Reading books has been a pastime that I have enjoyed from a very young age. I used to blow through books like crazy, reading series after series in only a few days. I have fallen in love with multiple stories throughout my life from a variety of genres. When I started college, reading slipped through the cracks. With all of my classes and clubs, I find it hard to make time for myself in general, let alone read a novel that has nothing to do with the exams I have coming up. However, I have made it a goal to try to get back into reading more often and decided to start by making a reading list of books I plan to read by the end of this year.
1. 11/22/63 by Stephen King
This is a book that I have already started, and I am loving it. While it is a monster of a book to tackle, the story is well-written and keeps you wanting to turn page after page. 11/22/63 is a fiction novel about time-traveling back to stop the assassination of JFK, and the hardships and adventures of the characters along the way. In true Stephen King fashion, there is a nod to other well-known books of his within this one that should appear familiar, including the now award-winning movie IT. 11/22/63 is also an original series on Hulu starring James Franco, and I very much enjoyed that as well.
2. Sold on a Monday: A Novel by Kristina McMorris
This book was inspired by a real newspaper photograph from the 1930s, and is based on America during the Great Depression. This book is about the last resort of families struggling to survive during this very difficult time, and the decisions that they had to make. The story follows a reporter who captures the moment that two siblings are being offered for sale, and the consequences that follow from the article he publishes.
3. Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens
This is a coming-of-age story following a young woman who lives alone and is known as the mysterious “Marsh Girl”. She is blamed for horrible crimes like murder and disappearances, and is feared like a ghost by the people of the town around her. While she has been self-sufficient for so long, she is now beginning to yearn for the company of others. This book has been recommended to me by so many people, and I am so excited to give it a shot.
4. Girl, Wash Your Face by Rachel Hollis
Leave your personal baggage behind and pick up this book. Rachel Hollis delves into all of the details about how she has turned around her life, and took herself from feeling overwhelmed and unworthy to seeing her true beauty. Learn to hustle and pursue your dreams, while giving yourself time to achieve them. This is definitely a book I could see myself reading pool-side this summer, enjoying a nice sunny day with my feet up.
5. How Happiness Happens by Max Lucado
In a world of comparison and disappointment, how do you find joy? This book explains how to find true happiness without waiting for “the moment”. We’ve all been living for “the moment”: the moment you get engaged, the moment you have kids, the moment you get that job, the moment you win the lottery, etc. I’m excited to read this novel and learn more about self love and simple, unadulterated happiness.
6. On Earth We’re Briefly Gorgeous by Ocean Vuong
This novel takes the form of a letter from a son to his mother. It not only details his life and everything that he wishes he could explain to her, but also describes the separation of America based on class, race, and masculinity.
7. The Testaments by Margaret Atwood
The long-awaited sequel to the novel and Hulu original series The Handmaid’s Tale is here, and I am eager to get to read it. This book delves into the inner-workings of Gilead, and Margaret Atwood promises to answer many long-awaited questions from her readers that she left us all with at the end of The Handmaid’s Tale.
8. The Guardian by Nicholas Sparks
After being left a widow with only a great dane puppy for company, Julie Barenson is ready to find love again. She has her choice of men who fancy her and treat her well, but her love story takes a turn for the worst and suddenly she finds herself in a life-threatening situation. I am a huge fan of all Nicholas Sparks novels. His writing style really appeals to me, and I always feel as if I know the characters on a personal level and am truly in the story. His attention to detail is amazing, and I would highly recommend any of his books.