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These five books published in the last few years deserve more hype, in my opinion (Image: Imgorthand via Getty Images)<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n Life can be hectic, and between work, socialising, parenting<\/a>, and managing household tasks, it often feels like there’s no time left for oneself. Even when you do manage to carve out some free time, reading a book<\/a> might not be at the top of your to-do list.<\/p>\n However, there are countless reasons to pick up a book instead of scrolling through your phone. Whether you’re immersing yourself in a fictional universe or expanding your knowledge on a subject you’re passionate about, reading can help you relax, reduce stress, and provide entertainment. I’ve always been an avid reader, but it was only at the start of 2024 that I committed to reading every single day. <\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n READ MORE:<\/strong> Pedro Pascal names his favourite books \u2014 including classic novel he ‘loves’ <\/a><\/p>\n READ MORE:<\/strong> I read every day \u2014 these are the 10 best new books to take on holiday <\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n These five books don’t get enough love, in my opinion (Image: Talya Honebeek)<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n Since then, I’ve consumed a wide array of books, from science fiction and romance to non-fiction and thrillers.<\/p>\n I make a point of reading many of the latest releases, but I also strive to step outside my comfort zone by exploring unfamiliar authors and genres. This approach has led me to discover some truly underrated gems that, in my view, deserve more recognition.<\/p>\n So, without further ado, here are five of the best books I’ve read over the past couple of years that I believe warrant more attention.<\/p>\n And for additional book recommendations, reviews, and news, subscribe to our free weekly newsletter, The Bookish Drop, on Substack.<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n So Thrilled For You follows Nicki, Charlotte, Steffi and Lauren, a group of four university friends in their thirties whose lives have pulled them in all different directions. As they reunite for Nicki’s baby shower, tensions rise and disaster strikes after someone starts a fire at the house.<\/p>\n This is a tale about motherhood, friendship and the unspoken truths we keep from our loved ones. The characters in this book still linger in my thoughts; they’re so diverse, yet as the story unfolds, I found myself relating to each one of them.<\/p>\n This book comes highly recommended for everyone, but especially for mothers or expectant mums.<\/p>\n It’s astonishing that it has only received 7,000 ratings on Goodreads thus far!<\/p>\n You can purchase So Thrilled For You here.<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n Have you read any of these books? (Image: Talya Honebeek)<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n This book follows Al, an “interloper” who lives in wealthy people’s homes while the real owners are away, without them ever knowing he was there in the first place. He’s getting by just fine until one day he breaks into the wrong house on the wrong day and sets in motion a pretty dramatic chain of events.<\/p>\n I’m not typically drawn to thrillers and mystery novels, but when the publisher sent me an advance copy before its UK paperback release, the premise intrigued me. Much to my surprise (and pleasure), I was hooked within just a few chapters.<\/p>\n It’s slightly lengthy for this genre, but don’t be put off by the number of pages, as it’s filled with hilarious moments and I was eager to discover how it concluded.<\/p>\n You can purchase A Beginner’s Guide to Breaking and Entering here.<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n Goodlord: An Email was my first read of the year (Image: Talya Honebeek)<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n Goodlord: An Email was my first read of 2025, and what a way to start the year it was! Taking the form of one long, very poetic email addressed to an estate agent, this is a fictional memoir of habitation focused on the places we call home. We follow the writer of the email, an artist in her thirties, as she takes us through her life, from her teenage years to the present day, via a succession of short-term stays and shared accomodation.<\/p>\n At times darkly humorous and at others utterly grim, above all, it’s a sharp commentary on the housing crisis. The format of this book makes it a breeze to read in one go, and I simply couldn’t put it down.<\/p>\n With merely 504 ratings on Goodreads at the time of writing, it’s a true hidden treasure, and one that deserves a spot on your reading list.<\/p>\n You can purchase Goodlord: An Email here. <\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n Romantasy novels are a big deal at the moment, and it feels like everywhere you turn, there is a new series or standalone book popping up.<\/p>\n If you’re a fan of romantasy, there’s an under-the-radar book that I believe deserves your attention. As an avid fantasy reader, I found Faebound, penned by Saara El-Arifi, to be a breath of fresh air within the genre.<\/p>\n The narrative centres around two sisters – Yeeran, an elven army warrior, and Lettle, a diviner, who are thrust into the fae realm where their loyalty to each other, their kin, and their hearts is put to the test.<\/p>\n The world-building is superbly executed without feeling laborious, the supporting characters leave a lasting impression, and the romantic tension between the leads surpasses many of its more renowned counterparts. Plus, it boasts unexpected plot twists, a rarity in this genre.<\/p>\n Despite being a Goodreads award winner, Faebound remains criminally underrated with a mere 24,400 ratings on Goodreads, significantly fewer than some of the big hitters in romantasy.<\/p>\n Faebound can be purchased here. <\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n These are five of the best books I’ve read that I wish more people would try (Image: Getty)<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n Four Seasons in Japan is a story within a story following Flo, a translator suffering from a crisis in confidence, who finds a mysterious book on the Tokyo subway and feels compelled to translate it. The novel revolves around Ayako, a strict woman who runs a coffee shop and has just taken guardianship of her grandson, aspiring artist Kyo. Flo follows these characters across a year in rural Japan, changing the course of her own life in the process.<\/p>\n This is a beautifully gentle, introspective tale populated with flawed yet endearing characters that you’ll find yourself rooting for. Initially drawn in by the cover (yes, I’m one of those people), I was taken aback by how engrossing the story was; the author’s extensive experience living in Japan shines through.<\/p>\n With just over 6,800 ratings on Goodreads since its publication two years ago, this is another hidden gem that I would strongly recommend exploring.<\/p>\n Four Seasons in Japan can be bought here.<\/a> <\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n![\"Teenage](\"https:\/\/cdn.images.express.co.uk\/img\/dynamic\/39\/1200x712\/secondary\/reading-book-6305657.jpg?r=1752933568319\" "\\"Teenage")
<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/p>\n![\"Goodlord:](\"https:\/\/cdn.images.express.co.uk\/img\/dynamic\/39\/1200x712\/secondary\/Goodlord-An-Email-So-Thrilled-For-You-Faebound-A-Beginner-s-Guide-to-Breaking-and-Entering-and-Four-Seasons-in-Japan-6305660.jpg?r=1752933574385\" "\\"Goodlord:")
<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/p>\n1. So Thrilled For You by Holly Bourne<\/h4>\n<\/p>\n
2. A Beginner’s Guide to Breaking and Entering by Andrew Hunter Murray<\/h4>\n<\/p>\n
![\"Bookshelf](\"https:\/\/cdn.images.express.co.uk\/img\/dynamic\/39\/1200x712\/secondary\/Bookshelf-view-6305661.jpg?r=1752933574510\" "\\"Bookshelf")
<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/p>\n3. Goodlord: An Email by Ella Frears<\/h4>\n<\/p>\n
![\"Goodlord:](\"https:\/\/cdn.images.express.co.uk\/img\/dynamic\/39\/1200x712\/secondary\/Goodlord-An-Email-by-Ella-Frears-book-cover-6305662.jpg?r=1752933574608\" "\\"Goodlord:")
<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/p>\n4. Faebound by Saara El-Arifi<\/h4>\n<\/p>\n
![\"Relaxed](\"https:\/\/cdn.images.express.co.uk\/img\/dynamic\/39\/1200x712\/secondary\/Relaxed-woman-reading-a-book-at-home-6305663.jpg?r=1752933574705\" "\\"Relaxed")
<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/p>\n5. Four Seasons in Japan by Nick Bradley<\/h4>\n<\/p>\n