As an avid reader, I am always thrilled when I have free time to finally open up one of the many books on my reading list. Now that summer is officially here, that means longer and sunnier days, beach weekends, and most importantly, an almost completely free schedule, which means more reading time!
If you are a bookaholic like myself, or just want something good to read while soaking up that summer sun, check out these awesome page turners.
For the mystery maniacs and thrill seekers:
"The Girl on the Train" by Paula Hawkins
Every morning, an English woman named Rachel takes a train to London, and while on the train, she is able to people watch a couple eating breakfast on their porch. She has watched them for so long that she feels like she knows them and gives them names. One day, Rachel sees something completely shocking that changes everything. Wanting to help, she goes to the police, but soon becomes tangled up in the investigation as well as the lives of everyone involved, and ends up doing more harm than good.
There is so much more I want to say about this book, but I don't want to give away any spoilers! Just trust me when I say that this bestselling novel will pull you in from the first chapter.
**Read this before the movie adaptation comes out in October.
"Sharp Objects" by Gillian Flynn
If you were a fan of "Gone Girl," then you are going to love this thriller from start to finish. After a brief stay at a psych hospital, a reporter named Camille Preaker must return to her hometown to cover the murders of 2 preteen girls. Camille soon starts identifying with the victims a bit too strongly, and must unravel her own past in order to fully get this story. With so many plot twists and turns, this novel keeps readers on their toes until the very end.
If you are looking for a laugh:
"Mother Can You Not?" by Kate Siegel
"This is Where I Leave You" by Jonathan Tropper
If you like dark humor, this is the book for you. The death of Judd Foxman's father marks the first time that the entire Foxman clan has congregated in years. However, there is one person missing: Judd's wife, whose affair with his boss has recently become public. While simultaneously mourning the loss of his father and his marriage, Judd joins his dysfunctional family as they reluctantly sit shiva, and spend seven days and nights under the same roof. Like all Foxman gatherings, things quickly spin out of control, and everything is as hilarious as it is heartwarming/breaking.
For the romance seekers:
*Personally, I am not a romance seeker, so these book suggestions are based on recommendations
"Me Before You" by Jojo Moyes
Louisa Clark is an ordinary girl living an ordinary life who has barely left her tiny village. She takes a badly needed job working for ex–Master of the Universe Will Traynor, who is wheelchair bound after an accident. Will has always lived a grand life with extreme sports and world traveling, and now he’s pretty sure he cannot live the way he is. Will is acerbic, moody, bossy—but Lou refuses to treat him with kid gloves, and soon his happiness means more to her than she expected. When she learns that Will has shocking plans of his own, she sets out to show him that life is still worth living.
Based on the buzz that this movie adaptation is getting, I say go for it, and tell me how it is; I might end up reading it.
"Missed Connection" by K. Larsen and Mara White
Twenty years weren’t enough for either of them to forget. A chance encounter, a missed connection. Two wayward stars that collided in a turbulent sky, at the right place, but at the wrong time in both of their lives. What happens when they meet again? Do the same unforgettable sparks still fly? Titan Jennings and Jesenia Van Buren may come from two different worlds but their hearts are open to second chances. No matter who or what may stand against them, love is what anchors their lives together. Love may be infinite but time is not; "Missed Connection" is a novel about making the very best you can with what little you’ve got.
Now that you're done with this article, get off your computer and start reading!
P.S. Again, for novels with movie adaptations, read the book first! ALWAYS!