One of our favorite reads of this year is Watch Over Me by Nina LaCour, a modern ghost story about trauma and survival, chosen family and rebirth.

Nina LaCour novels bring out the feels in a special way. So If you’ve somehow missed Nina’s books until now, read on for a beginner’s guide to Nina LaCour and where we recommend you read them!

First, we fell in love with Hold Still

Hold Still is about starting over after a friend’s suicide and how you can’t always see what the people closest to you are feeling. It’s touching and hopeful and complex.

Read it: On a rainy day when you don’t have to go anywhere or put it down, preferably with some soft background music.

Then we went on a trip with The Disenchantments

Following a band’s trip playing through the Pacific Northwest on the brink of the rest of their lives, The Disenchantments is a brilliant look at growing up and following your own path.

Read it: On a long, quiet car ride.

And then we gave our hearts to Everything Leads to You

Emi is a wunderkind young set designer, and Ava is unlike anyone she’s ever met. And when they collide, she’ll expand Emi’s understanding of family, acceptance, and true romance.

Read it: Outside in the sunshine with a stack of other Nina LaCour books, because you’ll probably finish it in one sitting and immediately want to pick up another.

And then we sobbed in the best way over We Are Okay.

Marin hasn’t spoken to anyone from her old life since the day she left everything behind. No one knows the truth about those final weeks. Not even her best friend Mabel. But even thousands of miles away from the California coast, at college in New York, Marin still feels the pull of the life and tragedy she’s tried to outrun. Now, months later, alone in an emptied dorm for winter break, Marin waits. Mabel is coming to visit and Marin will be forced to face everything that’s been left unsaid and finally confront the loneliness that has made a home in her heart.

Read it: On a cold wintery night with a cozy blanket and a box of tissues.

And now, we’re awaiting Watch Over Me. 

Mila is used to being alone.
Maybe that’s why she said yes. Yes to a second chance in this remote place, among the flowers and the fog and the crash of waves far below.
But she hadn’t known about the ghosts.
Newly graduated from high school, Mila has aged out of the foster care system. So when she’s offered a teaching job and a place to live on an isolated part of the Northern California coast, she immediately accepts. Maybe she will finally find a new home—a real home. The farm is a refuge, but it’s also haunted by the past. And Mila’s own memories are starting to rise to the surface.

Read it: As soon as it’s out on September 15!

Pre-order your copy of Watch Over Me here

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