In the chaos of life, books are an anchor that keeps you calm. It is truly magical how much a good book can comfort you, can keep you sane. When things aren’t going exactly as planned, or when life isn’t being its kindest, it is books that we readers turn to. We try to find solace in them so that we can carry on.

Here’s a list of books that we think will make you a good companion the next time you need some emotional support.

Beautiful World, Where Are You by Sally Rooney

Beautiful World, Where Are You by Sally Rooney is a book about friendships and trying to find your place in the world.

The book centres around two friends, Alice and Eileen, who found each other in college and quickly developed a deep friendship. The story is set a few years later, when Alice has moved away from Dublin. The two still communicated via emails, where they ruminate about the condition of the world, how all art is now commodified, and basically everything that is wrong with the world. 

At the core of the novel is their love for each other and despite the characters being almost 30, it is still a coming-of-age story of sorts. It is Eileen trying to find a place in this world when all her life she has been treated as an inferior. It is Alice slowly getting back on her feet, finding her solace somewhere far from her friends. It is Simon, his unwavering faith and his desire to do better in this world. And it is Felix, with his callous attitude, yet a softness for the people around him. The characters are raw, flawed, and beautifully fleshed out. It is comfortable to read about these characters who are just as human, diffident, and in search of affection as us. In a world that is chaotic, tiring, and often lonesome, reading about these relationships brings forth a comfort that maybe we are not all truly alone.

I Hope This Doesn’t Find You by Ann Liang

Sometimes the only thing that can comfort you is reading a book way past your bedtime. To consume a book page after page, breathe in the words, because you simply cannot stop. I Hope This Doesn’t Find You by Ann Liang does exactly that.

Sadie Wren is struggling, but she would rather swallow glass than admit it. She has to be perfect, all the time. However, Sadie’s emails, or more correctly, hate-mails to the other students, get anonymously leaked. The emails were her safe space. Her screech into the void because Ms. People Pleaser could not confront others to save her life. What follows is pages of pure entertainment, as Sadie tries to do damage control. But at the centre of it all is Julius, her nemesis, and probably the only person who isn’t surprised at receiving a hate email from Sadie.

This book is an academic rivals-to-lovers executed to perfection. But, like all of Ann Liang’s books, there is so much more than that. Sadie Wren is sinking; she needs help, and more importantly, she needs to breathe. But all her life, she has been so focused on being the best, on being the one who helps her family, that she has nothing left for herself. It is a story of being burnt out and still trying to find the spark. The book is beautiful, complex, and yet funny. The perfect book to read when all you want to do is think about someone else’s problems and forget about your own.

Red, White, and Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston

Enemies-to-lovers? Between the son of the American President and the Prince of England? Nothing screams comfort quite like this.

Made into a famous movie, Red, White, and Royal Blue is a book that will make you laugh, cry, and scream all at the same time. Characters that are incredibly lovable and humane this book is for everyone who is looking for a silver lining.

Alex is chaotic, messy, and has a heart that is on fire. Henry is definitely not the one for him. But the Henry he knows is not the real one, and the more time the two of them spend together, the more they realise how much they have in common. What blossoms is a beautiful friendship based on late night calls and text messages turn into hour long conversations.

Soon, Alex and Henry realise what they truly mean to each other, but some romances are more difficult than others. And the one between the First Son of America and a Prince is definitely one of them.

With a beautiful ensemble of characters, the book is rife with incidents that make your heart flutter and break. The email exchanges between Alex and Henry are so imperative and make the story so much more richer. Red, White, and Royal Blue is like a comforting cup of coffee, not the one that wakes you up, but the one that calms you down.

Not Here to Be Liked by Michelle Quach

A coming-of-age novel about a girl who has worked all her life for the spot of editor-in-chief of her school newspaper, and a guy who gets the spot simply because he is more likeable.

Not Here to Be Liked is a story about understanding what you want in life, and unearthing parts of yourself you didn’t even know existed. Eliza Quan is perfect. She works hard. She gets the good grades. She had all the qualities. So what if she’s a little assertive, a bit too serious. She has the talent, and at the end of the day that’s what matters. But apparently, it wasn’t enough. Len DiMartile, ex-jock, the one with the easy personality, is the one who gets the spot. What follows is Eliza spiralling into a mess of hate, anger, and disappointment.

Her frustration carries forward the momentum of the story as she cries about patriarchy and how she was denied her spot all because of her personality, but there is so much more than that. What Eliza doesn’t know is that soon she will be the leading face of a feminist movement in her school with the school asking her to team up with Lin, as a show of good nature and civility. Eliza’s life spirals further out of control as she realises that she might be falling for the face of patriarchy.

The book is light-hearted, and yet manages to touch on the subtility of being a feminist in this society. The casual incidents of Eliza being called a ‘fem-n*zi’ and being made fun of, might seem benign in the start, but what they showed were how people didn’t like a women with a voice. At the centre of it all is the blossoming romance between Eliza and Lin. The book is perfect when you want to have a good laugh and want characters to root for.

The Gentleman’s Guide to Vice and Virtue by Mackenzi Lee

An 18th century Englishman touring Europe with his best friend and sister before being forced to take over his family estate? Romantic tension? Hilarious commentary?  The Gentleman’s Guide to Vice and Virtue is the perfect book when you are looking for some comfort.

Henry ‘Monty’ Montague is the epitome of spoiled brat. His devil-may-care attitude is nothing short of a pain. His best friend Percy is the only one who can get through to him. Probably because Monty has been crushing on Percy forever.

The book follows Monty, Percy, and Felicity, as the tour through Europe. The book is filled with grand events, beautiful writing, and hilarious dialogues. But behind the façade of his nature, Monty is fragile and afraid. When Percy’s medical condition comes to the front, he is forced to let go of his childish antics and step up. The book is deeply entertaining, and surprisingly intense. It is wonderful to see Monty’s character develop as he takes a step back and sees beyond himself. The friendship, and later the romance between him and Percy is soft and irresistible. Each character has something unique to offer to the story. The perfect read to brighten up a gloomy day.

What are some of your comfort reads? Do tell us in the comments below!

The post Five Books That Are Like A Warm Coffee On A Rainy Day appeared first on The Nerd Daily.

Hi, Mackenzi! Can you tell our readers a bit about yourself?

Hey hi, I’m Mackenzi! I write fun historical fiction and nonfiction books that feature characters who do not usually get to be the stars of narratives set in the past. I live in Los Angeles, have worked as an independent bookseller for 10+ years, drink too much Diet Coke, and pet every dog I meet.

When did you first discover your love for writing and stories?

I loved reading as a kid, and being an author was an early career aspiration as a result (I recently discovered a bunch of childhood journals where I wrote a lot about not just wanting to be an author, but wanting to be ***famous*** so). But I thought I was bound for academia and a life of a historian. After college, I had to find my way back to reading fiction and reading for fun when I was traveling Europe and trying to entertain myself in airports and bus stations. The love of writing came back with it.

Quick lightning round! Tell us:

• The first book you ever remember reading: Mike Mulligan and His Steam Shovel by Virginia Lee Burton
• The one that made you want to become an author: The Jedi Apprentice series by Jude Watson
• The one that you can’t stop thinking about: Bloody Jack by LA Meyer, because I am always thinking about how I wish I could make a career writing Jacky Faber fanfiction

Your latest novel, Lady Like, is out September 9^th! If you could only describe it in five words, what would they be?

