I used to only read YA books that had big names such as Twilight and Hunger Games. Then I accidentally started a book club, and joined an awesome library community and I have stretched my horizons and become an avid reader. In trying different books, I have found books I love across all genres and found out I actually love memoirs the most!
This last year I read 50 books in a year and found some treasures to add to my growing list of recommended books. Here is that list! Some you will have heard of some, some will be new, but there is defiantly something for everyone.
The Glass Castle
NONFICTION - MEMOIR
This book is about a girl who grew up with a drunk dad and depressed mom. While there were magical moments in her childhood there was a lot of neglect.
This book left me thinking about why some people change and why some people don't? What I wanted to change? and if I was going change? I still think about this book alot
Educated
NONFICTION - MEMOIR This book is about a girl who grew up in an extremist family, who didn't believe in Schools or Hospitals, and thought the government was after them and the end of the world was coming. Higher Education provides her a way to escape and not just physically
I grew up in the same area and have heard lots of back and forth on what is true and not true. But setting all that aside, I think it doesn’t matter so much what is true, it is still an incredible story with growth and dealing with abuse, mental illness, and pasts that haunt us. I recommend this as a read. I also want to clarify that I am Mormon and the Mormons represented in this book are extremist to me. I wouldn’t want anyone to base their opinions on Mormonism or Idahoans off this book.
The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society
HISTORICAL FICTION - A book about WWII through many different perspectives. An epistolary book, written in letters
This book was hard to get into but I felt like I needed to finish it for book club and I am so glad I did. The characters and historical background really make up the book and the unique letter writing style was enjoyable. I would recommend this to all my friends.
The Alchemist
by Paulo Coelho
FICTION - This is a simple story about finding your purpose in life.
This book is full of nuggets of wisdom and the many correlations you can make between life and religion.
Nothing to Envy: Ordinary Lives in North Korea
NONFICTION
This is a life changing book that includes a history of North Korea and follows peoples lives there from after WW2 up to 2009. The author was so talented the way she wove All the perspectives together along with the history. She gives you so much to think about. Freedom, food, daily simple pleasures. I have a whole new perspective on North Korea, along with South Korea, Japan, China, and Russia. It also made me think of the United States, our history and today. I also thought of immigration laws, refuges, and aliens. Defiantly a good book to better shape your opinions about the world around you.
My Lady Jane
by Cynthia Hand
,
,
FICTION - FAIRY TALE This book is interesting because it is written by three authors who rewrite history in a funny way. They have another book out and other books in the works
A creative fairly tale with a unique story tellers voice. I also loved the person reading it on my audio book. I would recommend this to all my fairy tales, adventure, sassy friends!
The Final Empire
(Mistborn Book #1)
FICTION - FANTASY
It was hard to get into this book probably because it is Fantasy and this is a genre I have a hard time with but I really wanted to stretch myself. I started it three different times. I kept coming back to it because it has a High Rating on GOODREADS! And all my friends raved about it. It was worth it! So good. It was also funny at the end of the book I thought to myself I wonder if this author is LDS and he is. Also my favorite part of this book is there is no cliff ending. So it could be a stand alone. Or you can keep reading. But with a writer this good why would I stop? He has many other books that all my friends rave about. If you enjoy MISTBORN I personally liked Emporer's Soul it is a stand alone and one of his shorter works.
Lady Susan
by
FICTION - REGENCY
We all know who JANE AUSTEN is but I bet you didn't know she wrote this.
It is a short novel written in letters (until the end) and unlike her other books the main character is a Villian. I quite enjoyed it. The end can leave you wanting, but I have read this 3 times and I love it more and more and I never reread books!
The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up: The Japanese Art of Decluttering and Organizing
by
NONFICTION- SELF HELP - HOW TO
I am feeling suffocated by stuff, information, and entertainment. I have felt a need lately to get rid of everything, return to simple things and find more joy in life. I enjoyed this book and the ideas it presented on decluttering and storing.
I also liked how she said do it all at once it should only take 6 months. Because to me all at once means one day but 6 months is a more reasonable timeline.
There is some weird stuff in there with her talking to her possession and talking about their feelings. It really bothered me in the beginning and made me want to stop reading, but the more I studied her and her method I decided her way does bring gratitude to the situation and bring positivity into what otherwise may be a frustrating, emotional process. I don't believe my possessions have feelings but adopting her attitude of gratitude, I do say a prayer of thanksgiving for the things I have, and saying thank you to things you let go, makes the process easier, I say thanks mom for thinking of me when you saw this, you have served your purpose and then get rid of item. I say thank you shirt I spent money for but never wore for teaching me I don't really like wearing this style after all and get rid of shirt.
So in summary I love her ideas for tidying and even though I don't agree with her on a lot, I appreciated her perspective and adapted it to a way I feel more comfortable approaching it.
She also has a series on netflix and another book if you enjoy this
God's Smuggler
NONFICTION- RELIGIOUS - CHRISTIANITY
This book is about a religious man who goes to help fellow Christians in Communist Countries.
Even though we are different religions, we are both Christian, and he got me thinking about how we can be instruments in God's hands, how God directs our paths, about faith and action, and about my personal relationship with God.
Just Mercy: A Story of Justice and Redemption
NONFICTION- MEMOIR
I originally picked up this book just because the true story, of a lawyer who defends people on death row, sounded interesting to me.
