A new year and those pesky wintery months inspired additional reading in my house. I usually have two books going at a time, listening to Audible during my daily work commute and reading on my trusty Kindle before bed each night. Avoiding the mindless instagram scrolling and blue light before bed has really improved my sleep. Whether the book leans toward self improvement or is just a great thriller, I’ve compiled a list of five books that made its way to the top of my reading list.
Top 5 Book List
- Bright Young Women by Jessica Knoll – This one really kept my interest. I know that folks love a good thriller, and this book is technically that, but instead of focusing on the notorious serial killer the story is based off of, it focuses on the victims’ stories. Loosely based on the Ted Bundy killings, the author does a wonderful job ensuring that although this individual (only referred to as the defendant) may have been the catalyst, the real story here is the smart, young and bright women whose lives were taken much too early. Definitely a page turner and great for those that love true crime. Did this give me the chills and make me look over my shoulder? 100%.
- Atomic Habits by James Clear – A great self help book to offset the other fiction suggestions. James Clear lays out a framework and practical strategies for improving your daily life and to ultimately help you design and shape effective habits. Lots of a-ha moments in this and I will definitely provide copies to members of my work team.
- Tom Lake by Ann Patchett – This is a story about stories, specifically a mother’s story about her relationship with a famous actor in her 20s as told to her young adult daughters. Set in Northern Michigan, this book speaks to love between a mother and her children, love in marriage, and first loves. I really enjoyed this book and reflected a lot about the relationship I have with my mother and sisters. Definitely recommend!
- The Measure by Nikki Erlick – This book takes a look at how knowledge of an individual’s fate creates a rippling impact, not just on their own lives but in the lives of family, friends, and even has a greater societal impact. Here, people over the age of 22 receive an engraved box on their doorstep containing a string that provides the measure of their life expectancy. The impact on the various characters, all neatly intertwined, creates an engrossing story that really makes you think – would I want to know my own fate?
- Cutting for Stone by Abraham Verghese – A truly incredible novel set in Ethiopia following the lives of twin brothers Marion and Shiva. Their mother, a nun, dies at birth and their father, a skilled surgeon, flees in distress. The twins are then raised by two doctors who create a loving home for the young boys who share an incredible bond. The title Cutting for Stone comes from the hippocratic oath and a love for medicine is stitched throughout the entire novel. A must read but be prepared – it’s a long one.
I hope you love these books as much as I did! Happy reading!