What Should You Read Next?

In my world, there's no such thing as a season for reading, because I read voraciously throughout the year. However, I recognize that the concept of "summer reading" is very real for others. Maybe it's the longer hours of daylight, the fact that many people take vacations in the summer, or the time spent by water, but it seems like a time of year that begs us to set aside our work and chores and spend some time with our nose in a book!

A co-worker recently asked me for some book recommendations for an upcoming vacation to Europe. I thought I'd share the recommendations I made in case some of you are looking for your next great read! These are all back-list recommendations so should be available at the library immediately!

Secret Daughter by Shilpi Somaya Gowda - I read this book over 4 years ago, but it's still one that comes to the top of my list when people ask for a book recommendation. It's about a mixed-race couple that adopts a child from India. The author does a wonderful job of expressing the intricacies of adoption, especially an international adoption. Read this is you want a thought-provoking, engaging novel with excellent character development.

The Kind Worth Killing by Peter Swanson - I usually avoid the thriller genre as I'm kind of a chicken when it comes to scary or intense story lines. But when a former co-worker with great taste in reading recommended this book, I had to check it out.  It's a gripping, creepy thriller that captivated me from the first page to the final sentence of the book. Read this if you are looking for a psychological page turner that will keep you up past your bedtime.

The Book of Unknown Americans by Cristina Henriquez - This is a sad and moving story about a Mexican family that emigrates to the U.S. to seek better medical help for their daughter who suffers from a traumatic brain injury. The point-of-view changes from chapter to chapter which makes it especially engaging. It will make you think about chains of events and all the somewhat insignificant decisions we make every day that form the path our lives take. Read this if you want to attempt to gain some understanding of what it is like to come to the U.S. as an immigrant.

We Were Liars by E. Lockhart - This is technically a young adult book, but don't let that characterization hold you back from reading it if YA isn't your thing. This is a fast-paced intriguing read about a family that gathers at a sea-side home every summer. Read this if you want to be completely swept away by a story.  








What are some books you commonly recommend to others? 

P.S. If you are looking for more book recommendations, I recommend checking out the podcast, "What Should I Read Next." There is a different guest each week and the host makes recommendations based upon 3 books they loved and 1 book they hated. I would love to be a guest on the show someday!