Book Recommendations
From one book loveR to another. Enjoy!
EDUCATED by TARA WESTOVER
I have honestly never been a huge non-fiction reader. I admit that that is not my best quality, as those are the books that can really teach you, yet I hardly find myself reaching for them. However, this non-fiction memoir is absolutely incredible. It is based in Idaho and discusses the inner workings of a family of extreme religion. Westover really brings you into her childhood by recounting the events that shaped her life. It will leave you jaw dropped and questioning the way people live around the world!
WHERE THE CRAWDADS SING by DELIA OWENS
A beautiful story of a strong, young female learning to raise herself in the South. The main character experiences a complex heartbreak, yet the drive that this girl has to push on is astounding. A motivating, heartfelt story that reminds you to keep fighting and question who you trust when it comes to loved ones.
THE LYING GAME by RUTH WARE
I have always loved a mystery! I have read all of the Gone Girl, Women in Cabin 10, disappearing acts known to date (okay, maybe not.) BUT it is a favorite category of mine. This novel by Ruth Ware is an easy read, but will keep you guessing throughout. Highly recommend for long travel days.
CRAZY RICH ASIANS TRILOGY by KEVIN KWAN
Now made into an unforgettable movie, this series was light, fun, and refreshing! I loved getting to know all of the characters over the trilogy in a world that few of us live in (aka wealthy, glamorous, and luxurious, I guess we will live vicariously!) Sometimes romantic and sometimes laugh-out-loud funny, I truly enjoyed these novels.
HOUSE RULES by JODI PICOULT
I have always been a Jodi Picoult fan and this book contributes to that feeling. It is rather intense, as the plot follows a situation of a child with autism and how the family is affected by his disability. It is an interesting perspective on mental health that I truly enjoyed. Although fiction, there was lots of research that went into the novel and it felt very informative. The status of mental health is becoming more outspoken and this novel was a great way to learn more about it.
THE ART OF HEARING HEARTBEATS by JAN-PHILIPP SENDKER
Both books (the sequel is “A Well Tempered Heart”) are incredible, fun, and heart-warming. These stories take place in a culture that most of us are unfamiliar with. This light read really delivers an amazing story about a past love story that will keep you flipping through the pages. I have recommended it to everyone I know lately and will find myself reading it multiple times over.
ALL THE LIGHT WE CANNOT SEE by ANTHONY DOERR
My all time favorite book! Based in World War II, you will not stop turning the pages.
MYSTERY FAVORITES:
BIG LITTLE LIES by LIANE MORIARTY
DARK PLACES by GILLIAN FLYNN
THE HUSBAND’S SECRETS by LIANE MORIARTY
GIRL ON THE TRAIN by PAULA HAWKINS
SHARP OBJECTS by GILLIAN FLYNN
THE GIRL IN CABIN 10 by RUTH WARE
THE COUPLE NEXT DOOR by SHARI LAPENA
THE GIRL WHO LIVED by CHRISTOPHER GREYSON
WRECKAGE by EMILY BLEEKER
BRAVE ENOUGH by JESSIE DIGGINS
It is hard to put into words how much I enjoyed this book. I could be a little biased because I have looked up to Jessie Diggins for over a decade, but the story was everything I could have imagined. I knew Jessie had been through some really difficult times and I am so impressed with how she conveyed her story on paper to make it both real yet inspiring.
I was lucky enough to be at the finish line with the rest of her team the day her and Kikkan Randall won gold in Korea in 2018, and to read a story building up to that golden moment was so captivating. Jessie has always been so outgoing, and when I have seen her around the world (and collecting medals at the same world champs medals ceremonies) she has always made an effort to talk to me.
Please take the time to BUY (support the athletes) and read this incredible story that includes the lowest lows and the highest highs in the world! Whether you are an athlete, parent, or an average Joe, surely you will walk away inspired.