Many of my friends have contacted me in the last few weeks asking for book recommendations to help get through this time that we are all staying at home. I personally had a tough time reading in March. I just haven’t been able to clear my mind to concentrate. I am hoping that will change and I will complete more books this month. But for some, this time is an opportunity to dive into book after book after book. Here are some of my favorite page turners from the last few years – and a few oldies but goodies as well. I definitely added in some on the lighter side but there are some deeper and complex reads too. I am not going to write a synopsis after each one – but will include a few notes where appropriate.
Enjoy & be well!
~ Laura
Historical Fiction
The Seven Husbands Of Evelyn Hugo – Taylor Jenkins Reid
One of my favorite books of all times. And I almost didn’t pick it up based on the cover alone.
The Secret Wife – Gill Paul
Two timelines seems trendy and I don’t always love that, but it worked here. You will be transported to the time of Anastasia and the Romanov family and then come back to a current timeline that finally makes sense at the end.
Before We Were Yours – Lisa Wingate
This is a crush your heart into one million pieces over and over kind of book. Maybe not the best at lifting your spirits but you will keep turning the pages.
The Things We Cannot Say – Kelly Rimmer
A favorite for me for 2019. One of my favorite WWII books ever, and creatively weaves the story into a second current timeline.
The Great Alone – Kristin Hannah
Want to go to Alaska in your mind? It is not all glaciers, rainbows and trout, that is for sure.
News of the World – Paulette Jiles
A lovely tale that will soon be a movie.
The Island of Sea Women – Lisa See
I knew nothing of this culture and enjoyed every single word. A little violent at times but based on true events.
The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek – Kim Michelle Richardson
Are you a book lover? Then you will love this story about another book lover and how she brought the gift of books to so many unable to read otherwise.
Sort of Sci-Fi
The Humans – Matt Haig
Another favorite for me. I usually shy away from Science Fiction of any kind but this book is magical.
How to Stop Time – Matt Haig
My love for The Humans had me continuing to read Matt Haig books. Perhaps even more magical.
A Discovery of Witches – Deborah Harkness
I have to say that this is the only book on this list that I didn’t love completely. I liked it, but not love. I am just not a witch/vampire story reader. However it was a pick in 2 of my bookclubs and everyone else loved it so much that most continued with the trilogy. And if you love it as much as they did, there is a series streaming on tv or online that you can hunt down as well.
Mystery / Psychological Thrillers / Courtroom Dramas / Dark
Long Bright River – Liz Moore
A recent read for me – and a 5 🍷 rating. Bonus title – also check out Moore’s The Unseen World. I wouldn’t put that one in this same genre, but it is a good one too.
The Dry – Jane Harper
This was the first Harper book I read, and not the last.
The Life We Bury – Allen Eskens
This was also the first of this author for me and while I have read all of his books now, this was the best one.
Before She Knew Him – Peter Swanson
This and the next Swanson book will make my friends worry about me and wonder why I love these books so much. Dark, violent and gritty.
The Kind Worth Killing – Peter Swanson
Read above. x2. Friends, I promise I am okay.
Small Great Things – Jodi Picoult
In general, I don’t read much by this author. This was an exception after it was recommended to me over and over. Glad I read it. Compelling and so much to think about.
Friend Request – Laura Marshall
A page turner that kept me guessing.
Then She Was Gone – Lisa Jewell
I love Lisa Jewell books. And I have heard her speak before and love her in general. This is another dark and twisty read that will help you pass the time.
Memoirs
From Scratch: A Memoir of Love, Sicily, and Finding Home – Tembi Locke
A delightful read about love, family, food, Sicily and beyond that will make you forget we can’t travel right now.
Know My Name – Chanel Miller
This book should be read by ever single person on this planet. Period.
Born a Crime – Trevor Noah
Sometimes funny, sometimes not. Trevor Noah was literally born a crime.
Tattoos on the Heart: The Power of Boundless Compassion – Gregory Boyle
Couldn’t we all use a great book about boundless compassion right now?
Lighter / Romance / Beach Reads
Things You Save in a Fire – Katherine Center
Another 2019 favorite. Not too heavy, not too light but a quirky story that you will keep turning the pages for.
All We Ever Wanted – Emily Giffin
I have been drawn to Giffin books. She has been one of my rare chick-lit outlets/authors.
Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me? – Mindy Kaling
I think Mindy Kaling is hilarious. If you want to try something on audible while you clean out your basement, this would be a good one for that.
Oldies But Goodies
The Lovely Bones – Alice Sebold
I read this year’s ago and it still sticks with me today.
Women of the Silk – Gail Tsukiayama
A favorite of mine that I devoured over ten years ago.
The No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency – Alexander McCall Smith
If you like this one, there are many more in this series. Could be just what you need during this time.
Pope Joan – Donna Woolfolk Cross
Another favorite that I couldn’t put down quite some time ago. A little bit of everything here.
