There’s something magical about getting lost in a good book — the way it transports you to different worlds, introduces you to unforgettable characters and challenges the way you see things.

Whether it’s a heart-pounding thriller, a sweeping fantasy or a timeless classic, books have the power to stretch our imagination and open our minds to new perspectives. They let us experience lives we’ll never live, visit places we’ll never go and feel emotions that linger long after the final page.

That’s the idea behind Read Across America Week, an annual celebration dedicated to fostering a love for reading.

Beginning on March 2 and going through March 6, Read Across America Week promotes literacy in schools, libraries and communities nationwide. In 1998, the National Education Association introduced Read Across America as a year-round initiative to celebrate the joy of reading. Thanks to Theodor Seuss Geisel — better known as Dr. Seuss — and his lasting impact on the world of reading, his birthday, March 2, also became Read Across America Day. Over the years, it has expanded to encourage diverse reading selections that reflect a wide range of backgrounds, cultures and experiences. Schools and organizations mark the occasion with themed reading events, book fairs and storytelling activities aimed at inspiring lifelong readers.

The event highlights the importance of literacy by encouraging students and adults alike to engage with books that challenge perspectives, entertain and educate. Whether revisiting a childhood favorite or discovering a new literary gem, Read Across America Week is an opportunity to celebrate the transformative power of stories.

Looking for a great book to pick up this week? I asked our staff to share their top book recommendations, and they delivered a list spanning multiple genres. Keep reading to see their picks. I’d also love to hear from you — what books have had the biggest impact on your life? Share your favorites with me at whisper@gulfcoastmedia.com.

"A Monster Calls" – Patrick Ness

A poignant tale of grief and healing, this novel follows 13-year-old Conor, who is visited by a monstrous yew tree that tells him three stories. In return, Conor must share his own painful truth as he struggles to cope with his mother’s terminal illness.

"A Series of Unfortunate Events" – Lemony Snicket

This darkly humorous series follows the Baudelaire orphans — Violet, Klaus and Sunny — as they navigate a world filled with eccentric characters, cryptic secrets and the relentless pursuit of the sinister Count Olaf, who is determined to steal their inheritance.

"Anne of Green Gables" – Lucy Maud Montgomery

A timeless classic about Anne Shirley, an imaginative and spirited orphan mistakenly sent to live with elderly siblings Matthew and Marilla Cuthbert in the small town of Avonlea. Through misadventures and heartfelt moments, Anne finds love, friendship and a sense of belonging.

"Confess" – Colleen Hoover

A gripping romance about Auburn Reed, who stumbles upon a Dallas art studio where strangers anonymously submit confessions that inspire the artist’s work. When she meets the mysterious Owen Gentry, their connection is undeniable but secrets from their pasts threaten to tear them apart.

"Eragon" series – Christopher Paolini

A sweeping fantasy saga that begins when a farm boy named Eragon discovers a mysterious dragon egg, unlocking a destiny that leads him into an epic battle against a tyrannical king. With the help of his dragon, Saphira, Eragon embarks on a journey of magic, war and self-discovery.

"Frankenstein" – Mary Shelley

A cornerstone of Gothic literature, this novel tells the story of Victor Frankenstein, a scientist who creates a sentient creature. Rejected by society, the monster seeks vengeance, leading to a tragic tale of ambition, isolation and the consequences of playing god.

"Girl, Interrupted" – Susanna Kaysen

A memoir exploring mental health and identity, "Girl, Interrupted" recounts Kaysen’s time in a psychiatric hospital as a young woman. Through vivid and introspective storytelling, she examines the fine line between sanity and instability.

"Harry Potter" series – J.K. Rowling

A beloved fantasy series following Harry Potter, an orphan who learns on his 11th birthday that he is a wizard. Attending Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, he befriends Ron and Hermione, uncovers secrets about his past and battles the dark wizard — "He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named."

"Holes" – Louis Sachar

A cleverly woven story about Stanley Yelnats, a boy sent to a juvenile detention camp where inmates dig holes in the desert each day. As he uncovers the camp’s hidden history, Stanley realizes he’s part of a larger mystery connecting his past and present.

