Is there anything more relaxing than reading outdoors with a glass of wine? Nope. Definitely not. (I am in complete denial that summer will ever end, because I want to live like this every day of the year. Maybe the south is calling my name?!)
A few months ago I shared 11 books I’ve read so far this year, and now I want to share my most current reads, too!
Here are the 13 books I’ve read most recently, and my thoughts on them:
// The Map Thief – Recommended (if you have an interest in maps/geography/history). Honestly, I read this book because I thought it was ‘The Book Thief’ and w
as very confused until I realized it was the wrong book! This is a nonfiction story about a man who stole and sometimes damaged valuable maps. If you’re into that sort of thing, read this book! I found it interesting!
// The Light Between Oceans – Highly recommended. I’ll come right out and say it, I totally cried while reading this story. I honestly didn’t know how it was going to end and I was very satisfied with the way this story unfolded in the most beautiful and awful way. Basically, this story is about a lighthouse keeper and his wife and a baby that washes up onto the desolate shore near their house.
// The Handmaid’s Tale – Recommended. This futuristic book is pretty horrifying in that ‘ohmygosh could people actually treat people like this?’ sort of way. It reads almost like historical fiction but in the future, if that even makes sense. I really, really liked it and think you will, too.
// All the Light We Cannot See – Recommended. I’m reading so many WWII historical fiction books this year! This was certainly one of the better ones, but not as good as Unbroken, which was especially inspiring since it’s a true story. Read this book if you love reading historical fiction and want a fresh perspective on WWII.
// Brain on Fire – Highly recommended. There’s something about a true story that just really draws me in, and this is no exception. It’s the story of a young woman whose brain starts attacking itself (or something like that…) and she starts going ‘crazy’ and she can’t figure out why. The part I loved the most about her story is all of her loved ones who really stuck beside her through it all and believed that she could overcome this ‘disease’ and stopped at nothing to find a correct diagnosis. This is her story and it is beautiful and inspiring and scary and heartwarming. It’s a must-read if you’re interested in psychology.
// The Book Thief – Recommended. Yet another WWII book! This was another good one if you enjoy the genre. I love that this book is written from the perspective of death… that’s something that definitely differentiates it! Plus, it’s another unique perspective of WWII.
// Sarah’s Key – Highly recommended. Yet another book on… you guessed it, WWII! But guys, this one is highly recommended because I learned about Paris’ role in WWII and I was horrified in a new way. This book was so sad but so terrific in all of the worst ways. I really, really think you should read this one if you enjoy historical fiction.
// Fall of Giants – Highly recommended. I’ll admit that my favorite book ever is ‘Pillars of the Earth‘, which is written by the same author (Ken Follett) so I knew I was going to love this book. This is the first book of a trilogy that covers a century of history from characters located in various countries around the world. I learned a ton about WWI (do you see a trend that I love historical fiction, especially those I learn a thing or two from?) and was totally interested in every single character – and there were a lot of them! This author can do no wrong, in my mind.
// The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up – A must read. I do not say something is a must read lightly, guys, but this is a must read in my humble opinion. Here’s why: I love organizing and minimizing and this book combines those two things. Who doesn’t want to find more joy in their life by only being surrounded by those things that make us happy? After reading this book I organized my closet, got rid of a lot of clothes, boxed up most of my books to resell, started rolling clothes in my draws (instead of folding them), and every time I walk through my house and see something that doesn’t bring joy, into the donation box it goes! I don’t apply all of the tips from the book in my life, but I apply enough of them to recommend this book to every single person I know.
// The Girl on the Train – Recommended… but only as a fun beach read. I couldn’t put this book down, which must mean that it was a pretty awesome book right? So obviously I enjoyed it, but at the same time the ending wasn’t that great and I don’t think it was much different than any other mystery type book. I guess I think this book was awesome but also overrated.
// Winter of the World – Highly recommended. This is the second book in the trilogy which began with ‘Fall of Giants‘ (previously mentioned on this list). Once again, Ken Follett can do no wrong and I love everything he writes. This book covered WWII (YES, another one) and I loved it. It’s really interesting because this book follows the children of the characters from the first book in this series, and I loved being able to read what happens to these fictional people I somehow developed emotional connections with.
// Wild – A must read. Now I want to go and hike the PCT! I love the way Cheryl Strayed writes and how she talks about love and losses and rediscovering herself. I love that this story is true and brave and inspiring. If you haven’t read this one yet, do it! Also, I heard it’s much better than the movie (but I haven’t watched it) so if you’ve watched the movie, you still may want to consider picking up the book.
// Fifty Shades of They – Recommended. This is a fantastic book on relationships. It isn’t too deep, but it did help me realize that I need to let go of certain people in my life for various reasons. I’m the type of person who loves to hang onto relationships just for the sake of not letting them go, but this book made me rethink some of these connections. I wish I had read this one while I was still dating, because I think it would have brought a fresh perspective to some of my dating decisions!
Next on my list:
I get almost all of my book recommendations from friends and bloggers, so if you have any books in mind that I must read, let me know!
