I’m not afraid to admit when I’m wrong. For most of my life, I avoided sci-fi like the plague; I’m a fantasy girl, through and through. But it turns out the imagination it takes to tell stories about alien races or artificial intelligence is just as vast and exciting as those that focus on dragons and wizards.

I owe this newfound love of science fiction to Shaun David Hutchinson’s At the Edge of the Universe. While much of it is based in our contemporary world, the mystery and fear surrounding a shrinking universe that only one person can remember had me awake until the wee hours of the morning trying to find out what happened to the protagonist’s boyfriend! While I think this book is a one-of-a-kind, I know there are other authors with amazing stories featuring LGBTQIA+ characters. So if you’re eager for more LGBTQIA+ characters in sci-fi and fantasy, here are a few to try.

23 Must-Read Sci-Fi & Fantasy Books with LGBTQIA+ Characters

City of Bones cover image
City of Bones by Cassandra Clare
Clary is introduced to the world of the Shadowhunters, a secret cadre of warriors dedicated to driving demons out of our world and back to their own. A fan favorite in this series, Magnus Bane is a bisexual warlock who has lived for hundreds of years.
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We Are the Ants by Shaun David Hutchinson
Henry has spent years being periodically abducted by aliens. Then the aliens give him an ultimatum: the world will end in 144 days, and all Henry has to do to stop it is push a big red button. Only he isn’t sure he wants to. Can you imagine having that much power…and that much responsibility? You could take revenge on those who hurt you, but also hurt those you love. This fascinating, otherworldly but still so very grounded speculative novel from Shaun David Hutchinson is an absolute must-read.
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The Scorpion Rules by Erin Bow
Greta is a Duchess and a Crown Princess. She is also a Child of Peace, a hostage held by the de facto ruler of the world, the great Artificial Intelligence, Talis. This is how the game is played: if you want to rule, you must give one of your children as a hostage. Start a war and your hostage dies. Greta will be free if she can make it to her eighteenth birthday. But everything changes when Elian arrives at the Precepture. He’s a hostage from a new American alliance, and he defies the machines that control every part of their lives—and is severely punished for it. His rebellion opens Greta’s eyes to the brutality of the rules they live under, and to the subtle resistance of her companions. And Greta discovers her own quiet power.
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The Last Magician by Lisa Maxwell
In modern-day New York, magic is all but extinct. The remaining few who have an affinity for magic—the Mageus—live in the shadows, hiding who they are. Any Mageus who enters Manhattan becomes trapped by the Brink, a dark energy barrier that confines them to the island. Crossing it means losing their power—and often their lives. The Last Magician is filled with complex and intricate characters, including some LGBTQ+ ones!
At The Edge of the Universe cover image
At The Edge of the Universe by Shaun David Hutchinson
One of the best parts about At the Edge of the Universe was the inclusive cast of characters. I was excited to read a book that not only explored the multiverse theory alongside shifting family dynamics, but also followed LGBTQ+ characters without resorting to harmful stereotypes or centering the story solely on their queerness—instead, Hutchinson treats all his characters with respect and care, giving the reader a chance to relate to their story, regardless of their background.
Slayer cover image
Slayer by Kiersten White
Nina and her twin sister, Artemis, are far from normal. It’s hard to be when you grow up at the Watcher’s Academy, which is a bit different from your average boarding school. Here teens are trained as guides for Slayers—girls gifted with supernatural strength to fight the forces of darkness. But while Nina’s mother is a prominent member of the Watcher’s Council, Nina has never embraced the violent Watcher lifestyle. Instead she follows her instincts to heal, carving out a place for herself as the school medic…Until the day Nina’s life changes forever.
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The Red Scrolls of Magic by Cassandra Clare
All Magnus Bane wanted was a vacation—a lavish trip across Europe with Alec Lightwood, the Shadowhunter who against all odds is finally his boyfriend. But as soon as the pair settles in Paris, an old friend arrives with news about a demon-worshipping cult called the Crimson Hand that is bent on causing chaos around the world. A cult that was apparently founded by Magnus himself. Years ago. As a joke.
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Shatter the Sky by Rebecca Kim Wells
