1. Little Bee by Chris Cleave – I read this novel a couple of years ago and the story of how the lives of the young Nigerian orphan and a suburban mom intersecting has been one that stayed with me.
2. Her Fearful Symmetry by Audrey Niffenegger – I was a huge fan of The Time Traveler’s Wife also by Niffenegger, and this novel with its twins and potential modern haunted house vibe looks to have that same kind of literary fantasy.
3. Assassination Vacation by Sarah Vowell – I want to continue to exercise my brain, and Sarah Vowell helps me do that while keeping me entertained. Assassination Vacation is a collection of non-fiction essays by Vowell where she visits various sites where political violence occurred.
4. Half Broke Horses by Jeannette Walls – Walls is an amazing memoirist, and this is one of my favorite books that she has written. A quick, compelling read about growing up in poverty.
5. The Paradox of Choice by Barry Schwartz – In this non-fiction book, Schwartz explores the way that our abundance of choice in all areas of lifehave led to a kind of existential crisis among many in our generation.
6. The Poisonwood Bible by Barbara Kingsolver – This is one of my all-time favorite novels, one that I return to time and again. If you haven’t read this story told from the perspective of four girls growing up in a missionary family in Africa, make it a priority to get to it as soon as you possibly can. Some of the richest story-telling I’ve ever read.
7. She’s Come Undone by Wally Lamb – Another favorite, this is a story about a young girl’s journey into adulthood. For a simple coming of age story, this weaves humor and heartbreak together seamlessly.
8. The Thirteenth Tale by Diane Setterfield – This is a fun mystery novel. It will hold you in suspense while being a quick read.
9. Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austin – My all-time favorite ever. An absolute must-read for anyone who enjoys a smart, funny, well-crafted love story.
