Belle Amie's 2025 Badass Reading List
- Je'Kendra Robinson
- Aug 9
- 5 min read
Updated: Aug 10
Because National Book Lovers Day deserves a celebration that lasts all year.
If you know me, you know my Kindle and Audible libraries are overflowing — and honestly, I wouldn’t have it any other way. Some titles live there patiently for months, waiting for their turn. Others? I start them the minute I download. Reading isn’t just a pastime for me; it’s a lifeline. Books have shaped how I think, how I dream, and how I see the world. They’ve been my escape, my teacher, and my quiet reminder that there’s always more to learn.
My late sister, Yasmeen, was the ultimate book lover. She could devour a 300–400 page book in a single day. Her shelves were overflowing, she had book club memberships, and she wasn’t afraid to read a favorite three or four times over. Meanwhile, I’ve always been a one-and-done reader, rarely revisiting a book within a decade. Growing up, I wanted so badly to fit in with her and my other sister, Kimeko — Yasmeen was six years older, Kimeko four — that I would (well… now I can admit it) demand Yasmeen tell me I was her favorite sister. My reasoning? Because we’d lay atop her bed on our stomachs, legs crossed behind us, reading together. She had the ultimate Goosebumps collection (Remember these books? I know right - classics!) , and when I wasn’t reading my Babysitters Club or American Girl books from the library, I’d sneak into her stash. Eventually, I graduated to her copies of Flyy Girl by Omar Tyree and The Coldest Winter Ever by Sister Souljah. (Now that I’m older, I plan to re-read them in Yasmeen’s honor.)
National Book Lovers Day: A Celebration of Stories
Observed each year on August 9, National Book Lovers Day is a tribute to the joy, adventure, and comfort found in the pages of a good book. While its exact origins are a bit of a mystery, the day has become a cherished occasion for bibliophiles to pause and honor their love of reading. Whether it’s curling up with a hardcover, flipping through a paperback on the porch, or swiping through an e-book on a tablet, this day is about making time for the written word. It’s also a reminder that stories—both fictional and real—connect us to each other and to the world around us.
I'm Currently Reading:
Wedding People — Alison Espach (Witty Fiction)
A witty, sharply observed novel about a woman attending a lavish wedding on a Connecticut beach who finds herself reflecting on love, friendship, and the complexities of adulthood. With humor and heart, Espach examines how relationships shift over time and how unexpected connections can change the course of a weekend—and a life.
The Reformatory — Tananarive Due (Haunting Historical Horror — September’s Book Club Pick)
Set in 1950s Jim Crow Florida, this haunting historical horror novel follows a 12-year-old boy sent to a segregated reform school for a minor offense. Based on real-life abuses at such institutions, Due weaves supernatural elements into a powerful story about injustice, resilience, and the ghosts—both literal and figurative—that haunt us.
Kindred — Octavia E. Butler
A classic you have to read. In this inventive neo-slave narrative, a modern Black woman named Dana is repeatedly transported back to a 19th-century Maryland plantation. It’s a powerful exploration of slavery’s trauma, time travel, and the ties that bind us—with gripping emotional weight
On My Must-Read Radar
(I may not get to all of these by the end of the year, but I’m determined to dive in. I’m no longer a horror junkie like I was back in the day, but I’ve included a few thrillers for fans of the genre.)
Bridge of Sighs — Richard Russo
A small-town summer read filled with family drama and plaintive romance—an Oprah pick that’s perfect for late summer reflection.
Culpability — Bruce Holsinger
A gripping family saga around an AI-related tragedy—exploring moral responsibility in the age of technology. Super-timely and haunting in all the right ways.
The River Is Waiting — Wally Lamb
A multi-layered narrative of addiction, family struggle, and healing—another recent Book Club selection that gets the heart’s pulse.
The Emperor of Gladness — Ocean Vuong
Lyrical, affecting, and emotionally vivid—Oprah’s Book Club choice and a beautifully nuanced exploration of belonging and identity.
Matriarch — Tina Knowles
A moving memoir from the powerhouse herself, tracing her life from Galveston childhood to global influence—full of heart and resilience.
Dream State — Eric Puchner
A beautifully honest novel about love, marriage, and memory, set across decades—it’s tender, funny, and deeply human.
Hello Beautiful — Ann Napolitano
A modern Little Women saga, this tender family drama about love, forgiveness, and sisterhood is Oprah’s 100th Book Club pick for good reason.
A New Earth — Eckhart Tolle
A spiritual wake-up call that nudges you toward presence and purpose—Oprah selected this twice.
The Covenant of Water — Abraham Verghese
An epic, emotionally rich multigenerational story set in India—beautifully rendered and Oprah-approved.
Yellowface — R.F. Kuang
A pointed satire on publishing, ambition, and cultural appropriation—sharp, furious, and impossible to stop reading.
Fourth Wing — Rebecca Yarros
A fiery fantasy-romance with dragon riders and a dangerous academy—if you love escapism with emotional stakes, this one’s for you.
All the Sinners Bleed — S.A. Cosby
A raw, suspenseful noir about a sheriff uncovering dark truths in a small Southern town—tense and unputdownable.
Atomic Habits — James Clear
A practical guide to building habits that stick—perfect for anyone looking to live more mindful, intentional days.
An Immense World — Ed Yong
A stunning exploration of how animals perceive the world—expanding your thinking and sense of wonder.
The Light We Carry — Michelle Obama
Insightful, honest, and beautifully human reflections on navigating life’s tough moments—pure inspiration.
Why Reading Will Always Matter
Reading is more than a pastime—it’s a tool for growth, empathy, and understanding. It stretches our minds, introduces us to perspectives far beyond our own, and sharpens our ability to think critically. Books allow us to explore different cultures, historical periods, and emotional landscapes without leaving our chair. They inspire creativity, strengthen vocabulary, and even reduce stress. In an age dominated by fast information and quick scrolling, reading offers a slower, deeper form of engagement—one that enriches not just the mind, but the soul.
How I Make Time for Books (and Why You Should Too)
Life gets busy, but I’ve learned that making time for reading is worth the effort. I squeeze in chapters during my morning commute, and I let audiobooks keep me company while I’m cleaning or cooking. This way, even on my busiest days, I’m still feeding my mind and indulging my love for storytelling. Whether it’s a few pages before bed, a lunchtime read, or listening on the go, there’s always a way to fit books into your life. Stories have the power to change your mood, shift your thinking, and spark new ideas—and I can’t think of a better reason to keep turning the pages.
Your Turn—Let’s Swap Favorites
I’ve shared what’s on my current list and my must-read radar, but I’d love to hear from you. What’s the best book you’ve read recently? Are there any hidden gems, page-turners, or life-changing reads you’d recommend? Drop your suggestions in the comments so we can keep each other inspired and our to-be-read lists growing. After all, the best part of being a book lover is sharing the stories that move us most.
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