Raised among the ruins of a conquered mountain nation, Maren dreams only of sharing a quiet life with her girlfriend Kaia—until the day Kaia is abducted by the Aurati, prophetic agents of the emperor, and forced to join their ranks. Desperate to save her, Maren hatches a plan to steal one of the emperor’s coveted dragons and storm the Aurati stronghold. If Maren is to have any hope of succeeding, she must become an apprentice to the Aromatory—the emperor’s mysterious dragon trainer. But Maren is unprepared for the dangerous secrets she will uncover.
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When We Were Magic by Sarah Gailey
This book is full of dark humor! When accidental magic goes sideways and a boy winds up dead, Alexis and her friends come together to try to right a terrible wrong. Throughout the book you’ll also be wondering, what’s harder to keep a secret: your magical powers or being in love with your best friend?
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Legendborn by Tracy Deonn
In order to find the answers to her mother’s death, Bree joins a secret society made up of the descendants of King Arthur’s knights known as Legendborn. With a magical war is coming, Bree has to decide how far she’ll go for the truth and whether she should use her magic to take the society down—or join the fight. Not only is this book filled with Southern Black Girl Magic, it also has amazing queer representation.
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Night Shine by Tessa Gratton
In the vast palace of the empress lives an orphan girl called Nothing. She slips within the shadows of the Court, unseen except by the Great Demon of the palace and her true friend, Prince Kirin, heir to the throne. When Kirin is kidnapped, only Nothing and the prince’s bodyguard suspect that Kirin may have been taken by the Sorceress Who Eats Girls, a powerful woman who has plagued the land for decades. Nothing will soon discover that all magic is a bargain, and she may be more powerful than she ever imagined. But the price the Sorceress demands for Kirin may very well cost Nothing her heart.
The Lost Book of the White cover image
The Lost Book of the White by Cassandra Clare
From #1 New York Times bestselling authors Cassandra Clare and Wesley Chu comes the second book in the Eldest Curses series and a thrilling new adventure for High Warlock Magnus Bane and Alec Lightwood, for whom a death-defying mission into the heart of evil is not just a job, it’s also a romantic getaway.
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A Dark and Hollow Star by Ashley Shuttleworth
When a series of murders threaten to expose the fae underworld of Toronto, four teens each who hold a key piece of the truth behind these murders, must form a tenuous alliance in their effort to track down the mysterious killer behind these crimes. Once you’ve read A Dark and Hollow Star, pick up book two, A Cruel and Fated Light!
A Complicated Love Story Set in Space cover image
A Complicated Love Story Set in Space by Shaun David Hutchinson
Shaun David Hutchinson has done it again with this amazing book about two boys who fall in love while lost in space. This book is quirky, romantic, and weird in all the right ways. If the title didn’t give it away, love can sometimes be a bit complicated, especially when you also need to fight aliens.
Sweet & Bitter Magic cover image
Sweet & Bitter Magic by Adrienne Tooley
Tamsin is a powerful witch, cursed to never feel love, and Wren is a source, a rare kind of human made of magic but unable to use it. When a terrible plague results in Wren’s father getting sick she make a deal with Tamsin: if Tamsin will help her catch the dark witch responsible for creating the plague, then Wren will give Tamsin her love for her father. But love bargains can be tricky and these two have a long journey ahead of them.
Howl cover image
Howl by Shaun David Hutchinson
Virgil Knox was attacked by a monster. Of course, no one in Merritt believes him. Not even after he stumbled into the busy town center, bleeding, battered, and bruised, for everyone to see. He’d been drinking, they said. He was hanging out where he wasn’t supposed to, they said. It must’ve been a bear, or a badger, or a gator—definitely no monster. Virgil is positive it was a monster, but being the new kid in a town where everybody knows everybody is hard enough as it is without being the kid who’s afraid of monsters, so he tries to keep a low profile. Except he knows the monster is still out there. And if he isn’t careful, Virgil’s afraid it’ll come back to finish him off, or worse—that he’ll become one himself.  
Sofi and the Bone Song cover image
Sofi and the Bone Song by Adrienne Tooley
In this gorgeous standalone fantasy with a “sweet sapphic romance” (Booklist), a young musician sets out to expose her rival for illegal use of magic only to discover the deception goes deeper than she could have imagined—perfect for fans of An Enchantment of Ravens!  

Shadowhunters runes are an aesthetic answer to enhance the powers of those who keep the world safe from the supernatural. We think runes would be SO USEFUL in real life and honestly wish they were real (or maybe they are…in which case we wish we had the power to use them). We’ve compiled a list of the nine runes that we think would be the most useful in life, whether or not demon slaying is on your to-do list.

