It is a truth universally acknowledged that a person attempting a readathon must be prepared with a TBR. Whether you plan on reading a little, or a lot, having an idea of what books you’d like to spend your time with makes the readathon experience more enjoyable. As a seasoned participant in readathons, I’ve learned that mixing up your genres and reading formats really helps when it comes to lengthy periods of dedicated reading.
Read on for recommendations for books that would be best enjoyed during a readathon, including graphic novels, thriller audiobooks, poetry, and short novels. All of these reads move fast and pack a punch.
Graphic novels:
Thirsty Mermaids by Kat Leyh
Thirsty Mermaids begins with a trio of mermaids who run out of shipwreck wine and decide to go on land to get more alcohol. It is as silly as it sounds, and very heartfelt. To sum up: mermaids, friendship, all the feels, and booze. Perfect for summer.
Lumberjanes by Stevenson, Ellis, Waters, and Allen
Lumberjanes takes place at a summer camp, where a group of friends have a bunch of adventures, including run-ins with the supernatural. There is queer representation, and fun around every corner. You might want to pick up more than one volume if you decide to try the series! Does this recommendation sound familiar? It’s because we stan a legend. Steph recommended it last summer too!
Juliet Takes a Breath by Gabby Rivera
Juliet Takes a Breath follows Juliet Milagros Palante on a summer internship, where she further develops as a queer feminist. A stellar choice!
Thrillers on Audiobook:
The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides
Ok, when I listened to The Silent Patient, I was completely zoned in the entire time. It moves very quickly, and the mystery will keep you hooked until the end. The fun of this book is seeing how close you come to guessing the ending!
Any of Ruth Ware’s books
Imogen Church has narrated all of Ruth Ware’s books, and is absolutely amazing. She completely inhabits every character, and truly brings them, and the story, to life. It is hard not to become absorbed in these books. The Death of Mrs. Westaway is a good place to start.
The Other Black Girl by Zakiya Dalila Harris
The Other Black Girl takes us on a journey. A young Black woman working in publishing encounters another Black woman and expects instant friendship, but things take a turn in a completely different direction.
Poetry:
Fierce Fairytales by Nikita Gil
If you haven’t had the chance to pick up our July book pick, Fierce Fairytales, now’s the perfect time! Nikita Gil’s poetry collection offers a new perspective on classic fairytales.
The Collection Plate: Poems by Kendra Allen
The Collection Plate just dropped July 6th so this is fresh off the presses. The author weaves together personal narrative and cultural commentary in a way that has been described as “a delight to read.” (This is one of the books that we’re giving away, just FYI.)
Teaching My Mother How to Give Birth by Warsan Shire
Warsan Shire is an amazing writer, and if you have not checked out her work yet, you’re truly missing out. She has a new collection coming out next year but Teaching My Mother How to Give Birth is a beautifully entré into her work, follow it up with Beyonce’s Lemonade for an audio-visual feast.
Short books:
Red at the Bone by Jacqueline Woodson
Sitting at just under 200 pages, Red at the Bone is perfect for a readathon. Don’t let the length fool you– Woodson’s powerhouse writing style sings through every word of this book, and you will surely be impacted by this moving generational story.
Every Heart a Doorway by Seanan McGuire
Every Heart a Doorway is the first book in the Wayward Children series, and would make an excellent selection for a weekend readathon. It is only 173 pages, and the premise is captivating: a boarding school that assists children returning from magical worlds.
Pet by Akwaeke Emezi
Pet is Akwaeke Emezi’s young adult debut. It is speculative fiction, beautifully written, has incredible social commentary, and is only 208 pages. Great for a readathon, or any other time, really.
Whatever you choose to read, we hope that you’ll choose to join us for the Readathon! Don’t forget that you can sign up for the readathon here. And when you post, use the #FBCReadathon hashtag to be entered for a chance to win prizes!
![Here's a non-fiction suggestion for your TBR as Arab American Heritage Month winds down!📖
LAST TO EAT, LAST TO LEARN: My Life in Afghanistan Fighting to Educate Women by Pashtana Durrani and Tamara Bralo has already hit shelves at your local library or bookstore!
"From young Afghani activist and Amnesty International Global Youth Ambassador Pashtana Durrani, a deeply inspiring memoir about the power of learning and the value of educators in their many forms – from teachers, mentors, and role models, to fathers, mothers, and any one of us with the drive to stand against ignorance…"
What other books are you picking up for Arab Heritage month?
Thank you @kensingtonbooks for sending this title our way!
[alt text: the book, Last to Eat, Last to Learn by Pashtana Durrani sits on an orange chair]
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