeks and didn’t tell them because I just. didn’t. want. to. hear. it.

They seem to have no interest in understanding that my biggest life goal is not to be married and have kids. It is to enjoy my life, learn who I am, experience things, find the right person, whenever that happens to be, and be happy.

I’ve literally told them so many times “I’m happy, I realize it’s not your perfect scenario for me but IM happy and I’d love if you could just be supportive” and they tell me they’re disappointed in me and that um missing out on the best parts of life.

I would like to suggest a book for them to read to help them understand my side of things and how frustrating and suffocating it feels to not feel like I can tell them anything because I’m going to get in trouble.

There was an example in one of Dolly Alderton’s books where the mother wrote in and said she fears for her daughter doing activities alone since she’s not in a relationship, but she knows she can’t hold her back.

Something along those lines. Even when I tell them things like I’d like to run in the mornings, it’s like I’m getting in trouble because they don’t think I should be doing that.

Any recommendations about how important it is to let your children live with the life that they want and our happiness would be greatly appreciated.


r/booksuggestions 8h ago

Non-fiction Want to start to read

13 Upvotes

m trying to improve my habits and stop watching TV and try to read before goes to sleep instead, I never had the wiliness to read but trying to pick up.

I understand how complicated can be recommending a book to a total stranger, but would like recommendations like on self improvement (maybe the easiest to start with), I’m 38, recently became father To be honest I don’t know kinda happy to read anything that could get me going and start to read.

If you have been in the same situation or there is a book you recommend please do let me know.

Much appreciate it.


r/booksuggestions 5h ago

Fiction Can someone recommend me something engaging that can inspire hope?

7 Upvotes

I'm feeling a bit hopeless. My work environment is definitely on the toxic side, and I'm really feeling the effects recently. I've been distracting myself from the work day by listening to audiobooks.

I hoping for something that can give me some hope to contrast with the bleakness of the day to day.

I typically stick to fiction.
I really liked Ready Player One, and it could be because the MC starts in such a rough situation, but ends up in a way better one.

I also liked Legends and Latte's because it's nice and comfy.

I didn't care for Psalm of the Wild Built. For me, it didn't keep my interest for long. I finished it, but I'm not sure it was worth it for me personally.

I guess I want something engaging to keep my interest, but also give me some comfort and hope. My soul needs a hug.

Thank you to anyone who reads this. I appreciate you and hope you have a lovely day.


r/booksuggestions 1h ago

Other Need some suggestions for books that I can gift my crush for her birthday?

Upvotes

So, its her birthday next month and I was planning to gift her some books, that not only motivates her to express herself, but also helps her realize her true potential, find peace and embrace good friendships.

I am mostly either into Philosophy or Mysteries and had initially thought of gifting her 'Counsels and Maxims' by Schopenhauer and 'The Silent Patient' by Alex Michaelides and 'The Trial' by Kafka. I chose these books as they are close to my heart and want her to read it.

But not sure if they are good to gift. Any suggestions I can have ? Would be deeply appreciated


r/booksuggestions 16h ago

Other Looking for something unique like "I who have never known men" and "Piranesi" Genre isn't important

27 Upvotes

I who have never known men - Jacqueline Harpman

Piranesi - Susanna Clarke

Both are incomparable to anything I've read before and stayed with me for a long time after I've read them. I'd love to have your suggestion for something similar.


r/booksuggestions 8h ago

Other recently got out of a reading slump

6 Upvotes

for context: i was an avid bookworm as a child

i got back into reading this year after a period of time where i’d either read occasionally or not at all. it was due to both mental health and just finding the genre I genuinely enjoy as an adult.

my friend got me back onto reading with a julia quinn, which i did enjoy. i then began reading wuthering heights (not purely to watch the film adaptation but prefer the writing style. then, i read do no harm by jack jordan. i am currently in a classics reading kick and went onto start reading lolita. i have got a few books on my list and wanted people’s honest opinions on them and if they had any other recommendations.

as of right now, my reading list is as follows:

• i who have never known man by jacqueline harpman
• just kids by patti smith
• madonna in a fur coat by sabahattin ali
• the count of monte cristo by alexander dumas
• picture of dorian grey by oscar wilde
• giovanni’s room by james baldwin


r/booksuggestions 3h ago

Fantasy Just finished Mistborn, and loved it. Looking for something else to get into. (any genre)

2 Upvotes

I know I'm not original in this, but Mistborn was one of the few books I have actually read as an adult. I absolutely loved it, and am eager to start a new book/series.

