My Favorite Reads
When I’m not writing, you’ll find me reading. The best feeling is curling up on the couch with my dog and a good book. I prefer having a tangible paperback or hardcover over a digital version. Although, I’m not against reading on my iPad. Many books have made a lasting impression on me throughout my life. Here are some of my favorites:
The best children’s collection I read as a young girl was the Little House series by Laura Ingalls Wilder. This beloved story became a popular and prized TV show, Little House on the Prairie, in the 1970s. Based on the author’s life, these books have withstood the test of time and remain a charming collection of stories.
As a pre-teen, I enjoyed The Silver Crown by Robert C. O’Brien and read it several times over. It’s a suspense-filled science fiction story that begins with ten-year-old Ellen discovering a mysterious crown on her birthday. This book is full of twists and turns that genuinely stretched my imagination as a young lady.
People often love to say that a book is so much better than the movie version; in this case, I feel it’s true. Though, the movie was also a wild ride and later became a mega-blockbuster. Jurassic Park, by Michael Crichton, is the fantastic tale that started it all. Reading this first book in the series had me gripping the pages in suspense as the storyline unfolded.
The Hunger Games Trilogy by Suzanne Collins was an incredible page-turning experience. The series has since become movies, classified as “young adult,” sci-fi, or dystopia, but people of all ages have read and enjoyed them. The admirable heroine, Katniss Everdeen, is a wonderfully developed character. Katniss, at age sixteen, volunteers for the annual murderous hunger games taking the place of her twelve-year-old sister. Talk about a stellar plot; I couldn’t put these books down!
When Life Gives You LuluLemons by Lauren Weisberger is my most recent read. I’ll take anything by Weisberger to the beach or whenever I travel. This modern fictional tale of three thirty-something women and friends details how they face interesting life challenges together. It’s juicy, sexy, fun, and features Emily Charlton from The Devil Wears Prada as one of its protagonists.
I love the Shopaholic series by Sophie Kinsella for a light-hearted read with plenty of laughs. In my opinion, Kinsella writes some of the best ‘Chick Lit’ books. They are engaging and cheeky as they follow the shopping antics and life of Becky Bloomwood, a UK financial journalist. There are ten books in this series, and I’ve thoroughly enjoyed them all.
If you’re into mysteries, A Is For Alibi by Sue Grafton is the first novel in the Kinsey Millhone alphabet series. Kinsey is a sassy 32-year-old private detective who’s hilarious and lovable throughout the entire collection. I’ve read all of Grafton’s books in this series, and each keeps you on the edge of your seat!
Within the self-help genre, with an esoteric twist, Power Vs. Force by David R. Hawkins is a compelling read. It’s about the anatomy of human consciousness. If you enjoy learning about energy vibrations and how ultimate power comes from a higher level of consciousness, this detailed book is for you. I found it fascinating and loved delving into the concepts covered in Hawkins’ book.
Lastly, Daring Greatly, by one of my favorite Ted Talk speakers Brené Brown, offers a moving and inspirational read. Brown is incredibly insightful and uplifting; her overall message of embracing vulnerability and imperfection thoroughly resonated with me. Even if you only read a section daily, it can improve your mood and inspire positive thoughts.
What are some of your favorite reads, past and present? Drop a comment below and share!