I've seen this conversation pop up a lot on Threads recently as people ask for recommendations with really intense yearning. Apparently, I view it slightly differently than others because I'll scroll through, look at the books, and think 'huh that's not yearning, that's just puppy love/infatuation/enemies-to-lovers etc.'

I see yearning in books as two people (or even one person) wanting something so intensely, but it's unattainable for whatever reason. This allows it to also be yearning for a place or an object or another person in an unromantic way.

What I see missing a lot too is that the character(s) knows on some level this yearning can never be satisfied, or at least in the way they want. This means there will always be a touch of tragedy to their story. Think: Homeseeking, In the Mood for Love, The Great Gatsby.

Anyway, how do you define it? Also, any book recs are welcome.

Humans of pagebound and non humans (one can never know), I have this compelling urge to read Dream Harbor series, because of course bookstagram, it's September and I am such a girl, I adore everything cutesy. But and it's a big BUT.... I am also a Gemini, so the duality is extreme and nudges me more towards darker romances with content warnings, pair it with the reviews on these books... and you have got a confused as anything ME. What do I do ? Shall I enter this world or stay far away ?

Humans of pagebound and non humans (one can never know), I have this compelling urge to read Dream Harbor series, because of course bookstagram, it's September and I am such a girl, I adore everything cutesy. But and it's a big BUT.... I am also a Gemini, so the duality is extreme and nudges me more towards darker romances with content warnings, pair it with the reviews on these books... and you have got a confused as anything ME. What do I do ? Shall I enter this world or stay far away ?

How do you decide which book gets replaced? Or does your My Taste depend on your mood? I'm looking at mine right now and I don't think I could remove a book if I eventually love another book so dearly. It's going to be hard to decide which book goes!

Anyone have any books you reliably reread when you're sick? Something that feels the same as the chicken soup, tea, and mound of blankets comprising the only things keeping you together? I always go back to Legends and Lattes when I'm too sick to focus on something new or just need the comfort of familiarity.