Ah, January. The month where we all collectively lie to ourselves about becoming better people. Maybe you’ve promised to hit the gym (you won’t), start journaling (you’ll quit by mid-February), or finally call your mom back (she’s still waiting). But among all the ambitious self-improvement goals, there’s one that feels simultaneously achievable and aspirational: becoming a reader.
We all know the goal: You picture yourself curled up in a cozy nook with a cup of tea, effortlessly flipping through pages of something smart and profound. You’re that girlie who can casually drop, “Oh, I just finished the most fascinating book about [insert intellectual topic here]” into conversation. But then reality hits, and suddenly you’re scrolling Instagram for book recs while your copy of The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo collects dust.
Here’s the good news: you don’t have to read 100 books or join an annoying book club to earn the title of “reader.” You just need the right books to fit the kind of reader you want to be. TikTok has made us all feel like we need to read specific books to be “in the know,” but the reality is we can be any type of reader we want. Whether you’re going for “literary intellectual” or “romance novel enthusiast who still has depth,” I’ve got you covered. Here are some book suggestions based on the type of reader you’re trying to be — from new 2025 hits to older favorites.
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The Horny Reader Who Always Has The Best Smut Recs
If you’re craving a high-stakes fantasy with dragons, secrets, and a badass heroine who refuses to back down, Onyx Storm is your next obsession. And you already know the sex scenes are intense.
Icebreaker By Hannah Grace
All I’m going to say is that the hockey player main character will ruin all other book boyfriends for you.
The Kiss Quotient By Helen Hoang
If you’re looking for a cross between steamy and heartwarming (and the occasional appearance of an escort) this book is for you.
Credence By Penelope Douglas
This is for the lovers of things that are a little more taboo.
The Reader Who Knows Everything And Anything About The World We Live In
Whether you’re a policy nerd or just someone who cares about human dignity, this is a must-read.
The Silk Roads: A New History of the World By Peter Frankopan
If you’ve always wanted to know about global trade and cultural exchange, well, let’s just say this book is the perfect one to make you feel like the smartest person in the room at dinner parties.
The Road to Unfreedom: Russia, Europe, America By Timothy Snyder
If you’re looking to be the person in the room who can connect historical dots in no time, this deep dive on authoritarianism and why it matters is just what you need.
Prisoners of Geography: Ten Maps That Tell You Everything You Need to Know About Global Politics By Tim Marshall
This book combines geopolitics with cartography, so you can impress your friends with both your smarts and your map-reading skills.
The Reader Who Knows How To Enjoy A Good Scare
If you love your horror with a side of social commentary, Wake Up and Open Your Eyes is the nightmare you’ll want to dive into. I mean there are demonic possessions — what more could you want?
The Haunting of Hill House By Shirley Jackson
No, watching it on Netflix isn’t enough. I mean, why not start with something you know is a hit?
Mexican Gothic By Silvia Moreno-Garcia
Think Jane Eyre, but make it terrifying.
My Heart Is a Chainsaw By Stephen Graham Jones
If you’re trying to make sure you stay consistent with reading, this horror novel full of twists and turns will definitely ensure you keep turning the page.
The Feminist Reader Who Only Talks About Women’s Issues
Ever wondered what American Psycho would look like in a corset and petticoat? Learning about women’s issues don’t always have to mean reading non-fiction.
Hood Feminism: Notes from the Women That a Movement Forgot By Mikki Kendall
Your feminism doesn’t matter if it’s not intersectional, so this is the perfect place to start.
Cassandra Speaks: When Women Are the Storytellers, the Human Story Changes By Elizabeth Lesser
Putting women’s stories at the forefront, where they belong of course.
Invisible Women: Data Bias in a World Designed for Men By Caroline Criado Perez
Packed with shocking stats and sharp insights, this book will have you ranting about gender inequality for weeks.
The Well-Rounded Reader Who Always Has A Fun Fact Ready
From the dude who made you cry over teenage love comes a deep dive into the disease that has been shaping human history for centuries. You’ll probably leave with a really great appreciation for modern medicine.
Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind By Yuval Noah Harari
I mean, what better book to read if you want to know basically everything about humans ever?
Atlas Obscura: An Explorer’s Guide to the World’s Hidden Wonders By Joshua Foer, Dylan Thuras, and Ella Morton
If you like knowing random bits of trivia about different places in the world, look no further.
The Book of General Ignorance By John Lloyd and John Mitchinson
You know that very specific thing that everyone in your life thinks is true but actually isn’t? You’ll be the one who knows the truth.
