The classic poem, Goblin Market (1862) by Christina Rossetti, tells the story of Lizzie and Laura, who are tempted by the fruit sold by the goblin merchants. In this fully illustrated and beautiful volume, illustrator Georgie McAusland brings the words and story to life.

Alone and undone, Ana seeks friendship with the person who she once thought of as her adversary and opposite, but who is now the only one who shares her pain — Rebecca. As Ana becomes closer to her lover’s widow, she is forced to reconcile painful truths about the affair, and the fickleness of love and desire.

Beowulf isn’t just a story—it’s the foundation of heroic literature, a tale of courage that speaks to the warrior spirit in all of us. Follow the legendary hero through three earth-shaking battles against monsters that threaten entire kingdoms, in a world where honor means everything and glory is earned in blood.

The award-winning poet reinvents a genre in a stunning work that is both a novel and a poem, both an unconventional re-creation of an ancient Greek myth and a wholly original coming-of-age story set in the present.

Also fulfills: Read a book with a color in the title. 

With a remarkable combination of tenderness, lyricism, wicked humor, and biting satire, Castillo dramatizes Ella’s struggle through poverty as a Chicano single mother at the threshold of the twenty-first century, fighting for upward mobility while trying to raise her son to be independent and self-sufficient.

Homer’s classic epic of survival, revenge, and homecoming, translated by E. V. Rieu, now in a stunning clothbound edition designed by Coralie Bickford-Smith, and featuring an Introduction by Peter V. Jones.

Also fulfills: Read a historical fiction set before 1800.

The Raven is a Gothic literary masterpiece by Edgar Allan Poe, first published in 1845. This haunting narrative poem follows a grieving man tormented by a mysterious raven that repeatedly utters “Nevermore.” With its melancholic tone, rhythmic structure, and rich symbolism, it explores themes of loss and despair.

Poet and scholar Jack Mitchell presents a thrilling retelling of the Star Wars saga in the style of classic epic poetry in this handsome gift-ready book.

Also fulfills: Read a fantasy novel. Read a sci-fi set in space.

The inspiring story of Clara Lemlich, whose fight for equal rights led to the largest strike by women in American history

In his first attempt at the epic form, Ngũgĩ tells the story of the founding of the Gĩkũyũ people of Kenya, from a strongly feminist perspective. A verse narrative, blending folklore, mythology, adventure, and allegory, The Perfect Nine chronicles the efforts the Gĩkũyũ founders make to find partners for their ten beautiful daughters—called “The Perfect Nine” —and the challenges they set for the 99 suitors who seek their hands in marriage. The epic has all the elements of adventure, with suspense, danger, humor, and sacrifice.

Also fulfills: Read a book with a number in the title.

Through the voice of the prophet AlMustafa, Kahlil Gibran touches on the many intricacies of life and the human condition. Love, marriage, children, friendship, joy and sorrow — just a sample of the wide ranging thoughts that effortlessly touch on the mind and soul.

Kunigunde is destined to become the next in a long line of Heller clan vampire hunters—but her soul is drawn to books, poetry, and the vampire Graf. Set in 1960s Europe, The Night Library of Sternendach is an unabashedly melodramatic opera-in-sonnets that weaves a sweeping, suspenseful tale readers won’t be able to put down.

Also fulfills: Read a book about books/libraries.

Exquisitely crafted, richly imagined, and as funny as it is moving, Hourglass is an unusual and uniquely told love story. Turning time upside down, it combs the wreckage of personal heartbreak for something universal and asks what it means to lose what you love.

Also fulfills: Read a book with a one-word title. 

In The Canterbury Tales Chaucer created one of the great touchstones of English literature, a masterly collection of chivalric romances, moral allegories, and low farce.

Also fulfills: Maybe: Read a classic you’ve never read.

A first of its kind narrative poetry in the thriller genre. Twisted and curved,Its spine is intertwined,Faceless, skinless, ashen teeth deflected,Cries beyond the dead, carries it mimed.Its soul dead, relentless, unreflected,Seeking a splash of human wine,Pools of blood, deeply sanguine!