As the semester begins, it’s important to get back into a school mindset, while also taking the time to do things that you still enjoy. My preferred “me-time” is curling up with a good book. It provides an escape for me when all I can think about are the things that lie ahead in a busy week. When I read, I’m not Elizabeth or Liz or Lizard or even my alter-ego, Lizzie, I am someone else. Through the eyes of the main character, I’ve gone on extravagant trips, fell in love and even been a little lost. Making time for this can be hard and depending on how busy the week can get, I may only have fifteen or twenty minutes to read a chapter each night, but nonetheless, it is a great outlet. As it turns out, a bunch of HC Pitt members are also avid readers, so what better way to kickstart a year of self-care and personal growth than with great book recommendations? Choosing a book that is the best fit for you can be daunting, especially if you are trying out a new genre or author. GoodReads is a great resource to see reviews, synopses and sometimes even a preview of your potential read. You can even make a page for your group of friends, colleagues or organization to compile a list of must-reads amongst everyone!
- People We Meet on vacation by Emily henry
-
This book is based on Alex and Poppy, two students whose shared car ride home from college turns into a yearly trip that’s involved laughter, adventure and lots of inside jokes. That is until everything is ruined. When Poppy falls into a less-than-desirable slump, she sets out to fix their relationship. Adventures, dual P.O.V. and a spunky cat by the name of Flannery O’Connor will keep you on your toes, make you laugh and want to ‘meet people on vacation.
- Normal people by sally Rooney
-
This novel follows Marianna and Connell, two unlikely companions who unite in secret friendship. Following them throughout the years gives insight into the constantly intersecting lives that we all lead. Despite all the joy, tragedy and self-discovery, at the end of the day, we are all Normal People.
- Heartstopper by Alice oseman
-
A nice change of pace, this young adult LGBTQUIA+ graphic novel and webcomic series, is both written and illustrated by Alice Oseman. This book depicts the love story of Nick and Charlie after their initial appearance in Alice Oseman’s Solitare. Read along to see where this romance takes them.
- The Girls Guide to hunting and fishing by melissa bank
-
Melissa Bank’s New York Times Best Selling book is the perfect novel for women in their twenties who feel like they have nothing figured out. The main character, Jane Rosenal, takes the reader through her journey of personal discovery while taking on the perils and uncharted waters that come with sex, love, relationships and the workplace.
- Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens
-
This novel follows a woman named Kya after she is forced to raise herself in the marshes of North Carolina. The reader gets taken along for a ride through her life filled with romance, mystery, and maybe even some murder. Read this book to have a healthy taste of romance and mystery that will keep you wishing for more.
- Six of Crows by Leigh bardugo
-
If you are a sucker for a good action movie, you will love this novel. This Leigh Bardugo novel is the perfect combination of fantasy and action as five teenagers team up to pull off an unheard-of prison break in 17th-century Amsterdam. The main characters come from a morally grey, criminally ridden neighborhood by the name of the Barrel. Read this book for action, drama, and just a little magic.
- Beach Read by Emily Henry
-
Can a romance writer come up with the next ‘Great American Novel?’ August “Gus” Everett doesn’t think so. But, that’s fine because January Andrews knows that he couldn’t write a romance novel if the story was happening right before his eyes. Two authors, both stuck in a literary rut, challenge the other to take a step into a new realm and write in the other’s genre of choice. These two college rivals set out to teach each other about being an expert in their field, and both will write a book, but has the story been unfolding in front of them this whole time?
- seven husbands of evelyn hugo by taylor Jenkins Reid
-
This novel opens up with Monique, a writer in her thirties, who has always done the right thing at work and followed all the rules. But where does that leave her? A bottom-tier writer, not making the difference that she initially wanted to. That is until the mysterious and shut away 1960s Hollywood star Evelyn Hugo contacts her while refusing to meet with anyone else. This assignment which starts as an auction piece takes a turn that no one will anticipate. Read along to hear about the Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo, you might just find out which was her favorite.
- They Both Die AT the end by Adam Silvera
-
Mateo Torrez and Rufus Emeterio, two people who aren’t sick, yet they are going to die today. After a visit from Death-Cast on September 5th, they both know their fate, but what about the moments until? They’re still being written. Read along to hear about their “End Day” and why they are seeking friendship when death is so near.
- Book lovers by Emily Henry
-
Nora Stephens is a “Shark.” Charlie Lastra is “Charming.” From the outside, they are nothing alike and yet they share one passion, books. Nora is a literary agent, who’s always yearned for more, but nonetheless will do anything for her clients. Charlie is a book editor who picks up only the best novels for himself. So what happens when he refuses to pick up the “Shark’s” best book? She decides to attack. This unspoken rivalry continues until they run into each other in the last place anyone would suspect. Read this book to experience hate, unsuspecting friendship, and what happens when a “Shark” finally looks in the mirror.
From all of us at HC Pitt, happy reading!