It's hard enough carving out quiet time in your day dedicated to reading a book. You might settle for the newspaper or Facebook articles, maybe even cartoons or magazines . Some people are so busy that the thought of reading for pleasure seems ludicrous or impossible. If you make the time, or search hard enough for it, those free moments are there.
So, what happens when you finally have some free time but can't decide what to read? Here are 11 great books that anyone can pick up and enjoy. And the best part? Most of them can be found on Amazon for less than 5 dollars.
1. The Adults by Alison Espach
The Adults is written from the point of view of Emily Vidal and gets a look at her dysfunctional family. The narrator is smart, witty, and undergoes countless emotional traumas. This book isn't too long, and is well worth the read.
2. The Bell Jar by Sylvia Plath
The Bell Jar is a timeless book written by one of the most poignant female authors of her time. Although the subject matter can get heavy, this book will give you an entirely new perspective.
3. Everything's Eventual by Stephen King
Everything's Eventual is a collection of short stories by Stephen King. Some are creepy, some are funny, and all of them make you think. And, it doesn't take much time to read just one story before bed or in the morning.
4. Among the Ten Thousand Things by Julia Pierpont
Among the Ten Thousand Things is the story of a family in turmoil. The book starts when two kids read the emails their father sent to his mistress, and follows the family dynamic as it shifts and self-destructs.
5. Slaughterhouse-Five by Kurt Vonnegut
Slaghterhouse-Five is a well-known classic and a must read. You won't want to put this book down, just to read what the narrator says or does next.
6. The Poisonwood Bible by Barbara Kingsolver
The Poisonwood Bibletells the story of a family that moves to a small African village for religious purposes. However, nothing ends up happening the way they think it will and every family member leaves drastically changed.
7. Nineteen Minutes by Jodi Picoult
Nineteen Minutes tells the story behind a school shooting with surprising and heartbreaking twists.
8. A Home at the End of the World by Michael Cunningham
A Home at the End of the World is thought-provoking and well written. The characters are memorable and it's easy to get wrapped up in their stories. This book covers several years of time and examines how people move on from tragedy.
9. It's Kind Of A Funny Story by Ned Vizzini
It's Kind of a Funny Story is sad, funny, and relatable all at once. The main charcter is a boy that's struggling in school and ends up having a sort of mental break, upon which he goes to psychiatric ward. It's another great read that you won't want to put down.
10. The Secret Life of Bees by Sue Monk Kidd
If you've watched the movie version, the book version of The Secret Life of Bees is even better. It deals with regional and time period issues, as well as a dysfunctional family situation.
11. On the Road by Jack Kerouac
On the Road details a road trip across the country during the time of the Beats and the counterculture movement. It's an interesting look into the culture during that time period and what life was like for writers and poets.