• Regency
• Shakespeare
• Horses
• Duels
• Lesbians

What can readers expect?

Romance! Fun! History! Queer main characters but no homophobia! A giant dog with no spatial awareness! Balls! Banter! Sappho! Shakespeare! London!

Where did the inspiration for Lady Like come from?

Watching (and loving!) season one of Bridgerton with the rest of the world, but wondering why, in a world that played fast and loose with historical accuracy, sexuality seemed to be the final frontier. In a diverse regency England, why was everyone still overwhelmingly heterosexual? I’m hoping this will change in the show, since it’s the most visible regency property of the current moment, but until then, I thought I’d do something about it myself!

Were there any moments or characters you really enjoyed writing or exploring?

One of the main characters, Harry, is an actress in a troop made up entirely of women who perform bad, bawdy Shakespeare. I love Shakespeare, and getting to incorporate so many references and allusions and jokes to and from his plays delighted me. It also created great parallels with Harry’s gender and the general gender fuckery of Shakespeare in general. It was a characterizing detail I initially threw in to amuse myself, and it ended up adding a whole new dimension to her character.

Did you face any challenges whilst writing? How did you overcome them?

Writing any book is just a series of challenges. It’s hard and exhausting and consumes your brain and makes you doubt yourself and feel crazy. But for me, the joy of the work is what gets me through all the challenges. Writing is hard, but it’s so fun. And when it’s good, it’s so good.

This is your adult debut! Were there any shifts or new approaches to your planning and writing?

Honestly, no! I just didn’t have to edit out the jokes I usually make and then have to cut in my YA books.

What’s next for you?

I am working on an IP project for an upcoming film, a tv adaptation of a book I love, and a new YA historical fiction series. Maybe more adult historical romances in the future as well!

Lastly, what books have you enjoyed reading this year? Are there any you’re looking forward to picking up?

There are a bunch of great queer regency novels coming out this year that I’m excited about – particularly Ladies in Hating by Alexandra Vashti.

I just finished The Ragpicker King by Cassandra Clare, the second book in the Chronicles of Castellane. Giant fantasy tomes aren’t usually my thing but I have enjoyed the hell out of these and will follow this series where ever it goes.

Will you be picking up Lady Like? Tell us in the comments below!

The post Q&A: Mackenzi Lee, Author of ‘Lady Like’ appeared first on The Nerd Daily.

Read on to discover some of our picks and tell us in the comments below if you will be picking up any!

The House of Quiet by Kiersten White

Publisher | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop.org
From the #1 New York Times bestselling author of Hide comes a dark fantasy about a girl who will risk everything—posing as a maid, confronting powerful enemies, and unraveling deadly secrets—all to save her missing sister from the enigmatic House of Quiet.

It Had to Be Him by Adib Khorram

Publisher | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop.org
Heartstopper meets Eat Pray Love in this swoony, spicy, second-chance romance from USA Today bestselling author Adib Khorram about two former classmates unexpectedly reuniting in Italy.

Make Me a Monster by Kalynn Bayron

Publisher | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop.org
New York Times bestselling author Kalynn Bayron is back with a Frankenstein-tinged horror romance, creating a hauntingly beautiful exploration of body horror, family secrets, grief and loss and love.

The Killer Question by Janice Hallett

Publisher | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop.org
Janice Hallett, “the new queen of crime” (Electric Literature), returns with a fresh, edge-of-your-seat mystery that takes place at a pub’s weekly trivia night, revealed through quiz categories, phone messages, and email correspondence.

Night & Day edited by Ellen Datlow

Publisher | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop.org
A horror anthology edited by the genre’s greatest, Ellen Datlow, with one side featuring stories about what haunts the night while the other side showcases the terrors that can exist in the light of day in this new addition to the Saga Doubles series.

Soul Searching by Lyla Sage

Publisher | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop.org
The #1 New York Times bestselling author of the Rebel Blue Ranch series returns with a brand-new story, featuring a small-town upholsterer in need of a fresh start, a photographer whose life has come to a screeching halt . . . and the supernatural forces that bring them together.

The Impossible Fortune by Richard Osman

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The unmissable new mystery in the Thursday Murder Club series from #1 New York Times bestselling author Richard Osman, now streaming on Netflix.

The Second Death of Locke by V.L. Bovalino

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The Second Death of Locke is a devastatingly romantic epic fantasy about the undying bond between a knight and their mage, perfect for fans of Rachel Gillig and Alix E. Harrow.

House of Hearts by Skyla Arndt

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Solving her best friend’s murder means infiltrating a secret society, resisting a forbidden love, and running from a vengeful ghost in this sophomore novel by the author of Together We Rot.

You Are The Detective by Maureen Johnson

Publisher | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop.org
November 1933. London. Seven people receive mysterious letters. Someone knows their terrible secrets. They are summoned to a posh townhouse where one is stabbed right in front of the others, but somehow no one saw a thing. Can you help Scotland Yard solve the mystery?

A Blood as Bright as the Moon by Andrea Morstabilini

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A vampire, desperately torn between worlds, is hunted down by a secret society bent on his destruction, in this timeless and unsettling queer gothic horror, perfect for fans of T. Kingfisher and Silvia Moreno-Garcia.

Among the Burning Flowers by Samantha Shannon

Publisher | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop.org
A story of human resilience in the face of dire circumstances, Among the Burning Flowers leads readers through the gripping and tragic events that pave the way for the opening of the million-copy bestseller The Priory of The Orange Tree.

Lady Like by Mackenzi Lee

Publisher | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop.org
Two women set their sights on marrying the same duke, but instead of becoming enemies, they find themselves falling in love—though not with him.

When We Were Monsters by Jennifer Niven

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A simmering psychological thriller about a dead teacher at an elite boarding school, the students who had every reason to want her gone, and the tangled web of rivalry and romance concealing the truth—from the #1 New York Times bestselling author of All the Bright Places.

The Macabre by Kosoko Jackson

Publisher | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop.org
From award-winning and USA Today bestselling author Kosoko Jackson comes his adult speculative debut, a stand-alone novel blending time travel and globe-hopping adventure, art history, and dark fantasy about magical paintings and the lengths people will go to collect them, destroy them…or be destroyed.

You Weren’t Meant to Be Human by Andrew Joseph White

Publisher | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop.org
Alien meets Midsommar in this chilling debut adult novel from award-winning author Andrew Joseph White about identity, survival, and transformation amidst an alien invasion in rural West Virginia.

Hopelessly Teavoted by Audrey Goldberg Ruoff

Publisher | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop.org
After the deaths of his parents, a witch returns to his spooky family manor and joins forces with his former crush when his parents’ spirits warn them of a sinister threat in this witty and lyrically unique rom-com in the vein of The Crescent Moon Tearoom andThe Ex Hex.

Seven Reasons To Murder Your Dinner Guests by KJ Whittle

Publisher | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop.org
Told from the perspectives of each of the seven guests, Seven Reasons to Murder Your Dinner Guests is a spellbinding and mysterious exploration of mortality, begging the question: how would you live your life if you knew your number was up?

