Our Best Books List – Relax this summer with one of these books

Reminders of Him – I am not a fast reader by any means but I managed to read this book in two days. And no I’m not on vacation, these were two days of working, running kids around, going to sporting events, helping with school work, cooking, cleaning, etc. and I read it in two days.

The Four Winds – I liked this book. As a woman and mom I could relate to Elsa however it stops there. I could not relate to her living situation, her daily struggles, a husband that was not there for her, however I so admire how she fought for everything and everyone she loved. Her courage is amazing. It made me stop to appreciate everything I have and yes even when I was cleaning my house on Saturday morning I thought, I’m so lucky to have this or that to clean. The story takes place in the 1930’s with the hardships suffered by the people of The Great Plains and the poverty of migrant workers who trying to escape the dust bowl in the depression.

The 5 Love Languages – This is a quick read. I enjoyed the perspective into the different ways that people express their love. A good reminder that what you need verses what your spouse, friend or family need may be very different. What is your love language?

Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can’t Stop Talking – I wish I had read this a long time ago, I wish my teenage self would have read this. I once had a friend tell me “We wish we knew what you were thinking all the time”. For years I took this as I needed to be more outspoken, out going, let people in more, it bothered me that I wasn’t like everyone else. I learned so much from this book but one big piece I took is that I am like a lot of people and its ok to be Quiet and its ok to just listen. Everyone should read this, it will help explain your son, daughter, friend or colleague.

The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo – Great book. I enjoyed the look into the old Hollywood scene. I admire Evelyns strength and determination. I will say I did not connect to either of the main characters, Evelyn or Monique, so I wasn’t as emotionally invested in the book. This is a perfect example of things not always being what the seem!

Before We Were Yours: This book was so good, emotional YES but also, informative, a bit of romance, and a happy ending which we all love right!?

Daisy Jones & The Six: I enjoyed this one! The novel actually reads like a transcript which really pulled me into the characters. It’s about the rise and fall of a fictional ’70s rock band. It encompasses everything you picture when you think of the music scene of the 70’s, sex, drugs, and rock ‘n’ roll.

Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine: I loved this book, I love Eleanor! Eleanor believes she is completely fine. She is content with her life (which I envy). She is unable to filter what she is thinking which is hilarious in some situations. She doesn’t care what others think about her (again I envy). I found myself laughing out loud one minute then the next minute my heart was breaking for her. Eleanor grew up in and out of foster care, her mom was horrible to her, she doesn’t know what it means to be loved. This is a book that will stay with me for years!

Evvie Drake Starts Over: I ran out and bought this after Jenna Bush Hager announced it as last Julys book club selection! I enjoyed the relatable and sweet characters. Did not want it to end.

Firefly Lane: Another book by Kristin Hannah that I throughly enjoyed! It’s great on all fronts, friendship, love, how one measures success and family. This book is worth purchasing if the hold at the library is too long.

I also enjoyed The Great Alone by Kristin, it is an emotional book and once I got half way through I couldn’t stop until I knew how it ended…one of those looong nights staying up past my bedtime.

It Ends With Us: This is not a new release as many of the books on this list are, however it is one that will stick with me especially the first few days after I read it when I couldn’t get it off my mind. I’m fortunate that I’ve never experienced any type of abuse but I’ve always felt deeply for those that find themselves in that situation. This is one of those books you stay up late at night to finish.

Lilac Girls: One of my favorite books I read last summer!

Little Fires Everywhere:  I’ll be honest I did’t love this book. SO why is it on the list? Because it has been talked about so much and the reviews so great that perhaps I’m missing something?? Plus it just came out on Hulu and I love to compare the two and it is a good time to binge watch so perfect timing! What are your thoughts?

Next Year in Havana by Chanel Cleeton: “A beautiful novel that’s full of forbidden passions, family secrets and a lot of courage and sacrifice.”–Reese Witherspoon.  Just finished and throughly enjoyed it. I really enjoyed the glimpse into Cuban history.

Secret Daughter: This made me totally stop to appreciate the simple things I sometimes take for granted.

Small Great Things: One of my favorites by Jodi Picoult.

The Age of Light: Historical fiction about Lee Miller, a Vogue model in the 20’s and Man Ray a photographer. This is an intimate look at their life together. I’m not sure how much is fiction and how much is fact but the book is absorbing and a great read!

The Extraordinary Life of Sam Hell: Outstanding! Sam is born with a rare eye condition which makes the iris in his eyes red causing him to stand out from his peers. The book follows Sam through the stages of life from young school boy to an adult dealing with issues such as discrimination, bullying and religion. This book is more about life lessons than storytelling. One of many highlights of this story for me was Sams loving parents. Definitely worth reading!

The Alice Network: Another great historical fiction. I really enjoyed one of the main characters, Eve. She is feisty, strong and will do anything it takes to get the job done for her country during during WW1. It is tough to read about what she has to endure. This book gives the reader a glimpse into the role of women in war and the after-effects on themself as well as people they love.

