When she’s not getting lost in a good sci-fi, immersing herself in dark academia, or the latest Laini Taylor release, this week’s Bookstr Team Tuesday feature is crushing it in our editorial department. Meet Elizabeth Beaver! Today, we’re delving into seven of her favorite books that range from fantasies to thrillers and more. But before that, let’s learn a little about her beyond her bookish endeavors, shall we?
Elizabeth is the proud owner of two cats: Scribbles and Chance “The Crust” (lovingly nicknamed after his veteran age). Elizabeth is also, unsurprisingly, an English major — a degree that’s enabled her versatility as a writer, with deep dive articles like this one and satire pieces such as this one. If her own life were a book, she says it would be aptly titled, How to Freak Out for No Reason 24/7: A Comprehensive Guide. And a comprehensive guide it would be indeed, because she actually gave us actionable advice on how to beat a stressful day: “Buying a bunch of cheap plates and smashing them in a Walmart parking lot.”
Now that’s metal — which, incidentally, is Elizabeth’s preferred genre of music to read to! And what exactly is she reading? Let’s find out! Without further delay, here is the incomparable Elizabeth Beaver’s list of book recommendations.
Daughter of Smoke and Bone by Laini Taylor
“There is sooo much great worldbuilding; when you’re done, you’ll feel like you’ve read twice as many books!”
The first in an epic fantasy trilogy, Daughter of Smoke and Bone, tells the story of Karou, an art student shrouded in mystery. Her sketchbooks are full of monsters that may or may not exist; she speaks languages that aren’t even human; she has natural blue hair; and she is known to disappear on strange “errands.” Karou herself is perplexed by her own ways. When she meets a stranger as mysterious as her, the answers she’s been craving begin to unravel in a journey marred by violence and forbidden love.
Three Dark Crowns by Kendare Blake
“This series is technically for teens, but boy is it dark. It also has super great worldbuilding and a really cool portrayal of villains.”
Yet another first book in a series, Three Dark Crowns follows three magical sisters forced to battle over a crown. On an island called Fennbirn, a set of triplets, all rightful heirs to the throne, is born every generation. Mirabella, Katherine, and Arsinoe are the latest to inherit this dark fate, with each possessing a unique magic ability. Mirabella is an elemental who can cause natural disasters at the snap of her fingers. Katherine is a poisoner, able to drink any poison and come away unscathed. Meanwhile, Arsinoe is a naturalist — flora and fauna act on her command. As soon as the three turn sixteen, they must fight to the death, for only one can be queen.
Funny Story by Emily Henry
“Funny Story is one of the most organic and realistic romances I’ve read! All the events flow together in a seamless way, and for once we actually have a character to root AGAINST.”
Emily Henry’s trending rom-com centers around two roommates burned by love. After Daphne’s fiancé leaves her for his childhood sweetheart, she finds herself in an interesting predicament. Daphne’s roommate, Miles — aka, her ex’s ex — is in need of a fresh start just as she is. So, they strike up a plan: mislead everyone into thinking they’re in a relationship. Will actual romance ensue between these two opposites? Who knows? It’s a funny story, no less.
Beartown by Fredrik Backman
“This is a truly inspiring and heartwarming tale of community, but there are quite a few enormous roadblocks to get to that point (it is well worth the bumpy road).”
Just as an important hockey game approaches, a traumatic event shakes up the community of Beartown. Harmful accusations are made, testing loyalties and threatening bonds. Whether or not this small town can pull through, controversy burdens the shoulders of the junior hockey team. What will tomorrow bring for these hopeful teens with mounting pressure?
The Shards by Bret Easton Ellis
“This is by the same author as American Psycho, but in my opinion, it is even more twisty and chilling. I think my jaw was on the floor for the entire novel.”
It’s 1981, and a serial killer known as the Trawler is on the loose in a fictionalized L.A. His next targets appear to be a gifted teen writer named Bret and his group of friends. Juxtaposed with this looming threat, Bret is developing an unhealthy obsession with the mysterious new transfer at his prep school, Robert Mallory. Unable to trust both his friends and his own mind, Bret is on the brink of a breakdown just as danger inches closer.
The Girl With All The Gifts by M. R. Carey
“A different take on a typical dystopia, this book goes in some pretty wild directions and is easily the best zombie novel I’ve read.”
M. R. Carey’s dystopian novel revolves around a young girl by the name of Melanie — or as her keeper Dr. Caldwell refers to her, “our little genius.” Every day, Melanie waits to be summoned for class, and every single time she notices a gun is pointed at her as she gets strapped into a wheelchair. Though she lightheartedly claims she doesn’t “bite,” Melanie’s attendants aren’t so convinced.
Gone by Michael Grant
“This is another teen series that I was WAY too young to be reading when I did. It’s like if the Lord of the Flies was written by Steven King.”
Gone is a thriller that pits good and evil against one another in a barren land where teens struggle to survive. When every adult disappears without a trace and common resources grow scarce, the young must fend for themselves as circumstances become more and more dire. There’s a dangerous creature in their midst. Animals are mutating; the teens, too, are developing strange abilities. Worst of all, bullies are in charge. No one knows the origin of this terrible phenomenon, but it’s a race against time — when your birthday strikes, you, too, will be gone.
Now that you’ve met Elizabeth the reader and Elizabeth the person, let’s close out with a quote from Elizabeth the wise. She shares with us the best piece of advice she’s ever retained, and we think it’s one everyone can benefit from receiving.
“Not everything is a life-or-death situation; just breathe and give every issue the weight it actually deserves.”
Wanna meet more of our awesome team? Get to know Graphics member Elizabeth Hoyer as she shares her mystery recs!
For more book recommendations from us, browse our curated Bookstr Team Recs shelf on Bookshop.org.