Holiday Ever After by Hannah Grace

Publisher | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop.org
Clara Davenport wants to solve Fraser Falls’s biggest problem. According to Jack Kelly, Clara is Fraser Falls’s biggest problem.

What Fury Brings by Tricia Levenseller

Publisher | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop.org
#1 New York Times-bestselling author Tricia Levenseller makes her adult debut in What Fury Brings, a sexy, empowering romantasy featuring a warrior general who must kidnap and train a husband in order to take her rightful place as queen.

Old Money by Kelsey Miller

Publisher | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop.org
On the Fourth of July, a teenager dies at an exclusive country club. Twenty years later, her cousin returns to her hometown, seeking answers behind closed gates in this rich, atmospheric thriller for fans of Lucy Foley, Liz Moore and Ruth Ware.

A Mannequin for Christmas by Timothy Janovsky

Publisher | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop.org
A Christmas romance for Barbie fans who wished Ken and Allan got their own love story.

Saltcrop by Yume Kitasei

Publisher | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop.org
From the acclaimed author of The Stardust Grail comes the epic tale of two sisters who sail across oceans to find their missing third sister―and Earth’s environmental salvation.

The Dead of Summer by Ryan La Sala

Publisher | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop.org
Stephen King meets Holly Jackson by way of We Were Liars in this action-packed story of queer horror from the acclaimed author of The Honeys!

What September books are you looking forward to? Tell us in the comments below!

The post 24 Anticipated Books Releasing In September 2025 appeared first on The Nerd Daily.

The world of YA literature has been getting progressively more and more diverse (*takes out a celebratory horn and blows on it excitedly*) – starting off with more gay, lesbian, and bisexual characters. But new releases over the last couple of years are also filled with better representation of other sexual identities and orientations, including trans , ace, and demi characters, to enby love stories! We still have a long way to go, but even these slight changes in representation in YA lit gives me hope!

And that’s why I decided to put together a short list of YA characters of different sexual orientations and identities and the books they come from, plus it’s a fantastic time to discover them with Pride Month!

Gay Characters

Jack from Jack of Hearts by L.C. Rosen

Jack is an out and proud gay guy who is through worrying about stereotypes! So what if he fits into one! He likes makeup, fancy clothes, and sex and is proud of that! Jack is a very iconic gay character because he is so unapologetic about being himself and he writes a very educational column about sex for his school. Jack of Hearts is not a coming out story – this is the story of everything that comes after that. If you are looking for a fresh and unique read with chilling twists, this one might be just perfect for you!

Ronan from Call Down the Hawk ­by Maggie Stiefvater

Now Ronan is a character you probably already heard about if you love YA as he is one of the most beloved characters in the subgenre of magical realism and his love story with a certain someone is one for the ages! There are many sides to Ronan, but one of the things I find most inspiring about his story is how he reconciles his faith with his sexuality. Pick this book up if you love lyrical writing, mind-blowing plot twists, and beautiful relationships. And a quick tip – read The Raven Cycle before jumping into Call Down the Hawk!

Griffin from History Is All You Left Me by Adam Silvera

Silvera is well known for his heart-wrenching stories and this one is no exception! But while Griffin has to battle grief at losing his first love, we also get a front-row seat at him confronting both his past and present in order to move on with his life. Despite it being a sorrowful story of loss and pain that comes with it, History Is All You Left Me is also filled with hope and all the best things of being young and in love for the first time.

Lesbian Characters

Aline Penhallow from Red Scrolls of Magic by Cassandra Clare

Cassandra Clare is well known for diversity in her books, but one of her latest series, The Eldest Curses, follows a M/M and a F/F couple making it her first with LGBTQ+ main protagonists! And one of the girls in the book, Aline Penhallow, is a true firecracker and an epic heroine! We met her for the first time back in The Mortal Instruments, but this book really makes her shine!

Cameron Post from The Miseducation of Cameron Post by Emily M. Danforth

Cameron’s story is basically a classic lesbian coming-of-age story at this point. When Cameron is shipped to a conversion therapy after being found with a girl, her life is turned upside down and she starts to dig deeper and question the expectations of life. This is not only a story of the damaging reality that is conversion therapy, but also an exploration of female sexuality and a hot-take on sex and sexuality in general.

Lei from Girls of Paper and Fire by Natasha Ngan

This series was one of the most hyped ones back in 2018 and rightfully so! Lei is a strong female protagonist that has to fight against injustice and tyranny of her world, but there is also a sweet component of forbidden love woven into this rather hard-hitting story. As you follow Lei on her journey and see as she slowly realises she has feelings for her fellow king’s consort, you won’t be able to not fall in love with their powerful love story!

Bisexual Characters

Levi from Ace of Shades by Amanda Foody

Ace of Shades is a perfect read for any fans of epic plot twists and swoon-worthy characters! Levi is a leader of a notorious gang and the type of character you can’t help but adore! I sometimes jokingly say that he is basically Kaz Brekker and Jesper Fahey (both characters from Six of Crows) combined – witty, hella charming, but also cunning and ambitious. He is a joy to read about and he is a main, bisexual Black character.

Jesper Fahey and Nina Zenik from Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo

This duology is super diverse in different ways and basically anyone is able to find themselves in one of the characters! Two of the most beloved ones are naturally the bisexual legends Nina and Jesper, who slay not only with their weapons of choice but also with their charm and flirtatious ways! One of the other characters pointed this out even in the book: “…he sometimes suspected they could forgo all of Kaz’s planning and simply let Jesper and Nina flirt the entirety of Ketterdam into submission.” – Crooked Kingdom, Leigh Bardugo

Noam from The Fever King by Victoria Lee

This epic dystopian duology follows a story of a techopath Noam as he tries to navigate the treacherous ways of his corrupt government and save his people. But of course there is also a beautiful queer love story in the heart of The Fever King – a love between two boys who learn to trust and love each other despite the horrid world they grew up in.

Leah from Leah on the Offbeat by Becky Albertalli

Did someone say an epic and fluffy book about two epic bisexual queens?! If that’s what you are looking for, search no more! This beautiful Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda spin-off concentrates on Leah, Simon’s best friend, that is trying to come out to her friends and go after the girl she loves. Leah on the Offbeat is filled with cuteness interwoven with more serious topics, a mix we’ve come to expect and love from Albertalli! A perfect summer read if there ever was one!

Asexual and Demisexual Characters

Rick from Rick by Alex Gino

While not technically YA (it’s a middle grade story), Rick is the kind of story that will leave you full of hope for the better tomorrow! This middle grade book about a young boy who already knows that he is just not interested in people in that way is a wonderful and poignant story about sexuality and how there is no ‘right’ age to figure out who you are (or are not) attracted to. And how you and your feelings are valid no matter what others say.

Alice from Let’s Talk About Love by Claire Kann

Alice is prepping for a perfect summer when her girlfriend dumps her after finding out Alice is asexual. No more romantic star-gazing or bingeing favourite TV shows together, but then Takumi comes along and Alice realises she might not be as done with dating as she anticipated. There is beautiful intersectionality in this book as Alice is asexual, biromantic, and Black! Prepare to swoon with this cute YA rom-com that explains it is perfectly okay to want love but not sex. 