Let us know what you think of our choices!

9 Most Useful Runes (In Our Opinion)

1. Enkeli/Angelic Power

This is one of the first runes the Nephilim receive upon initiation, imbuing them with the power of Angel Raziel. It’s also one of the most powerful runes so…yeah…we could use some of that!

 

2. Voyance

VF_Rune,_Voyance

If you’re ever caught in a dark alley with a disguised Downworlder, this mark helps you see right through the glamours. It also helps if you already have the Sight.

 

3. Friendship/Parabatai

VF_Rune,_Friendship_-_Parabatai

For when you and your bestie are ready to take things to the next level.

 

4. Speed

VF_Rune,_Heightened_Speed

Gotta go fast!—Sonic the Hedgehog

 

5. Equilibrium

VF_Rune,_Equilibrium

Take solace, left-footed friends! This rune makes it extremely difficult to knock someone off their feet, which comes in handy whether you’re facing a demon or an uneven sidewalk.

 

6. Fireproof

VF_Rune,_Fireproof

No more burning yourself while making s’mores!

 

7. Iratze

VF_Rune,_Iratze_-_Heal

It was the second rune that Raziel gifted to the Nephilim, and with good reason. It helps alleviate pain, closes cuts and wounds, and can even help with minor health concerns like headaches!

 

8. Mnemosyne

VF_Rune,_Mnemosyne

This, along with several others, grants the wearer an excellent memory.

 

9. Speak in Tongues

VF_Rune,_Speak_in_Tongues

Not only can the Shadowhunter bearing this rune speak and understand any language, they can communicate with others without demons understanding them.

 

Ready for more Shadowhunters goodness? Find out which combination of Shadowhunters characters you’d be!

From ancient Egypt to the grunge era, historical fiction novels are a fun immersive way to experience the past! Even if you’re not into togas or petticoats, sometimes it’s nice to escape modern times and immerse yourself in the action and drama in a different time period. Here is a list of our favorite historical fiction novels, and what makes them special!

13 Historical Fiction Books You Don’t Want to Miss

1. Daughters of Jubilation by Kara Lee Corthron

Evalene Deschamps has more things to worry about than living in Jim Crow South. She has two little sisters to look after, an overworked single mother, and a longtime crush who is finally making a move. Evvie also has magic abilities that her family calls jubilation. But when the demons of Evvie’s past finally shake free, she must embrace her mighty lineage, and summon the power that lies within her.

 

2. The Coming Storm by Regina M. Hansen

Music, myth, and horror blend in this romantic, atmospheric fantasy debut about a teen girl who must fight a powerful evil that’s invaded her Prince Edward Island home—perfect for fans of An Enchantment of Ravens.

 

3. When the World Was Ours by Liz Kessler

Based on a true story, When the World Was Ours is a poignant and harrowing story about three young friends whose fates are intertwined during the devastation of the Holocaust.

 

4. Chain of Gold by Cassandra Clare

Set at the turn of the 20th century in Edwardian England, a new generation of Shadowhunters works to solve the mystery of the illness that is plaguing their society. Everything you love about a Shadowhunters book mixed with the charm and class of early 1900s England makes this book an absolute must-read. Once you finish this book, don’t miss the sequel, Chain of Iron, which is out now!

 

5. Jazz Owls by Margarita Engle

In this timely novel, Margarita Engle explores World War II on the home front, as seen through the eyes of those who were part of the Zoot Suit Riots in LA. Told entirely in verse, this important yet often-ignored part of American history is also a great pick for poetry lovers!

 

6. Fever 1793 by Laurie Halse Anderson

No historical fiction list is complete without Fever 1793, which serves as a lot of people’s first foray into the genre. During the summer of 1793, Philadelphia was overrun with yellow fever. Fourteen-year-old Mattie must fight to stay alive through heat, panic, and chaos caused by the outbreak of a deadly disease.

 

7. The Degenerates by J. Albert Mann

In the tradition of Girl, Interrupted, this fiery historical novel follows four young women in the early 20th century whose lives intersect when they are locked up by a world that took the poor, the disabled, the marginalized—and institutionalized them for life.

