10 Books I Recommend

Y'all know Kristen, right?  I'm pretty sure most of you do.  And, I'm pretty sure most of you know that Kristen and I like books...a lot...and we talk about books...a lot...  So, when I saw this post of hers (10 books I can't stop recommending), she and I talked about (what else?) books, and she encouraged me to write my own.  Since most of you probably read her post already, I tried to pick different recommendations than Kristen did.  But, there were two that I can't leave off my list, so let's start with them.  Oh, and I can not be held responsible if you cry in any (or all) of these books.  Apparently, I like to read books that make me cry. 

Two books with central characters that are book lovers that Kristen also selected:

1.  The Book Thief by Markus Zusak - I'm going to steal the words of a friend of mine who read this after I recommended it to her. Paraphrasing:  "My heart is so full and empty at the same time. Death is a fresh perspective.  This book...touches your heart and kicks you in the gut; beautifully illustrates with words the powerful images of a significant time."

2.  The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry by Gabrielle Zevin (also released as The Collected Works of A.J. Fikry) - A book about a bookstore and book lovers...it is a book that is endearing, a little quirky, and truly a gem.  My heart was full of emotions reading this one.

Another book about book lovers....

3. The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows - Yes, the title of this book is silly. Don't let that stop you from reading it. This book is downright delightful.

4.  Eleanor & Park by Rainbow Rowell - If you are at all interested in YA or Contemporary Fiction, you've probably heard of (and read) this book already. It deserves its accolades. On the surface, it's sweet and charming, look a little closer, and it's much deeper and darker.

5.  Saving Francesca and The Piper's Son by Melina Marchetta - Yep. Two books. My list, my rules. These books go hand in hand.  Contemporary fiction based in Sydney that weaves stories of a group of young friends.  I gobbled these up and recommend others to do so as well.

6.  Stolen by Lucy Christopher - A fictional teenaged kidnap victim writes a letter to her captor.  When I closed this book, I exhaled and exclaimed "fuck". It's a mindfuck, but it's a good one.

7.  The Girl with All the Gifts by M. R. Carey - In a book challenge, I was asked to pick a book outside of my usual genres of choice. This book was listed in the "horror" category, it's sorta apocalyptic, and there's people that are kinda zombie-like. Nope. This is not my typical choice of book. I was gob smacked how much I enjoyed it, how quick & easy it was for me to read, and I much I thought the lead character, Melanie, was such a badass little girl. Sometimes, it is awesome to step outside the comfort zone and be pleasantly surprised.

8.  The Heroin Diaries by Nikki Sixx (non-fiction) - I've never been a drug addict...but I find some addiction stories to be fascinating because even though I've never personally done hardcore drugs, I have battled my own demons, acted out-of-character, done things that I'm ashamed of or never imagined doing, felt like I was in a really dark place...so I can still relate to addiction stories.  This one is haunting, plus there's the whole Mötley Crüe/rock 'n' roll element. 

9.  102 Minutes by Jim Dwyer and Kevin Flynn (non-fiction) - I went through a period of reading books and memoirs from those personally connected to the September 11th attacks. Stories of this book have stuck with me, and I imagine always will (as they should). Triumph and heartbreak, joy and hurt, and so many emotions in between. 

10.  Thrillers. I read a lot of them. I have particular books and/or authors I recommend when I know what topics of mystery/thrillers interest the party that I'm giving the suggestion.  Particular authors in this category: Karin Slaughter, John Sandord, James Patterson, Jonathon Kellerman, Jo Nesbo, and a few others. 


Honourable mentions (because I just can't stop myself): Burial Rites by Hannah Kent, Between Shades of Gray by Ruta Sepetys, Under a Dark Summer Sky by Vanessa Lafaye, Jonathan Tropper books, It's So Easy by Duff McKagan, Love is a Mix Tape by Rob Sheffield, The Messenger by Markus Zusak...... You know this list could continue, right?

Stealing from Kristen again: "I recommend that you read a book, any book. Just read. Because reading is amazing. It's a whole new world and a whole new life, and that doesn't mean there is anything wrong with your world and your life, but to have the chance to experience that and not do it? That's crazy talk."

What are some books that you just can't stop recommending?