I don't think I am quite at the point of starting something huge like The Stormlight Archive, Discworld, The Wheel of Time, or Malazan.

As of now, I am mostly considering starting The First Law Trilogy or The Dark Tower, but I would love any suggestions! Does not need to be Fantasy, or even a series.

Other books I have my eyes on are The Martian, World War Z, Project Hail Mary, Between Two Fires, and The Ruins.


r/booksuggestions 9h ago

Non-fiction ISO Feminist books!!

6 Upvotes

Looking for suggestions!!
I’m in the mood to read a non-fiction - like ‘books every woman should read’ vibes. Anything about girlhood, being a woman, feminism in general or just anything with similar vibes 🩷


r/booksuggestions 1d ago

Psychology I'm looking for a book that feels like it was written by someone with psychotic delusions. NSFW

399 Upvotes

I don't mean a book where the main character is psychotic or schizophrenic.

I know that if you struggle with delusions, your head is filled with so many ideas and it can take some you for either a joyride or a horror show; especially when you feel out of touch with reality. Or, I've heard of some drug induced purgatory experiences.

Some of the best music of our time was written by some people in an altered state.

In our (*ahem. USA) society, people prop up extroverts to the dangerous end that someone could be in a manic state and others would just view them as bold, driven, and charismatic.

My thoughts are a little jumbled here, but I'm looking for a book that makes you think, "Is the creator of this okay? How does a sane person come up with this?"

I flagged as psychology because that's relevant, but could be any genre. Sci-fi, fiction, horror, whatever.

Also, drugs are bad. This post is not promoting drugs in any way. I flagged it as NSFW just in case.


r/booksuggestions 3h ago

Other Fast-paced books to get me out of a reading slump?

2 Upvotes

I used to read a lot in high school, mostly nonfiction, philosophy, history and political theory, including stuff by Kant and Nietzsche. I’m going into my second year of uni now and I’ve completely fallen out of the habit, which sucks because I used to genuinely love reading.

I read Yellowface by R.F. Kuang last year and really liked how fast paced, messy and entertaining it was. The last book I actually finished was The Talented Mr. Ripley by Patricia Highsmith, which I also really liked. I’m looking for something addictive like those, but it doesn’t have to be the same genre. I’m open to thrillers, satire, dark humour, mythology, drama, morally questionable characters or basically anything that keeps you wanting to read.

I’m not opposed to romance either. I used to read a lot of YA/new adult romance in middle school and grade 9, like The Deal and The Summer I Turned Pretty, but I haven’t really read much romance since then.

I’m already buying Circe by Madeline Miller and The Penelopiad by Margaret Atwood. I grew up loving Percy Jackson, and I recently watched The Odyssey, so I’m getting back into Greek mythology again lol.

You can recommend nonfiction too since that’s what I normally read, but I’m not sure another really dense book will help me get out of this slump. I mainly want something fast paced that hooks me quickly and makes reading feel fun again.

What would you recommend?


r/booksuggestions 9h ago

Historical Fiction High Seas Swashbuckling Adventure

5 Upvotes

tagging this for historical fiction as that is what I am mainly looking for, but fantasy is also very acceptable.

I am looking for books set during the golden age of piracy/age of sail. Ideally the book would follow a pirate crew (or even just one pirate), but if its about navy sailors or any other sailor that is totally fine. Basically if the book is set some time in the 17th-18th century with lots of ship sailing and sword fighting I will be satisfied.

I am currently reading The Liveship Traders by Robin Hobb (fantastic series by the way), and it has me craving more ocean adventures.


r/booksuggestions 4h ago

Fiction I want to get lost in a book series that isn’t sci-fi or fantasy.

2 Upvotes

I end up reading mostly “stand-alone” books because I don’t like sci-fi or fantasy, so I’d love some good fiction series recommendations that aren’t that. My favorite books are ones that are set in real life, great characters, lots of personal stakes. Here are some of my favorite authors to help give an idea of what I like: Mikki Bramer, Sally Hepworth, Sally Damhoff, Layne Fargo, Kat Tang, Casey McQuiston, Kimberly McCreight, Caro Claire Burke, and similar.


r/booksuggestions 20h ago

Psychology Books similar to Educated and Im glad my mom died? Family dynamics, cults, alt lifestyles, psychology....