Felicity Montague from The Lady’s Guide to Petticoats and Piracy by Mackenzi Lee

Felicity fights for and then owns her sexuality (and her desire to become a doctor) in times when women were expected to marry young and stay quiet about it. As we follow Felicity on an adventure of her lifetime (Pirates! Dragons! Dogs!), we learn about the lives of women in the 1700s in a realistic yet hopeful manner. This is a feminist book your heart longs for with great representation as Felicity is on the asexual/aromantic spectrum!

Aled from Radio Silence by Alice Oseman

Hands down one of the sweetest characters in modern YA lit is Aled Last, the secondary main characters of Radio Silence and the creator of the famous podcast Universe City. He explains in the book that he is demisexual and that that also makes sense in terms of his relationship. The author also said before that she believes that sometime in the future Aled will come to identify as non-binary.

Non-Binary, Trans, and Gender Fluid Characters

Ben from I Wish You All the Best by Mason Deaver

Ben is a 17-year-old that gets thrown out of their house on Christmas day after they come out to their parents as non-binary. Ben is forced to move in with their estranged sister and finish their senior year at a new school, but everything is not as bleak as it seems. The main protagonists of I Wish You All the Best defy all the norms society forces on us, discovering a lot about themselves on the way, and coming out victorious! It is a realistic story of finding your voice and accepting it – sometimes sorrowful but with infinite possibilities for happiness and love.

Melissa from George by Alex Gino

Okay so I am cheating yet again by adding another gorgeous middle-grade book by Gino, but these stories of Rick and Melissa are too beautiful to pass up and perfect reads for anyone craving good asexual and trans rep! Melissa is a girl and she knows that despite what everyone else keeps telling her. And she will make other see her for who she really is… Melissa and not George! George is a truly stunning story that teaches about the power of friendship and acceptance that make even the hardest of situations bearable – especially when there are zoo and theatre and skirts involved!

Zee from The Disasters by M.K. England

The Disasters is a perfect read for all the fans of The Illumiane Files, a fast-paced space adventure with an amazing and diverse cast of characters (Bi rep! Trans rep! PoC characters! Muslim characters! Mental health rep!). I could go on and on about what a fun and adventurous book this is, but I’ll dedicate this time to screaming about the amazing trans girl medic called Zee. Her eyeliner is on point and she will kick you if you cross her. Hard.

Riley Cavanaugh from Symptoms of Being Human by Jeff Garvin

This beautiful story of coming to terms with yourself will introduce you to a snarky and rebellious teen you will inevitably fall for – without worrying about their gender! Riley is a gender fluid teen in a conservative town, finding their solace in an anonymous blog. But when the blog goes viral and Riley’s anonymity is compromised, Riley will have to decide between standing their ground or running away from everything they built with it.

Do you have any other recommendations with queer characters? Tell us in the comments below!

The post 18 YA Books With Queer Characters appeared first on The Nerd Daily.

Queer Eye is the type of feel-good show that makes even our darkest days brighter – and I think we all wish the Fab 5 were our close friends/confidants! I am also 100% sure that you have a favourite of the five, so here’s a little list of YA book recommendations based on your favourite member of the Fab 5!

JONATHAN VAN NESS

Jonathan Van Ness aka the nonbinary hair and makeup artist of the show is a literal ball of sunshine that makes everyone feel better about themselves with just a few words! Jonathan never sugarcoats, but tells people what is what in the sweetest, most awe-inspiring way. Jonathan had a pretty difficult life (and you can read more about it in their stunning memoir Over the Top: A Raw Journey to Self-Love, which I highly recommend) and all of their experiences coalesce into this gorgeous, strong, and confident hype-ball!

So the books we picked for Jonathan had to include all of the above – self-love, honesty, confidence, and just a pinch of extra!

I Wish You All the Best by Mason Deaver | Goodreads
A sorrowful yet hopeful coming-of-age love story that will make your heart weep with love! We are 100% sure that Jonathan would fall head over heels for this important story of Ben De Backer who comes out to their parents as non-binary and is consequently thrown out of their house. Forced to move in with their estranged sister and finish their senior year at a new school, the situation is less than ideal for Ben. But when they meet an always-smiling student Nathan and learn how to ask for help, things start looking up and there might still be a chance at happiness.

Dumplin’ by Julie Murphy | Goodreads
This celebration of our bodies and all that is beautiful of a novel centres around Willowdean, a self-proclaimed fat girl that decides to take back her confidence by entering a beauty pageant! In doing so, she also inspires some other unlikely candidates to do the same and with that changes the way people see these girls, but mostly she changes the way she sees herself! This gorgeous tale set in Texas and enriched with Dolly Parton songs is perfect for any Jonathan fans out there – confident and full of self-love!

Jack of Hearts (and Other Parts) by Lev A.C. Rosen | Goodreads
Jack Rothman is a seventeen-year-old boy who is very open about the things he loves: boys, makeup, and parties! He is a popular guy who even has a secret admirer, but when Jack starts writing an online sex advice column, those letters become threatening and Jack has to uncover the truth about who is behind them. This fun and quirky read with a chilling twist is perfect for anyone who is unsure of who they are. Jack will teach you what it means to be confident in your skin and inspire you to keep your head held high, similar to what Jonathan does in every single Queer Eye episode.

ANTONI POROWSKI

Antoni Porowski is the food expert on Queer Eye and he also serves just the right amount of sass, side-eye, and cuteness on the show! Antoni is a chef and last year he published Antoni in the Kitchen, a cookbook filled with recipes of different levels, so it’s a must-have for both newbies in the kitchen and seasoned chefs!

The Boy Who Steals Houses by C.G. Drews | Goodreads
This own-voices novel is a story of two boys who’ve been abandoned by their relatives and have to find a new life for themselves. Everything turns upside down for Sam and Avery when they somehow find their place with De Laineys, a chaotic and big family! This beautiful and heartwrenching story of found families, secrets, and love also deals with some very important topics such as mental health, anxiety, autism, and feminism. And of course, we can’t forget about all the delicious talk about food! 

Tweet Cute by Emma Lord | Goodreads
Now I have to start this rec by telling you that yes, I mostly decided on it because there is a lot of baking! Pepper is a food blogger and overachiever extraordinaire, juggling her senior year and running a Twitter account for her family’s successful fast food restaurant chain. On the other side we have Jack, class clown and Pepper’s complete opposite in many ways, who works in his family’s small deli. While their lives get intertwined in a viral Twitter war, they also start falling for each other in real life. This cute story of the importance of family legacy chock-full of sassy remarks, cute shenanigans, and falling in love will warm your heart – and inexplicably make you super hungry! Snacks are a must while reading this beauty!

Red, White and Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston | Goodreads
Okay, so I am cheating a bit since this is technically not a YA novel (due to its themes it falls into New Adult category), but I just had to include this masterpiece about America’s First Son and the Prince of Wales falling in love! Okay so it’s a sort of an enemies (or at least rivals) to lovers story, which makes it even more endearing and important. This modern classic is perfect for any fans of Antoni because of its sincere story-telling and heart-aching quotes.

TAN FRANCE

The fabulous Tan France is Queer Eye‘s fashion expert and there is just something about this hard-working and cheeky fashion guru that demands attention! In his memoir Naturally Tan, he tells his origin story and highlights how important it is to work on acceptance and understanding of each other!

