Cross the Line by Simone Soltani
Synopsis
F1 driver Dev Anderson needs to salvage his image after a social media scandal. He hires Willow Williams, his best friend's younger sister who has an old crush on him, to be his temporary social media manager. Despite a past kiss, they vow to keep their relationship strictly professional.
Why I’m scared
This one is all my fault. I've been a fan of this sport since I was a child, and I'm afraid to nitpick because I know how this world works. I imagine it's very well done and researched, but I don't trust myself not to be critical. However, it's normal not to be able to stick to reality completely. Fiction requires some creative license, and that's also what makes it more entertaining.
My fear also comes from my last experience with a book about this sport: Throttled by Lauren Asher. This is the first book in a series, so the rest may be better, although I found this first installment quite a struggle to get through.
Blue Lily, Lily Blue by Maggie Stiefvater
Synopsis
This is the third book in the Raven Cycle series. In the first book, The Raven Boys, Blue Sargent, the only non-psychic in a clairvoyant family, joins a quest led by the wealthy "Raven Boy" Gansey and his friends. They are searching for the magical tomb of the Welsh King, Glendower, hidden along a ley line. Blue is bound by a prophecy that she will kill her true love with a kiss, complicating her involvement as she is drawn deeper into their world.
Why I’m scared
The Raven Boys is one of my all-time favorite books. That's why I was very disappointed when I read the second book, which was much less enjoyable. Although still well written, it somewhat sidelined its protagonists in order to develop its secondary characters. Even though they are just as interesting, it was perhaps too early to abandon the protagonists and slow down the story in this way. That's why I'm worried about the sequel. I wonder if we'll be focusing on other characters or if it will return to something similar to book 1.
In any case, I loved The Raven Boys too much not to finish the series. But it may take longer than expected...
Little Fires Everywhere by Celeste Ng
Synopsis
In the carefully ordered suburb of Shaker Heights, the lives of the wealthy Richardson family become entwined with the mysterious artist Mia Warren and her daughter. A local custody battle exposes secrets and social tensions between the families.
Why I’m scared
I watched the TV series adaptation before reading the book (sue me) and I will never stop recommending it. It was a blast! So, obviously, I'm curious to see the source material, yet scared I won't like it as much. I don't want to alter the vision I have of it.
Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier
Synopsis
An unnamed young woman marries the wealthy widower Maxim de Winter and moves to his magnificent Cornish estate, Manderley. She finds herself constantly intimidated and overshadowed by the lingering, perfect memory of Maxim's deceased first wife, Rebecca, a presence fiercely guarded by the sinister housekeeper, Mrs. Danvers. The narrator struggles to find her place and her identity under the crushing weight of Rebecca's ghost.
Why I’m scared
I know I tend to have a hard time with classics. I get bored easily or keep reading the same phrase over and over again to finally understand it. My fear isn’t really related to the book itself for this one.
I love this story, and it inspired so many things. I need to read it. I just have to summon all my willpower.
When the Reckoning Comes by LaTanya McQueen
Synopsis
Mira, a Black woman who fled her segregated Southern hometown, reluctantly returns for her white best friend's wedding, which is being held at a renovated plantation. The estate, Woodsman, is rumored to be haunted by the vengeful spirits of enslaved people. As Mira confronts her past and the whitewashed history of the land, the ghosts refuse to stay buried.
Why I’m scared
I’m just terrified, honestly. I like to think I’m immune to scary stories after everything I’ve watched, but this one might be too close to home. So yeah, I’m just terrified.
Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman
Synopsis
Eleanor Oliphant is a socially awkward, routine-driven woman whose carefully structured, lonely life in Glasgow is interrupted by a series of unexpected events. A workplace emergency forces her to connect with IT worker Raymond. As she begins to pursue a crush on a musician and navigate new friendships, Eleanor must confront her past and learn that "fine" is not the same as happy.
Why I’m scared
I’m already on the verge of a mental breakdown, and I don’t think this will help. Ever. But I imagine I would feel understood when reading it.
And even once my mental health has improved, would I want to revisit such memories? I doubt it.
This is potentially the only one on the list that I would never actually read.
What are the books you’re scared to read?
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