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Sometimes, it feels like I’ve covered every possible book list topic under the sun.
From romance novels set in charming small towns to historical fiction that whisks you back in time, I’ve written about nearly everything.
But then, a fellow blogger’s post on unique book titles inspired me, and I realized I hadn’t done a list like this before—a whole post devoted to books with colors in their titles.
There’s just something fun and eye-catching about color-themed titles, isn’t there?
Each book on this list comes from a different genre, so whether you’re into thrilling mysteries, heartfelt contemporary stories, or whimsical fantasies, there’s something here for you.
I’m willing to bet you’ll find a few new favorites in the mix, so get yourself ready!
1. Red, White, & Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston
First Son Alex Claremont-Diaz has a lot on his plate as part of the White House Trio, but things take an unexpected turn when a clash with his long-time enemy, Prince Henry of England, spirals into an international incident.
To ease tensions, they fake a friendship, but soon, their relationship blossoms into something much more complicated—romance.
With Alex’s mother running for re-election and the pressures of royal protocol looming, the two must navigate a tricky landscape of love, politics, and identity.
This book is so much fun! McQuiston’s writing is witty and sharp, and Alex and Henry’s banter alone made me laugh out loud several times.
I found myself rooting for Alex and Henry from the start, and I think anyone who enjoys rom-coms or political dramas with a heart will love this.
The romance is tender and passionate, and the stakes feel real without ever overwhelming the sweet love story at the center.
If you want something that’s equal parts heartfelt and hilarious, this is a perfect pick — and there’s a Netflix adaptation you can watch right now.
2. White Oleander by Janet Fitch
This novel tells the harrowing and poetic story of Astrid, a young girl shuffled through the foster care system in Los Angeles after her mother, Ingrid, a fierce and unrepentant poet, is imprisoned for murder.
Each foster home brings new trials, dangers, and lessons, as Astrid slowly comes to understand her own identity, apart from her mother’s influence.
I’ll be honest—White Oleander isn’t an easy read. It’s beautiful, haunting, and at times gut-wrenching.
What really struck me was the way Janet Fitch captures Astrid’s resilience and growth. Even as she is tossed between different homes, you see her learn, change, and ultimately, survive.
The writing is lyrical and full of emotional depth, which makes it impossible to put down even when the content gets heavy.
If you enjoy literary fiction that digs into complex mother-daughter dynamics and the painful process of self-discovery, this book will definitely resonate with you.
3. The Green Mile by Stephen King
Set in a death row penitentiary during the Great Depression, this story follows the lives of the guards and prisoners, especially John Coffey, a seemingly gentle giant convicted of a horrific crime.
As the head guard, Paul Edgecombe, gets to know Coffey, he begins to question the nature of good and evil and whether Coffey might possess miraculous powers.
This one truly moved me. While The Green Mile is considered a classic Stephen King horror novel, it’s so much more than that.
It’s a touching exploration of humanity, redemption, and the moral ambiguities of the justice system.
I loved how King developed Paul’s inner conflict and John Coffey’s tragic mystery. The supernatural elements are subtle but profound, and they added depth to an already powerful story.
Even if you’re not a usual fan of King’s work, this novel will captivate you with its emotional resonance and moral questions.
4. The Last Green Valley by Mark T. Sullivan
This novel is a sweeping historical epic about Emil and Adeline Martel, who flee Soviet-occupied Ukraine during World War II in search of freedom.
As they journey west with their two young sons, they must navigate betrayal, violence, and their own moral dilemmas as they struggle to survive amidst the chaos of war.
I was utterly absorbed by this book. Mark Sullivan has a gift for creating vivid, immersive historical fiction, and The Last Green Valley is no exception.
The Martel family’s story is both heartbreaking and inspiring. I found myself constantly on edge, hoping for their safety while marveling at their incredible will to survive.
It’s a brutal read at times, but it’s a necessary reminder of the human cost of war and the strength of the human spirit.
If you’re a fan of historical fiction that doesn’t shy away from the harsh realities of life, you’ll love this book as much as I did.
