Reading is my everything.  It helps me relax after a hard day.  Reading allows me to tolerate long drives because I hate being in the car.  I can’t imagine going a day without reading even if it is only a few pages.  Reading is my sanity.  Here are my five favorite books that I read this year;

 

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The Summer Wives

This book takes place on an island in New England where locals and the wealthy “summer people” are very protective of their own from outsiders.  A famous actress is coming back to the island after a long time away to hide from her estranged husband but learns an old love has escaped jail. The story is told through three generations and takes a while to unfold including a few surprise twists.  There are unwanted pregnancies, broken hearts, called-off engagements, and many complex relationships.  I enjoyed how the book wasn’t predictable for me until about halfway through and how new details kept emerging throughout the story to keep the reader engaged.

Dumplin’

I liked this book so much I read it in one day.  This story is about an overweight high school girl and her struggles with friendship, love, and her mother.  When she decides to enter the local beauty pageant to make a statement, a movement is started and other “freaks” at her school enter the contest as well.  It touched me.  I hope the movie does this book justice – I plan on watching it on Netflix this week!

Memoirs of a Geisha

I couldn’t put this one down.  It’s too bad this book wasn’t based on an actual true story but it is written in that way.  The author did a ton of research to make sure the main character’s life as a geisha was portrayed accurately.  The story follows a young girl from a poor fishing village as she is sold and taken from her home to train as a geisha.  The beginning of her tutelage is rough as she makes an enemy of a notorious geisha but her luck turns when another prominent geisha becomes her mentor.  As the main character gains skills and earns suitors WWII begins and throws her entire life for a loop once more.  I can’t say enough about this book, I loved it.

Crazy Rich Asians

Another movie I haven’t seen yet but it is on my list!  This was such a good book.  My only regret is that I didn’t create some type of family tree when starting the book to help me keep track of all the names and relationships.  At times it was hard to remember how certain characters were related.

The story is about the ultra-rich in Singapore.  A son (considered the catch of the country) is bringing home his girlfriend from America and she does not understand the world she is walking into.  The family travels in private planes, live in homes not found on Google Maps, and has special Indian bodyguards for protection.  Will his family and friends accept her?

The Darkest Minds

If you liked The Hunger Games you need to read this series.  I am hooked, I can’t wait to read books two and three.  The premise is that preteens and teens are either dying or are developing powers.  Many are rounded up and sent to “rehabilitation camps”.  As soon as they arrive the children are divided into color categories depending on their powers.  The first book follows the story of Ruby, her life at camp, escaping camp, and joining up with a group of kids trying to find safety with a notorious leader. There is a little romance, some violence, and a few plot twists to keep you interested.

I will be back in the new year with many more book recommendations  – stay tuned!