Book Recommendations for Every Mood
If you’re a mood reader, then you know you can’t just pick a book off your TBR and decide that it’s your next read. You have to peruse your shelves to find something that strikes your fancy for whatever mood you’re currently in. Sometimes you want something warm and cozy that you can curl up in bed with. Maybe you’re feeling adventurous and want to go on an epic quest with characters. Or you’re feeling lonely and want something with found family. Whatever mood you’re in, there’s a book for it! Here are some suggestions that you can find at The Reading Chamber:
When You’re Feeling Nostalgic
For me, 2000s movies always had a nostalgic quality and it’s not just because I grew up in that time period. It’s seeing people interact without as much social media (looking at you A Cinderella Story) and relying more on personal connection. The same feeling can come across in these books:
Running around outside playing games is a childhood carefree fixture that you miss as you get older. This book brings you back into that feeling with an epic scavenger hunt throughout the course of one night. But the stakes are a little higher with trying not to be caught. This book brought me back to summer camp, teenage games of truth or dare, and soaking in the last moments before graduation and adult life kicks in.
Summer days, drifting away… just kidding, summer is only starting when Along for the Ride takes place. Those summer nights spent on the boardwalk, riding bikes around town, lounging on the beach in the heat. That sounds delectable to me, especially since it takes place in the late 2000s and has that magical bubble of being disconnected from the “real world.”
Picture this: a road trip without GPS. Shocking, I know! But Amy and Roger do rely on maps during their cross-country road trip. Between that, the music playlists, and good old-fashioned sight seeing, this book is sure to bring you nostalgic feelings.
When You’re Feeling Adventurous
What’s more adventurous than being on the run after committing treason? Oh, adding hidden enemies and a deadly test that Lysta needs to escape from. This book is heart-pounding and a great read if your adventurous streak makes you rebellious.
If you’re adventurous mood wants to take you to new realms, then Rise of the Ash Kingdom, is for you. Join in on the magic and the fight against a false queen on the throne. Briar’s journey is tough, but she’s tougher.
What happens when you mix viking lore with fairytales? You get Curse of Shadows and Thorns! Elise is a strong character trying to make a way for herself in a very male-dominated world. When you add romance, mysterious castle attacks, murder, revenge, and magic, you can’t ask for a better adventure!
When You’re Feeling Angry
On the Subject of Unmentionable Things
If you’re angry at the state of the world and women’s rights right now (myself included) then this is the best book to read. It has very realistic depictions of sexual education in schools and real-world implications. This book is great to scream at and sympathize with the main character. With an accurate ending, this won’t give you a fairy-tale ending, which is good to keep your anger flowing and use it to amplify your voice.
Jordan is the quarterback of her high school’s football team, and she’s a girl. She’s badass for sure, and the team has her back, but this book definitely has moments where you want to rage against the patriarchy. But don’t be discouraged, this is still all about women empowerment and showing that girls can do anything boys can do!
Emilia’s thirst for vengeance after her sister’s murder is everything when you feel like watching the world burn. Adding a hot guy along for the mix is just an added bonus.
When You’re Feeling Happy and Content
Emerge is such as sweet romance that’s a twist on The Little Mermaid. It has all the makings of first love, sisterly bonds, and magical worlds while still having a strong female lead. This book will have your happiness level increase and kick your feet (or fins!) in giggles!
Romantic comedy movies are fan-favorites for a reason and Anna and the French Kiss is a great version of those in book form! Living in Paris, finding some life-long friends, and a cute French boy to crush on? Sign me up! This is a great book for keeping your happy mood going and giving you a fun, romantic read that’s still very well written.
The meeting someone twice theory is strong in this book. Anna and Finn used to date, but broke up before he moved away. Years later and now he’s back and it’s their senior year. This second-chance romance is adorable, does not have a ton of drama like some teen romances can, and readers will find joy in Anna and Finn’s journey toward each other again.
When You’re Feeling Sad
While this book sounds like it would just be a happy-go-lucky romance in the summer (and it is for the most part), there is a larger theme of grief throughout the book while Meredith comes to terms with her sister’s death. It has its sad moments for when you want to cry, but it will also make you laugh those tears away!
Jackie’s situation is truly devastating in this book. Losing her whole family then moving in with a family that has eleven boys is heart-wrenching. But Jackie is strong and faces everything head-on. Moments will absolutely squeeze some tears from your eyes, but it’s not all doom and gloom.
The sequel to Emerge, you’ll want to read that book first. This title is definitely something to read while you’re sad as it is gut-wrenching from the first few chapters. You will physically feel Lia’s pain throughout the book, but don’t worry it’s definitely worth going through because the last book in the trilogy, Immerse, is soooo worth it!
