I have stretched my mind as far as I can to recall every book that gave me that all consuming feeling. The one where you think about the book all the time, want to tell every person you meet about it and even start to blur the edges of what is real. That all sounds a little dramatic but that’s what I was aiming for when compiling this list. I hope you find one here that you might love too.
The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid (2017) (Contemporary/Historical)
I have included The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo in so many of my blogs, but I can’t possibly leave it out of my top 10 all-time favourite books! It is hands down my most loved book and I will recommend it forever and ever. The story begins with journalist Monique who has been assigned the job of interviewing aging recluse and iconic actress, Evelyn Hugo. No-one else has been allowed to interview Hugo for decades and the public are itching to know all the secrets of her life and career – including why she married seven times. I found the way the story unfolded to be very unexpected and truly captivating. Evelyn is quite unlikable for much of the story and I know this was off-putting for some readers. Somehow, I still loved her and wished so hard for life to be kind to her. You will love this if you enjoy sagas told over many generations, dramatic storytelling and books about relationships. A solid 5/5!
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One of Us is Lying by Karen McManus (2017) (Young Adult Mystery)
One of Us is Lying has all the features of a fast paced, engaging and satisfying mystery YA read:
US high school with the jock/princess/academic/outcast character trope? Check.
One of them dies in mysterious circumstances? Check.
Don’t know who can be trusted? Check.
You can read my full review of One of Us is Lying here but I will just say that you can’t go wrong with a solid series like this one when you’re looking for an easy but enjoyable read. It’s one of those books that seem like it will be predictable but then gets really good and more interesting than expected. There are three more in the series and a new one due in August this year so if you like it, you can keep reading!
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Rachel’s Holiday by Marian Keyes (1997)(Contemporary/Humour)
If you are unfamiliar with Marian Keyes’ work, you are in for a treat! Keyes is brilliant at exploring a serious topic but making it a funny, engaging and self-depreciating story. In the case of Rachel’s Holiday, the topic is addiction and Rachel, of course isn’t on holiday, she is entering a rehab facility for her drug and alcohol abuse that has spiraled out of control. A large part of what makes this book wonderful is Rachel’s family, the Walshes, including her mother and four sisters. They are all highly entertaining and hilarious. If you like Rachel’s Holiday, Keyes has written separate books for each of the sisters and now even a follow on about Rachel, 20 years later, Again, Rachel. I don’t know of another author who writes such authentic experiences for her characters on their darkest days but still makes it so funny.
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The Midnight Library by Matt Haig (2020) (Contemporary)
The Midnight Library is the ultimate book for anyone who has wondered “what if?” about how their life has turned out. What if you had chosen a different career? Gone travelling instead of settling down? Married the man you turned down? Would your life have been happier and more fulfilled? Nora is at rock bottom in her life and seriously questioning if it is worth her still living. Reflecting on her life, she imagines that everything could be so much better if only she had made different choices. Is this true? Nora is about to find out.
If you can relate to any of this then The Midnight Library might just be for you.
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Normal People by Sally Rooney (2018) (Contemporary)
I don’t think it’s too much of a stretch to say that you may never be the same after you read Normal People. It is such an incredibly touching and meaningful story, almost entirely character driven by Connell and Marianne as we follow them through their teens and early 20s. Some parts of the story are almost uncomfortable to read as they feel so personal to the characters and this is what makes it so heart wrenching. Normal People is not a light read and it has stayed with me ever since I read it a year ago – so brace yourself for the journey! It is so worth it though to read such a beautiful story.
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Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Gamus (2022) (Contemporary)
I reviewed Lessons in Chemistry in a blog last year but I need to mention it here because this book is everything. Protagonist Elizabeth Zott is brilliant, strong, inspirational and her story is wonderful to read. I feel there should be a trigger warning (sexual assault) for the very early part of the book that I found confronting, but it is a key part of the story and what drives Zott going forward. We follow Elizabeth through the early days of her career as a scientist and later a television host (trust me, it’s so good). I love how the story is told from multiple viewpoints, including Zott’s young daughter who has the best perceptions of life due to her unusual upbringing with Zott. Check out my review or just pick this one up, you will love it. Or if you’re not in a reading mood, the book has also been made into a show on Apple TV. Win-win!
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The Hypnotist’s Love Story by Liane Moriarty (2011) (Contemporary)
Liane Moriarty is popular for Big Little Lies and Nine Perfect Strangers, but her earlier books – like The Hypnotist’s Love Story – are well worth reading. This is one of those books where I don’t want to say too much so I don’t give anything away! The story is told partially from the point of view of Ellen who is in a new relationship with Patrick, who tells her his ex-girlfriend is stalking him. The ex-girlfriend is Saskia and we also hear the story from her point of view, blurring the line between right and wrong in such a moving way. I must admit that the book is a slow burn, taking its time to set the scene before it gets really interesting. I found it perfect but it takes some time to get there.
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The Good Sister by Sally Hepworth (2020) (Mystery/Contemporary)
Fern has a simple life; she works in a public library, lives alone and has dinner with her sister, Rose, once a week. Rose is her rock. Fern is highly aware of her limitations and Rose’s support is what makes it possible to live independently as she can’t imagine doing it alone. However, this is all about to change and will make Fern rethink everything she thought was true. The Good Sister is another brilliant book from Sally Hepworth and it has to be my favourite, mainly because of Fern. Fern is the best character as she’s funny, doesn’t pretend to be anything other than she is, and speaks the truth always. I loved being part of her world and seeing life from her point of view. This book will appeal to those who like character driven stories with a slight mystery.
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Such a Fun Age by Kiley Reid (2019) (Contemporary)
Such a Fun Age is told from the point of view of two protagonists, 25 year-old babysitter Emira and her employer, a wealthy social media influencer named Alix. We begin the story in a supermarket where Emira is accused of kidnapping Alix’s 2-year-old daughter – specifically because Emira is black and the young girl is white. This is a perfect springboard for a book that flows back and forth between the main characters and their histories, bringing the story to a head when their lives clash with irredeemable consequences. I am a white woman so reading this book opened my eyes to much of my own bias and I cringed at how much I could see myself in Alix’s behaviour – it certainly gave me a lot to reflect on and do differently. These characters were brilliantly done and I could not stop reading until the end. Such a Fun Age will be a firm favourite in my top 10 books for a long time to come.
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The Art of Wellbeing by Meredith Gaston Masnata (2018) (Non-Fiction – Self-Help)
Meredith Gaston’s books are all an absolute soul nourishing delight! I can’t imagine that anyone who appreciates beauty, slow living or taking time for the little things in life wouldn’t adore this book. The illustrations are enough to bring pleasure all on their own and the text is always uplifting, kind and gives the feeling of spending an afternoon with a true friend. Give yourself the gift of reading The Art of Wellbeing, it is truly wonderful.
Image from goodreads.
I would love to hear your favourite book(s) so please do comment to let me know!
Looking forward to seeing you back here next week.
