what is this
A map of books I've loved that I would recommend to you, if you were my friend (actually, I'd give good book recommendations for my enemies too).
Toggle the axes and the plot rearranges itself, so you can find what you're in the mood for. Click on each book to see more information.
Ratings are subjective and biased by my personal preferences and highly fallible human memory.
I try to read broadly, but if you click around you'll see that I mostly read fiction and disproportionately like family sagas, historical fiction, and imagined worlds. If that doesn't sound like a good time, this is probably not the book plot for you.
This list is forever incomplete. I started this project in September 2026 and will be slowly adding more favorites.
back to the plot →x-axesstory characteristics
SlowFast
unfolds gradually, things take their time
moves forward quickly between events
PlotCharacter-driven
story is driven by action and the sequence of events
we follow an interesting character(s)
HeroEnsemble
one main protagonist carries the story
a cast of characters shares the weight
RealisticFantastical
the world works the way ours does
magic, myth, or an invented world
y-axeswriting characteristics
LyricalSparse
imagery, rhythm, long sentences
direct, pared back
FunSerious
entertaining, a good time
thoughtful, demanding
LooseTight
wandering and digressive, more open to interpretation
every piece is intentionally placed, no plot holes