While it can be difficult to make time to read books during a busy semester, winter break is just around the corner, so it’s time to get your book queue ready!
As an avid reader, I am always giving and receiving book recommendations. In this article, I’ve recommended five of my favorite recent reads, including a short synopsis of each book and why you should read it.
- Apples Never Fall by Liane Moriarty
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I read this book a few weeks ago, and I couldn’t put it down! The story focuses on the mysterious disappearance of a 60-year-old woman, Joy Delaney, by unraveling the events that unfold before and after she goes missing. Joy’s disappearance deeply worries her four children and friends – especially when Joy’s husband, Stan, becomes a person of interest in her disappearance.
The story follows the four Delaney children, exploring familial love and dysfunction, the challenges of marriage and parenthood, and the Delaney family’s passion (and dispassion) for tennis.
As one of four siblings, I was able to appreciate each of the Delaney children and the distinct roles they play in their family dynamic. The characters in this book are hilarious and very easy to love – if you’re looking for an emotionally compelling, relatable, and unpredictable mystery novel, this book is for you.
- The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid
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Within the first few pages, this book had me hooked – I read it last summer and finished it in five days. The novel tells the story of retired Hollywood actress Evelyn Hugo, who decides to disclose the details of her wild and glamorous life in one final interview with Monique Grant, a rookie journalist. As I read, I couldn’t help but love Evelyn Hugo – she is smart, calculated, bold, ambitious, loving, imperfect, and so much more.
This book is undoubtedly a page-turner but is also packed with meaningful messages about femininity, love, and sexuality. If you’re looking to read an enthralling, heartbreaking, and moving drama, then buy this book!
- Black Cake by Charmaine Wilkerson
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I read Black Cake last summer; although it was denser and took more brain-power to read than other books, I loved it. The novel is about two siblings, Benny and Byron, who reunite after years without speaking when their mother passes away. As an “inheritance”, their mother left them a frozen black cake to share, and a voice memo that uncovers her surprising past and reveals how it all connects to her traditional Caribbean black cake.
While unraveling their mother’s hidden past, the siblings build a new understanding of themselves and their heritage. The multi-generational story is inspiring, gut-wrenching, fast-paced, and detailed; you will feel completely immersed in this book if you take the time to read it!
- Long Bright River by Liz Moore
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I don’t remember when I read this book – all I remember is flying through it, and finishing it with an entirely new perspective on drug addiction and the Opioid crisis.
The story follows the protagonist Mickey, who works as a police officer in a Philadelphia neighborhood that is hit hard by the opioid crisis. Her sister Kacey resides in Philadephia too but lives on the streets and struggles with opioid addiction. Even though the sisters no longer speak, Mickey remains worried for her sister’s safety – so when Kacey goes missing, Mickey becomes obsessed with finding the culprit.
This novel is a thrilling mystery, but also a heart-wrenching story about family, loyalty, and the devastating realities of drug addiction. I would recommend it to anyone who enjoys a good mystery novel!
- Normal People by Sally Rooney
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Honestly, I just started this book a week ago – but it’s unlike anything I’ve ever read before, and I can’t put it down! Sally Rooney has a distinct writing style that is blunt and starved of detail, which makes you notice the significance and nuance of the few details that are included. It also carries a nostalgic tone to it – it reminds me of the Perks of Being a Wallflower.
The story focuses on the intense relationship between protagonists Connell and Marianne, who meet in high school under completely different social and economic circumstances. The story follows the characters as they enter adulthood, exploring how their relationship grows and evolves over time. If you are looking for a thought-provoking book on young love and coming-of-age, then add this to your list!
With cold weather and school breaks on the horizon, it is the perfect time to get cozy and start reading. If any of these books sound interesting to you, I urge you to buy a copy (or better yet, borrow from a friend). All of these books expanded my perspective on contemporary topics and provided me with emotionally intelligent insights – all while being enjoyable to read!
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