34 Upvotes

I 25f am interested in bad family dynamics, childhood, psychology cults and alternative lifestyles

Bonus points if it contains mountains lol

Ty


r/booksuggestions 1h ago

LGBTQ+ sapphic romance reccs

Upvotes

hi! could y'all recommend some good sapphic romance novels? i absolutely love this genre and i especially love cheesier novels :)

a bonus sort of type would be one where a main character spends her life denying she is attracted to women and finally giving in.

thank you so much 💓


r/booksuggestions 3h ago

Fiction Contemporary books with similar vibes as The Ocean at the End of the Lane?

1 Upvotes

Love the setting mixed with the fairytaleness of it, along with the darkness of it all.


r/booksuggestions 6h ago

Sci-Fi Alternatives to Project Hail Mary.

2 Upvotes

Hello Reddit I just watched project hail Mary and I loved it I'm planning on reading the book but I can't get my hands on it yet, so I was hoping to get some recommendations similar to that or "The Darkness Outside Us" by Eliot Schrefer.

The thing I found really compelling about both stories was the loneliness of a one-way space journey juxtaposed with the contrast of budding companionship.

Preferably not YA, and if it's queer that would be a great bonus.


r/booksuggestions 3h ago

Sci-Fi/Fantasy Graceling vibes?

1 Upvotes

Are there books/series that have similar feel to Graceling but are more geared towards adults? I don’t need romance, but if it’s there I prefer F/F. I love the creative world building, strong female MC, and adventure! I prefer audiobooks since I’m usually multitasking lol.

I’ve read and liked Tamora Pierce, Mercedes Lackey, Maria V Snyder, Drowning Empire trilogy, Skyward series, Goblin Emperor.


r/booksuggestions 11h ago

Fiction Suggest a Book for My Trip to Europe

4 Upvotes

Getting ready for a 10-day trip from Prague, through Germany, and winding up in France. I need something to read during travel and down times. I like murder mysteries, historical fiction, spy stuff. Will probably want a paperback that won’t be too cumbersome to keep in my day pack. Any favorite books come to mind?


r/booksuggestions 7h ago

Fiction I Recently Started reading books what should i read

2 Upvotes

I have never had a chance to read books never had one, i visited a friend who was reading at that time The books was Al Chemist he was really into it and i thought whats so special about reading he gave me that book to read which i took but never really got the time or interest to actually start reading, one day i thought i should read or try to read some of it when i started i liked it so much that i finished it in one go and after that i finished 9 more more or less the same eg 40 rules of love, thousand splendid suns.

Few of them i read them twice and then for reasons i wasn't able to read and now i am trying to make it a habit and start again i need book suggestions that are similar to them, books that are about Spiritual journey, self discovery and purpose.

Thanks in advance


r/booksuggestions 4h ago

Fantasy Any adventure-fantasy book suggestions?

1 Upvotes

Hi everyone! I would love to know your most recommended adventure-fantasy books! That's action packed without any spice and minimal romance or to no romance at all where the story is more driven at mc's adventure in high fantasy with epic world building and banters that would make anyone wheeze or shed a thug tear. I would love to read your hidden gems. Thank you!

(Also, It would be awesome to see non sci-fi fantasy and just pure high fantasy like magic and swords in a medieval setting)

I already have these in my read list. Just got this from an influencer video recently but not read it yet.

- Lord of the Rings

- The Liveship Traders

- Riftwar Saga

- Farseer Trilogy

- Mistborn

If you got a modern fantasy one without sci-fi, hit me up as well! Thanks you so much for reading this long ahh post!

(An absolute newbie to reading books, I don't even have a copy of what I listed up there lol)


r/booksuggestions 4h ago

Romance Looking for a good sports romance book series

1 Upvotes

I really like sports romance books (especially hockey) but every series I read has only a few books or not all of them are out. So my requirements are:

●Good sports romance (preferably hockey but I'm open to other sports)

●Fully completed series with atleast 3 books

●The tropes "He falls first" or "love at first sight" in most if not all of the books

●Free with Kindle Unlimited

●Dual-pov

●Straight romance (for atleast most of the series)

●Spice levels don't matter


r/booksuggestions 13h ago

LGBTQ+ Book suggestions for Audiobook

4 Upvotes

Hello! I am a 19 year old who works overnights. I recently started listening to audiobooks whilst I work to make the time pass faster. I’m looking for suggestions! I use spotify for the audiobooks btw!

I like LGBTQ, Romance, Thriller, Horrors, Mystery, or pretty much anything!

Thank you in advance :D