There are many things I adore about reading. 

The escapism, the feeling of belonging, the lessons buried deep into the narrative. However, what really keeps me coming back to a book is the way the pages engulf me as I sit there, staring at the wall, trying to wrap my head around what I just read. There's an addictive exhilaration that comes with the mystery, the action, the drama, that keeps me constantly thinking about it as I toss and turn at night. 

While many books serve this purpose, there are five that stand out and are perfect to recommend to anyone looking for a restless read. 

The first is Sunrise on the Reaping, which I am sure people are aware I am a massive fan of. While Suzanne Collins is very well known for action scenes that keep your eyes anxiously scanning, there was something about Sunrise of the Reaping that signified that her writing has reached a whole new level. Every page brings agony and pain, and generally freezes you in time until the urge is too much and you have to keep reading. It’s a heartbreakingly beautiful story that I will never be able to purge from my mind, and I love it. So if you are in search of a good read that will keep you on the edge of your seat — or just in need of a good cry, this is the book for you. 

My second is Six of Crows. While I was reluctant to read this at first – since I wasn’t a fan of Shadow and Bone (sorry) — I am so glad that I gave it a go. I adore the found family trope, and this book executes it perfectly by using multiple points of view that complement this character-driven story. The fantasy elements were well executed, and I never knew how much I loved heist stories. The way Leigh Bardugo strategically withholds information and gives you room to figure out certain things for yourself, I think, is so well done. I generally recommend this book if you want an immersive fantasy world filled with mystery. Though I do advise you to bring tissues to the second book, Crooked Kingdom.

My third is another Hunger Games book, the one I think was the best of the trilogy, Catching Fire. Now, this book had me stressed! Not as bad as Sunrise, still, in ways that had year-six me unable to function at school because everything was unravelling so fast. I was thinking of what this could mean for the fate of all the characters I hold so dearly, especially Peeta—if it weren't for the baby—Mellark (if you know you know). He is still my absolute favourite, and he shines in this book. In my opinion, every book in The Hunger Games trilogy is amazing; however, this one had me reeling, especially with the way it ended.

My fourth is Song of Achilles. Now this wasn’t as fast-paced or action-packed as some of the other books I have mentioned. I knew the myth of Achilles fairly well, so I wasn’t surprised by how the story went, but I thought people were exaggerating when they said it was sad. They weren’t. It’s a book I still think about to this day for the way it affected me emotionally in ways I cannot describe. After finishing it for the first time, I just could not sleep. I stared at the ceiling, unable to move. I wonder: if things were done differently in another life, would there have been a happy ending?

My final book is Red Queen. Now this is a book that I haven’t read since high school. My friend, who was also reading it, recommended it to me and said that the book shares similarities with The Hunger Games in elements like a sisterly bond, themes of ‘the oppressed’ versus ‘the oppressors’, a Chosen One main character, etc. However, by comparison, I will say it's more fantasy-inspired and has a more obvious love triangle, which I didn’t love. It isn’t my absolute favourite book; however, I cannot deny that the ending had my jaw on the floor as I stared at my friend, unable to express my shock in the library. I generally think it has one of the best plot twists I have ever read. In my opinion, other books of the series did not compare. 

Now I hope you have some restless reads that not only you can binge, but also touch your soul. 

Because that is the ultimate goal of literature.

Juliana Di-Cola is a 2nd-year student pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Media, majoring in creative writing. In her free time, you may find her working on her latest novel, reading an unhealthy amount of fantasy, dystopian or sci-fi books or listening to music, mainly musicals. She hopes to become an author, taking inspiration from Suzanne Collins.