Since finishing The Nightingale in February, I’ve been on a reading kick. After posting this photo on Instagram, I got so many great recommendations. I’ve been making my way through them, as well as a few others. I thought I’d share my recent reading list in case you’re looking for a new one too. It’s been almost two years since I last shared a reading list!
I started ranking each book, but other than The Nightingale they were all four stars. If I keep reading a book every 10 days, I’ll have to come up with better rating scale.
The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah was the book that reinvigorated my love of reading. It’s safe to say The Nightingale is one of the best books I’ve ever read. It follows two sisters living in Nazi inhabited France during World War II. Both risk their lives in different ways to save others. It’s one of those books that stays with you even after you’ve finished. I felt grateful to be born in the time and place I was. There are a handful of books that should be required reading and this is one of them (Unbroken also comes to mind).
Pachinko by Min Jin Lee kept me engrossed throughout all 400+ pages. It’s the story of one family told over four generations. Before reading Pachinko, I had no idea about the history between Japan and Korea. I found myself routing for the main characters over and over. I was a little disappointed by the ending, but I’d still recommend this book.
Unbelievable: My Front Row Seat to the Craziest Campaign in History by Katy Tur is the first semi-political book I’ve read in many, many years (maybe ever?) Katy was assigned to the Trump campaign from the very beginning. Unbelievable follows the campaign from the beginning through to election night. The book brought me back to the 2016 presidential campaign, especially the weeks leading up to the election (and all of the emotions that went along with it). While at times I was infuriated Trump was elected all over again, I did enjoy reading Unbelievable.
The Secret to Southern Charm by Kristy Woodson Harvey is the second in a three book series. I loved the first book, Slightly South of Simple, and immediately pre-ordered this one. The series is a total beach read, but a really, really good one. Each book in the series focuses on one of three sisters and their mother. It’s set in a coastal city in Georgia. Somehow the author manages to make me feel all warm and cozy when I read these books.
An American Marriage by Tayari Jones is one of the most beautiful books I’ve ever read. There were times her writing seemed like poetry or music. An American Marriage is the story of a young newlywed couple. The husband is accused of a crime he didn’t commit and sentenced to prison. The story is told via letters between the couple and the best man in their wedding. The ending left me with an uneasy feeling, but I couldn’t get this book out of my mind.
Surprise Me by Sophie Kinsella is another good beach read. Anyone else devour the Shopaholic series? I’ve been a fan of Sophie Kinsella ever since. Surprise Me is about one couple and their efforts to surprise each other to spice up their relationship with often funny results. It’s a feel good story and I actually liked the message at the end.
Up next on my reading list are: The Great Alone (my dad gave it 4.8 out of 5 stars), Lilac Girls, All the Light We Cannot See and Crazy Rich Asians.
What have you read and loved recently?
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