Whether your summer entails laying poolside, beachside, at an office downtown, or at the library, summer is the perfect time to pick up a new read. Here are some favorites from my library that you should add to yours if you haven't already.
1. "Eat, Pray, Love" by Elizabeth Gilbert
"Eat, Pray, Love" book cover.
If you know me, you know this is at the top of my list. For those of you who have a constant case of wanderlust, "Eat, Pray, Love" is for you. Following the end of a broken marriage, Gilbert finds herself leaving her New York life behind to discover herself in places she never expected to end up. The author takes her readers along on a journey full of new countries, cultures, relationships, and a lot of wisdom.
2. "The Alchemist" by Paulo Coelho
"The Alchemist" book cover.
Otherwise known as soul food. A story of a young boy determined to make his way to the Egyptian Pyramids will touch your soul like never before and leave you in tears, despite the somewhat slow start. Endless amounts of life advice are hidden within these pages.
3. "Tattoos on the Heart" by Gregory Boyle
"Tattoos on the Heart" book cover.
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Written by a priest in LA, this novel will open your eyes and your heart to some extreme issues that many people turn a blind eye to, and many don't even know exist. Father Boyle devotes his adult life to living alongside of and guiding gang members; providing them with work, renewed faith, and purpose.
4. "For One More Day" by Mitch Albom
"For One More Day" book cover.
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After a retired MLB player hits rock bottom, he is granted one more day with his deceased mother. Like all mothers, she has taught him some of life's greatest lessons, and it seems that he needs a bit of a refresher. You'll finish this one in no time, as it's nearly impossible to put down.
5. "Looking for Alaska" by John Green
"Looking For Alaska" book cover
I took this book on a trip to Key West several years ago and it still goes down as one of my favorites. A perfect book to take to the beach and escape the real world with. The main character, Miles Halter, is sick of his depressingly boring life and ends up at boarding school in Alabama. Although, school isn't his main focus while he's away. John Green keeps readers on the edge of their seats with a whirlwind of a teenage love story unlike any other.
