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This year I challenged myself, inspired by friends on Goodreads, to read 50 books. Currently I have read 10 out of 50 books, which is technically behind schedule. Typically I spend a lot of time on the train….1 hour per day, which works out to 5 hours per week. To avoid the inevitable ‘stare at my phone’ temptation, I always try to have a book on hand, whether it’s on my Kindle or a paperback book hanging out in my purse. I love to read and to my detriment, I often read way too fast and miss little details because I’m so excited to find out what happens. I also tend to fall in love with characters so once I finish a book, it takes me about a week to recover in order to start a new one. Oh the woes of loving books! I know I’m a dork; but a dork with some good book recommendations for quarantine life.
My most recent series of total infatuation has been A Court of Thorns and Roses. Although I read all four books for free on the Overdrive app from the Public Library System, I loved these books so much that I am buying paper copies one at a time and re-reading the entire series. From the cover, it looks like a teenager, weirdo anime book. I assure you it is an incredibly written love story and I am absolutely addicted. It was actually so suspenseful, gut-wrenching, emotional, and full of twists that I had to recap the entire series to Cam every night at dinner and he listened so intently. He is truly a hero for this and will be the best husband ever. (Wow…husband!)
2019 – 2020: Jo’s Memorable Books
One of my other downfalls in the book reading world is that I almost instantly forget the plot and title of a book as soon I shut the back cover. It is really bad. But there are a few recent books that have really stayed with me…for much longer than the week I read it in:
- Educated by Tara Westover – A shocking and powerful book that everyone should read. Challenges any unappreciative view of education.
- When Breath Becomes Air by Paul Kalanithi – Heart-breaking, beautiful, tear-jerker. Do not read in public.
- Daisy Jones & the Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid – So original and fun; for those who have a love affair with rock & roll and the 70s
- The Tea Rose Series by Jennifer Donnelly – Anything that comes in a series is absolutely for me, but this historical fiction rocked my world.
TV & Movie Based Book Recommendations
I know some of you may just be more into Netflix and chilling. I can’t argue too much with that with the recent global situation that is unfolding. Couch+blanket+cuddles=necessary. Having finally completed all 7 seasons of New Girl, I have personally been enraptured by the Great British Baking Show and starting to get into Outlander. But just imagine for a second that maybe you did want to set a goal to get off the couch… or maybe stay on the couch….but read a book instead. I’ve got you covered based on your favorite TV shows and movies:
If you love Game of Thrones…Read the “Kiss of Deception” Series
A realm of kingdoms battle for power and at the center is the incredible inspiring female lead, Lia. Full of love triangles, betrayal, bloody battles, and evil villains…I would describe this series as “Diet Game of Thrones”!
If you love The Bachelor or The Bachelorette… Read “The Selection” Series
An absolute fairy tale… 35 women compete to win the Prince’s heart. It’s cutthroat, but slightly less trashy than the Bachelor. TBD… Bonus: You get 4 books in this series.
If you love Beauty & the Beast… Read “A Court of Thorns & Roses” Series
It begins as a retelling of the classic Beauty and the Beast but takes a sudden turn into faerie lands… Oh gosh that sounds horrible cheesy, just believe me, it’s wonderful.
If you love the Marvelous Mrs. Maisel… Read Rules of Civility
As far as decades go, we are off by about 20 years… and there are no female comedians… but if you love the allure of the New York socialite lifestyle, this ones for you.
If you love Almost Famous & That 70’s Show… Read Daisy Jones & the Six
A backstage pass to the lifestyle of a rock & roll band in the 1970s told from the perspective of every band member. Funny, intricate, and just plain cool cool cool.
If you love Girl on a Train… Read The Woman in Cabin 10
A travel journalist is invited on the maiden voyage of a small luxury cruise. When she witnesses a woman being thrown overboard, but all passengers are still accounted for, an Agatha Christie-style mystery ensues.
If you love Gossip Girl… Read The Last House Guest
A small town thriller set in an idyllic wealthy resort town where no one can be trusted.
Reading a good book has always been a way for me to adventure to a new place, enjoy a different perspective, and take a vacation from reality. Next on my list to read:
- When by Victoria Laurie
- The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides
- Angels & Demons and The Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown
- The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid
- The Cruel Prince by Holly Black
- The Shoemaker’s Wife by Adriana Trigiani
- The Light Over London by Julia Kelly
- The Summer Before the War by Helen Simonson
- Lilac Girls by Martha Hall Kelly
- Throne of Glass by Sarah Maas
- House of Earth & Blood (Crescent City Book #1) by Sarah Maas
- American Dirt by Jeanine Cummins
- The Poppy War by R.F. Kuang
I challenge you to try one of these incredible book recommendations. Turn off the tv or social media and enjoy something different and social distance yourself from COVID-19 updates. You are loved and I am here for you. Stay healthy! And maybe it’s time to treat yourself to a Kindle.
xoxo,
jojo
p.s. Drop your recent favorite books in the comments below! I would love to add them to my list! Here’s another blog post I’ve written with great book recommendations: Winter Reads