"Island of the Blue Dolphins" – Scott O’Dell

Inspired by the true story of the Lone Woman of San Nicolas Island, this novel follows Karana, a young Native American girl stranded alone on an island off the California coast. Over the years, she learns to fend for herself, forging a deep bond with nature while confronting solitude and resilience.

"Local Woman Missing" – Mary Kubica

A psychological thriller that unravels the mysterious disappearances of three women in a quiet neighborhood. Eleven years later, one of them shockingly returns, leading to shocking revelations and dark secrets hidden beneath suburban life.

"Memoirs of an Invisible Man" – H.F. Saint

A sci-fi thriller about Nick Halloway, a man who accidentally turns invisible due to a government experiment gone wrong. On the run from intelligence agents who want to use him as a weapon, Nick must navigate a life where no one can see him.

"Milk and Honey" – Rupi Kaur

A collection of deeply personal poetry and prose exploring themes of love, loss, trauma and healing. Divided into four sections, Kaur’s work combines raw emotion with simple yet powerful language to capture the struggles and resilience of women.

"Percy Jackson" series – Rick Riordan

A thrilling modern mythology series following Percy Jackson, a 12-year-old boy who discovers he is the son of Poseidon. Sent to Camp Half-Blood, a sanctuary for demigods, Percy embarks on adventures battling monsters, uncovering ancient prophecies and preventing war among the gods.

"Sad Girls" – Lang Leav

A coming-of-age novel about Audrey, a teenager grappling with guilt after spreading a lie that led to a classmate’s death. As she falls in love and tries to escape her past, she realizes that lies have far-reaching consequences. Leav's books of poetry are also highly recommended.

"Spoon River Anthology" – Edgar Lee Masters

A unique collection of free-verse epitaphs revealing the hidden lives, regrets and secrets of the deceased residents of the fictional town of Spoon River. Each poem gives voice to a different character, painting a haunting and poetic portrait of small-town America.

"The Picture of Dorian Gray" – Oscar Wilde

A Gothic tale of vanity and moral corruption, this novel follows Dorian Gray, a young man who remains youthful while his portrait ages, reflecting his increasingly depraved actions. As he indulges in hedonism, Dorian faces the consequences of a life without remorse.

"The Awakening" – Kate Chopin

A groundbreaking novel about Edna Pontellier, a woman in 19th-century Louisiana who struggles with the constraints of marriage and societal expectations. As she pursues independence and self-discovery, Edna’s journey leads to both liberation and tragedy.

"The Drowning Woman" – Robyn Harding

A suspenseful thriller about Lee, a homeless woman who saves Hazel, a wealthy socialite, from drowning. When Hazel vanishes and Lee is drawn into her secrets, she must uncover the truth before becoming the next target.

"The Housemaid" series – Freida McFadden

A psychological thriller following Millie, a woman who takes a live-in housekeeping job only to uncover dark secrets about her employers. As she learns more, she realizes she is trapped in a dangerous game of deception and survival.

"The Nightingale" – Kristin Hannah

A moving World War II novel about two French sisters, Vianne and Isabelle, who take different paths in resisting the Nazi occupation. Through courage, sacrifice and survival, the story highlights the untold role of women during the war.

"The Sun Also Rises" – Ernest Hemingway

A novel capturing the aimlessness of the post-World War I "Lost Generation," following American and British expatriates in 1920s Paris and Spain. The story explores love, masculinity and the search for meaning through the lens of bullfights, drinking and disillusionment.

"The Women" – Kristin Hannah

A historical fiction novel following Frances “Frankie” McGrath, a young woman who becomes a nurse in the Vietnam War. The story explores the challenges women faced in combat and the struggles of reintegration into a society that fails to acknowledge their sacrifices.

"Too Late" – Colleen Hoover

A dark romance thriller centering on Sloan, a woman trapped in an abusive relationship with Asa, a manipulative drug dealer. When undercover officer Carter enters her life, Sloan must navigate love, danger and the fight for her freedom.

"Verity" – Colleen Hoover

A psychological thriller following Lowen Ashleigh, a struggling writer hired to complete the unfinished manuscripts of bestselling author Verity Crawford. While sifting through Verity’s notes, Lowen discovers a chilling, unpublished autobiography filled with dark confessions that could change everything.

Looking for more book suggestions? Ask your local library or bookstore for recommendations. Most can give you suggestions based on books you already like.