King of Scars by Leigh Bardugo | Goodreads
There are two reasons I decided that this Bardugo masterpiece should be on Tan’s list of recs! The first is of course the gorgeous cover that still makes us gasp with awe to this day! The second are its narrators! King of Scars follows the journeys of the beloved charming king Nikolai and our queens (figuratively speaking – at least for now ^*wink*), the formidable Squaller and commander of the Second Army, Zoya, and Nina, the heartbroken yet still deadly in both her wits and abilities,as they try to piece together their country after its bloody civil wars and defy their enemies! We therefore follow three confident and strong protagonists that steal your heart from the get-go – and what is more Tan if not his trademark wit and poise!

The Lady’s Guide to Petticoats and Piracy by Mackenzi Lee | Goodreads
This feminist historical fiction novel follows our fierce heroine Felicity Montague as she does everything in her power to fulfil her lifelong dream of becoming a doctor. As this is a less desirable path a woman should take in the 1700’s, Felicity has to fight for some room in the man-ruled world which leads to epic trips and unforgettable quests that show the reader the true struggles of women and the power they possess! Tan would undoubtedly adore Felicity, this judgy little queen that learns so much about herself and all women along the way, and becomes the most enlightened and accepting version of herself. 

The Bane Chronicles by Cassandra Clare | Goodreads
Whenever you think of a YA character with impeccable style, the infamous warlock Magnus Bane must be one of the first to cross your mind! In this beautiful short stories collection, we get to know more about the beloved Magnus – from his life spanning through centuries, to epic shenanigans, and all the heartbreaking love stories he lived through before meeting the other half of Malec, Alec Lightwood! Now I don’t know about you, but if you ask me, Magnus and Tan would be fast friends, talking fashion and exchanging witty remarks.

KARAMO BROWN

Karamo Brown is the Queer Eye‘s culture expert who helps the candidates with their problems and different obstacles in life by finding ways to start dealing with them. Karamo’s television career started on reality show The Real World: Philadelphia in 2004, when he also became the first openly gay black man on reality TV. Our resident culture expert is the motivational life coach that every one of us could probably use in our lives, making people believe in themselves and inspiring them with every action and nice word!

If Karamo is your favourite, you should also check out his 2019 memoir titled Karamo: My Story of Embracing Purpose, Healing, and Hope.

Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe by Benjamin Alire Sáenz | Goodreads
The lyrical and atmospheric tale of two boys that meet one fateful summer day and their developing friendship that shapes them both. This coming-of-age story about discovering the deepest parts of yourself and letting them shine is the perfect tale of heartbreak and love that will lift you up and fill your heart with hope! 

The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas | Goodreads
Now I think this modern-day classic doesn’t need any special introductions or explanations as to why it would be a perfect rec for any Karamo fans! As we follow Starr Carter on her journey of finding justice for her childhood friend who was a victim of a fatal shooting, we delve deep into important and very relevant issues of our world today, from racism and police brutality, to activism and weaponizing of stereotypes. This is one of the books that will stay with you long after you’re done reading it and keep you thinking – similar to what Karamo does in basically every Queer Eye episode!

The Black Flamingo by Dean Atta | Goodreads
This fierce coming-of-age story of a young gay black man told in verse is a beautiful tale of self-discovery and self-love! We follow Michael as he tries to find his place under the sun, dealing with questions of his identity as a mixed-raced gay teen! His path leads him to university where he finds himself in the group of drag artists and finally unlocks his bold and bright colours! Now this novel just screams about self-acceptance and love and I am 100% sure this is something Karamo would urge all of us to read!

BOBBY BERK

Bobby Berk is the interior design expert on Queer Eye and he left home when he was only fifteen and made his way up in the world by working hard and never giving up, even when the situation seemed hopeless! He is an independent, no-nonsense guy that always has hard-hitting but important life advice at the ready! So it seemed only logical to pick books that really reflect that!

Autoboyography by Christina Lauren | Goodreads
If you’ve watched at least a few episodes of Queer Eye, you probably noticed that Bobby mentions a few times that religion had a big role in his life growing up! So, this heart-wrenching story of two boys falling in love and trying to balance their love and the beliefs they were brought up with seems like a perfect read for Bobby fans. This beautiful exploration of religion, sexuality, and young love will both break and mend your heart, and you will be rooting for Tanner and Sebastian in no time!

Ziggy, Stardust and Me by James Brandon | Goodreads
This book takes us back in time to the 70s when David Bowie was at the top of his game and when homosexuality was still treated as a mental illness. We meet Jonathan, a sixteen-year-old boy who is going through treatments for liking other boys. Life seems pretty drab until Web walks into Jonathan’s life and makes him question how something as pure as what he feels for him could be considered ‘bad’. This coming-of-age story about learning how to accept yourself even in the face of adversity will bring a smile to your lips!

I Was Born for This by Alice Oseman | Goodreads
For the last Bobby rec I had to go with an Alice Oseman book! She just really knows how to write uplifting stories while also weaving in important topics such as mental health and going after what you believe in! In this book all about the celebration of fandoms, we follow two perspectives – Angel, the fangirl, and Jimmy, the singer! As Angel and Jimmy’s worlds collide, they both learn a lot about themselves and the fandom culture they are a part of.

So, there you have all the epic YA book recommendations for our favourite Fab 5 members! And last but not least, if you adore Queer Eye as much as I do, you simply have to pick up Queer Eye: Love Yourself. Love Your Life, which includes everything you need to know about our beloved Fab 5, some behind-the-scenes things from the show, and practical advice about how to live your best life!

Which Fab 5 member is your favourite and why? Tell us in the comments below!

The post Queer Eye: YA Book Recommendations Based On The Fab 5 appeared first on The Nerd Daily.

This list brings you 10 historical fiction novels that will make you feel a range of emotions and also tie in with other genres such as fantasy and young adult. Who knows, even people who are not big fans might just fall in love with the genre along the way!

The Gentleman’s Guide to Vice and Virtue by Mackenzi Lee
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

An exhilarating plot, characters you will fall head over heels in love with, bickering siblings, wicked nobles, highway robbery, mad scientists, scandals, daring escapades, impossible quests, grave mysteries, and of course, a gorgeous and epic love story. The Gentleman’s Guide to Vice and Virtue has it all! It also tackles issues like racism, sexism, homophobia, disability, and physical abuse with great care, but in a way that never gets preachy. Monty’s witty, wry, and unapologetically bi voice is an added bonus.

All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

With beautiful prose and well fleshed out characters, All the Lights We Cannot See is bittersweet and heartbreaking in the best possible way. However, going into this book, don’t expect a typical wartime love story. It is very different, in a much more haunting way.

The Ten Thousand Doors of January by Alix E. Harrow
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Along with being historical fiction, this is also a portal fantasy book! Harrow’s writing is magical and lovely, and almost tricks you into believing in Doors that will take you to worlds unseen before. Be prepared for the disappointment you are bound to feel when you come out of the book and back to reality, though.

The Bird King by G. Willow Wilson
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Fantasy and magic seamlessly merge with history, making the story of two people who have never known freedom before into a grand tale of epic adventure. An enchanting novel full of heart and raw emotions, The Bird King is going to stay with you for a long time.