I got so much from this book. It left me thinking about racism and prejudices in general. It had me thinking about justice and injustice and most importantly Mercy. I am religious and felt like I had a good understanding of Mercy, but our knowledge can always expand and I with the grown understanding I have gained through this book, I feel ready to be more merciful to myself and those around me.
"Embracing our Brokenness creates a need and desire for Mercy and perhaps a corresponding need to show Mercy"
Still Alice
by
FICTION- ALZHEIMERS
A great book about Alzheimer's disease. I love it because it shows the struggle, the beauty, and the ugly. The writing was able to evoke emotion in me and I thought about it for days after. Everyone should read this.
Bread and Wine: A Love Letter to Life Around the Table with Recipes
by Shauna Niequist
NONFICTION- COOKBOOK - MEMOIR
If you wants a book with lovely recipes and beautiful life stories this is the book. Also you must try the Bacon Wrapped Dates Stuffed With Goat Cheese and the Quinoa with Onions, Sausage, and Fried Eggs.
Someday I would love to write all my memories down with my recipes, how beautiful!
The Rosie Project
FICTION- COMEDY - AUTISM
I loved this book about a genius autistic professor who decides to get married and makes a plan to find a “suitable” wife. Maybe it was growing up with an autistic brother and the similarities between him and and the main character. Maybe it was seeing a whole story from an autistic perspective, or maybe it’s that this author is hilarious. I loved it! It does have a few things that I would have preferred not to be included. There is a rough character in the book who says the F word here and there and a lot in one certain spot of the book and one of his friends is totally inappropriate in my opinion. And YET I would still say read it.
DO NOT READ THE SECOND BOOK, I DID NOT LIKE IT. Just read the first is my recommendation.
Midnight in Austenland
by
FICTION- REGENCY- COMEDY
This sequel to Austenland is fresh, it has the Romance of Austenland with murder mystery added to it. This book also stands on it's own, you don't have to read Austenland to pick this up. It’s a new unique story. My favorite part about this author is how her main character argues with her inner voice. I just loved this!
Killing Lincoln: The Shocking Assassination that Changed America Forever
NONFICTION - HISTORICAL
I would highly recommend this to readers who usually find non fiction history boring. I usually have a hard time with thick history books but this was written very well! If you enjoy this I also enjoyed most of Bill O'Reilly's "Killing" books, he is very talented at making history entertaining and fun
Navigating Early
FICTION - AUTISM - ADVENTURE
This is the type of book you finish and wonder how an author could be so crafty in sewing so many different things together. It was a magical heartfelt book with turns that kept me wondering where this book was going to take me.
The Prize Winner of Defiance, Ohio: How My Mother Raised 10 Kids on 25 Words or Less
by
NONFICTION- MEMOIR
There are not enough good books about a stay at home moms. I just loved this one. It made me wish there were still jingle and slogan contests and not sweepstakes.
A few take away a from this book. The mom refused to take in laundry as a stay at home judge because she thought it would make her kids feel like they were poor and trapped but her winnings taught the kids that they can succeed at anything they tried.
At one point she says she tries not to judge anyone not even her husband (who is the worst) and mostly not herself. What a powerful lesson to her daughter who felt judged for being poor. And in the end all the grace she gives her husband seems to have been for the betterment of both. What a good reminder of not judging and accepting others
Eveline’s story is inspiring and even though my struggles are completely different than hers, it’s inspired me to be a better mother, wife, neighbor, and person.
A few take away a from this book. The mom refused to take in laundry as a stay at home judge because she thought it would make her kids feel like they were poor and trapped but her winnings taught the kids that they can succeed at anything they tried.
At one point she says she tries not to judge anyone not even her husband (who is the worst) and mostly not herself. What a powerful lesson to her daughter who felt judged for being poor. And in the end all the grace she gives her husband seems to have been for the betterment of both. What a good reminder of not judging and accepting others
Eveline’s story is inspiring and even though my struggles are completely different than hers, it’s inspired me to be a better mother, wife, neighbor, and person.
The Secret Keeper
by
FICTION- MYSTERY
It's a hard start but finish the first chapter and you will be hooked! Such a good mystery! With rich characters. Set in two different time periods the present and the past during WWII. If you enjoy this book you will like the other books Kate Morton has written, they are all intriguing mysteries
Stargirl
FICTION- COMING OF AGE
A story about a girl who is consistent even though everyone's opinions of her are always changing. A great book about how to live life and wonderful to discuss with others. I will read this book with my girl when she is older. If you like this book you could read the sequel, it is good, but I don't love it as much as Stargirl!!!
Edenbrooke
FICTION- REGENCY
I highly recommend this book to anyone in love with the regency era! If you like Jane Austen movies but the stories are to hard to read, start with this book. It has all the fun and romance of the regency era but with modern English, making it easier to read.
Unbroken: A World War II Story of Survival, Resilience and Redemption
NONFICTION- MEMOIR - WWII PRISONER OF WAR
The story of what one man can survive in a life time is outstanding. There are graphic war images. And very sad things but the book ends well and there are religious glimpses through out the book. I would highly recommend it as a page turning nonfiction read!
Cotillion
FICTION-REGENCY
I love Jane Austen, but I love Georgette Heyer MORE!
I love all of Georgette Heyers books but this one is my favorite.
You will Love the twists and formal romance in this book!
WHAT BOOKS DO YOU LOVE, SHARE IN THE COMMENTS I ALWAYS AM LOOKING FOR MY NEXT BOOK.
