5 star books i think everyone should read

hello.

i don’t give out many 5 star book reviews. typically, for me to reward a book 5 stars, it needs to make a significant impact on my life and give me an experience. i want more than a story. i’m a mood reader, so there are plenty of books i enjoy reading, but that doesn’t mean i deem them worthy of 5 stars.

as my schedule has grown increasingly busy, i find myself being extra selective with the books i read. and as a side note, we’re approaching november, which is my absolute all-time favorite month to read. there is nothing more moody and (almost sensual?) about dark, stormy, cold nights, lighting a warm woody or gourmand candle, eating a sweet treat, drinking tea, playing jazz or classical in the background, and diving deep into a rich piece of literature that satiates your brain and soul.

alas… i want to leave you with some of my all time favorite books. disclaimer: i don’t think any of these are “feel-good” per se, but i can promise you that they will leave a significant impact on your life. i call them project books- or forever books, because i will always re-read these and learn something new and they’re to be read analytically and thoughtfully.

5 star books:

the bluest eye by toni morrison – this haunting novel centers around pecola, a young black girl who longs for blue eyes and blonde hair, believing these traits will make her beautiful and, ultimately, loved. morrison explores the devastating impact of internalized racism and the destructive standards of beauty imposed on black women. it’s a heart-wrenching, lyrical story that forces you to confront uncomfortable truths about race, identity, and trauma in america.

the brothers karamazov by dostoevsky – it’s intense but so rich in its exploration of human nature that you can't help but feel drawn into its complexity. set in 19th century russia, this novel follows the lives of the three karamazov brothers—dmitri, ivan, and alyosha—as they grapple with questions of faith, morality, and family loyalty. at its core, it’s a murder mystery wrapped in a deep philosophical discussion about the nature of good and evil. dostoevsky’s exploration of religion, free will, and human nature makes this a profound and timeless read.

the book of disquiet by fernando pessoa – written as a collection of fragmented thoughts, reflections, and dreams by bernardo soares, this book is a semi-autobiographical persona of pessoa. it’s not a conventional novel with a plot but rather a philosophical diary of a man wrestling with his inner world. the book’s meditations on identity, solitude, and the meaning of life are profoundly personal, yet they resonate on a universal level.

a breath of life by clarice lispector – a metafictional dialogue between an unnamed male narrator and his creation, angela. the story blurs the lines between author and character, exploring themes of existence, identity, and creation itself. lispector’s poetic and introspective prose makes this a deeply philosophical read, perfect for anyone who enjoys literature that challenges conventional storytelling.

night sky with exit wounds by ocean vuong – vuong’s poetry collection is a stunning exploration of war, family, identity, and queerness. his writing is both raw and lyrical, blending personal history with cultural trauma. vuong writes about his vietnamese heritage, his queer identity, and the emotional complexity of love and loss, all with a tenderness that makes each poem feel like a quiet revelation.

rebecca by daphne du maurier – this gothic novel tells the story of a young, unnamed woman who marries a wealthy widower, maxim de winter, only to find herself living in the shadow of his first wife, rebecca. as she uncovers the dark secrets of manderley estate, she becomes increasingly obsessed with the seemingly perfect rebecca. it’s a masterclass in suspense, full of mystery, romance, and a slow-burning sense of dread.

babel by r.f. kuang – set in an alternate 19th century oxford, babel follows robin swift, a young boy brought from china to study at the prestigious royal institute of translation. the novel is a blend of fantasy and historical fiction, using language and translation as metaphors to critique colonialism, power, and resistance. kuang’s intricate world-building and sharp social commentary make this a deeply immersive and thought-provoking read.

white nights by dostoevsky – white nights tells the story of a lonely young man who meets a woman named nastenka over the course of four nights in st. petersburg. the two share their stories of heartache and unfulfilled love, creating a brief yet profound connection. this is a bittersweet tale of love, loneliness, and the fleeting nature of human relationships, written with dostoevsky’s signature emotional depth.

the picture of dorian gray by oscar wilde – dorian gray, a handsome young man, becomes obsessed with preserving his beauty after having his portrait painted. as he delves into a life of hedonism and moral decay, the portrait begins to age and reflect the corruption of his soul, while dorian remains outwardly youthful. wilde’s exploration of vanity, excess, and the consequences of living without moral restraint makes this novel both entertaining and deeply philosophical.

on strike against god by joanna russ – this book is a sharply witty and feminist story about esther, an english professor who experiences her first lesbian love affair in the 1970s. as esther navigates homophobia within both feminist and gay communities, she must confront the ways in which societal expectations have shaped her understanding of identity and desire. russ’s darkly comedic take on feminism, sexuality, and self-discovery is both thought-provoking and refreshingly unapologetic.

the second sex by simone de beauvoir – a foundational feminist text that is so thought-provoking and insightful, it still feels revolutionary. the book examines the oppression of women through history, de beauvoir breaks down how women have been defined as "the other" by men. this philosophical and social analysis dives into topics like marriage, motherhood, and work, offering a detailed critique of patriarchy. it’s a dense but rewarding read that will change the way you think about gender and society.

the myth of sisyphus by albert camus – camus uses the myth of sisyphus, a man condemned to roll a boulder up a hill for eternity, as a metaphor for the human condition. through this lens, he explores the concept of the absurd—the search for meaning in a meaningless world. yet, rather than despair, camus finds a kind of freedom in embracing the absurd, offering a surprisingly hopeful take on existentialism.

coraline by neil gaiman – coraline, a young girl, discovers a hidden door in her new home that leads to an eerie parallel world. everything seems better there—until she realizes her "other mother" has sinister plans for her. gaiman’s dark fairy tale is filled with creepy, magical elements and a sense of adventure, making it both a thrilling and heartwarming read about courage, curiosity, and finding your way back home.

consider this a part 1? there are several others on my list of 5 star books and perhaps i’ll write a part 2 to this letter.

this post feels like a prelude to november- a love letter to one of my favorite months of the year. now is the time to indulge in rich literature.

okay, that’s all for today.

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i love you.

bye.

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