I usually read 2-3 books a week, so for me to remember a book I’ve read (for more than a couple of days afterwards) is a pretty big deal! So, to kick off this book blog, I’ve decided to give you a list of those books that must have been pretty awesome because I still remember them to this day!
Nightingale by Kristin Hannah – Set in WWII, the two sisters in the book I still think about, 2 years later. For real-like they are my family and I still care about them and wonder what they’re doing now. C’mon, Sarah, it’s fiction, they aren’t “doing” anything. This is a story about two women growing up and surviving in Germany during WWII. It’s a coming of age story in the worst of times. I absolutely loved it. Get it here
Still Missing by Chevy Stevens– This is another one I read over 2 years ago, but it stays with me. I’m not going too much into the plot, b/c I’m sure I’ll get it wrong but to summarize: a girl is kidnapped. We’re there with her as she struggles. and escapes Then the balls drops (along with my jaw—wide open) and you cannot believe who is behind it all. That’s what I remember. So not much. But take my word for it—read it! I am obsessed with the author now, Chevy Stevens, and I pounce on everything she writes. I have one in my queue right now, actually, to start after my current book. I cannot wait. Get it here
We Were Liars by e. lockhart– This book was haunting and beautifully written. I guess the author is more of a young adult writer, but I never would have guessed. There were short stories/poems throughout that mirrored the book so well and made you view what you were reading from a little different perspective. You read this book, you get to know the characters, you think you’ve got it all figured out then –BAM. The reality hits you in the face and you don’t know what to do. For real, I didn’t know what to do. I just sat there stunned. It’s a story of 4 best friends/cousins and their summers at their beach home with their rich family. What’s a lie, what’s the truth? It takes until the end to truly find out. Get it here
Wreckage by Emily Bleeker– I know I just recommended this one, but it’s so different than any book I’ve ever read, that I have to recommend it again. I read a lot of reviews on this book that claimed that readers guessed the “big secret” immediately, but I was not one of them, which is why I think I loved it so much. This is one I read in approx. 1 day, ignoring all other responsibilities to the best of my ability! It’s full of drama and heartache and happiness and love–all with the backdrop of a deserted island. And it was really well written. The end wasn’t what I wanted, but maybe that’s ok? I’m still actually grappling with that, and would love to hear what others think once they finish. Maybe one of you can help me process it! I haven’t read anything else by this author because none of her other books sound nearly as interesting; but for as much as I enjoyed it, I’m sure I’ll cave soon! Get it here
Behind Closed Doors by B.A. Paris– I finished this book in a day. It was so good. I love books that haunt you as you read them. I’d shut the book and wonder what the heck the protagonist was going to do, and then I’d have to pick it right back up again because I couldn’t stop reading. I knew it was going to be a book I liked just by the description (a wife trapped in an abusive relationship with her controlling husband), but I didn’t know just how good it would truly be. I cannot wait to get my hands on B.A. Paris’ other books. Look for reviews of those in the future; I have a feeling they’ll be just as suspenseful and well-written! (fingers crossed) Get it here
Firefly Lane by Kristin Hannah (Yes, another one by her!)– Seriously you guys—I may have woken Eric up with my ugly sobbing while reading this book. Like snotty, cannot breathe, gasping for breath sobbing. This book got to me. To the point where I wanted to call up my best friend, Megan, and proclaim my love for her over and over again. This is a beautiful book about friendship and its ability to buoy people up through the best and worst of what life has to offer. Two girls growing up on Firefly Lane become best friends and we get to “grow up” with them; but not in a dragged out, annoying way. It feels real, and I felt like the two girls were my best friends, too. The two books following it are not nearly as good, but if you love this book as much as I did, you’ll probably still want to read them because you “know” the characters and want to see where life takes them. Get it here
The Butterfly Garden by Dot Hutchison – Wow. This book is not for the faint of heart. A deranged man kidnaps women and keeps them as his “butterflies.” It’s as terrible as you imagine. But these women and their relationships with each other are at the heart of this book. You get to know the ‘butterflies’ and how they are surviving on a day-to-day basis, and It’s hard to put down. When you do put it down, you won’t stop thinking about them. It’s definitely a haunting and disturbing plotline, though. So, if that’s not your thing, this book probably won’t be for you. This is a first book of a trilogy; and the 2nd book, Roses of May, I found equally as good. I am anxiously awaiting the release of the 3rd and final book! Get it here
So, here they are–a few of my favorites and the ones most memorable to me! I hope this sparks some interest. Your opinion may be totally different than mine, but I hope it’s at least a starting point. I tried to be vague on purpose so as not to give anything away. I look forward to sharing many more books with you; and welcome any recommendations you may have for me!
Now someone, please go read “Wreckage” and get back to me on how you feel about the ending!
-Sarah
Staying Martha 