Authors spend an intense amount of time coming up with words to fill their books, so it’s always interesting when a short and snappy title catches our attention. Why not consider any of these one-word title books which include stories of arranged marriage, kidnapped authors, obsessed men, vampires, heroin addicts and jealous friends. Yes, once again, we are judging books by their covers and here are our picks for great reads with one-word titles!

Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson

Speak is the story of Melinda and what happens at an end-of-summer party that will have lasting effects. She becomes an outcast and turns quiet, finding solace only in her art class. When another violent event threatens her very being, it’s up to Melinda to fight back, and to speak again. Fans of Laurie Halse Anderson will also love her follow-up book, Shout, which is her memoir in poetry.


Ghosted by Rosie Walsh

When Sarah and Eddie fall in love during the course of seven days, she is certain it is the real thing. But when Eddie must leave for a previously planned vacation, and he promises to call, he does not keep that promise. As the weeks go by with no word from Eddie, Sarah is sure there’s a reason for his disappearance.


You by Caroline Kepnes

Caroline Kepnes’s debut hit it out of the park. Joe works at a bookstore and becomes infatuated (dare we say obsessed?) with a customer so he Googles her and begins to stalk her. When he inserts himself into Guinevere’s life (Beck to her friends) and becomes her boyfriend, Joe will resort to anything to keep her in his life. Even if that “anything” includes murder.


Educated: A Memoir by Tara Westover

In Tara Westover’s memoir, she tells of her isolated childhood as a survivalist in the mountains. Her thirst for knowledge leads her on a journey to Harvard and Cambridge University, where she will excel against all odds.


Less by Andrew Sean Greer

Winner of the Pulitzer Prize, Less is the story of protagonist Arthur Less, who, after he is invited to his ex-boyfriend’s wedding, decides to do whatever he can to get out of going. Instead, he accepts all other invites, which take him all over the world. He’ll be turning 50 too, and in the midst of his adventures, he will dodge his first love, and find his last love.


Twilight by Stephenie Meyer

Whether you love the series or loathe it, there’s no doubt you are familiar with Twilight and that you also have a team – Edward or Jacob. Bella’s love story and her obsession with vampire Edward – and his obsession with her – will go down in history as one of the most talked-about vampire stories of all time.


Her by Britney King

Sadie is jealous of her perfect new neighbor who throws over-the-top dinner parties, is a great mom and is also very ambitious. To cure her jealousy, Sadie befriends Ann and soon discovers there is way more to the woman than she originally thought.


Arranged by Catherine McKenzie

Arranged predates the television series Married At First Sight and is just as entertaining. Anne finds a business card she mistakes for a dating service and is surprised when she calls to find out that it is a discreet arranged marriage service. Thinking she’s got nothing to lose, she embarks on an adventure of a lifetime with her match, Jack. Things seem to be working out, until Anne discovers there’s more to the company that connected the two.


Misery by Stephen King

Misery is the thrilling and horrifying story of novelist Paul Sheldon who becomes a prisoner to his “number one fan” Annie Wilkes. Annie has a mission – get Paul to revive her favorite character, whom he killed off in his last book. Does Paul do what she asks or does he risk also being “killed off.” Annie finds several ways to motivate Paul so that he doesn’t get writer’s block and he can write the book Annie is demanding.


Room by Emma Donoghue

Five-year-old Jack has lived in one small room for his entire existence. Captive with his mother, the only person he knows is Old Nick, who visits at night, when Jack must stay quiet in the wardrobe in order to be safe. But when Jack turns seven, Ma has a plan for escape, and needs Jack to be very brave if they are to get out of “Room.”


Crank by Ellen Hopkins

Ellen Hopkins’s books are pure art in verse form. Crank is the story of a girl addicted and what happens when the monster gets hold of her. Lyrical, poetic and mesmerizing, Crank is a one-sitting read!

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