If you're attempting to fulfill a New Year's resolution to read more, or you've just gone through every novel on your bookshelf already and you're looking for something new to read, don't worry -- I've got you covered for the next year. Obviously, you can (and should) read more than just one book a month, but, in the interest of not boring you to death or taking away from your precious reading time, here are 12 books -- one for each month of the year -- that I highly recommend. Some are old, some are new, but all are equally enjoyable, in my opinion. Also, a few of these novels are becoming movies this year, so make sure to read them before they hit theaters. Happy reading!
1. "The Choice" by Nicholas Sparks
Recommended for you
Okay, okay -- before you roll your eyes at this book, written by none other than the King of romantic, gushy novels, give this one a chance. It has an interesting plot and, of course, a great love story, but it also includes a few twists and turns that'll keep you guessing. And make sure to read it before you see the movie, out February 5th.
2. "The Girl on the Train" by Paula Hawkins
Goodreads.com describes it like this: "Compulsively readable, The Girl on the Train is an emotionally immersive, Hitchcockian thriller and an electrifying debut." If that doesn't entice you, I don't know what will. The movie hits theaters on October 7th, so you have some time to read the book.
3. "The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time" by Mark Haddon
This novel centers around a crime scene, told from the perspective of someone who thinks a little differently from most people. It has received tons of rave reviews -- and rightly so.
4. "Never Let Me Go" by Kazuo Ishiguro
5. "Gone Girl" by Gillian Flynn
6. "Eat, Pray, Love" by Elizabeth Gilbert![]()
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If you want to be inspired to travel the world and figure out what's really important in life, pick up this fascinating story based on real experiences from the author herself. The movie is one of my favorites as well.
7. "The Art of Racing in the Rain" by Garth Stein
Told from a dog's point of view, this is "a heart-wrenching but deeply funny and ultimately uplifting story of family, love, loyalty, and hope" (Goodreads.com). Creatively and masterfully written, you might just learn a lot about human life from a dog.
8. "Me Before You" by Jojo Moyes
This unconventional, yet heartwarming love story brings two people together who couldn't be any more different. With a newly-released sequel and a movie soon to be in theaters on March 4th, there is no time like the present to get your hands on this incredible novel.
9. "How to Be Single" by Liz Tuccillo
From the co-author of He's Just Not That Into You, comes a witty and honest story "about one woman's attempts to navigate a world filled with ever-evolving definitions of love" (Amazon.com). The movie (fittingly coming out around Valentine's Day) has a stellar cast, including Dakota Johnson, Rebel Wilson, Alison Brie, and Leslie Mann.
10. "Confess" by Colleen Hoover
Filled with romance, secrets, and much more, Hoover's impeccable writing will draw you in and pull at your heartstrings.
11. "Still Alice" by Lisa Genova
This New York Times bestselling novel is "a moving and vivid depiction of life with early-onset Alzheimer's disease" (Amazon.com). It also made for an incredible movie, starring Julianne Moore.
12. "The Shack" by Wm. Paul Young
This book tells a compelling and moving story about the power of forgiveness, faith, and hope. It will provoke the question, "Where is God in a world filled with unspeakable pain?"
