Wouldn’t we all like to be reading on a beach right now, instead of cooped up at home juggling work, children, constant cleaning, and who knows what else?
My favorite thing to do is read. I love sharing great books with others and talking about some of the best stories I’ve read. Now more than ever, we are looking for things to keep ourselves preoccupied. I am working from home and simultaneously caring for my five-year-old who is out of school, so my life doesn’t feel like I have more time to do things, but that may not be the case for all of us. So, I wanted to share my five favorite fiction novels, and hope that maybe others will share some of their favorites in turn. I don’t like to dive too deeply into the actual content of the books because I don’t want to risk any spoilers whatsoever, so instead I’ll share why and what I loved about the books.
Leaving Time by Jodi Picoult
This is one of the best books I’ve ever read and have never forgotten. It is such a moving story, one which resonates with you long after you turn the last page. I remember immediately texting a few people when I was done reading it, saying, “You just have to read this book!” It is a mystery novel with an unsolved crime that pulses into the past and present day with a diverse group of characters. Also, elephants. Lots of love and talk about elephants. Give it a go!
House of Earth and Blood by Sarah J. Maas
I originally wanted to only include standalone novels in this article, but this book is written by my all-time favorite author and this is her newest novel. I am in love with the writing style that Maas has and how compelling and fulfilling her stories are. This is a fantasy new adult romance with a riveting storyline. This book is the first in a new series, but it is written so well that you aren’t left hanging over the edge of a cliff aching for more and having to wait two years. This book is action-packed with multifaceted characters and a compelling plot. One of my favorite things about Maas is how thorough she is with her writing and how nothing is rushed or half-done. I highly recommend picking up this book and anything by this author!
Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers
There are few things I can say to accurately represent what this book contains. When I picked this book up years ago, there were several times that I almost put it down due to some triggering situations such as rape and child trafficking. However, I am thankful that I pushed through it because it is an incredibly moving story about love and redemption. It’s completely heart-wrenching and gripping. Just know going in that the truly horrific and disturbing details are what allow this story to provoke such deep feelings as the resolution is revealed.
The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid
I did not start this book expecting to love it. I bought it because other people loved it and recommended it, and now I am one of them. This book is everything that I did not expect it to be and everything I didn’t know I needed. I wish that Evelyn Hugo were a real person so that I could thank her for being her, but I guess all the credit goes to the incredible character that Taylor Jenkins Reid created while composing such a meaningful life for her. Reid brought a relevant topic to life in such a unique way and it’s truly beautiful.
Verity by Colleen Hoover
I finished this book in 23 hours. I dove in excited for a thrilling book that would creep me out a little bit and that’s mostly what I go. I get bored easily, so I always need something that is truly pushing me forward and inspiring me to turn the page. This book had many of the components that I look for when I start a book: a thought-provoking and engaging plot, good writing, some romance, and it left me thinking about how I feel when it’s over. I was truly interested in the characters and learning more about them and figuring out what was going to happen next. You’ll want to talk with someone about this book, so I’m here when you’re ready. Note: there are triggers here in this book including child death and child abuse.
If you have any books that you recommend during quarantine or anytime, I would love to hear about them!