5. Half of a Yellow Sun by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
Set against the backdrop of the Nigerian Civil War, this novel weaves together the lives of three characters: Ugwu, a young boy from a rural village; Olanna, the beautiful mistress of a university professor; and Richard, a British expatriate.
As the conflict escalates, their lives are turned upside down, and they must face the brutal realities of war and survival.
Half of a Yellow Sun is a breathtaking novel, and Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s storytelling is nothing short of brilliant.
The way she captures the personal and political upheavals of the Biafran War is incredibly powerful. I was particularly drawn to how the characters’ relationships evolved and became a microcosm of the larger conflict.
The book is rich with history, but it never feels dry—it’s emotional, compelling, and thought-provoking and a must-read if you’re looking for a novel that delves into both history and the human heart.
6. Yellow Wife by Sadeqa Johnson
In Yellow Wife, Pheby Brown is a young woman born into slavery but promised freedom on her eighteenth birthday.
Instead of receiving her liberty, she finds herself thrust into the brutal world of the Devil’s Half-Acre, a notorious slave jail in Virginia.
There, she must navigate the dangerous dynamics of power, making unthinkable sacrifices in her fight to survive and protect those she loves.
This novel is both heart-wrenching and beautifully written. Johnson doesn’t shy away from the horrors of slavery, but she does so in a way that highlights the humanity, resilience, and strength of Pheby.
I was deeply moved by her courage and determination, even when faced with unimaginable choices.
I think anyone who appreciates historical fiction rooted in truth and emotion will find this book incredibly compelling.
7. Black Cake by Charmaine Wilkerson
After their mother’s death, siblings Byron and Benny inherit more than just a traditional black cake—they receive a voice recording revealing long-hidden family secrets.
As they unravel their mother’s past, including the story of a young swimmer accused of murder, Byron and Benny must confront their own fractured relationship and the weight of their mother’s legacy.
Black Cake is such a unique and deeply personal story about family, legacy, and the secrets we keep.
The way Wilkerson intertwines the present-day narrative with flashbacks to the past is masterful, and I loved how each revelation added new layers to the story.
The characters feel real and relatable, with their complicated feelings about family and identity.
I think readers who enjoy novels that explore complex family dynamics, rich cultural heritage, and emotional depth will love this one as much as I did.
Plus, the idea of a symbolic cake tying everything together? Beautiful and deliciously metaphorical.
8. The Black Echo by Michael Connelly
In this gritty crime thriller, LAPD detective Harry Bosch is drawn into a deeply personal case when a body is discovered in a drainpipe.
The victim, a fellow Vietnam War “tunnel rat,” sets Bosch on a path that reopens old wounds and pits him against dangerous criminals and internal enemies.
As he navigates the twists and turns of the investigation, Bosch must confront the ghosts of his past while seeking justice.
If you’re into crime novels with a strong sense of atmosphere and a tough, complex protagonist, The Black Echo is a must-read.
I’ve always been a fan of Michael Connelly’s writing, and this first book in the Harry Bosch series didn’t disappoint.
The blend of Bosch’s war-torn past and his relentless pursuit of justice kept me hooked from start to finish.
I loved the gritty feel of the story and how Connelly builds suspense with every chapter.
Anyone who enjoys detective fiction with a hard edge and psychological depth will absolutely devour this book.
9. Orange Is the New Black by Piper Kerman
Piper Kerman recounts her time in a women’s federal prison after being convicted of a decade-old drug trafficking offense.
Through her memoir, Kerman offers a candid look at life behind bars, the friendships she forms with fellow inmates, and the lessons she learns about compassion, survival, and the arbitrary nature of the prison system.
I was drawn to this memoir not just because of its popularity, but because of how raw and honest Kerman’s story is.
She doesn’t sugarcoat her experiences, and I appreciated how she shed light on the lives of the women she met in prison—women who are often overlooked by society.
The book’s tone is conversational, making it easy to read, but it also forces you to think about the larger issues within the prison system.
I think anyone who enjoys memoirs about personal growth and social justice will find this book deeply impactful. It’s both eye-opening and unexpectedly heartwarming.