 

8. The Last Magician by Lisa Maxwell

Not just a historical fiction, but a time-traveling fantasy! Esta, a talented thief of magical artifacts, must go back to the New York City of 1902 in order to stop the dark Magician from destroying the Maegus’s last hope of survival.

 

9. Angel Thieves by Kathi Appelt

An ocelot. A slave. An angel thief. Multiple perspectives spanning across time are united through themes of freedom, hope, and faith in a most unusual and epic novel from Newbery Honor–winning author and National Book Award finalist Kathi Appelt.

 

10. Anastasia and Her Sisters by Carolyn Meyer

Life as a Russian royal is anything but the fairy tale, especially for Anastasia Romanov. Her brother and the heir to the throne suffers from a painful blood disease, which has caused the tsarina to seek counsel from Rasputin, a man whose true intentions are a mystery to the entire court. But these problems soon pale in comparison to national upheaval when Germany declares war and the starving poor revolt.

 

11. Copper Sun by Sharon M. Draper

After losing her family, being torn away from everything she knows to be sold into slavery, Amari is only concerned with survival. The goodness she finds does little to soothe the humiliation and despair she feels daily, but with the help and hope a real and true friendship provides, Amari begins to believe she can reclaim her freedom.

 

12. Clockwork Angel by Cassandra Clare

After being rescued by the Shadowhunters, Tessa Gray finds herself thrown into a world of demons and dangerous magic, where an evil Magister hopes to corrupt her newfound powers for his own devices. There’s action, mystery, magic, and romance, all you can expect from a Cassandra Clare series!

 

13. Ashes by Laurie Halse Anderson

The series starts when Isabel is only thirteen in Chains, but she endures hardships beyond her years, in the hopes of reuniting with her sister Ruth, who was sold to a Southern plantation. Laurie Halse Anderson is an expert at exploring the nuance of what it meant to fight not just for your country’s freedom, but your own. In the exciting and satisfying conclusion to the trilogy, Isabel and her friend Curzon will witness the Battle of Yorktown.

 

14. Four-Four-Two by Dean Hughes

Yuki Nakahara, like many Americans of Japanese descent, was sent to an internment camp in the Utah desert after the bombing of Pearl Harbor. In the hopes of fighting this injustice, he enlists in the Army. But he is not ready for the segregation and prejudice that awaits him on the front line, or back at home—if he returns—in this little-known history of the Japanese Americans who fought with the 442nd Regimental Combat Team during World War II.

 

15. The Great Unknowable End by Kathryn Ormsbee

Stella dreams of being a space engineer and Galliard has only ever known life inside Red Sun, the local hippie commune. The day Stella and Galliard meet, there is something in the air in their small town. Literally. So begin weeks of pink lightning, bloodred rain, unexplained storms…And a countdown clock appears mysteriously above the town hall. With time ticking down to some great unknowable end they’ll each have to make a choice.

 

16. What Every Girl Should Know by J. Albert Mann

This compelling historical novel spans the early and very formative years of feminist and women’s health activist Margaret Sanger, founder of Planned Parenthood, as she struggles to find her way amidst the harsh realities of poverty.

Not a big historical fiction reader? Check out these must-read contemporary books!

Graduation is an exciting time of year—once finals are over, and the long stretch of summer before us—there’s nothing to do except kick back, relax, and wait for the next big chapter to begin. But post-grad life is not without its challenges or worries. Whether the next step is travel, more school, or a new job, there is something important to learn and grow from. Here is a list of books that reminds us of the many, many paths you can take after graduation.

13 Inspiring Books for New Graduates

1. What I Leave Behind by Alison McGhee

Sixteen-year-old Will spends most of his days the same way: Working at the Dollar Only store, trying to replicate his late father’s famous cornbread recipe, and walking the streets of Los Angeles. Will started walking after his father committed suicide, and three years later he hasn’t stopped. But there are some places Will can’t walk by: The blessings store with the chest of 100 Chinese blessings in the back, the bridge on Fourth Street where his father died, and his childhood friend Playa’s house.

 

2. For Every One by Jason Reynolds

Originally a poem performed at the unveiling of the Martin Luther King Jr memorial, FOR EVERYONE is for the dreamers, who have been too scared to dream. Because just having the dream is the start you need, or you won’t get anywhere anyway, and that is when you have to take a leap of faith.

