Ever since a young age, I’ve (shamelessly) been a bit of a bookworm. Literature has always been a part of my life, and I will always gravitate towards a good book at the end of a long day or week. Sometimes, the escape that a novel offers is a welcome break from the realities of day-to-day life. And, whether you are a long-time bookworm, like me, or if you don’t read very often, I strongly believe that there is a book out there for everyone, so, if you’re looking for something new to try in the literary world, these are my favorites. They come highly recommended and read multiple times, because they’re just that good (to me, at least).
The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah
I wanted to start off the list, with my all-time favorite book, which I’ve read twice in the past six months, because it is just that captivating. Since the second I turned the first page of The Nightingale, I was instantly hooked. This genre of book is generally appealing to me, as a person who is interested in both history and this specific time period. But, before I get a head of myself, The Nightingale tells the story of Vianne Mauriac, who resides in the French village of Carrieaveau during the German Occupation of World War II and her sister, Isabelle, a young and bold character who bounces from place to place, around France. The novel follows Vianne and Isabelle as they attempt to resist the German Occupation and all that comes with it, during the perilous times of the war. What Kristin Hannah creates is a masterpiece of a novel, complete with the love and loss of the time, that grabs you in and holds you, suspended in the world of Vianne and Isabelle.
All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doer
Another novel that takes place during World War II, with All the Light We Cannot See, Anthony Doer crafts a Pulitzer-Prize winning novel that is absolutely captivating. All the Light We Cannot See follows Marie-Laure, a twelve year old Parisian girl, who has recently gone blind, and young Werner Pfenning, a German boy, who works with the Nazis from a young age. Their spellbinding stories are intertwined in the most creative, captivating, and unimaginable ways. The twists and turns that Doer leads you through, as a reader, throughout the whole novel, is something so tangible and emotional, that it will be hard to get you to stop turning pages.
I’ll Give You the Sun by Jandy Nelson
On a more modern and relatable note, Jandy Nelson’s I’ll Give You the Sun is a tale that will be relatable and moving to anyone with a sibling. This novel tells the tale of Jude and Noah, who are inseparable twins from a young age. But, as the years pass, the twins grow apart, and their lives take different courses, as they enter into their teenage years. Noah details their early years as twins, and Jude tells their later years; from both of their perspectives, the reader learns about the decisions and events, both good and regrettable, that have led them to where they are, now estranged and lost, from their lives and each other. Throughout the book, you will only be wondering if they can ever find each other again, after everything that has happened, and you can and will keep reading, just to find out, if reconciliation is really possible between two people who have taken such different paths.
Outlander by Diana Gabaldon
While I can’t say I’ve completely finished this book yet, it’s been my most recent read, and I just can’t seem to put it down. This is my favorite way to unwind after finishing my homework at night, during the school week. Outlander follows a young British woman, Claire Beauchamp, through a marvelous and magnificent, if not tumultuous journey to another world. While on a Scottish getaway with her husband, Claire stepped through a stone that transports her back in time, to the Scottish highlands of the 1700’s. In a time of clans, war, and castles, Claire struggles to find her way around, but with the help of a young clansmen, Jamie, she may be able to regain ground again. But, the question remains, how will she get back to her life in the real world, and what dangers will she encounter while doing so? Personally, I can’t wait to finish this intriguing novel and can’t wait to watch the T.V. show series that goes with it, after I finish the book, of course. And, I almost forgot, the best part about this book, is that it is a series, which means there’s more to the story.
Milk and Honey by Rupi Kaur
Rupi Kaur’s famous Milk and Honey should be a staple in your life, as it has so much advice and value, packed within its small frame. The purpose of the book is to guide you through different stages in your female life, whether they be good or bad. It provides advice, sweetness, and motivation to help you through all the tough experiences we may face on a day-to-day basis. The book is crafted in a gentle, calming manner, and the writing unparalleled. Rupi Kaur motivates, empowers, and guides women on their journey of life, through her strong words and literary masterpiece. A bit different from the novels above, this book may be read as needed or all at once, but it absolutely deserves a place on your bookshelf.
Hopefully, one of these books piques your interest, but, if not, I hope my love for literature inspires you to get out there and start a new book, whether you’re an avid reader or an occasional reader. All of these amazing, well-written books are worth a try, and they may open new literary chapters for you, literally and figuratively, that is.