Ziggy Stardust and Me by James Brandon
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

This book is honest, blunt, heart-wrenching, and incredibly important. The writing style is very unique, although sometimes it might seem a little disjointed too, but that fits Jonathan, a boy who is losing his identity and being shattered into a million pieces every day as he goes through “therapy” that would “fix” him. Ziggy, Stardust and Me possesses the unique power to put the reader in its main character’s shoes, to render the reader as vulnerable as Jonathan feels and takes the reader through the horrors he faces. Brace yourselves, this is going to hurt.

Speak Easy, Speak Love by McKelle George
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Ah, a Shakespearean retelling set in the glorious Jazz Age sounds too good to be true, doesn’t it? George has created such loveable, delightful characters; sometimes you want to shake them until their teeth rattle because they would die before admitting their feelings out loud, but that’s just part of their charm. There’s lots of drama and lots of romance and amidst it all, the plot is carried out satisfactorily too. If all that isn’t enough to convince you, Beatrice and Benedick are basically the enemies-to-lovers trope personified!

The Fountains of Silence by Ruta Sepetys
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Sepetys portrays a brutal time in history with compassion, but also in a way that hits hard. If you enjoy well researched and informative historical fiction, this book is definitely for you. Make sure you check out Sepetys’s other works too, all of them are similarly brilliant and immersive.

The Watchmaker of Filigree Street by Natasha Pulley
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Pulley recreates Victorian London and Japan during the civil war with loving precision, and blends historical events with elements of fantasy deftly, making this into an atmospheric read not just read but thoroughly savoured.

Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe by Benjamin Alire Sáenz
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Told from Ari’s point of view, the story is lyrical and gentle, and takes the reader smoothly through the pages. You’ll find yourself relating to at least one of the characters, at least a little.

My Lady Jane by Cynthia Hand, Brodi Ashton and Jodi Meadows
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

You know those books you just can’t stop hugging? My Lady Jane has the potential to become one of those for you. Brimming with humour, romance, adventure, and pop culture references, MLJ is a charming historical retelling that everyone should give a try, especially if you are not a fan of the genre. And then try the other books in the Lady Janies series. You won’t regret it.

Do you have any other recommendations? Tell us in the comments below!

The post 10 Unusual Historical Fiction Books You Should Pick Up appeared first on The Nerd Daily.

When you think of Victorian England, you probably think of Queen Victoria first. Then you might think of extravagant dresses and fancy suits, of a time long past that has nothing at all to do with you living in the 21^st century. Maybe you will even think about the industrial revolution that made most of the iconic fashion styles happen, as well as inventions such as steam engines and railways.

And when you think of literature during this time, the Brontё sisters, Charles Dickens, and Mary Shelley are bound to be some of the first names to pop up. Nevertheless, just like the fashion going out of style, the language in which books like Oliver Twist, Wuthering Heights, and Frankenstein have been originally written in, has become old-fashioned.  

In an attempt to make these classics accessible for a young and modern audience, writers and especially YA writers, have been adapting Victorian classics. This can be achieved by simply putting the characters into a modern setting, by making one of the background characters from the original work the protagonist, to change the gender, age, or sexuality of a character or, to change the course of the story completely!

Nowadays, there are so many amazing retellings of Victorian novels that it can be difficult to decide where to start. If you’re one of the intimidated readers, don’t fret because here are five great young adult adaptions of Victorian novels to start your Victorian reading binge with (which, incidentally, mostly focus on girl power!)

My Plain Jane by Cynthia Hand (A retelling of Charlotte Brontё’s Jane Eyre)
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

While this is the second book in the The Lady Janies series, this is a stand-alone novel and is only connected to its forerunner because both feature a protagonist named ‘Jane’ and both are retellings of older tales.

You may think you know the story. After a miserable childhood, penniless orphan Jane Eyre embarks on a new life as a governess at Thornfield Hall. There, she meets one dark, brooding Mr. Rochester. Despite their significant age gap (!) and his uneven temper (!!), they fall in love—and, Reader, she marries him. (!!!) Or does she?

Prepare for an adventure of Gothic proportions, in which all is not as it seems, a certain gentleman is hiding more than skeletons in his closets, and one orphan Jane Eyre, aspiring author Charlotte Brontë, and supernatural investigator Alexander Blackwood are about to be drawn together on the most epic ghost hunt this side of Wuthering Heights.

Olivia Twist by Lorie Langdon (A retelling of Charles Dickens’ Oliver Twist)
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Olivia Brownlow is no damsel in distress. Born in a workhouse and raised as a boy among thieving London street gangs, she is as tough and cunning as they come. When she is taken in by her uncle after a caper gone wrong, her life goes from fighting and stealing on the streets to lavish dinners and soirees as a debutante in high society. But she can’t seem to escape her past … or forget the teeming slums where children just like her still scrabble to survive.

Jack MacCarron rose from his place in London’s East End to become the adopted “nephew” of a society matron. Little does society know that MacCarron is a false name for a boy once known among London gangs as the Artful Dodger, and that he and his “aunt” are robbing them blind every chance they get. When Jack encounters Olivia Brownlow in places he least expects, his curiosity is piqued. Why is a society girl helping a bunch of homeless orphan thieves? Even more intriguing, why does she remind him so much of someone he once knew? Jack finds himself wondering if going legit and risking it all might be worth it for love.

Olivia Twist is an innovative reimagining of Charles Dickens’ classic tale Oliver Twist, in which Olivia was forced to live as a boy for her own safety until she was rescued from the streets. Now eighteen, Olivia finds herself at a crossroads: revealed secrets threaten to destroy the “proper” life she has built for her herself, while newfound feelings for an arrogant young man she shouldn’t like could derail her carefully laid plans for the future.

A Study in Charlotte by Brittany Cavallaro (an expansion of the Sherlock Holmes Universe by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle)
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

The last thing Jamie Watson wants is a rugby scholarship to Sherringford, a Connecticut prep school just an hour away from his estranged father. But that’s not the only complication: Sherringford is also home to Charlotte Holmes, the famous detective’s great-great-great-granddaughter, who has inherited not only Sherlock’s genius but also his volatile temperament. From everything Jamie has heard about Charlotte, it seems safer to admire her from afar.

From the moment they meet, there’s a tense energy between them, and they seem more destined to be rivals than anything else. But when a Sherringford student dies under suspicious circumstances, ripped straight from the most terrifying of the Sherlock Holmes stories, Jamie can no longer afford to keep his distance. Jamie and Charlotte are being framed for murder, and only Charlotte can clear their names. But danger is mounting and nowhere is safe—and the only people they can trust are each other.

The Dark Descent of Elizabeth Frankenstein by Kiersten White (a retelling of Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein)
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Elizabeth Lavenza hasn’t had a proper meal in weeks. Her thin arms are covered with bruises from her “caregiver,” and she is on the verge of being thrown into the streets . . . until she is brought to the home of Victor Frankenstein, an unsmiling, solitary boy who has everything–except a friend.

Victor is her escape from misery. Elizabeth does everything she can to make herself indispensable–and it works. She is taken in by the Frankenstein family and rewarded with a warm bed, delicious food, and dresses of the finest silk. Soon she and Victor are inseparable.

