Quarantine / Summer Reading List

Hey Friends,

One of my Instagram followers asked for some good book recommendations, so I gladly wrote this blog! I love nothing more than when someone says to me, “you HAVE to read this book”, or “Omg I loved this book so much”. Like I am already sold and I will likely be buying it as soon as I get to my amazon account at home.

To me, there is nothing better than getting lost and wrapped up in the world of a book. I truly look at it as a way of self-care.

My friend Emily, spent the weekend reading a mystery novel in her bed while relaxing with her family, like can you think of anything better?! Nope. Not me. And I plan on copying her this weekend.

I have recently read the books listed below and fell in love with them for one reason or another. Some are love stories, some historical, some thrillers, some heartfelt, and of course our twisted mysteries. I’ll give a brief description of each. I hope they bring you as much joy as they brought me. =]

The Giver of Stars – Jojo Myers

I talked about this book in my recent monthly newsletter. It’s a fictionalized account about the Kentucky Pack Horse Librarians. It’s all about friendship, love, self-actualization, and the power of education. A heartwarming, captivating, must-read. I also love this author.

My Dear Hamilton – Laura Kane and Stephanie Dray

After seeing the Broadway hit “Hamilton”, I have been obsessed with learning more about what happened during the revolutionary war, how our country came to be, and of course Alexander Hamilton. Learning it all from the perspective of Hamilton’s wife, Eliza, made it all the more interesting.

Super Attractor – Gabrielle Bernstein

I wouldn’t be me if I didn’t try to sneak one of my ‘self-help’ books in here. This was SUCH a good one too. It came out at the beginning of the year, at the perfect time for someone wanting to be a “super attractor”. It was simple, easy to read, and just made you feel good all over. Gabby is not a “ra ra” self-help person, but is more of a healer of your heart and soul type. Just a really good feel-good book.

Eleanor Oliphant is Just Fine – Gail Honeyman

This story is about a 29-year-old who is a misfit in society and has a hidden traumatic past that unravels as the story progresses. The book has a sad feel. I read a book review saying it was a tragedy which at times it feels like it, but then the next minute you are laughing out loud. I fell in love with Eleanor and what her character stands for. It makes you stop and think, and then appreciate the kind caring people who are out there in the world.

Where the Crawdads Sing – Delia Owens

This is a story of murder, a hard life, seclusion, the beauty of nature, and coming of age. In a quiet town in North Carolina, there have always been whispers about the “marsh girl” who lived in the marsh alone. Then when their hometown football star is murdered, they point their fingers at the town misfit, the marsh girl. This story weaves in her past and present-day so perfectly. It keeps you guessing until the end. So. Good.

The light we lost – Jill Santopolo

I was given this book from my best friend Kelsey, and of course, I loved it. It was about two people who met on 9/11, and how their lives were forever changed and forever intertwined after that. Your classic yet not so classic love story that has you hooked the entire time. Love love this one.

All the Missing Girls – Megan Miranda

This book is a murder mystery that has you sucked in and trying to guess what’s next until the very end. It was twisted and even a little scary at times. A couple of book reviews compared it to Gone Girl, which at times, it did have you guessing and rapidly flipping pages in the same way.

Behind closed doors – B.A. Paris

This book, THIS book, was so addictive, I couldn’t stop reading it. It’s a gripping thriller about a woman and her “perfect” life from the outside. She seems to have it all, the perfect husband, the perfect marriage, but behind closed doors, it is another world. Great thriller.

Little Fires Everywhere – Celeste Ng

This book was recently put into a mini-series on HBO. I purposely haven’t watched it yet because I always like the books better and I heard this one was good so I wanted to read it first. And boy it was! It was one of those books that I stayed up way past my bedtime because I wanted to read just a few more pages… It’s about how 2 families intertwine for some time and the imprint they make on each other that will change them for the rest of their lives.

I hope one of these books catches your eye and takes you far away to another world for a while. And keep the good feelings going, send me some of your book club recommendations, you know I love them. 

Until next time, happy reading!