“You'd think that people would've had enough of silly love songs
I look around me, and I see it isn't so
Some people want to fill the world with silly love songs
And what's wrong with that?” —Paul McCartney

“Start a new fashion – wear your heart on your sleeve.” —Stephen Schwartz

In my opinion, there’s nothing like reading a romance novel, especially during a time of uncertainty. It aspires to second chances and hope, magical and wholesome moments. Romances remind you that everything is possible. (And sometimes you want some happily ever afters, even with obstacles thrown in.) Another reason why I enjoy romance novels is that it’s one of the few current genres that embody inclusivity, which includes the importance of mental health awareness, representation, love winning, and so much more. To judge romance as a genre as "not intellectual" is a grave blunder. In my humble opinion, Jane Austen could be considered the Queen of Romance, and her books are enjoyed in a multifaceted way, from quiet, comforting pleasure to intellectual, critical debate, by readers all over the world.

Of course, no genre is perfect—there are romance books, for example, that hold outdated and toxic concepts—but romance as a whole tends to get a bad rap. Perhaps it is because people find romance silly, which is odd because I feel we are focused on romance, intimacy, and sex all the time. Love is natural. Sex is natural. Intimacy is natural. What romance books taught me is not to hide this part of ourselves, but to embrace it.

Without further ado, here are a handful of personal favorites - grab your favorite beverage and treats (I cannot resist a hot chocolate with salted chocolate chip cookies these days...) - and enjoy:

The Princess Bride by William Goldman (1973) 

Most of my sense of humor comes from this book (and the 1987 film adaption of the same name). In The Princess Bride, Goldman created a sharp parody of a fairytale, that is both comedy and thriller. You have the feisty-yet-soft-hearted heroine who misses her true love, a wicked(ly handsome?) prince holding a nefarious plot, a mysterious man in black, pirates, a murderous count, a gentle giant, and so much more. Read the book that inspired a cult classic. (And you can read Goldman’s screenplay in this collection.—ed.  )

Arabella by Georgette Heyer (1949)

Georgette Heyer is up there for me. It is hard to pick one book, but this is my personal favorite. It's sort of like Austen's Pride and Prejudice if Elizabeth were not only stubborn but kind of a well-meaning hot mess, and Mr. Darcy is amused by her impulsivity and encourages it. Super-funny cozy reading with keen observations of human behavior.

Ella Enchanted by Gail Carson Levine (1997)  

Have you ever wondered what would it be like to be blessed by a fairy? In Ella Enchanted, Ella was just a baby when she was blessed with the gift of obedience, which means obeying every single order, no matter what it may be. No worries: Ella is strong-willed and wants her fate to be hers. This is a wonderful book that embraces classic fairytale tropes with fun twists and turns. Plus, the romance is so cute and comes together beautifully. Anne Hathaway and Hugh Dancy star as the main characters in the 2004 film adaption of the same title.

Legendborn by Tracy Deonn (2020) 

Another enthralling folklore rendering—this time from the Arthurian Tales—with mystery and magic systems, demons, secret societies (the Legendborns), monsters, swordfights, and the like. Of course, there's romance thrown in between the titular character and Nick, a self-exiled Legendborn, as they try to overcome not just supernatural evil, but also race and class tensions.  I am excited for the second book (Bloodmarked), which comes out November 2022.

Me Before You by Jojo Moyes (2012)

Here's a wonderful classic trope: sunshine meets grump (with a tragic past). A book where two characters who at first have nothing in common (don't even like each other) but come to find an understanding and fall in love will surely cause a few tears to fall among certain readers—or buckets, in my case. Me Before You asks the question: What do you do when making the person you love happy also means breaking your own heart? Be sure to have some tissues nearby while reading this one. Emilia Clarke and Sam Claflin star in the 2016 film adaption of the same name.

The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller (2012)

I am generally wary of folkloric renderings due to a superficial understanding of the stories and characters, but this is a superb retelling that is relatable and stays true to the Homeric classic. Patroclus is awkward but lovable and Achilles is a stoic jock (a delightful trope but oh-so-brilliantly done) as they battle, grow, and form a bond that is mature, romantic, and heartwrenching, especially when their differing views over the Trojan War threaten to drive them apart. We know what happens, but this is still so good.

The Girl from the Sea by Molly Knox Ostertag; color by Maarta Laiho (2021) 

A bright, vibrant, and wholesome graphic novel about first love, family, environmental activism, friendship dynamics, a queer coming of age, and embracing your true self. Plus, one of the main characters is a selkie! (Who doesn't love a bit of fantasy?) This is an adorable story with big themes, especially the importance of support and understanding from loved ones (parents and friends in this case) as we look to discover our true selves. This is a book that should reach a wider audience.