Books to read this summer
I've always loved to read. In fact, when I was a child, I remember spending my summers absorbed in a book. I remember my friends being out playing while I was happily living through the characters of the books I was reading. I was reading from historical novels, love stories, thrillers, adventure books - you name it.
Over the years, this activity remained one of my favorites and I'm still just as happy spending my time with a good book. I often see people asking online for book recommendations and I thought of sharing some of my recent reads here, as well as some of the classics that stayed with me throughout the years. No matter the genre you like, there's something on this list for you.
If you're wondering, many of these books I either borrowed from my local library, bought or downloaded on my phone through the Scribd app. I hope you enjoy them as much as I did.
Love in lower case: a novel by Francesc Miralles - I have found this book through The Simply Luxurious Life blog and I'm so glad I did. This is the book you want to read when you want a light-hearted love story, mixed with bits of adorable nerdiness here and there. And, if you like cats, this novel will only add to your reading pleasure.
Under the Tuscan Sun by Frances Mayes - a well-known book and then movie. If you dream of traveling or even moving somewhere abroad, this book should be on your list. Read it and be transported to the simple life in rural Italy.
Big Little Lies by Liane Moriarty - I have to admit I did not have a chance to see the TV-show yet, but this book is simply incredible. I could not stop reading it. This story shows what women can achieve when they put their differences aside and come together to support each other. I wholeheartedly recommend this book.
What Alice Forgot by Liane Moriarty - A bit of wonder, a bit of mystery, this book is another great story that will entice you with each chapter. Something that made me wonder what's left if we remove the grudges and conflict one lives with.
The husband's Secret by Liane Moriarty - The author does a great job at including some mystery in her books and this one is no exception. Are appearances truly what they are? And how cruel is it to live with a guilty conscience your whole life, being at the point of losing everything, when, in fact, you're innocent (sort of)? Did I make you curious? Grab this book and see for yourself what I'm talking about.
Hello, Sunshine by Laura Dave - Imagine being a famous influencer, having it all and losing it all in one day. A modern-world story about finding and re-building yourself again while living authentically.
The woman in cabin 10 by Ruth Ware - A journalist receives an assignment that could finally change her career for the better. Little does she know that this assignment will change her life. A thriller that will keep you all in, so do yourself a favor and read it, if you haven't already.
Big magic: creative living beyond fear by Elizabeth Gilbert - an easy read that encourages us to get over our fears and pursue a creative life, no matter how "imperfect" it might be. A book about staying true to ourselves, full of real-life advice and wisdom.
In order to live: a North Korean girl's journey to freedom by Yeonmi Park - a memoir of a 21-year-old girl who escapes North Korea and literally discovers life and freedom - this book will make you feel grateful for the world you were born in. An infuriating story with a happy ending; prepare for many tears, sad and also happy ones.
If you are a classic books lover, like me, check these out as well:
Eugenie Grandet by Honore De Balzac - a classic novel that, to this day teaches us that greediness will only lead to misery and blind passion could destroy you. Another book that I could not put aside and recommend for your summer reading list.
The count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas - A young man about to have it all, becomes a prisoner due to the jealousy of those who want what he has. After him losing years of his life imprisoned for a crime he did not commit, he rises like the Phoenix and takes down those who did him wrong, one by one. A book about love and cruel revenge that will leave you wanting more.
Dracula by Bram Stoker - If you haven't read the book, you at least heard about it. A creepy story that left me furious at times and feeling so triumphant at the end.
The picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde - if the ugliness of one's soul started showing on their faces, how would that person look? A story about the pure narcissist, that pays the ultimate price.
Nobody's Boy by Hector Malot - Labeled as a book for juniors, it shows the ugly and beautiful side of humans. This book will make you fall in love with animals, make you cry at times, always admire the main character and leave you with a happy feeling at the end.
The headless horseman by Maine Reid - another book recommended for teens, however, great for adults as well. A book about obsessive competition with a happy ending.
The black tulip by Alexandre Dumas - The book opens with horrific events and gruesome details and sick jealousy but goes to tell you about the purest love story between two people and delicate tulips. Give it a chance and you will be pleasantly surprised.
Gone with the wind by Margaret Mitchell - I'm not sure why this book is described as being the ultimate love story. With disturbing details of the events that took place during the Civil War, this book to me is a story about a selfish woman, spoiled with love and attention. She's worthy of admiration when she builds herself up after the war left her with nothing, breaking the misconceptions and all society-set standards. However, she remains as vain as always, which eventually leads to her losing the "love of her life" - Rhett Butler. We all are familiar with his words now, right? - "Frankly my dear, I don't give a damn". Have you read this book?
I'd love to hear what books you loved, please share them with me.
Until next time.
XOXO,
Em