I have a difficult time choosing my favorite books. I could enjoy a book for it’s fictional characters, the twist at the end, the impact it had on me, or the importance of the subject. Can I call a book that splits me open a “favorite”? The ten books listed below are all books I wish I could read for the first time again. I’ll call them books I recommend you read.
In no particular order…
Know My Name by Chanel Miller (5 stars)
- I could write an entire blog post on the importance of this book. Hands down one of the best books I have ever read. Chanel’s way with words is stunning, especially in the way she shares such traumatic experiences. I am so grateful Chanel chose to share her story. The power and honesty in this book…I think every single person should read it.
Heavy: An American Memoir by Kiese Laymon (5 stars)
- Heavy is just that — heavy. Truly a gutting story, but grateful for Kiese sharing his story too. Really really important even though I found myself crying more than once while in these pages.
The Vanishing Half by Brit Bennett (5 stars)
- A favorite of 2020 for me. The first half is kind of slow, but it is a beautifully written story of twin sisters, love, and life. A timely story of trying to be who you truly are. I loved it.
Girl, Woman, Other by Bernardine Evaristo (5 stars)
- This story follows the lives of 12 very different characters who are all connected somehow. It’s a long story that makes you want to take your time with it and I enjoyed every page. It is beautifully written, tragic, joyful, entrancing. I loved.
Anxious People by Fredrik Backman, Neil Smith (4 stars)
- This took a little to get into, but I ended up feeling overwhelmed with emotion at the end. I read this during a road trip and I was just so invested. Something about the characters and the emotions really got to me.
The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid – 4 stars
- I couldn’t put this down. I was enthralled with Evelyn Hugo and couldn’t wait to hear each husband’s story. Well-written and well-developed characters.
Greenlights by Matthew McConaughey – 4 stars
- My first ever audiobook since I wanted to hear him read it. Really happy I chose to listen because it made a road trip go by quickly and I laughed a lot. This one was worth the hype.
Red At The Bone by Jacqueline Woodson — 4.5 stars
- Wow. I wish I could read this for the first time again. That’s all I say.
Verity by Colleen Hoover — 4 stars
- Read this in one sitting. A bit of a thriller, which I wouldn’t have expected from CoHo. Worth the attention it gets!
The House in the Cerulean Sea by T.J. Klune — 4.5 stars
- I loved the love in this. Made me tear up a few times. I don’t usually read fantasy books, but I loved feeling fully immersed in this world.
Not all books are for everyone, but I personally think these 10 are worth your time. Do you have a favorite book I should read?