The Girl He Used to Know: I picked this book up on a whim when I was rushing around Barnes & Nobles before the quarantine and I was surprised how much I enjoyed it. With everything on my mind I was actually able to escape and enjoy the book which is exactly what I needed!

The Lying Game: If your looking for a thriller/mystery here you go! I think this is the best of Ruth Ware. It is about four women that went to boarding school together, 15 years later they are drawn back together by a hidden secret.

The Nightingale:  This book follows two sisters set in France during WW II as they face their own dangerous path toward survival, love, and freedom. It is heavy but good. A reminder not to take anything for granted and cherish the moments you have with your loved ones.

The Perfect Couple:  The perfect summer read!

The Wife Between Us: This one will keep you guessing! There were a couple twists I definitely did not see coming. By far not one of the best books on this list but it will keep your mind off things going on in the world today for a little while anyway.

The Silent Patient: If you like thrillers this one is for you!

When We Believed in Mermaids: I enjoyed this book, it kept me hooked and I read in just two days.

Where the Crawdads Sing: I read this over spring break (2019) and I enjoyed it! I will warn you it took me a while to get into the book but I’m glad I stuck it out. You know your into a good book when a tear runs down your cheek…

Me Before You (Book 1 of 3): I watched the movie before reading the book (which I hate to do) but in this case it did not make a difference. If you watched the movie and loved it as I did, it is still worth reading! If your looking for romance, tragedy and controversy this is your book! I was glad I read it, even though I went in knowing exactly how it was going to end. The second book in the series “After You” was also very good. I just love following a character through the seasons of life. The final book “Still Me” was not my favorite of the three but if you are invested in the characters it is worth the read.

Neapolitan Novels- My Brilliant Friend (Book 1 of 4): Set in the 1950’s in a town near Naples, Italy, tells the story of  two friends as they navigate life as kids, women, wives, mothers, and leaders.

Outlander Series – Outlander (Book 1 or 8): This is a solid series. I couldn’t put the first two down, then took some time off, went back when I was in a “book slump” for the next. I’m now at A Breath of Snow and Ashes the sixth book in the series. Loved watching the series too, like I’ve mentioned before I enjoy reading a book then watching the movie or in this case the show.

Still Life (Book 1 of 14): A great choice any time, but a good fall and winter read when I’m in the mood for a mystery.

The Seven Sisters (Book 1 of 6): If you like to get into a series this is a great one. The story is about 6 adoptive sisters, their father recently dies and they soon find out there is a seventh sister that was not adopted. Each book follows one of the sisters to discover their past. I read this along with my mom and we both enjoyed the series. Read it along with your person!

All Along You Were Blooming: If there ever were a time to pick up this poetry book it is now. We are certainly in a season of change and uncertainty. For me the combination of poetry and the beauty of every page in this book lifted my spirits.

The Alchemist: An inspiring tale of self-discovery, The Alchemisthas become a modern classic. Get this for your man, son, daughter, everyone should read The Alchemist!

The Artist’s Way: An exciting method to recover your creativity from self-doubt, inattention, fear, jealousy, guilt and other forces that inhibit the creative process. I’ve done the Artist Way twice already!

The Gifts of Imperfection: Everyone should read this book.

The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up

The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People: My husband read this book, he is in the corporate world, which I am not. He kept encouraging me to read it, thinking it applied more to his type of business I put it off. I hate to admit this but I wish I had listened to him sooner. I got so much out of this book not only in my work but with my family and friendships. There are a ton of books like this out there but I think this is one of the best. Buy it because you will want to reread it!

Harry: I could not pass up this book! I watched their royal wedding, the birth of Archie, stunned when they stepped away from the Royal life, binge watched every Netflix show on the Royal Family, The Crown. I was totally engrossed in the Oprah Interview and now the Netflix original Megan & Harry. Biography

The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks: This book is so complex and interesting on so many levels to try and sum it up is difficult. Henrietta Lacks is from a very poor family. Her cells were taken without her knowledge while at John’s Hopkins in the early 50’s. They are the most researched and tested human cells and are still being used today. HeLa cells have helped in cancer research, finding a polio vaccine, cloning, in vitro and in gene mapping. This is more than just a book on science and experiments but also about Henrietta’s life, her family and their struggles.

Educated – An amazing story! If you enjoy autobiographies this is a great one!

Super Baby Food:  This book contains everything you will ever want to know about feeding your baby and toddler (and perhaps beyond). And before you know it you’ll be reading the books below! Enjoy every minute!

Untangled: Guiding Teenage Girls Through the Seven Transitions into Adulthood: Guide for parents of daughters, reveals the seven distinct—and absolutely normal—developmental transitions that turn girls into grown-ups. I recommend starting this before your daughter starts the teenage years…10 or 11. Knowledge is key and this book has it!