We’ve officially made it through the first quarter of the year, and out of the 35 books I’ve read so far… there are a handful I just cannot shut up about.
Like seriously, if you came over right now and we started talking books, these are the ones I’d immediately grab off the shelf, drop on the table, and tell you “you need to read this.”
So yeah, welcome to the library.
Today, we’re talking about the best books I’ve read so far this year.
Quick note before we jump in: none of these are rereads. I did revisit a few favorites, but I wanted this list to focus on first-time experiences. Also, there are some really good books that didn’t make the cut, so I’ll probably do a tier list later just to give those some love too.
Alright, let’s get into it.
1- The Infinite Sadness of Small Appliances – Glenn Dixon
This book hooked me instantly.
A near-future smart home. Sentient appliances. A little Roomba listening to its owner read to his dying wife… and deciding to call itself Scout.
Yeah. That’s the premise.
And somehow, it’s even better than it sounds.
What starts off feeling like cozy, almost Pixar-like sci-fi slowly reveals something deeper and a bit darker. It’s full of literary references, emotional honesty, and surprisingly big ideas about humanity, memory, and what it means to belong.
It’s not perfect. Some plot threads drift a bit, and the world could’ve been fleshed out more. But honestly? It doesn’t matter that much. The heart of this story carries it.
If you like speculative fiction that leans more toward emotion than tech, this one is absolutely worth your time.
2- A Monster Calls – Patrick Ness
This one… yeah. This one hurt.
The story follows Connor, a boy dealing with his mother’s illness, who is visited at night by a monster that tells him stories. But eventually, the monster asks for something in return.
And that’s where things get real.
This is one of the most honest explorations of grief I’ve ever read. Not dramatic for the sake of being sad, not manipulative… just real.
It’s the kind of book that sits with you long after you finish it. The kind you think about randomly days later.
I genuinely think everyone should read this at some point.
3- Theo of Golden – Allen Levi
This book is hard to explain without sounding overly sentimental… but I’ll try.
A man arrives in a small town, finds portraits of its residents hanging in a café, and decides to return each one to its owner in exchange for their story.
That’s it.
And somehow, it becomes something really special.
It’s not perfect. Not even close. But the heart of this book? The curiosity, the kindness, the way it values people and their stories… it’s exactly the kind of thing I wish we saw more of.
In a world that leans heavily toward cynicism, this feels like a quiet reminder that there’s another way to live.
4- A Man Called Ove – Fredrik Backman
I don’t know how Backman does it. I really don’t.
Ove is grumpy, rigid, and honestly kind of unbearable at first. But as his story unfolds, you start to see the layers… and suddenly you’re laughing, then tearing up, then questioning your entire emotional stability.
This book hits that weird balance between humor and heartbreak perfectly.
It’s about loneliness, purpose, community… and how much we actually need each other, even when we pretend we don’t.
Also yes, this one made me cry. Like, real tears.
5- The Murder at World’s End – Ross Montgomery
Locked-room mystery. Remote island. Strange guests. A murder that shouldn’t be possible.
This book just gets it.
It’s clever, funny, and constantly keeps you guessing. You’ll think you’ve solved it… you haven’t. Trust me.
Also, the characters, especially Miss Desimma, are just ridiculously entertaining.
Even if you’re not usually into mysteries, this one is super approachable and just a great time.
6- Ironbound – Andrew Givler
This is one of the most fun fantasy reads I’ve had in a while.
Roman-inspired world, elemental magic tied to symbols, a revenge-driven main character… and pacing that just doesn’t slow down.
It’s fast, intense, and incredibly easy to get into. Honestly, it almost reads like a movie.
If you’re someone who struggles to get into fantasy, this is a great place to start.
7- The Lies of Locke Lamora – Scott Lynch
I waited way too long to read this.
Master thieves. Layered heists. A rich, gritty city. Sharp dialogue and brutal moments all mixed together.
It’s chaotic in the best way.
The pacing, the humor, the twists… everything just works. And yeah, this absolutely deserves a TV adaptation.
8- Between Two Fires – Christopher Buehlman
This one is weirdly specific… and somehow amazing.
Medieval France during the Black Death, mixed with demons, angels, and a larger spiritual war happening in the background.
It’s dark. Like, really dark at times.
But it’s also thoughtful, atmospheric, and surprisingly meaningful, especially when it comes to themes like faith and redemption.
If you want something different, something that feels like its own thing, this is it.
9- Japanese Gothic – Kylie Lee Baker
This is what I’d call real gothic horror.
Dual timelines, slow burn tension, and an atmosphere that just quietly creeps up on you.
It’s not about jump scares. It’s about mood, unease, and that lingering feeling that something is very wrong… even if you can’t fully explain why.
And the deeper you get into it, the darker it becomes.
If you like horror that takes its time and trusts you as a reader, this one is absolutely worth picking up.
10- The Sword of Kaigen – M.L. Wang
This book stayed with me.
It’s a standalone fantasy, but it hits with the weight of a full series. The characters feel real, the relationships have depth, and every decision carries consequences.
The action is intense, but it’s never just spectacle. Everything matters.
It explores identity, legacy, family… and it does it in a way that actually sticks.
Even if fantasy isn’t your usual thing, this is one of those books that can pull you in.