We all have busy schedules that sometimes seem like they will never slow down. I know my life can be hectic, and I don’t even always have that much going on. But nevertheless, I usually let the stress of a busy schedule get to me, and for this reason I really require some down time, or ‘me time’ to relax and unwind.
One way I really enjoy escaping or refocusing my energy is through reading. I used to be a bit of a bookworm, but as I’ve gotten older I feel I’ve made less and less time to pick up a new book. This year, I really set a personal goal to set aside time each night to read a book, or maybe plan a day where I allow myself the luxury to dive in to someone else’s storyline for a few hours… and I am so glad I did. I have found some really good books that I’ve enjoyed reading, and just in time for spring and summer vacations!
The Couple Next Door | Shari Lapena
You guys… if you like mystery or if you want to be guessing what happens with every page turn until literally the very last one, this book is for you. It starts with the kidnapping of a couple’s baby while they are next door at their neighbor’s dinner party. The whole book you’re wondering, ‘who took the baby?’… I thought I knew, a few times to be honest, but even when you figure it out, the plot continues to twist. I won’t go in to too much detail, as I don’t want to ruin it for you, but this book has the right amount of suspense and pull to keep you moving quickly through the storyline.
In A Dark, Dark Wood | Ruth Ware
This book was lent to me to read from a friend and was described as a simple and easy read for a day by the pool. I’d say its more of an easy read for a rainy weekend locked inside. There’s suspense, mystery, blacked out memories, and lot’s of grudges in this story. The main character decides to go to a bachelorette party weekend for a childhood friend she hasn’t seen in over ten years, bizarre enough as is, but the activities of the weekend, and a traumatic event leave you flashing back and forwards trying to fill in the blanks of what happened. I love books like this. It took me a while to really get in to it, but once the storyline picked up, I could not put this one down!
Big Little Lies | Liane Moriarty
I’ll be honest, I had never heard of this book, and the only reason I went out to purchase it was because I really wanted to watch the show, Big Little Lies on HBO. But I’m also one of those people who has to read the book first, because it’s always better, has more context, and allows me to feel I’m involved with the story. I loved both this book, and the HBO series, although the book is obviously better for the grit, small humor, and sass you pick up from each individual character. I enjoyed this book so much I had trouble putting it down from the second I picked it up. You will follow the lives of numerous women, how they are bound together through their relationships and children, and see various levels of struggle on all topics (abuse, divorce, affairs, jealousy, raising teenagers, etc). I may not relate to this book on many levels, but the story was consuming and I would recommend it to anyone, especially if you wanted to check out the HBO series.
Some other mentions I’ve read in the past that I’d recommend for a fast-paced but entertaining read include:
- Where We Belong | Emily Griffin
- Twenties Girl | Sophie Kinsella
- Sharp Objects | Gillian Flynn
- Dark Places | Gillian Flynn
What’s up next on my reading list – The Woman in Cabin 10 | Ruth Ware
All in all I’ve enjoyed reading these books! I’d definitely recommend them, and have already lent out my copies for my friends to read! Have you read any of these books? If so, what did you think of them? Otherwise, comment below your favorites, or things you’re reading at the moment… I’m currently organizing my next reading list and would love to hear your suggestions!
Until next time,
Paige
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