10 Great Books You Never Got Around To Reading But SHOULD

1. 'Disclaimer' by Renee Knight

They say: "​'Disclaimer' tells the story of a woman who holds a deep, dark secret that only one other person knew - and that person is dead. As her past starts to catch up with her, she battles her demons and must face the truth in the hope it will destroy her slower than the lies. "​

Cosmopolitan say: "This thriller resonated with me long after the final page, and I still think of the event over a year later. It's fast paced, written from opposing views every other chapter which I LOVED and the climax made me gasp so much I woke my cat. Ahem."

2. 'The Cuckoo's Calling' by J.K Rowling

They say: ​"A mentally and physically wounded-from-war Cormoran Strike's own life is in disarray, but he's called in by the brother of a woman who fell to her death from a snow-covered Mayfair balcony. Police said it was suicide, he believes otherwise - and pulls Strike into a wonderful world of elegance and mystery as they try to uncover the truth."

​Cosmopolitan say: Good old J.K wrote this under pseudonym Robert Galbraith, and it's got so many Sherlock Holmes-meets-John Watson vibes we don't even know where to start. A gripping and twisty/turny (yes those count as adjectives) private investigator story about a former supermodel who fell to her death - but it's more about him than her. SO GOOD."

3. 'The Kite Runner' by Khaled Hosseini

They say: "'The Kite Runner' is split into three main sections and revolves around protagonist Amir's childhood in Kabul, the years with his father in California and his later return to Kabul. As Amir aims to win a kite-fighting competition to win his father's respect, a story of the betrayal and redemption that occurs long the way."

​Cosmopolitan say: ​"This ones a right tear jerker with a powerful message and a few almost-too-real events - I probably wouldn't recommend this to a massive softie, but it's a fantastic read for the rest of us."

4. 'The Secret History' by Donna Tartt

They say: "'The Secret History' is written like a memoir from the perspective of Richard Papen, who recounts his close knit group of friends he met whilst studying Classics in Vermont. The novel explores the murder of one of the other members of the group, and the impact the circumstances/lasting effect/consequences of this event had on them all."

Cosmopolitan say: "This book has been referred to as a 'modern classic' more times than necessary, but it's easy to see why. It was way ahead of its time and instead puts a whole new spin on the classic 'who-dunnit' stories and instead creates a 'WHY-dunnit' scenario - it's GREAT."

5. 'The Bell Jar' by Sylvia Plath

They say: "The only novel written by Slyvia Plath, The Bell Jar is semi-autobiographical and tracks the protagonist's descent into mental illness as well as themes of female subjugation. It's an unsettling read that explores despair and depression, but it's definitely a must read for females in the 21st century."​

Cosmopolitan say: "Unsettling but insightful, The Bell Jar explores all things mental illness and what it means to be female, and I'd say it was a must-read for all feminists. Sylvia Plath has an amazing way with words, and although an increasingly sad novel, it's written beautifully."

6. 'The Handmaid's Tale' by Margaret Atwood

They say: "It's a work of speculative fiction and tells the story of how a decline in female fertility leads to women losing control of their body, with main character Offred attempting to gain back control of her sexual organs and meaning in life - other than bearing children."

Cosmopolitan say: "If you're a lover of all things dystopian, you might want to read 'The Handmaid's Tale', like, now. It's a comment on a potentially realistic future more than anything, and gives an interesting insight into what could be if we don't stick to our guns. Sort of. It's hard to explain but I thoroughly enjoyed it and read it in about three days."

7. 'Modern Romance​' by Aziz Ansari

Cosmopolitan say: "If you've dated in the last ten years, this book will make you either laugh out loud or cry with despair. Probably both. Funny anecdotes mix with ACTUAL science and history, making this hilarious look at why we do what we do when we're dating a must-read. A reminder that whatever your relationship status, you are not alone. *cries into a pizza*"

8. 'White Teeth' by Zadie Smith

They say: "This novel focuses on two wartime friends - a Bangladeshi and an Englishman, their families in London and the integration of the city. With a pinch of humour, the book illustrates the issues multicultural societies, immigrants and the working class face."

Cosmopolitan say: "A witty and humorous take on otherwise serious topics: race, identity and religion, 'White Teeth' hones in on what it means to be from a certain nationality or belief system and makes you question who YOU are. It's an attempt to encapsulate social chaos in an endearing way, essentially."​​

9. 'Gone Girl' by Gillian Flynn

​They say: "A novel that tells the story of Amy and her husband Nick ​after ​Amy goes missing. As the truth about their marriage begins to unfold and Nick's story about her disappearance starts to unravel, one dark truth after another is revealed."

​Cosmopolitan say: "​If you haven't already read this, WHERE HAVE YOU BEEN? It was the most talked about book of 2012, and for good reason.​ It's a total page-turner that had me staying on the tube for more stops and reading through the night: if you're a fan of thrillers, this one is for you."

10. 'The Versions of Us' by Laura Barnett

Cosmopolitan say: "The Versions of Us is great because it spans the entire lifetime of two people, meaning it's fast-paced and GREAT for people who get bored with books easily (me). It's like a cross between 'One Day' and 'Sliding Doors', with an element of fate following three alternative versions of Eva and Jim's lives and it's funny and sad and realistic and gripping all rolled into one. Might read it again, you know.​​"