I love to read and love getting good recommendations. Through a combination of paper books, Kindle books and audio books, I read 73 books this year, and these were my top six. I hope you find a few to add to your TBR list!
*Fiction*
Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt – This book was my favorite book by far. I read a physical copy of the book while on vacation this summer, then listened to the audiobook right after. I immediately fell in love with the characters and their quirks, including a giant Pacific octopus name Marcellus. It was a heart-warming story told in a unique way about friendship, family and love. On the audiobook, the voice of Marcellus is perfect!
Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin – I unexpectedly really loved this story about two friends, Sadie and Sam, who form a lifelong connection over video games. The book follows their friendship and creative partnership through decades of hardships and success. It is beautifully written, but does include some darker events.
Carrie Soto is Back by Taylor Jenkins Reid – I absolutely loved reading this book about a tennis star who comes out of retirement to try to defend her record. While Carrie’s personality is very arrogant and abrasive, you can’t help but root for her. I loved her sweet relationship with her dad, who was also her coach. (Note: there is some explicit language.)
Book Lovers by Emily Henry – This was a fun and predictable romantic comedy centered around books, with a rival relationship that turns into love. If you need a light and breezy read, this one is perfect!
*Nonfiction*
Everything Sad is Untrue by Daniel Nayeri – The author wrote this book from the perspective of his elementary and middle school self after his family immigrated from Iran to Oklahoma. He weaves Persian legends in with his family’s history in a windy and sometimes difficult, but beautifully written autobiography. It would be a fantastic book to listen to or read as a family. It is worth all of the accolades it is receiving!
Share Your Stuff. I’ll Go First. by Laura Tremaine – This was a memoir-type book where Laura answers ten reflective questions posed throughout the book (such as “When did you belong?”), and challenges the reader to answer the questions, too (in a journal or with a friend). I enjoyed both hearing her stories and thinking about these questions for myself.