10. The Priory of the Orange Tree by Samantha Shannon
This sprawling epic fantasy follows multiple characters across continents as they confront a rising dragon threat.
Queen Sabran the Ninth must secure her line to protect her kingdom, while Ead Duryan secretly defends her with forbidden magic.
Meanwhile, Tané trains as a dragon rider, and their fates intertwine in a tale of magic, politics, and survival.
I loved every moment of this fantasy epic! It’s got everything: dragons, political intrigue, forbidden magic, and incredible world-building.
What sets The Priory of the Orange Tree apart from other fantasy novels for me is the depth of its characters, particularly the women who drive the story.
The pacing is fast but allows enough time for each character’s arc to shine.
So, if you’re a fan of expansive fantasy worlds that are rich in detail and filled with powerful women, this book is an absolute must-read.
Shannon’s writing draws you in from the start and doesn’t let go until the very last page.
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11. The Red Tent by Anita Diamant
Told from the perspective of Dinah, a figure briefly mentioned in the Bible, this novel delves into the lives of women in ancient times.
Dinah shares the stories of her mothers—Leah, Rachel, Zilpah, and Bilhah—and offers a rich, intimate look into the rituals, joys, and sorrows of womanhood in a patriarchal society.
This book is like a window into a world long gone, and I found it fascinating.
What I loved most about The Red Tent was how it reclaimed the voices of biblical women, giving them depth, agency, and a sense of community.
It’s a beautiful, slow-paced story that celebrates the strength of women in the face of hardships.
If you enjoy historical fiction with a feminist lens, this book will deeply resonate with you.
It’s one of those stories that makes you feel connected to a shared past, full of timeless lessons about love, resilience, and sisterhood.
12. Red at the Bone by Jacqueline Woodson
Set in Brooklyn, Red at the Bone follows the interconnected lives of two families, exploring how history, love, and ambition shape them over time.
The novel opens with Melody’s coming-of-age ceremony, but it’s the backstory of her parents and grandparents—filled with missed opportunities and complex relationships—that drives the narrative.
This book is short, but it packs a punch. Woodson’s prose is sparse yet incredibly powerful, capturing so much emotion in so few words.
I loved how the story unfolded across different timelines, giving us glimpses into how each character’s decisions ripple across generations.
Anyone who enjoys character-driven novels with rich, layered storytelling will find Red at the Bone captivating.
It’s one of those books that lingers in your thoughts long after you’ve finished reading.
13. The Secret History of the Pink Carnation by Lauren Willig
Eloise Kelly, a determined American academic, travels to England to finish her dissertation on two elusive spies: the Scarlet Pimpernel and the Purple Gentian.
However, what she uncovers is a secret history that no historian has yet discovered—one involving a mysterious spy known as the Pink Carnation.
This historical romance blends the intrigue of Napoleonic espionage with a passionate love story, as Eloise finds herself drawn into both the past and her own modern-day romance.
This book is an absolute delight for anyone who loves historical fiction with a touch of romance and adventure.
The alternating timelines—between Eloise’s modern-day quest and the historical espionage plot—kept me hooked throughout.
It’s like you’re solving a puzzle alongside the protagonist while also getting swept up in the drama and passion of the past.
Willig’s writing is witty, light, and brimming with historical detail, so if you enjoy stories with a mix of humor, romance, and a bit of mystery, you’ll find this one highly entertaining.
It’s perfect for readers who love history but want a little fun and romance thrown into the mix.
14. When Hitler Stole Pink Rabbit by Judith Kerr
This semi-autobiographical novel tells the story of young Anna, a Jewish girl living in Germany in 1933.
As Hitler rises to power, Anna and her family are forced to flee their home, leaving behind everything they know—including Anna’s beloved pink rabbit.
They move across Europe, seeking safety, but their lives are filled with uncertainty as they try to adapt to a world torn apart by war and prejudice.
When Hitler Stole Pink Rabbit is a touching and poignant read, especially knowing it’s based on Judith Kerr’s real-life experiences.
I loved how the story is told from a child’s perspective—it makes the heavy themes of war, displacement, and fear more accessible and deeply emotional.
