There are thousands upon thousands of books out there, just waiting to be read, which can make it difficult when choosing what to read next. This process can become even more complicated when you are a mood reader. As a mood reader, you choose your next read based more on how the book will make you feel rather than what the book is about.

The purpose of this article is to provide you with fiction book recommendations based on what you are in the mood for and how the book will make you feel. Whether you are in the mood to get deep into your emotions, tremble in fear, get lost in a new world, or experience love, this article has a book for you.

The following fiction book recommendations include descriptions meant to provide a brief understanding of what the book is about and what the reader will experience while reading. If you are prone to triggers, I suggest looking up the book’s trigger warnings before reading. That being said, I am a firm believer that diving into a book with very minimal information on it allows for a more powerful and consuming read, so these descriptions will provide you with just enough information to give you a feel of the book and pique your interest. If you want to know more- read the book!

This Article Includes:

open book with blurry background

Emotional Reads that Will Consume Your Thoughts for Days

The Bell Jar by Sylvia Plath

This novel is categorized as psychological fiction and is also partially autobiographical. It is a beautiful story displaying the inner workings of a woman’s depression-riddled mind. While reading this book you will be laughing, crying and pausing to reflect. With its exploration of identity, transformation and feminism, this modern classic continues to resonate with people and is truly thought-provoking.

The Awakening by Kate Chopin

Similar to The Bell Jar by Sylvia Plath, this novel is also psychological fiction and follows a young mother struggling with mental health issues including depression and bipolar disorder. The story takes place in the late 1800s, and we as she sets out to find herself. It is a fascinating and emotional read that will consume your thoughts for days after you finish it.

The Book Thief by Markus Zusak

If there is one book that I will never stop recommending, it is this one. Set in Nazi Germany during World War II, this historical fiction novel is incredibly moving and you can’t help but grow attached to the characters who are so realistic you will forget it is a fictional book. What makes this novel so unique is its narrator: Death. Yes, you read that correctly. Death narrates this novel, (enough said, right?).

This novel has been made into a movie and I must say, it is possibly the best book-to-movie adaptation I have ever seen. That being said, the book is still a million times better, (as it always is), but the movie does do a wonderful job staying true to the characters and the plot. If you are in the mood to really clear out the tear ducts, read the book then watch the movie and you will not be disappointed.

open book with magnifying glass

Mind-Boggling Books that Will Have Your Jaw Dropping

The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides

This psychological thriller is a book you definitely want to go into blind. All you need to know is that the main character is a woman in a psychiatric hospital who was put there because of a crime she committed six years ago after which she went completely mute. The story is told in first person by her doctor in the present day as well as Alicia, through her past diary entries. Your mind will be racing to figure it all out before the end.

And Then There Were None by Agatha Christie

A classic mystery by the “Queen of Crime.” This novel tells the story of ten people who are lured to an island by a mysterious host and when they arrive, the host accuses each guest of a horrible crime. You will be held hostage by the need to learn the truth. Filled with secrets, murder and intrigue, this is dubbed the best mystery novel by many readers for a reason.

When We Were Liars by E. Lockhart

This young adult, psychological thriller follows 17-year-old Cadence who is a part of the rich and seemingly perfect Sinclair family. Cadence and her cousins, also known as the Liars, spend their summers on the Sinclair’s private island, creating fun-filled memories. Then one summer, an accident occurs, leaving Cadence with selective amnesia. She returns to the island two years later and slowly begins to remember what her brain forced her to forget. You will be just as desperate as Cadence to find out what happened that summer.

book in dark by candlelight

Spine-Chilling Horrors that Will Have You Sleeping With the Lights On

Come Closer by Sara Gran

This is a truly creepy read that will have you questioning everything. We follow Amanda who is being slowly possessed by a demon. This short novel, that can be read in a day, manages to pack such vivid descriptions of Amanda’s experiences from her point of view. You are just as in the dark as Amanda which creates an atmosphere of unease as you don’t quite know everything the demon is doing.

Brother by Ania Ahlborn

This book is deliciously disturbing. The suspenseful horror is absolutely consuming as it plays out like a movie in your mind. Once you start this book, you will not be able to put it down and when you are done you will think, “what did I just read?” (in a “this book was so disturbing but so good” kind of way). This is a book you should definitely go into blind for the best experience while reading, so all I will tell you is that it follows 19-year-old Michael who feels like an outsider in his… let’s say dysfunctional, family. If you want to find out more, I highly suggest you read the book.