But her new life comes at a price. As the years pass, Elizabeth’s survival depends on managing Victor’s dangerous temper and entertaining his every whim, no matter how depraved. Behind her blue eyes and sweet smile lies the calculating heart of a girl determined to stay alive no matter the cost . . . as the world she knows is consumed by darkness.

This Monstrous Thing by Mackenzi Lee (another retelling of Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein)
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

In 1818 Geneva, men built with clockwork parts live hidden away from society, cared for only by illegal mechanics called Shadow Boys. Two years ago, Shadow Boy Alasdair Finch’s life shattered to bits.

His brother, Oliver—dead. His sweetheart, Mary—gone. His chance to break free of Geneva—lost. Heart-broken and desperate, Alasdair does the unthinkable: He brings Oliver back from the dead.

But putting back together a broken life is more difficult than mending bones and adding clockwork pieces. Oliver returns more monster than man, and Alasdair’s horror further damages the already troubled relationship.

Then comes the publication of Frankenstein and the city intensifies its search for Shadow Boys, aiming to discover the real life doctor and his monster. Alasdair finds refuge with his idol, the brilliant Dr. Geisler, who may offer him a way to escape the dangerous present and his guilt-ridden past, but at a horrible price only Oliver can pay…

I hope you love these picks as much as we do, because even if you adore the original classics, indulging in retellings is a lot of fun. You get to go on new adventures with some of your favourite characters, an author might explore a scenario of “what if” a tiny detail would be different or the retold plot focuses on friendship instead of romance! There are honestly no bounds when it comes to reimaginings. On the other hand, if Jane Eyre’s story has always appealed to you but the language has put you off or the pace, this is an ideal way to enjoy the story the way you will enjoy it most! 

Do you read retellings? Which ones are your favourites? Let us know in the comments!

The post 5 YA Victorian Retellings You Will Love appeared first on The Nerd Daily.

February is already upon us and with that comes the constant stream of Valentine’s Day advertisements. But there is another day (in my humble opinion vastly more important day) in February that should be celebrated just as widely. I am of course talking about Galentine’s Day, a day to celebrate your BFFs, your gals that have your back and lift you up on a daily!

For those of you who don’t know what Galentine’s Day is, it is a holiday, created by Amy Poehler’s Parks and Recreation character Leslie Knope, that occurs every year on February 13th. So the day before Valentine’s is all about your friends!

Leslie described it perfectly in the show (this is part of episode 16 of season 2) “Ladies celebrating ladies”! Galentine’s Day is all about showering your girlfriends with love and having the best time together, whether outside cruising the restaurants and bars or inside marathoning those fluffy rom-coms and treating yourself to a relaxing spa day.

Now I’m not gonna lie, I am more of a “stay-inside-and-watch-five-movies-in-a-row” kinda gal myself and a student at that so I’m gonna share some epic Galentine’s Day ideas with you – but on a budget! Because we can still treat ourselves without spending copious amounts of money!

So without further ado, here are three steps you should follow for a fun and nerdy Galentine’s Day with your girlfriends!

1. FOOD

We are on a budget here, so this means no fancy restaurants. Instead we’ll be cooking this delicious Galentine’s Day meal ourselves – or well, preparing it with more cooking-savvy friends in my case as my skills in the kitchen are rusty (read: non-existent). And since this should be a fun and quick affair, here are some easy dishes you can whip up in basically no time AND have the best time preparing them with your BFFs!

• Waffles: This is a Galentine’s Day staple in honour of Leslie Knope. Leslie is known for her love of breakfast foods so here we are, eating waffles loaded with chocolate/maple syrup/berries and spilling – I mean, drinking some tea with our friends!
• Avocado Toast: There is no right or wrong way when it comes to preparing this Millennial favourite! This brunch dish only requires some toast, avocado and whatever you like best with that (I swear on mustard – don’t roll your eyes at me, just try it!)
• Cute little canapés! Fancy and quick!
• Home-made pizza! Now this is slightly more complex, but if you decide to do it with your friends it can also turn into a nice hour of bonding over cooking!

2. GIFT IDEAS – A.K.A BOOKS

Okay so in the spirit of not spending too much, we can go through some on a budget gift ideas! The first one is naturally books. Some might argue that books are not exactly cheap BUT it’s books, okay, Karen? We can all splurge a bit on books and treat our lovely girlfriends to some fluff! I put together a list of cute reads of different genres that are perfect for Galentine’s Day (aka have epic friendships AND OTPs to die for!)

• The Gentleman’s Guide to Vice and Virtue by Mackenzi Lee: This historical fiction novel will win over your hearts instantly with its witty characters, familial ties and TOO PRECIOUS love story! Plus you can make a drinking game out of how many times Monty says something inappropriate.
• Little Women by Louisa May Alcott: A truly amazing classic about the power of sisterly love and all the adventures of the March sisters that will also inspire you to pull out a billowy white shirt and maybe even journal! 
• Poetry collections by Amanda Lovelace for your poetry-loving friends (or tbh all your friends cause these poems are powerful)! Lovelace published some truly amazing collections all focusing on women and their strength! My personal favourite is The Witch Doesn’t Burn in This One!
• Moxie by Jennifer Mathieu: You need this book in your arsenal due to its feminist manifesto, great female friendships and basically a girl revolution! (And we’re getting an adaptation directed by none other than Amy Poehler! No time like the present to read this gem!)
• Mixing this list up a bit and ending it with some lightning quick YA fantasy/sci-fi recs with super important female friendships: Six of Crows, Vampire Academy, The Lunar Chronicles, and The Gilded Wolves! Get lost in these epic adventure books that will make you want to join a ragtag team in a blink!

But in case books are not your go-to gifts, you can never really go wrong with some chocolates, a face mask or simply a cute card with a heartfelt message!

3. MOVIE MARATHONS OR “NETFLIX AND FANGIRL-OVER-NOAH-CENTINEO”

You had to know that this would make the list. First of all, Netflix basically owns us all at this point and if we go for Netflix OGs, To All the Boys I’ve Loved before is a perfect way to start your movie marathon! Swoon-worthy love stories, the power of sisterly love and some much needed drama! And since the second movie, To All the Boys: P.S. I Still Love You is out just before Galentine’s Day, you can do a double feature! All the Noah Centineo, Lana Condor and Jordan Fisher you could ask for! The only downside of this epic movie marathon could be a possible rift between your friends – team Peter or team John Ambrose?!

Here are some other movie suggestions for a great day:

• Mean Girls: I don’t really have to explain this one, do I?
• Little Women: You can gift the book AND then have a movie marathon with this beauty! Plus you have a few adaptations to pick from – my personal favourite would have to be the latest one!
• Pitch Perfect: We have amazing friendships AND musical numbers! It’s a win-win situation plus you can make it into a real marathon and watch all three movies!
• The Princess Diaries: Another classic that takes you back in time! Many of us probably went through that “Maybe I’m a princess of a small and obscure country too” phase.
• Ocean’s Eight: I am sorry, but this movie is perfection filled with badassery, heists and all the Slytherin vibes!