 

3. The Unexpected Everything by Morgan Matson

Andie always has a plan for everything. So when her summer internship falls through, she’ll discover all the joys in life that happen while you’re busy making other plans. After graduation, there’s always the question of what’s going to happen next? Now, more than ever, a story of embracing life’s unexpected moments will definitely inspire you as you set off on your next adventure.

 

4. Today Tonight Tomorrow by Rachel Lynn Solomon

On the last day of senior year, class rivals Rowan and Neil must work together to win their senior class game that will take them all over Seattle. Over the course of 24 hours, they’ll learn that maybe their feelings of hatred might actually be love in disguise.

 

5. Emergency Contact by Mary H. K. Choi

Penny Lee came to Austin for school—and to leave behind a less-than-ordinary life. Her meet-cute with tattooed barista Sam isn’t exactly that, but still they swap numbers. Soon they become digitally inseparable, but transferring it to an IRL connection proves more difficult. If you love Jenny Han and Rainbow Rowell, you absolutely need to read this charmingly awkward novel.

 

6. Your Destination is on the Left by Lauren Spieller

Tired of her family’s nomad RV life, Dessa Rhodes eagerly accepts an art internship in Santa Fe. She knows this is the ticket to a new life attending art school. But just when she feels settled into this new environment, family troubles try to pull her back into a life she wants to leave behind. But is she ready to?

 

7. Starfish by Akemi Dawn Bowman

Kiko Himura’s life is effectively over: she was rejected from her dream art school, and her abusive uncle has moved back in with her family. Desperate to flee, she jumps on the chance to move to tour art schools on the west coast with her childhood friend. Finally free from her restrictive home life, Kiko can learn how to be herself, how to cope with her past, and how to be brave in this beautiful debut novel by Akemi Dawn Bowman.

 

8. Finding Felicity by Stacey Kade

After being caught in an elaborate lie, a fabrication of a 90s TV series, Caroline Sands is ready to start fresh in college. But making friends has never been her strong suit. To find a place where she truly belongs, Caroline may have to abandon her script and take the risk of being herself.

 

9. Stay Sweet by Siobhan Vivian

Stay Sweet by Siobhan Vivian

Scooping cones at Meade Creamery has always been the highlight of Amelia’s summers. But when the owner dies unexpectedly, the ice cream stand is turned over to her grand-nephew, and he has plans of his own for the business. With her final summer in jeopardy, Amelia knows she can’t stand by and let this handsome newcomer threaten the traditions that have made Meade Creamery so great.

 

10. American Panda by Gloria Chao

As a freshman at MIT, Mei is on track to becoming the woman her parents always dreamed her to be, even though she isn’t all that thrilled. But when she reconnects with her brother, estranged from her family for dating the wrong woman, Mei starts to wonder if Mom and Dad really do know best.

 

11. When Dimple Met Rishi by Sandhya Menon

Even though Dimple’s parents let her attend a summer program for aspiring web developers, the first step on the path to her biggest dreams, they’re a little more reticent to give up on finding her the “Ideal Indian Husband.” And when the “suggested arranged husband” Rishi arrives on campus to spend time with her before they head off to their respective colleges, Dimple is determined not to let this goo-goo eyed romantic ruin her summer—and life—plans. Dimple and Rishi may think they have each other figured out. But when opposites clash, love works hard to prove itself in the most unexpected ways.

 

12. At the Edge of the Universe by Shaun David Hutchinson

The universe is shrinking, and the only person who knows is Ozzie, who is trying to find out why his boyfriend, his best friend, his everything, Tommy, one day ceased to exist. With high school ending in months and the plans to leave their small town now in jeopardy, Ozzie will do whatever it takes to uncover the truth in this exciting, mysterious sci-fi thriller from Shaun David Hutchinson.

 

13. We’ll Always Have Summer by Jenny Han

Decisions of the heart are never easy to make. And when it comes down to two boys, brothers, that Belly has known all her life, no decision has ever been harder. The Summer I Turned Pretty series is the perfect beach read, a reminder that no flame is ever completely out.

 

Looking for more? Check out these perfect books to read while at the beach!

There is so much you can do to stay inside on a rainy day, but is there anything better than curling up on a dark and stormy night (or morning, or afternoon!) with a cup of tea and a brand-new book? If there is, we haven’t found it.

Sometimes all you need to do is put on your favorite quiet time music to drown out the thunder, light some candles, and chase away the rain with an amazing book. Here are some of my favorites to read while waiting out a stormy day.

