It’s almost summer! For many of us that means vacations, summer camp, busy weekends and little extra time. To me, it also means an opportunity to jump into books that are fun! I look at summer as that time of year where I want to read a good book, but one that won’t have me pondering the meanings of life. Those are for winter. Here is a list of my top 10 book recommendations for summer:
- The Martian – This is a stellar book. If you’ve seen the movie (which is AMAZING), the book is even better. It will have you wondering how come Aquaman can control whales (they’re mammals!), when the Cubs will win the world series (we are all wondering that) and whether Duct tape is the most important tool known to man.
- Journey to Star Wars: The Force Awakens Lost Stars – For anyone who wants a little more Star Wars before the release of Rogue One: A Star Wars Story in December, this is the perfect antidote. This book brings the reader to the Star Wars world with which we’re accustomed (think Luke, Han, Rey and all of our other friends) but through the eyes of new characters. These characters do meet some people we know, but the famous characters don’t have main roles in this book. While Lost Stars is aimed towards 12-17 year olds, Star Wars fans younger and older will enjoy it as well.
- Angels & Demons – This prequel to The Da Vinci Code stars Robert Langdon on a new adventure with the church and the secret society of the Illuminati. Dan Brown’s storytelling is just as intricate in this book as it is in The Da Vinci Code, so you won’t want to put it down! The illustrated version of Angels and Demons actually takes it to a whole new level as our author describes locations and clues around Vatican City and Rome. I highly recommend picking that up if you can.
- The Girl on the Train – A New York Times Bestseller, this mystery is narrated by Rachel, a woman who lives in a fantasy of what her life could be and what other’s lives involve. While riding on the train every day, she invents stories about the people she sees while watching the houses in which they reside. When she sees what she thinks is a crime having to do with one of her favorite couples, she gets herself involved in something that she never expected. I’m not saying another word!
- Me Before You: A Novel – This New York Times Bestseller is soon to be a movie, so you may want to read it before or after watching it in the theater. This story about a former wild man/current quadriplegic and a small town girl who is hired to care for him during his potential last six months will have you pouring through the pages.
- Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night – If you are a Shakespeare lover or have always wanted to jump in, Twelfth Night is a fun place to start. My favorite of his plays; the story of a woman (Viola, marooned after a shipwreck) who dresses as a man, falls in love with another man and finds that a woman has fallen in love with her in the midst of Viola’s twin brother and other fun characters is hilarious. If you’ve seen Shakespare In Love, there are many allusions to Twelfth Night within the story.
- Room – Narrated by a five year old boy, this story of a child born in captivity to a mother that is only called Ma, is engaging from the first page. Jack’s voice contains the wonder that we all once experienced even when his world consists of only one room. I can’t recommend this book more highly, but I also refuse to ruin the experience by telling you much more. This book was turned into an Oscar Award winning film in 2015.
- Wicked – The book that inspired the Tony Award winning Broadway musical, this story is about Elphaba, the girl in the Land of Oz that becomes known as the Wicked Witch of the West. This covers her time from birth until her transition to the “Wicked Witch,” but is very different from the musical you may know. Get to know this tragically beautiful character from her own point of view.
- The Light Between Oceans – This engaging story about a couple who is unable to give birth to a healthy, thriving child is given the chance to have a family when a live baby and her dead father arrive on shore. This leads to questions of morality as well as happiness and heartbreak. It’s a beautiful book that you won’t want to miss.
- About A Boy – Looking for dates had always been an issue for Will because the women had become too attached. Not wanting to commit to anything or anyone (even a job since he is living off the royalties of a song his father wrote), he finds that dating single mothers may be the ticket. That is, until he meets Marcus – a geeky teenage kid who has problems of his own. The relationship between these two men and the women around them is funny, sarcastic and lovely.
You can read any of these as a physical book or on Kindle. Whichever you prefer!
Alli is a Chicago based wife and mother of two children. She has turned money-saving into a game and enjoys searching out the best deals to help you save money! Alli shares her insight, tips and up-to-the-minute deals for local and national retailers and brands. Her hope is that you will play the game and learn to save money at the same time!