And why I felt hooked on these books 

We're deep enough into the year now that it feels right to pause and take stock. Here are the books that earned a full five stars from me so far in my 2026 reading challenge.

Gender Is Over by Isa Borrelli

A perfect balance between personal insight and political/social overview of the experience of non-binary people in Italy. Highly recommended for both queer and cishet people. Loved the honesty and the clean narrative.

Who’s Afraid of Gender? by Judith Butler

At this point, Who’s Afraid of Gender? is considered a classic in queer studies. Judith Butler takes on three main antagonists of queer people and culture, analyzing their positions and backgrounds. Unapologetic and sharp. No mercy.

Bury Our Bones in the Midnight Soil by V.E. Schwab

I have to confess: I’ve read This Savage Song and City of Ghosts, but it’s with Addie LaRue that I fell completely for this author. Bury Our Bones is no less poetic and introspective. I love how she digs into human nature — sins and miracles.

Graveyard Shift by M.L. Rio

Apparently, mine is an unpopular opinion, but I did love the atmosphere of this novella. As someone who has dealt with insomnia and night terrors for a long time, I found myself in this crepuscular-nightmare episode. I also like scientific curiosities, and the lab experiment mixed with grave dirt got me.

Ninth House by Leigh Bardugo

Well, this is a well-known top pick. I was skeptical at first, but real dark academia is a guilty pleasure. I loved the worldbuilding and the precise, sharp pen reserved for the main characters. History, arts, secret societies, ghosts, and troubled lives: just sign me up.

What About You?

Let me know in the comments: do you agree or disagree? What are your five-stars so far? I’d love to hear your personal takes.