8 Books to Read in a Thunderstorm

1. The Wicked Deep by Shea Ernshaw

Three sisters in the town of Sparrow were sentenced to death for witchery, and every summer for two centuries, they return, to seek revenge by luring and drowning boys in the water surrounding Sparrow. Penny Talbot fears that this curse will claim the life of a handsome newcomer, Bo. This salty, rain-soaked town is the perfect setting for a story full of twists, turns, and truths revealed.

2. See All the Stars by Kit Frick

Last year Ellory had it all: best friends, a boyfriend, clarity, direction. Now after a two-month suspension, she’s back in school, completely alone and riddled with guilt. The mysterious letters she’s receiving don’t help either. Flashbacks to throughout offer a trail of breadcrumbs to a total shocker at the end.  This debut novel comes out 8/14, so you can preorder this binge worthy summer thriller now!

3. An Enchantment of Ravens by Margaret Rogerson

As a painting prodigy, Isobel is well-accustomed to her immortal and infallible clientele, until the Autumn Prince, Rook, commissions her. But she makes a fatal mistake in painting mortal sorrow in his eyes, a crime she must stand trial for in the Autumnlands. They’re quickly waylaid by trouble on their journey, and the fight for survival drives the two closer than they ever thought they could be.

4. Shimmer and Burn by Mary Taranta

After her sister is enslaved by a manipulative monarch, Faris must band together with a rag-tag crew to smuggle stolen magic into a neighboring kingdom. With a forbidden romance, amazing characters, and a sequel on the way, this is a great choice for a rainy day read.

5. Starry Eyes by Jenn Bennett

Lennon and Zorie never let their parents’ feud stop them from being best friends, until the homecoming dance drove a wedge so deep between them that they won’t even speak to each other. But they certainly face the elements when they are abandoned by their friends in the wilderness—especially a rainstorm that turns steamy!

6. Strange Grace by Tessa Gratton

Strange Grace by Tessa Gratton

The town of Three Graces sits in the shadows of the Devil’s Forest, but remains untouched by sickness, famine, or blight. Every seven years, when the Slaughter Moon rises, they send their “best boy” into the forest as sacrifice for prosperity. But this time, the moon has risen early. The heir to the Grace witches’ secrets, an outcast, and the expected sacrifice all risk their lives to discover the truth behind the bargain in the hopes of saving everyone they love, including each other. Strange Grace is spooky, spine-tingling, and subverts traditions of fantasy in such a way that only a writer like Tessa Gratton could. You’ll have to wait until 9/18 to purchase, but trust us, the anticipation is worth it.

7. This Mortal Coil by Emily Suvada

Cartaxus is a dangerous corporation that has taken advantage of a violently deadly epidemic in order to take full control of the human population. They have kidnapped Catarina Agatta’s father, a prolific gene hacker, and imprisoned him to work on a cure that the masses must pay for with their compliance. But when Cat learns her father has been killed and she must rely on her own skills to unlock the truth…hidden in the genes of a Cartaxus soldier. This was one of our favorite books of 2017, and the sequel promises to deliver on the burning questions we were left with at the end.

8. Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe by Benjamin Alire Saenz

Ari has always been a loner, but meeting Dante makes him want to be so much more. Over the course of several years, the boys learn, grow, and change, but their one constant is their devotion to each other. Many pivotal moments in the novel happen when it rains, and most importantly, a kiss scene with one of the most tender “I love you” moments possibly in all of young adult literature. And if that isn’t enough to convince you, try listening to the audiobook, read by Lin-Manuel Miranda!

 

So, you’ve got a fun trip coming up, which is great! But you can’t decide what to pack, which is less great. What books do you bring? How will you know what this unpredictable weather is doing? Did you pack your passport? Do you need your passport?? These are all pressing questions. While we can only advise you to bring two books (plus a third for backup!) and keep the Weather app on your phone open at all times, we can help with some of the other stuff. Here are some must-haves we found that will make traveling and vacationing easier!

9 Bookish Travel Essentials Every Die-Hard Reader Needs to Pack

Portable Book Light

This is a LIFE essential, not just for travel! For days when you’re worried about disrupting a roommate, your bus/train/plane neighbor en route to your destination, or just can’t quite reach your bedside lamp, this is a perfect portable light for reading. Bonus: it can even double as a bookmark!

