Reading has always been a huge part of my life. When I became a mom, however, I found myself ignoring my bedside novels and focusing more on reading bedtime stories to my children, too exhausted and preoccupied to focus on my previous passion (as so many of us moms do).
Now that my children are older, and I’ve been able to find more time and energy, my passion for reading has returned – and I’ve discovered some amazing books along the way.
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Fiction Favorites
Of all the genres, fiction has always been my go-to. I usually prefer deep, moving, and perhaps even a little gritty novel. I thrive on stories that are unlike my own and that shows me a completely different perspective on life, especially the ones that make you feel deeply and stay with you for weeks or months after reading.
First of all, if you haven’t read Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens yet, do it now. This is the novel that re-ignited my passion for reading again two years ago. This is one of those stories about how the main character has all the cards stacked against her but fought through life as a survivor, and it is so beautifully written.
Recently I read a book called The Marsh King’s Daughter by Karen Dionne, which has a similar premise of a child growing up in isolation, living with an abusive father, and having to survive. This book is an international bestseller, and technically, it falls under the mystery genre, not fiction. While it didn’t stick with me for months like “Where the Crawdads Sing” did, it is definitely still worth reading. It’s going to be turned into a movie soon, so read the book before that happens!
Like I’ve said before, deep, darker novels are my favorites, and there is one that rocked me to my core. All the Ugly and Wonderful Things by Bryn Greenwood will make you feel so many things and have you constantly conflicted about what perspective is “right”. I found myself connecting with and fighting for the characters throughout the story. Raw, real, ugly, and wonderful all rolled into one gut-wrenching and beautiful book. I absolutely loved this novel and consider it in my top three favorites of all time.
You know how after you watch an intense show or movie, you need to watch something light and easy? I’m the same with books. When I want something less intense, but still amazingly entertaining, I turn to any novel by Taylor Jenkins Reed. Her name has become very popular this past year, and the novels have gotten a lot of notoriety. I’m a big fan of an author who tells a story from different perspectives and possibly across different years, and this is her forte. If you’re looking for a well-written storyline that keeps you entertained and wanting to go deeper into the stories of how each character intertwines, you should definitely read her books. My favorites are Daisy Jones and the Six, Malibu Rising, One True Loves, and The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo.
Another wildly entertaining book is Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus. Women will love this smart and funny novel about a brilliant 1960s chemist in a male-only field who then becomes a single mother and reluctantly hosts a cooking show. The main character is revolutionary, unapologetic, and a fighter. This novel is being called “Book of the Year” by The New York Times, Oprah, Barnes and Noble, and so many more!
Memorable Mysteries
I used to always associate mystery novels with authors like John Grisham or where a grisly detective is trying to investigate a local crime, which is why this genre never appealed to me. However, a book-loving friend recently recommended a few of her mystery/thriller favorites, and it’s safe to say I’ve become insanely hooked.
The best mystery keeps the reader guessing until the very end when it all comes together in a huge, shocking way. The following books are ones that I recommend to everyone who loves not only an unpredictable mystery but a storyline that sucks you in, as well.
Have you ever read a mystery book thinking, oh duh, I can already guess how this will end? That’s exactly how The Housemaid by Freida McFadden was for me at first, except I was completely wrong. If you’re hovering between fiction and mystery, this is an entertaining, quick read that kept me flipping the pages so fast. I desperately needed to find out what was really going on in this deranged house!
The book that first changed my perspective on mystery/thrillers is The Overnight Guest by Heather Gudenkauf. I absolutely loved how it bounced back and forth between timelines and stories, intertwining the pieces together across characters and decades. Gudenkauf is a New York Times Bestselling Author who writes an amazing weave of mystery in this book. Finished it in two days – I just couldn’t put it down!
I think a lot of new mothers worry or wonder about how things will be once the baby comes. Will I naturally be maternal and loving? Will I feel a disconnect due to postpartum issues? Will my relationship with my partner change when a child enters our lives? So many questions arise for some moms, and in the mystery/thriller The Push by Ashley Audrain, you will question everything until the very end. This book shook me, and I’m still thinking about it a year later. A Good Morning America Book Club pick!
I hope you love these books as much as I have. I’d love to know your thoughts and other recommendations! Stay tuned for my next blog about favorite books for children of all ages.
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