6 Books to Read Right Now!!

Ever since I finished up grad school last December, I've thrown myself back into reading (for fun, of course!) I have always enjoyed reading and love to share books I've read here on the blog (see here and here). This list of recent reads pretty much covers the spectrum of genres--from suspense to mystery to romance. This allows me to pick up any one of them according to how I'm feeling that day or what time of day it is! (Dark Places isn't exactly bedtime reading material for me.) As always, I'm open to suggestions for new books to check out! xo.

What Alice Forgot - Currently reading. The main character (Alice) wakes up after hitting her head and can't remember the past 10 years of her life. Not sure where it's going but I'm already hooked!

The Husband's Secret - This was a great book with a nice little twist. I read this on my recent trip to Milan and was completely engrossed until the very end!

The Secret History - Currently reading. I've been digging my way through this one for several months now. It's an extremely rich, complex, well-written novel and it is just taking me longer to read and digest the material. However, I really like it and am determined to get to the end of the story! Donna Tartt is an amazing author (check out her more recent Goldfinch!)

All the Bright Places - A great read for fans of Fault in Our Stars. A tragic love story between the two main characters, Violet and Finch. Both easy to read yet emotionally complex. A tearjerker!

Dark Places - Although it took me a few chapters to get into this book, I couldn't put it down once the story got going. This book has plenty of suspense, twists and turns!

Big Magic - Currently reading. I've heard amazing things about this book and hope to get some nuggets of wisdom and inspiration from author Elizabeth Gilbert.

0

fall 2015 book list

School is finally gearing down for me and I'm on the home stretch! Since I don't have many classes left, I had a lot more down time over this summer to read for fun and let me tell you, I was devouring books like nobody's business. I seriously love that I can check out books from the Fort Worth Library for free just by having a library card! I truly enjoyed these books and have recommended many of them to friends that are also huge bookworms like me. Any one of these would be great to pack along on a trip this Labor Day Weekend.

Summaries in a nutshell:

1. Single, Carefree, Mellow is a light, easy read, with each chapter basically being it's own short story about love and unfaithfulness. 
2. The Knockoff is a funny story about a woman in her 30s trying to keep up with an office of young millennials. You'll love it if you love the TV show Younger.
3. Second Life is a gripping, suspenseful novel with twists and turns galore in which a woman tries to solve the mystery her sister's murder and ends up getting wrapped up in the lifestyle her sister led.
4. Luckiest Girl Alive is a darkly humorous book about a girl who was shaped (and scarred) by traumatic events in her high school days. 
5. Nobody's Cuter Than You is an endearing memoir about friendship. It's truly inspiring!
6. The Pocket Wife is a novel in which the main character must remember and unravel details and memories about the day her neighbor/friend was found dead.
7. Hypnotist's Love Story is a delightful, light read about a hypnotist who (unwittingly) starts dating one of her client's ex-boyfriends. The client also happens to be a stalker, but sometimes you can't help but feel sorry for her!
8. Dear Daughter is a suspenseful read about a girl who was put in jail for her mother's murder. When she is released, she is determined to figure out what really happened that fateful day and discovers a whole different life her mother had.
9. The Girl On The Train is another suspenseful, thrilling read. (Can you tell I love this genre?) A girl on a train may have witnessed some details relevant to a woman's disappearance and starts trying to connect the dots herself to figure out what really happened.

Up next on my list: The Rocks and All The Bright Places. What are you reading lately?

0

fall/winter book list

There's nothing like a brand new year to give me the jolt of energy and inspiration that I find lacking as the year goes on.

I've been quite the bookworm over the past few months during my break from grad school and feel re-energized to begin classes soon and work toward my graduation THIS YEAR. What?? Between now and then, I've got a study abroad trip planned for Europe in March, Maid of Honor duties to fulfill (my BFF is getting MARRIED this fall), my 5 year wedding anniversary, and hopefully lots of fun surprises along the way.

So back to the bookworm thing. I thought it'd be fun to share books I've finished and books I've started reading over the last few months. I'd also love to know what's on your reading radar!

Reading:

Cuckoo's Calling

The Night Circus

The Secret History

Read:

Not That Kind of Girl

How to Be Parisian

Me Before You

On My Bookshelf:

Red Rising

The Boston Girl

Wild

0

8 perfect coffee table books

Growing up, I always heard the phrase, Don't judge a book by it's cover. Whether meant in a literal sense or figuratively, I find it to be good advice. (Although admittedly, I do choose wines often based on their labels!)

However, these coffee table books are just as pretty on the outside as they are inspirational on the inside. I'd love to have them all sitting in a pretty pile on my coffee table or nightstand, to peruse leisurely while drinking coffee on a Saturday morning or with a cup of tea before bed. As much as I love a of a good work of fiction, I'm equally drawn to beautiful picture books and autobiographical works.

xo.

1. Humans of New York, Brandon Stanton
2. Places to Go, People to See, Kate Spade
3. Love Letters of Great Men, Ursula Doyle
4. How to Be Parisian Wherever You Are, Anne Berest,
Audrey Diwan, Caroline De Maigret, Sophie Mas
5. Not That Kind of Girl, Lena Dunham
6. In Color, Tory Burch
7. How to Live Like a Lady, Sarah Tomczak
8. Quiet Paris, Siobhan Wall

0

summer reads

With school and work keeping me busy as ever, I've been quite pleased with myself that I've made time to also do some pleasure-reading. I've always been a huge bookworm, but the ability to guiltlessly indulge in a good book doesn't come easy when I think of all the "other things I could be doing."  This summer, though, I've been tearing through novels like no other, using suggestions from friends, Pinterest, and--my favorite--the Apple iBookstore, as my guide.

So far, I've read:

A quick rundown on each book:

(1) The Goldfinch by Donna Tart -- LOVED this book. It's a very lengthy read, but I was thoroughly impressed with her storytelling. It was raw and real. I didn't notice much repetitiveness (i.e. she has an extensive vocabulary, which I admire).

(2) Where'd You Go, Bernadette? by Maria Semple -- This was a very unique book and a departure from any other writing style I've read thus far. At times slow moving, the book culminated nicely and I was happy with the ending. 

(3) Gone, Girl by Gillian Flynn -- Not my most favorite book. Again, a very unique storytelling style (alternating between one character's present and another character's past. The ending leaves much to be desired, so I am interested to see how it translates in the upcoming film.

(4) The One & Only by Emily Giffin -- Least favorite book I have read all summer. I had heard great things about Emily Giffin's novels and was eager to read her newest work. I was utterly disappointed with the limited vocabulary and the character development. Unfortunately I cannot recommend this book to anyone. However, I am still open to giving her other books a try!

(5) Rules of Civility by Amor Towles -- Great, easy read. I love period pieces and especially love stories that take place in the 20s and 30s. You will like this book if you enjoyed The Great Gatsby. Other similar novels are The Paris Wife (LOVE love love) and The Beautiful and the Damned.

My fall book list currently includes: A Secret History, If I Stay, Me Before You, You Knew Me When, The Beginning of Everything, & #GIRLBOSS.

Tell me--what are you favorite books you've read lately? If you've read any of the above, what did you think? xo.

0