Source: Soonhua 

Cloth Book Weight

Once you’ve cycled through all your reading positions, this convenient book weight will allow you to rearrange yourself more comfortably without needing to hold your book open.

Source: DragoninKnots 

Sweater

No travel list is complete without the cozy essentials! You never know when you’ll need a sweater when the plane or your destination is chillier than you expected.

Source: Literary Emporium 

Infinity Scarf

And when the sweater isn’t enough, a customizable infinity scarf should keep you bundled.

Source: Litographs

Socks

If you’re taking off your shoes at the security check, give everyone something cute to look at!

Source: Out of Print Clothing 

Secret Book Safe

This isn’t ideal for traveling, but this book safe will store all of your most precious items, like your passport, for safekeeping at home.

Source: Secrets of Storage Books 

Travel Wallet

Normally, the best way to avoid stress when you’re traveling is to hold onto your tried and true storage, like your wallet. But this travel wallet has literally a catch-all for each and every hotel confirmation, train ticket, and foreign currency you’ll need! There’s even a place for your passport!

Source: Disaster Designs via Modcloth 

Notebook

Always, always bring a notebook when you travel! You’ll need it for more than just writing down directions. Check out this post for more ideas!

Source: Kit Cronk via Society6

A Tent

This two-person tent is a must-have for summer, especially if you find yourself stranded in the woods like Zorie and Lennon in Jenn Bennett’s must-read summer romance, Starry Eyes!

Source: Field Candy 

Love camping? (Or books about camping?) Pick up Starry Eyes by Jenn Bennett!

As book lovers, we are always on the hunt for a perfect place to store (and show off) our books. But what kind of bookshelf is right for you? Below are a few options that are thrifty and easy to get your hands on, so every kind of reader can make room for their prized possessions.

Standard

Source: amandaonwriting

There’s nothing wrong with a tried and true bookshelf design. No bells, no whistles, no uneven, twisting, turning shelving to distract from what’s really important—the books! This is a great choice for the reader who only keeps their absolute favorites around.

 

Tall

Source: Jess Harold

A shelf that dominates the entire wall is ideal for the person who can’t say no when they walk into a bookstore. You don’t have to kick your habit, and you’ll still have room for your favorite board games! A huge win.

DIY

Source: classicfm.com

Source: Instructables

Making a bookshelf yourself adds a personal and unique touch to the place where you keep your books. Using anything from repurposed plywood to an old piano (really!), a DIY bookshelf can be a fun weekend project, and a great way to show off how handy you are with a Phillips head screwdriver. Check out this fun way to give old skateboards a second life.

 

Floating Shelf

Source: Tee Books

Look Ma, no shelves! A floating shelf is another fun way to show off your favorite reads along your walls. And this shelf is extremely versatile. Here are two awesome designs: an asymmetrical floating “T” layout supporting all your books. Put a few of these shelves on your wall to free up space on the floor!

 

Book cart

Source: Wayfair

Perfect for the aspiring librarian, a book cart keeps you and your favorite books mobile. If you like reorganizing your room and reading nooks, give this cart a spin! 😉

Which of these shelves is your favorite? Or is there a bookshelf you love that I missed?

Once you’ve picked a display, we have the perfect way to help you arrange your books!

Regardless of our reading preferences, we can all agree on one thing: 2017 was an amazing year for books! Across genres, there was no shortage of instant classics, and we already know that next year’s books will be even more memorable! Some of us here at Riveted almost made it through our TBR list, while others simply added to the boxes, shelves, and well-organized piles of amazing reads. We read outside of our favorite genres, had NaNoWriMo write-ins, and became more fulfilled (and faster) readers.

So as we close the book on 2017, we wanted to ask you, our faithful readers, what your bookish resolutions for 2018 are! Here are some of our favorite answers (I might add a few of these for my own resolutions list!):

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Read more outside of my comfort zone!

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To hopefully finally read 100 books in a year, and to continue to blog consistently!

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To shrink my ‘to read’ list!

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To read 7 classics this summer!

 

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I want to read all the books of all the movies I’m putting off seeing until I read the book!

Even when trick-or-treating is no longer an option, we can all agree that one of the best parts of Halloween is candy! If you’re looking for a spooky, scary read (or not), choose your favorite Halloween candy to see which book will go perfectly with all your holiday sweets.

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