Every few months we like to share what books are stacked up on our nightstands (or loaded onto our Kindles/phones). If you’ve missed our previous “what we’re reading” posts, you can find them {here}.
I also recommend that you read the comments since that’s where our readers share their favorites–I’ve found quite a few great books that way!
As I’ve mentioned before, I read most of my books on my Kindle or Overdrive apps now. Whenever possible, I check them out from my local library and it’s so convenient that I can do that from anywhere in the world instead of having to go in to pick up a hard copy! I know many of you are die-hard “real” book readers–both of my kids prefer the feel of a book in their hands, so I’ll link purchase options for all of these as well.
Whenever possible, I try to check out the book and the audiobook at the same time. That way, I can continue to listen while I’m driving, shopping, cleaning…you get the idea. I do have an Audible subscription (get a free book when you sign up) for audiobooks since the wait list for new ones at my library can be super-long, and Amy swears by her Kindle Unlimited subscription (you can get a free month here).
Today I’m sharing my recent favorites, as well as a few that my husband recommends. He’s more into non-fiction and history books, so between us we cover quite a variety of genres.
| Educated by Tara Westover |
While Educated is non-fiction, it reads more like a novel. My friend Sommer recommended it to me, and of course it’s been at the top of the best-seller list for ages. I highly recommend it!
| The Goldfinch by Donna Tartt |
The Goldfinch won the Pulitzer Prize, but it seems like there are just as many people who didn’t like it as did when you read the reviews. I agree that it’s long, but I really enjoyed it, and the cadence of her prose is lovely. I’ll be looking forward to seeing the movie when it’s released, although knowing me I’ll likely complain that it’s nothing like the book!
| Crazy Rich Asians Trilogy by Kevin Kwan |
Crazy Rich Asians and the two follow-on novels (China Rich Girlfriend and Rich People Problems) are definitely what I’d term beach reading, but they are completely engrossing. Knowing next to nothing about the culture of China, Hong Kong, and Singapore (and absolutely nothing about how the ultra-rich live, LOL), I found these books fascinating. Definitely fun escapist novels!
| Rules of Civility by Amor Towles |
While waiting for my turn to check out A Gentleman in Moscow, I decided to read Amor Towles’s first novel, Rules of Civility. I’m glad I did–I love books that are set in the Depression era, and this was an engaging and easy read. I’ll let you know how A Gentleman in Moscow was next time; I just checked it out.
I bought Magnolia Table with some of my Christmas gift cards, and everything I’ve made we have loved, plus it’s also a good read. I have to give Joanna Gaines big props for being able to seemingly do it all and make it look easy! Our favorite recipes so far are Sausage and Hash Brown Casserole (p. 33), Sausage and Kale Soup (p. 109), and Chicken & Dumplings (p. 215).
I’ve already preordered Volume 2, which will be released in April. Yum!
Now, here are three that my husband recommends:
| Freedom’s Forge by Arthur Herman |
I kind of think the subtitle is self-explanatory (How American Business Produced Victory in World War II); he said it was fascinating.
| Talking to Strangers by Malcolm Gladwell |
Chris has read all of Malcolm Gladwell’s books and this is the newest. He also recommends his podcast, Revisionist History (he listens to podcasts and audio books during his daily commute).
Last but not least:
| Atomic Habits by James Clear |
Honestly, this is one that I need to read or listen to! I’m putting it on my list and will report in once I’ve gotten through it. Have any of you read it?
As always, I’d love to hear recommendations from fellow bookworms in the comments below. And to see a full list of all of our recommend books, just visit our Amazon store and click on the “Favorite Books” list.
Thanks for the suggestions.. Two of my favorites are A Marriage of Opposites (historical fiction). The story of the mother of Camille Pissarro. Set in St. Thomas and Paris. The other book was Under the Scarlet Sky. It’s about Nazi Occupies Italy during WWII. That book is non fiction. I didn’t even realize till the end that it was a true story, I bet your Husband would love it.
I had another friend recently recommend Under the Scarlet Sky! It’s on my list, although the library doesn’t have it so I haven’t purchased it yet. I’ll have to put A Marriage of Opposites on my list, too. Thanks so much for your suggestions–I always prefer to read ones that are recommended! Christy
Just finished Educated. It was a great read. A Gentleman in Moscow was a page turner for me. Beautiful imagery.
Thanks for the suggestions.