Here are 2 books that Raq fans have personally recommended if you like Raq. Shepherd is a community of 12,000+ authors and super readers sharing their favorite books with the world.

When you buy books, we may earn a commission that helps keep our lights on (or join the rebellion as a member).

Book cover of Lessons in Chemistry

Katie Powner Author Of When the Road Comes Around

From Katie's 3 favorite reads in 2025.

Why am I passionate about this?

Author Small town resident Animal lover Question asker

Katie's 3 favorite reads in 2025

Katie Powner Why Katie loves this book

I mean, I wouldn't say I loved *everything* about this book, but boy was it a fun ride! A strong and unique female heroine. An original plot. Tight writing with an engaging voice. Who knew chemistry could be so interesting?

By Bonnie Garmus ,

Why should I read it?

95 authors picked Lessons in Chemistry as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • GOOD MORNING AMERICA BOOK CLUB PICK • Meet Elizabeth Zott: a “formidable, unapologetic and inspiring” (PARADE) scientist in 1960s California whose career takes a detour when she becomes the unlikely star of a beloved TV cooking show in this novel that is “irresistible, satisfying and full of fuel. It reminds you that change takes time and always requires heat” (The New York Times Book Review).

A BEST BOOK OF THE YEAR: The New York Times, Washington Post, NPR, Oprah Daily, Newsweek, GoodReads

"A unique heroine ... you'll find yourself wishing she wasn’t fictional." —Seattle Times…


If you love Raq...

Ad

Book cover of Aggressor

Aggressor by FX Holden,

It is April 1st, 2038. Day 60 of China's blockade of the rebel island of Taiwan.

The US government has agreed to provide Taiwan with a weapons system so advanced that it can disrupt the balance of power in the region. But what pilot would be crazy enough to run…

Book cover of The Oracle

Phil Bailey Author Of Kelvoo's Testimonial

From Phil's 3 favorite reads in 2025.

Why am I passionate about this?

Author

Phil's 3 favorite reads in 2025

Phil Bailey Why Phil loves this book

As a sci-fi author myself, I don't know how Peter Cawdron manages to take write so many novels on first contact with extraterrestrial intelligence without being repetitive. He's done it again with The Oracle: a suspenseful, engaging story with another fresh take on first contact.

The Oracle shakes things up by being set in Greece during World War II, with references going back to ancient Greek mythology. Woven throughout the story is the thought-provoking, underlying theme of the horror and futility of war, as Private Meier transforms from an idealistic follower of Hitler to a man facing the reality of war and the pointless suffering resulting from it. This anti-war sub-plot reminded me of Peter's outstanding 2024 novel, The Anatomy of Courage, which I also wouldn't hesitate to recommend.

As with Peter's previous First Contact novels, The Oracle includes a detailed afterword that explains the story's historic references, the supporting…

By Peter Cawdron ,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked The Oracle as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Karl Meier is a private in the German Army. He's been sent to occupied Greece on a secret mission in late 1944 as the Wehrmacht is withdrawing from the country. Karl has been assigned to support Professor Hans Schmidt in the excavation of the ruins at Delphi, searching for a wunderwaffe—a wonder weapon that could help Germany win the Second World War. Deep within a cave, he finds a golden orb. On touching it, Karl connects with an alien intelligence that has lain dormant on Earth for thousands of years—the Oracle.“The German soldier has not learned to retreat. He stands,…


Book cover of Lessons in Chemistry
Book cover of The Oracle

Share your top 3 reads of 2025!

And get a beautiful page showing off your 3 favorite reads.

1,210

readers submitted
so far, will you?