I Absolutely Lost Control: Emily’s Amazon Black Friday Book Haul

Every Black Friday I promise myself I’m going to behave… and every Black Friday I absolutely do not. This year I somehow ended up with 20 new books in my Amazon cart — and honestly? Zero regrets.
Here’s my full Amazon Black Friday book haul, complete with each book’s title, author, and the totally unhinged reason it convinced me to click “Buy Now.”
A Little Life by Hanya Yanagihara
Why I Bought It
I’ve heard readers describe A Little Life as devastating, beautiful, unforgettable, and emotionally ruinous—all at once.
I finally decided it was time to experience it for myself… even if it breaks me a little. #sendtissues
Happy Wife by Meredith Lavender and Kendall Shores
Why I Bought It
I’m fully in my “chaotic wives making questionable choices” era and Happy Wife basically screamed my name. And a Read with Jenna pick? Easy choice.
Cursed Daughters by Oyinkan Braithwaite
Why I Bought It
Cursed Daughters is already sold out from the November Book of the Month Club, so I know it’s going to be a good one!
Psst…if you haven’t joined BOTM, you totally should! Your first book is $5! *add to cart*
Theo of Golden by Allen Levi
Why I Bought It
My best friend recommended Theo of Golden to me! Easy decision. *add to cart*
Alchemised by SenLinYu
Why I Bought It
Alchmised. Yes. I told Katie 20+ times that I didn’t want to take on this read. It’s long, I’m not the *biggest* science fiction/fantasy fan…but when I looked at those Black Friday prices? *add to cart*
The Lost Apothecary by Sarah Penner
Why I Bought It
I wanted something atmospheric, witchy, and beautifully written. The Lost Apothecary checks every box. Also…this cover is GORGEOUS!
The Mad Wife by Meagan Church
Why I Bought It
The Mad Wife is another recommendation from my bestie. And let’s face it, I will forever buy books where the wife may or may not be spiraling. It’s my sport.
The Spy Coast: A Thriller by Tess Gerritson
A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder by Holly Jackson
Why I Bought It
People say this A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder is so bingeable you cancel your plans. Say no more. I always need a quick binge! And bonus points if my mystery-book-loving daughter can read it too!
The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller
Why I Bought It
The Song of Achilles ruins people in the most beautiful way and it keeps showing up in my Bookstagram feed. I’m ready to cry on my kitchen floor.
Someone Else’s Shoes by Jojo Moyes
Why I Bought It
After the emotional destruction of half my TBR, I wanted something warm and uplifting. Jojo Moyes always delivers, and I know Someone Else’s Shoes won’t disappoint!
Fifty Words for Rain by Asha Lemmie
Why I Bought It
Everyone calls this Fifty Words for Rain lush, emotional, and mesmerizing. I’m weak for beautiful writing! And a GMA pick? Easy decision.
City of Girls by Elizabeth Gilbert
Long Time Gone by Charlie Donlea
Why I Bought It
I can tell Long Time Gone is going to be fast-paced, atmospheric, and moody — perfect for a weekend couch-binge. I devour mysteries/thrillers like this!
Wish You Were Here by Jodi Picoult
Why I Bought It
Picoult is the queen of emotionally thoughtful fiction. I fear Wish You Were Here will hurt… but in a good way.
The Lions of Fifth Avenue by Fiona Davis
Why I Bought It
Dual timelines + a literary mystery set in a library?? Okay Lions of Fifth Avenue! I see you! My wallet didn’t stand a chance. Plus, winter feels like a perfect time for a good historical fiction book!
Station Eleven by Emily St. John Mandel
Why I Bought It
I wanted something haunting, hopeful, and unforgettable. This is the post-apocalyptic novel people rave about! When the majority of the world’s population dies, and a group of people work together for a greater good. Station Eleven has me interested!
Malibu Rising by Taylor Jenkins Reid
Why I Bought It
I’m convinced TJR is going to go down as one of the best authors of our time. Malibu Rising was an easy YES! TJR literally owns me. Needed more rich-people drama, emotional chaos, and complicated families.
Great Circle by Maggie Shipstead
Why I Bought It
This is one of those sweeping, ambitious novels everyone talks about. Also, Oprah approved — Great Circle was instant buy!
Final Thoughts on My Amazon Black Friday Book Haul
Black Friday was unhinged, my wallet is crying, and my TBR could legally be considered a structural hazard… but honestly? I’m thriving.
If any of these sound like your vibe, feel free to shop them (affiliate links from our Amazon Black Friday Book Haul post help support the blog — thank you forever 🖤).



