Frankenstein by Mary Shelley

This classic gothic horror combined with science fiction tells the story of Victor Frankenstein who brings to life a creature made from pieces of corpses. While it is not scary in the sense that the two previously listed recommendations are, it does instill some fear in the power of science and technology and how far it can be taken. The book also deals with rejection and loneliness and by the end, you will be questioning who the real monster is.

man reading illuminated book in dark

Books that Will Allow You to Escape This World

Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo

This young adult fantasy novel is such a fun read that is jam-packed with adventure. The novel displays its brilliancy as we follow Kaz Brekker and his crew as they attempt an impossible heist. It is truly clever and so well thought out, you can’t help but appreciate it. You will grow attached to the characters and be touched by their found family of misfits.

Six of Crows is the first part of a duology that is followed by Crooked Kingdom.

Divergent Trilogy by Veronica Roth

This trilogy grabbed me by the throat and threw me head first back into reading for pure enjoyment. It is a science fiction novel set in a dystopian society divided into five factions. The book is overflowing with action and adventure (as well as a healthy dose of romance). It is such a fun read and you will be so deeply submerged into the story that you will be right there fighting alongside Tris.

There are a series of movies based on the books however, the books are unmatched. The books are so greatly detailed and just grab you in a way that a movie adaptation never could. If you have seen the movies, do not judge the books based on them. If you want to watch the movies after you read, go for it, but do not expect them to live up to the books. Also, the movie series is unfinished and ends on a cliffhanger that will likely never be resolved considering the last one came out in 2016.

Red Queen Series by Victoria Aveyard

Get ready for lots of action and adventure with this young adult fantasy series. Set in a dystopian world divided by the color of your blood and ruled by the power-wielding Silvers, the Red Queen Series follows Mare, a red-blooded teenager from a poor family who discovers she also possesses a deadly power. The potential threat of Mare’s power prompts the Silver to claim she is a long-lost Silver princess and one of the Silver prince’s betrothed. Mare secretly works with a militant resistance group and eventually finds herself in the middle of a war between Reds and Silvers. This book is an immersive experience that will truly transport you into a world of royalty, superpowers, betrayals and lies.

There is some romance in this series as well, but be warned, it is not your typical romance as the main character has two potential love interests. I found the romance to be frustrating the majority of the time, but I felt the action, fantasy and politics were the main attraction.

open book with heart

Light-Hearted Romances that Will Have You Swooning

The Dead Romantics by Ashley Poston

Do you like your romance novels cute and funny with a sprinkle of paranormal activity (in a fun way)? If so, this book is perfect for you. Florence is a romance ghostwriter who loses her motivation and faith in love after a breakup prompting her to ask her new editor to extend her book deadline which he refuses. She then must return home after being gone for about a decade when her beloved father passes away. As she is grieving with her family, she is haunted by her recently departed new editor. This book is a great choice when in the mood for a fun, light read.

Red, White and Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston

This LGBT romance novel is another fun, light read. We get to witness the rivalry between the prince of Wales and the first son of the United States turn to romance. This book will warm your heart with its humor and sweet moments.

Little Women by Louisa May Alcott

This is not a love story in the sense that the other book recommendations listed here are, however I included it in this section because you get to watch the characters fall in love as well as fall in love with the characters yourself. Set in 1860s Massachusetts, this coming-of-age story follows the lives of four sisters as they grow from children to women. This book brings you on their journey as they find love and their place in the world. You will laugh and you will cry as you read this heart-warming story.

This novel also has a couple of movie adaptations. The most recent adaptation was made in 2019 and is actually really great. As always, I recommend reading the book before watching the movie for the best experience.

open fiction book on beach

Sometimes when you are searching for your next read, it is beneficial to know how reading the book will make you feel rather than just reading the synopsis. Brief descriptions that give you a general feel for the book and leave you wanting more is the best way to choose a book as it allows for a more impactful and consuming read.

This article provided multiple fiction book recommendations based on what you are in the mood to experience while reading.

Each of these books is available at Barnes & Noble or on Amazon.

So, what will you read next?