by Claire
"What makes reading fun?"
"Why read if you can't even see the characters?"
"Aren’t movies better than novels?"
I'm almost sure you’ve heard—or been asked—these questions at least once before. And I’m also pretty sure our answers to them are more or less the same.
Reading gives you the freedom to imagine and create scenes however you like. The characters in my head are more perfect than the ones cast to play them in movies. Novels often offer more depth, detail, and emotional nuance than films ever could.
Since we’re already on the topic of books, how about I share my personal top three novels I’ve borrowed so far from Linguage’s book club? Along with each one, I’ll include my personal interpretations and some real-life symbolisms the authors may have woven into their work. Let’s dive in!
3. After Dark — Haruki Murakami
Taking the third spot is Haruki Murakami’s After Dark, a psychological fiction and magical realism novel centered on two sisters: Mari and Eri Asai. The story unfolds over a single night in Tokyo, showing just how different the city feels after dark compared to the day.
This was my first time reading psychological fiction, so both the theme and writing style were completely new to me. Still, there was something compelling about it—something that kept me reading in one sitting. The surrealism was portrayed exactly how I imagined it would be. I’ll admit, it was a bit confusing at first, but once you understand what it’s trying to say, it all clicks into place.
One key takeaway for me was how the book presents different perspectives people have of night and darkness—not just literally, but metaphorically too.
2. Keeper of the Lost Cities — Shannon Messenger
In second place is Keeper of the Lost Cities by Shannon Messenger. While it wasn’t my first time reading a middle-grade/young adult fantasy novel, this one really stood out to me. It follows Sophie Foster, a 12-year-old girl who discovers she’s actually an elf, and later goes on to learn the ways of her kind—and, of course, save someone or something in classic hero style.
What made this book really interesting to me is how it doesn’t just revolve around magic—it blends in elements of science, too! As someone who enjoys conspiracy theories and urban legends, I found this really entertaining. The book touches on myths and mysteries that humans study and speculate about, giving it an extra layer of intrigue.
One of the strongest themes is self-discovery, which fits perfectly with Sophie’s journey. Even though she’s just twelve, her experiences mirror some of the real-life challenges we all face in figuring out who we are.
1. A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder — Holly Jackson
As a fan of crime fiction and mystery/thriller stories, I couldn’t help but put A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder by Holly Jackson at the top of my list. It follows smart and determined Pippa Fitz-Amobi as she investigates the supposed murder of Andie Bell by her boyfriend, Sal Singh—digging into a case most people have already written off.
My love for this book might come from my habit of watching true crime documentaries and investigative stories in my free time (I promise I’m a good person!). But seriously, I loved how Jackson constructed the story—it wasn’t rushed, was full of rich detail, and kept me hooked the whole way through. The twists were genuinely surprising.
It also sheds light on how flawed and complicated the justice system can be—something many of us recognize as a reality. If you’re thinking about getting into mystery or thriller novels, this is a great place to start. I 100% recommend it.
You might agree with my choices, or you might not—and that’s okay. I believe that loving a novel often comes down to what genre you’re into and what kinds of stories excite you. That said, exploring different genres is a great way to expand your perspective, discover new interests, and challenge the way you see stories and the world around you.
What about you? What are your top three stories?