Anna’s innocence and resilience really struck me, and I think this book does a wonderful job of highlighting how war impacts children and families.
It’s a gentle yet powerful introduction to the history of World War II for younger readers, but even as an adult, I found it moving and thought-provoking.
If you enjoy historical fiction that focuses on personal stories within larger historical events, this is a must-read.
15. Get A Life, Chloe Brown by Talia Hibbert
Chloe Brown is a quirky, chronically ill computer geek who decides it’s time to take control of her life after a near-death experience.
She makes a list of “rebellious” goals to accomplish, including riding a motorcycle and having a meaningless fling.
When she enlists the help of her neighbor, Red, a rugged artist with his own baggage, sparks fly as they both push each other out of their comfort zones.
Get A Life, Chloe Brown is a refreshing and hilarious romance that feels real and heartfelt. Chloe is such a relatable character—she’s funny, flawed, and dealing with her chronic illness in a way that feels authentic, not sensationalized.
Red is the perfect balance of rugged and sensitive, and their chemistry is off the charts.
What I appreciated most was how Hibbert handled both physical and emotional vulnerability with such care and humor.
If you love romance novels that feature strong, multidimensional characters and laugh-out-loud moments, this one is for you.
It’s a feel-good read that will leave you smiling long after you’re done.
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16. The Man in the Brown Suit by Agatha Christie
When young Anne Beddingfeld witnesses a man’s sudden death on a London train platform, she is thrust into a world of mystery and intrigue.
Determined to solve the case herself, she follows a series of cryptic clues, leading her on a thrilling adventure from England to Africa.
Along the way, she encounters an enigmatic man in a brown suit who seems to be at the center of it all.
Agatha Christie never disappoints when it comes to crafting clever, twisty mysteries, and The Man in the Brown Suit is no exception.
I loved how Anne was such an adventurous, bold character, throwing herself into a dangerous investigation without a second thought.
The book is a perfect blend of mystery, romance, and exotic locales, which makes it one of Christie’s more light-hearted and fun novels.
If you’re in the mood for a classic whodunit with a spirited heroine and plenty of suspense, this is a great choice.
Christie’s writing is always sharp and engaging, and this book is no different.
17. The Color Purple by Alice Walker
This Pulitzer Prize-winning novel tells the story of Celie, an African American woman in the early 20th century, who endures years of abuse and isolation.
Through a series of letters to God and later to her sister, Celie recounts her struggles, as well as the deep, transformative relationships she forms with the women around her.
The Color Purple is one of those rare books that stays with you long after you’ve finished it. It’s raw, emotional, and incredibly moving.
Celie’s journey from silence and oppression to finding her own voice and strength is beautifully rendered.
What I loved most about this book was how it celebrated the bonds between women—whether they were friends, sisters, or lovers—and how those relationships helped Celie heal.
Alice Walker’s writing is so vivid and lyrical, and she doesn’t shy away from tough subjects, but the story is ultimately one of hope and redemption.
I think anyone who values deeply emotional, character-driven stories will be profoundly touched by this novel.
18. The Woman in the Purple Skirt by Natsuko Imamura
In this unsettling and darkly humorous novel, the mysterious Woman in the Purple Skirt is constantly watched by the equally enigmatic Woman in the Yellow Cardigan.
What begins as innocent observation slowly turns into obsession, as the Woman in the Yellow Cardigan manipulates events to bring the two of them closer together.
Imamura’s writing is wonderfully deadpan, and it creates an eerie and unsettling atmosphere throughout.
I found myself captivated by the bizarre relationship between the two women, especially the voyeuristic nature of the narrative.
It’s a slow-burn kind of book that digs deep into the psyche of its characters, revealing uncomfortable truths about human behavior.
If you’re into psychological thrillers that are more about mood and character than fast-paced action, you’ll appreciate the subtle tension in The Woman in the Purple Skirt.
You can check out my review here!
I hope you enjoyed this colorful adventure through books with vibrant titles!
Maybe you’ve already found a few that are calling your name or inspired to pick up a genre you wouldn’t normally read.
If you’re looking for even more unique reading recommendations, check out my related posts—there’s a whole lot to find and love.
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