Reading brings a lot of joy to my daily life.
I want to share some of my favorite books I’ve read in the past two years. These books received 10/10 ratings from me and I would definitely read them again.
For context, my favorite genres are fantasy fiction, thriller, spirituality and mystery.
Let’s start with books I read in 2021
-Out of Love by Hazel Hayes
A romance novel that reminded me of the depth and beauty of love during a season of singleness. It was such a beautifully written book that though romance is typically not my favorite genre, I loved it none-the-less.
-The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue by V.E. Schwab
A dark and somewhat romantic fantasy that follows a girl cursed to be forgotten by all-or so she thinks.
-The Midnight Library by Matt Haig
I was crying on an airplane as I read the entire length of the book on a flight from Barbados to Miami. It reminds us all to be grateful for the lives we have while exploring the duality of choice and the way our lives shift based on the decisions we make. It truly is a beautifully written book that I would recommend to anyone.
Now to 2022
-Cloud Cuckoo Land by Anthony Doerr
An amazingly written novel that skillfully winds the threads of the lives of many. Doerr takes the reader on an epic and seamless journey through time while reminding us of the resilience of words and the true weight of a moment.
-The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma by Bessel van der Kolk
A survey of the relationships between brain, mind, body and trauma. Van der Kolk , a medical doctor gives hope to those who have experienced any type of trauma by discussing this important relationship and methods used to heal and recover.
The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo series by Stieg Larsson
I read the trilogy by Stieg Larrson and was immediately captivated by the dynamic yet elusive protagonist who seems to always have a solution to get herself out of sticky situations. The books take the reader down winding roads with enthralling characters and complex antagonists.
Now, 2023
-In a Garden Burning Gold by Rory Powers
A story of a powerful (cough cough *magical*) family with a chaotic dynamic. This fantasy novel follows the lives of twins who share very little aside from DNA and the intense desire to ensure their family remains in power.
-The Final Strife by Saara El-Arifi
The complex story-telling in this book is quite remarkable. There are so many layers and complexities that keep the reader engaged through the length of the book. My only complaint would be that the second book of the series won’t be released until May. Any lover of fantasy would be a lover of this beautifully written book.
-Heartless by Marissa Meyer
A truly captivating story that takes an intimate look into the life of Wonderland’s Queen of Hearts. Readers have the unique opportunity to fall in love with young Cath and our hearts break when hers does as we watch her transition from a dreamy young woman to the heartless, murderous one we know her as in Lewis Carroll’s classic.
-When Breath Becomes Air by Paul Kalanithi
A neurosurgeons personal account of his personal and career journey to understanding the balance between life and death. Readers follow the life of a man desperate to grasp the un-graspable.
The Introvert's Escape Maneuver 