5 Books You Should Be Reading

March 14, 2016

Happy Monday folks! I'm still coming off the high from all the support I received Friday after my broody, self-deprecating post. You guys are the best. I hope I tell you that enough. Thank you for supporting me in this big world of bloggers.

It's Monday, the sun in shining so bright I almost have to wear sunglasses inside and I am coming off a fantastic weekend filled with family and trips to the children's museum. I'm feeling inspired and refreshed. Plus tonight, we find out who Ben picks! I'm dying.

A few weeks back I guest posted over on Candidly Kelsey Blog about 5 books you should be reading or have read. Candidly Kelsey is one of my favs. She's hilarious, honest and keeps things super fresh. The original post is HERE!

5 books you should be reading (or have read). Now, let me preface this with; I understand everyone likes all different kinds of books. There are books that either I love and can get lost in or the ones that have made a huge impact on my life. But, hey everyone's different, that's what so rad about blogs and guest posts! I think these books are fantastic, engaging, well-written and I think you should read them! Below is my take on the book, plus a little recap on the story.


1. To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee: I couldn't really give you a list of books and not start with a classic. I first read this book in maybe 6th grade and I've read it probably 15 times since then. Also, Harper Lee just passed away, so this is a little tribute to the wonder and author that she was

Set in the small Southern town of Maycomb, Alabama, during the Depression, To Kill a Mockingbird follows three years in the life of 8-year-old Scout Finch, her brother, Jem, and their father, Atticus--three years punctuated by the arrest and eventual trial of a young black man accused of raping a white woman. Though her story explores big themes, Harper Lee chooses to tell it through the eyes of a child. The result is a tough and tender novel of race, class, justice, and the pain of growing up.

2. The Rumor by Elin Hildenbrand: I never said I was a literary scholar, sometimes books are good because you get lost in them. This is exactly how this book is. All her books are based in Nantucket. Once you've read one, you'll want to read all the rest.

Madeline King and Grace Pancik are the best of friends of the envy of Nantucket for their perfect marriages, beautiful kids and their Sunday night double dates with their devoted husbands.

3. The Girl on the Train: THIS BOOK. Talk about a book I could not put down. Even my husband was asking when I was going to be done! This book kept my attention the entire time. Now, side-note, it takes about 2 chapters to get in to it, but once you're in, you won't be able to stop. When it was over, I felt like I had a book hangover. I couldn't stop thinking about it.

Rachel takes the same commuter train every morning. Every day she rattles down the track, flashes past a stretch of cozy suburban homes, and stops at the signal that allows her to daily watch the same couple breakfasting on their deck. She’s even started to feel like she knows them. “Jess and Jason,” she calls them. Their life—as she sees it—is perfect. Not unlike the life she recently lost. 

4. For the Love: Fighting for Grace in a World of Impossible Standards by Jen Hatmaker: This book saved me. Not in the literal sense, obvs but changed my perspective in a way I didn't know I needed. This book focuses on fighting the worlds standards. Its about being good, while enjoying life, laughing and maybe learning to laugh all with God's grace. This is such a great story and she is so incredibly funny and honest in her writing. 

She reveals how to: Break free of guilt and shame by dismantling the unattainable Pinterest life.

5. Tuesdays with Morrie by Mitch Albom: If you want to cry as you read, this is the book for you. Okay, that is a horrible way to sell a book, but this is seriously in my top 5 favorite books of all time list. It's about a mentee learning from his mentor in his last days. It's about life and love and the journey we take every day. It's incredibly moving, funny, loving and hands down one of the greatest books I've read. 

Mitch Albom had that second chance. He rediscovered Morrie in the last months of the older man's life. Knowing he was dying of ALS - or motor neurone disease - Mitch visited Morrie in his study every Tuesday, just as they used to back in college. Their rekindled relationship turned into one final 'class': lessons in how to live.

Have you read any of these books? Whats on your must-read reading list? 

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12 comments

  1. I want to read "Girl on the Train". I heard its good.

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  2. Definitely checking out book no. #4! Thanks for your lovely recommendations. :)

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  3. I bought Girl on a Train but I haven't gotten around to reading it yet. It looks good!
    Kari
    www.sweetteasweetie.com

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  4. Always looking for good book recommendations! It is a hobby that I have loved in the past and am definitely starting to get back into. Thanks for the picks!

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  5. I'm always looking for a new book to pick up! Thanks for these suggestions! I haven't heard of some of them :)

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  6. I've read a few of these, but some I haven't yet. Thanks for the recommendations!

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  7. Girl on the Train was legit insanely awesome!! I absolutely loved it.

    xoxo, Jenny

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  8. Read The Glass Castle. You will mother freaking love it. Best book I've read in a while- top 5 for sure.

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  9. Ooooo I want to buy Girl on the Train right NOW!!! Always looking for a good book to seriously suck me in!

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  10. I definitely want to read The Girl on the Train.

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  11. The only one I've read on your list is Tuesdays with Morrie (tear) but I need to check out the rest! Thanks for sharing, I'm a lover of a good book.

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  12. I remember reading Tuesdays with Morrie back in my college days, such a great book!

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I love hearing from all of you and greatly appreciate all your feedback and comments! xx Kristen