And if you are into more extreme binging like myself (a season or nothing!), pick one TV show and binge! Some of the recent binge-worthy ones that are most fun to watch with friends are:

• The Bold Type: Okay so this is the obvious choice for a tv show to watch with your BFFs. A story of three badass gals living in NYC and slaying in the media world? Hells yes!
• You: Look, it’s creepy so you need a group of friends to watch it with. And to wonder aloud how no one sees Joe when he has his hat on. Is it an invisibility hat?!
• Spinning Out: The *drama*, you guys! Plus the mental health representation is on point which is always a good addition!
• Friends: This is honestly a very obvious choice. And really, is it ever a bad day to rewatch Friends? (The answer is: No.)
• Parks and Recreation: Get inspired by the hard-working and kickass lead ladies of this truly iconic sitcom!

And here we have all three steps you should follow for a fun Galentine’s Day that will save you a few bucks but still guarantee an amazing day with your BFFs!

And in the true Parks and Recreation I leave you with this wise words from Donna and Tom: “Treat yo self!”

Do you have any suggestions for a fun Galentine’s Day? Tell us in the comments below!

The post Get Nerdy This Galentine’s Day appeared first on The Nerd Daily.

There’s also new authors breaking on to the scene with their debuts including Isabel Ibañez, Emma Lord, Echo Brown, and Rebecca McLaughlin.

January also sees releases from authors Stacie Ramey, M.K. England, Lana Popović, Eric Smith, Sarah Henning, and Laurie Faria Stolarz. Plus there’s also an exciting collaboration with authors such as Beth Revis, Mackenzi Lee, Ellen Hopkins, Saundra Mitchell, Jennifer Brown, and Cheryl Rainfield, which is inspired by the #MeToo movement.

Read on to discover our picks and tell us if you will be picking up any of these releases!

A Heart So Fierce and Broken by Brigid Kemmerer
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

In the sequel to New York Times bestselling A Curse So Dark and Lonely, Brigid Kemmerer returns to the world of Emberfall in a lush fantasy where friends become foes and love blooms in the darkest of places.

Woven in Moonlight by Isabel Ibañez
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

A lush tapestry of magic, romance, and revolución, drawing inspiration from Bolivian politics and history.

It’s My Life by Stacie Ramey
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Jenna’s never let her cerebral palsy get her down. But when she discovers that her condition was actually caused by an injury at birth, she’s furious with her parents, who also push her to get yet another difficult procedure. Enter Julian, Jenna’s childhood crush. She reaches out to him―anonymously―to help. Soon, their conversations are about so much more than class. But would Julian still be interested in her if he knew who she really was? And can she find a way to take back her own narrative before she pushes away everyone she loves?

Spellhacker by M.K. England
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

From the author of The Disasters, this genre-bending YA fantasy heist story is perfect for fans of Marie Lu and Amie Kaufman.

Black Girl Unlimited: The Remarkable Story of a Teenage Wizard by Echo Brown
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Heavily autobiographical and infused with magical realism, Black Girl Unlimited fearlessly explores the intersections of poverty, sexual violence, depression, racism, and sexism―all through the arc of a transcendent coming-of-age story for fans of Renee Watson’s Piecing Me Together and Ibi Zoboi’s American Street.

Tweet Cute by Emma Lord
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

A fresh, irresistible rom-com from debut author Emma Lord about the chances we take, the paths life can lead us on, and how love can be found in the opposite place you expected.

Blood Countess by Lana Popović
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

A historical YA horror novel based on the infamous real-life inspiration for Countess Dracula.

Nameless Queen by Rebecca McLaughlin
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

One girl must make a name for herself–or die trying –in this royal fantasy where an unknown peasant becomes the ultimate ruler. But how long can she keep the crown if everyone wants her dead? Perfect for fans of Furyborn, Red Queen, and Everless.

Don’t Read the Comments by Eric Smith
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Slay meets Eliza and Her Monsters in Eric Smith’s Don’t Read the Comments, an #ownvoices story in which two teen gamers find their virtual worlds – and blossoming romance – invaded by the real-world issues of trolling and doxing in the gaming community.

Jane Anonymous by Laurie Faria Stolarz
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Bestselling author Laurie Faria Stolarz’s thrilling novel Jane Anonymous is a revelatory confessional of a seventeen-year-old girl’s fight to escape a kidnapper―and her struggles to connect with loved ones and a life that no longer exists.

You Too? by Janet Gurtler
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

A timely and heartfelt collection of essays inspired by the #MeToo movement, edited by acclaimed young adult and middle-grade author Janet Gurtler. Featuring Beth Revis, Mackenzi Lee, Ellen Hopkins, Saundra Mitchell, Jennifer Brown, Cheryl Rainfield and many more.

Throw Like a Girl by Sarah Henning
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Friday Night Lights meets Morgan Matson’s The Unexpected Everything in this contemporary debut where swoonworthy romance meets underdog sports story.

Will you be picking up any of these January YA releases? Tell us in the comments below!

The post January 2020 YA Book Releases appeared first on The Nerd Daily.

Inspired by the #MeToo movement, twenty five voices share their own stories in Janet Gurtler’s latest anthology You Too?. In a powerful push to let young adults know they are not alone, these stories tackle sexual assault in a deeply meaningful way, from a diverse set of voices including both authors we know and ones we don’t quite yet.

Before I begin, of course I need to say that this anthology includes a lot of potential triggers, so please be aware of a content warning for sexual assault, rape, incest, and exploitation. Personally, these topics are quite sensitive but immensely important to me, but I made sure to read this anthology in small amounts and when I was in the right headspace. It was so powerful and meaningful to me and has had a positive impact on my mental health, but make sure you do what is right for you.

You Too? is made up of twenty five essays, each one telling a different story that centres around sexual assault. They each tackle the subject in a different and powerful way, sharing their different and yet so similar experiences and discussing the impact and inference of these experiences. This anthology discusses rape culture, paedophilia, objectification, racism, toxic masculinity, society’s expectations pushed on girls, homophobia, speaking up, and so much more in such an important, timely, and poignant way.

It’s hard to review non-fiction like this except for saying how so very important this anthology is. I hope it reaches the hands of all genders everywhere, especially teenagers, and perhaps it will help some feel less alone, help them to understand, help them to speak up, and to notice and to help themselves. This anthology made me cry with happiness and of sadness and anger too, but I am so so glad to have read it. I hope this book truly succeeds and I am so thankful it exists.

You Too? is available from Amazon, Book Depository, and other good book retailers.

Will you be picking up You Too? Tell us in the comments below!

Synopsis | Goodreads

A timely and heartfelt collection of essays inspired by the #MeToo movement, edited by acclaimed young adult and middle-grade author Janet Gurtler. Featuring Beth Revis, Mackenzi Lee, Ellen Hopkins, Saundra Mitchell, Jennifer Brown, Cheryl Rainfield and many more.

When #MeToo went viral, Janet Gurtler was among the millions of people who began to reflect on her past experiences. Things she had reluctantly accepted—male classmates groping her at recess, harassment at work—came back to her in startling clarity. She needed teens to know what she had not: that no young person should be subject to sexual assault, or made to feel unsafe, less than or degraded.

You Too? was born out of that need. By turns thoughtful and explosive, these personal stories encompass a wide range of experiences and will resonate with every reader who has wondered, “Why is this happening to me?” or secretly felt that their own mistreatment or abuse is somehow their fault—it’s not. Candid and empowering, You Too? is written for teens, but also an essential resource for the adults in their lives—an urgent, compassionate call to listen and create change.

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