Reading is a universally cherished pastime for people across all backgrounds and experiences. On a library bench today, children giggling at charming picture books may be seated, while tomorrow, elders may take their place, seated with thought-provoking novels and questions of the deeper meanings of life. No matter who you are, reading is for everyone and there is no better feeling than discovering a book that truly resonates with you. With this in mind, I have created a monthly reading guide featuring popular genres and iconic books of each to spark your interest in reading and help you find a genre you love.

January: Classics
For the first month of the year, you may want to check out some classic novels. For many, classics are the gateway into reading, as they offer unique and timeless ideas which resonate with readers across the globe.

• Crime and Punishment by Fyodor Dostoevsky (1866)
• The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald (1925)
• One Hundred Years of Solitude by Gabriel García Márquez(1967)

February: Romance
Valentine’s day is coming up soon! A beloved genre to many, romance is perfect for getting into the spirit of love and passion.

• Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen (1813)
• Normal People by Sally Rooney (2018)
• Better Than the Movies by Lynn Painter (2021)

March: Feminist

With March being Women’s History Month, what better way is there to celebrate this significant time of the year than by engaging with literature written by women and exploring their diverse and strong voices throughout history?

• Little Women by Louisa May Alcott (1868)
• The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood (1985)
• Their Eyes Were Watching God by Zora Neale Hurston (1937)

April: Comedy

April Fools!!! Start off the month of April with a laugh by checking out a comedic novel or satire along with your April Fools pranks.

• Crazy Rich Asians by Kevin Kwon (2013)
• The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams (1979)
• Good Omens by Neil Gaiman and Terry Pratchett (1990)

May: Historical

With Memorial Day coming up, you may be curious about the lives of soldiers or those impacted by wars throughout history. This is the perfect chance to look into the historical/historical fiction genre, specifically war period novels. 

• All Quiet on the Western Front by Erich Maria Remarque (1928)
• The Book Thief by Markus Zusak (2005)
• The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah (2015)

June: Dystopian
For the month of June, maybe look into a dystopian novel. This genre is perfect for those looking out for thought-provoking social commentary and criticism.

• The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins (2008)
• Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury (1949)
• Animal Farm by George Orwell (1945)

July: Adventure

July marks the start of the long-awaited summer vacation! Try an adventure novel to match the excitement and vigor of your summer.

• Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo (2015)
• The Maze Runner by James Dashner (2009)
• Powerless by Lauren Roberts (2023)

August: Coming-of-age

With the final month of summer break, August marks the end of one chapter in your life and the start of another. This is the perfect time for a coming-of-age novel that captures the challenges of growth through relatable life experiences.

• The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky (1999)
• The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton (1967)
• Anne of Green Gables by Lucy Maud Montgomery (1908)

September: Psychological thriller
School is back in session! For an intellectually stimulating experience, you may want to pick up a psychological thriller. These novels keep you on the edge of your seat and are full of crazy twists and turns.

• The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde (1890)
• Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn (2012)
• The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides (2019)

October: Horror

BOO! It’s Halloween season! If you are someone who loves a good scare, make sure to try out a horror novel to keep you on the edge of your seat.

• Dracula by Bram Stoker (1897)
• Frankenstein by Mary Shelley (1818)
• IT by Stephen King (1986)

November: Poetry

November is a month known for the lovely leavy red-orange scenery that comes with autumn. For this month, check out a poetry collection and immerse yourself with the beauty and cruelty of life through.

• Ariel: Poems by Sylvia Plath (1965)
• Leaves of Grass by Walt Whitman (1855)
• The Complete Poems of Emily Dickinson by Emily Dickinson (1890)

December: Fantasy

In the final month of the year, send  off the year with something special. Delve into the magic world of fantasy novels and plunge into a whole new universe.

• Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi (2011)
• The Fellowship of the Ring by J.R.R. Tolkien (1954)
• Neverwhere by Neil Gaiman (1996)

With such a wide variety of genres, there truly is a book for everyone. Hopefully with this guide you can find a book you’ll love and immerse yourself in the world of literature. Happy reading!