michiko aoyama, 2020

recommended for all of cortis & coer

the librarian’s recurring question, “what are you looking for?” reminds me of cortis’s “what you want,” as both made me pause and reflect on life. beyond that emotional connection, this book is comforting and uplifting, especially when you’re feeling lost or down, and encourages you to honestly sit with yourself. i’d highly recommend it to cortis and all coers! :)

content note: body shaming, sexism, mental health themes

leigh bardugo, 2015

recommended for all of cortis

you can never go wrong with found friends/family. one thing i like about six of crows is how each character in the group has their own story and individual journey while still working well together.

content note: dark themes, violence, and trauma

c.s. lewis, 1950

recommended for all of cortis

a fantasy staple everyone would enjoy, as well as the movies too. i like the idea of adventuring into the unknown.

content note: fantasy violence, death and grief, cultural stereotypes

charles dickens, 1838

recommended for all of cortis

this book deals with themes of social injustice quite well. it is also admirable, despite facing terrible circumstances and even being driven to crime, he never fully succumbs to let the lifestyle consume him or become hardened.

content note: child abuse, violence and death, antisemitism

holly jackson, 2019

recommended for coer

this is a really good crime book... i really enjoyed it and have re-read it several times... i think anyone who likes to read fiction that is crime based would enjoy this… a lot of you might already know about this book... it's got a good story line as well.

content note: violence and death, sexual violence, suicide and substance use

khaled hosseini, 2003

recommended for coer

it's a controversial release due to the extremely harsh themes however i feel it's important book that discovers and conveys the picture of a real afghanistan as a living place, before the coup, the soviet invasion, and above all, the taliban and the aftermath. whilst also displaying a warm depiction of the missed culture in afghanistan at the time

content note: sexual violence, war and abuse, suicide and self-harm

matt haig, 2020

recommended for all of cortis

this book is a science fiction story about nora seed, a depressed woman who visits a magical library between life and death where she can try out alternate versions of her life. it explores the choices we make, the regrets that linger, and that constant question of whether life might have been better if we had chosen differently.

content note: suicide themes, mental health themes, grief and loss

jacqueline harpman, 1995

recommended for juhoon

it's thought provoking :)

content note: captivity, abuse, psychological distress

carlos ruiz zafón, 1999

recommended for all of cortis

it’s a mystery novel with some darker moments, but nothing too scary, and it’s written so beautifully and descriptively that you feel like you’re walking around barcelona with the characters. the relationships are incredibly moving, and the story is so good it’ll have you reading nonstop. one of my all-time favorites!

content note: dark themes, disturbing imagery, sensitive subjects

toshikazu kawaguchi, 2015

recommended for all of cortis

it is a simple, heartwarming book about hope, regret, second chances and making peace with yourself. it reminds you how deeply the past shapes us. i think cortis might enjoy it because it’s comforting, thought-provoking, and quietly reminds us to cherish the moments we have with the people we love.

content note: terminal illness, grief and loss, pregnancy and miscarriage

olivie blake, 2023

recommended for james

i feel like he would enjoy the banter of the characters and kind of the general oddness of the book. i also feel like he’d value the underlying meaning of the book and the physiological sci-fi genre.

content note: graphic violence, mature themes, explicit language

rick riordan, 2005

recommended for james

the series is fantasy themed which james might enjoy since he likes anime, and the language really suits james’ goofiness. since the series was made to help kids with adhd and dyslexia feel less left out, i think its message of acceptance and belonging could be really comforting to him too.

content note: fantasy violence, mature themes

madeline miller, 2011

recommended for all of cortis

readers might enjoy "the song of achilles" for its beautiful writing, emotional storytelling, and unforgettable characters. it’s a fresh and deeply moving take on greek mythology, exploring love, friendship, fate, and sacrifice. personally, it completely broke my heart, in the most beautiful way, and left me thinking about the story long after i finished it.

content note: war and violence, sexual violence, death and grief, abuse and trauma

liana cincotti, 2023

recommended for coer

this book is a beautiful, heartfelt read that explores love, healing, and finding beauty in the little things. it’s perfect for readers who enjoy stories that feel gentle, emotional, and comforting.

content note: sexual harassment, mental health themes, substance use, explicit language

lynn painter, 2021

recommended for martin

a well rounded romcom with loads of music recs. it is a head over heals typa story and will be perfect light read for lover boy martin<3

content note: explicit language, underage drinking, mild sexual content

carrie arcos, 2020

recommended for all of cortis

it’s a really cool sci-fi thriller that blends reality and teenage life into mind-bending time travel elements. i think cortis would love a good teen sci-fi!!

r.f. kuang, 2018

recommended for coer

“war doesn’t determine who’s right. war determines who remains.” this historical military fantasy offers a brilliant and raw portrayal of the horrors of war and the devastating impact of imperialism. it is a fantastic read featuring a deeply complex and compelling protagonist whose journey will completely grip you from start to finish.

content note: graphic depictions of war crimes, extreme violence, sexual violence, genocide

kaveh akbar, 2024

recommended for all of cortis

it’s so much about art, identity, and figuring yourself out through everything you’ve picked up from the world around you. it explores grief, mortality, addiction, belonging, and cultural identity alongside poetry, pop culture, humor, and weirdness, and i think cortis could really connect with the idea of turning all those influences into something uniquely your own.

content note: substance addiction, suicide themes, parental loss

matt sturniolo, 2026

recommended for coer

if they are struggling they can realize there are more people struggling as well and that they aren't alone.

content note: mental health themes

phaidon publishing, 2018

recommended for martin

i see martin as the kind of person who can take in and appreciate his surroundings anywhere; in nature, in a concrete jungle, or even in their dorms. this book delves into how beauty is important for something to function well, and i think martin would like that.

content note: provocative imagery