From the beginning of July 2015 to the near end of July 2016, I have read the following books and decided the list needed recognition. Therefore, I have given a brief description of each book in hopes that it might inspire those to pick one up and take the time to enjoy the written words of many talented authors.
- To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee
Published in the 1960’s, Lee illustrates the effects of racism within southern America shone through the eyes of a young girl named Jean Louise (Scout). This book has been added to my personal favourites and will continue to enlighten the hearts of many.
- The Color Purple by Alice Walker
This book takes place in America during the 1930’s and focuses mainly on the lives of African American women. This novel is written through the main character Celie, sharing her story by writing letters to God. I reread this novel exactly five times in a row because I truly loved it and wanted to explore every detail written by Walker.
- Still Alice by Lisa Genova
Still Alice is a gripping novel that tore my heart apart and then slowly pieced it together. The author, Genova specifically enjoys writing books that are based on various diseases, each one raising awareness towards finding a cure or an effective treatment. This particular novel takes you on a journey involving a middle-aged university professor who finds out she has inherited the Alzheimer’s disease. Guaranteed, you won’t be able to put this one down.
- Go Set a Watchman by Harper Lee
This book is a sequel to To Kill a Mockingbird and was published in July of 2015. This book challenges the audience by bringing forth controversial aspects making the reader re-think their opinion on the first novel. Go Set a Watchman takes place decades after the first book and gives clarity between the relationship of Jean Louise and her father Atticus.
- Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins
My current, most absolute favourite romance novel captures friendship, new beginnings, and most importantly, the love shared between two characters. Need I say more? Oh wait, did I mention the setting is in Paris?
6. The Lights Go On Again by Kit Pearson
Canadian author Kit Pearson writes The Lights Go on Again, a story about two young children living in Canada during World War II. As the war comes to an end, Norah and Gavin receive word from their family in England and are faced with a difficult decision altering their lives immensely.
7. What Happened to Goodbye by Sarah Dessen
The novel follows the main character Mclean on her journey through life as she battles to find her identity. Moving to four towns within the span of two years, Mclean finally settles in and opens up to a group of friends all the while making amends with her mother.
- The Longest Ride by Nicholas Sparks
Two love stories in one novel; Sparks gives romance a whole new meaning. The journey established between two couples, Ira and Ruth and Luke and Sophia have little in common. The exception being that a true, compelling love is shared between each couple. Eventually, these characters cross paths and each learn about unconditional love and overcoming obstacles.
- Escape from Berlin by Irene N. Watts
The main character Marianne Kohn, a young Jewish girl, must leave her home in hopes of finding safety during the attack of the German Nazis. A book composed of three parts, Watts describes the history of the Kindertransport and the hardships Marianne Kohn faces.
- Room by Emma Donoghue
Written through the perspective of a five-year old boy Jack, Donoghue describes a troubled mother and son trapped in a small room by their captor ‘Old Nick’. Room is a captivating novel that will leave the reader feeling on edge and hopeful throughout! I felt after reading this book I just wanted to hug my loved ones a lot tighter.
- Stolen by Lucy Christopher
Set in the Great Sandy Desert of Australia, the main character Gemma struggles to escape her captor Ty, amidst trying to stay alive. Gemma loses hope and soon begins to put trust in her captor. As they get to know one another, she contemplates spending a life with him forever. I have to admit, as much as I wanted to hate Gemma’s captor, I fell in love with him all the same. Pardon my French, but a very fucked up book that leaves you with a good peace of mind.
12. The Snow Child by Eowyn Ivey
Taking place in the 1920’s, husband and wife Jack and Mabel settle in Alaska. As they struggle to make ends meet farming the land, their relationship goes awry until they spy a child alone in the wilderness. Being unable to conceive, the child becomes an important aspect to their lives uniting the strength between Jack and Mabel. The ending of this book can be interpreted in different ways, but nonetheless it is a beautiful, well-written novel.
13. Persepolis by Marjane Satrapi
I had to read this book for school and I highly recommend it! It is a graphic novel written through the eyes of Satrapi and her experiences growing up in Iran during the Islamic Revolution. This book not only captures the issues between Iran and Iraq, but also the relatable challenges people face growing up in society. Satrapi wrote this intriguing novel questioning her faith in God amidst wishing she was living in America, the land of the free. Therefore, I couldn’t help but feel blessed to have grown up living in the safety of Canada and be fortunate enough to freely express who I am.
- The Husband’s Secret by Liane Moriarty
An enthralling novel, containing all but the deepest, darkest words secreted within a note titled “For my wife – to be opened only in the event of my death”. Cecilia Fitzpatrick’s curiosity seeps beneath the layers of skin and overthrows her perfect world as she makes the decision to read her husband’s letter. When the secret is unwrapped her life begins to unfold in the worst way possible. Not only is her life flipped upside down, but the lives of Tess and Rachel too, are affected by this secret.
- The Girl on the Train by Paula Hawkins
This book brings a new light to the meaning of ‘thriller novels’. Admittedly, I am obsessed with this book and can confidently say it is bound to keep you on the edge of your seat! Mysterious and all things remotely crazy, you will have suspicions for every character described.
- Can You Keep a Secret? by Sophie Kinsella
Published in 2003, Kinsella has written a ‘chick lit’ that will repeatedly make you laugh. The main character Emma Corrigan spills her deepest secrets while feeling vulnerable on an airplane. She then later realizes her seat buddy is the CEO at her job and is forced to deal with the never-ending hilarious consequences. I am not joking around here… I don’t usually read comedic books or laugh out loud when reading books in general, but this novel had me cracking up.
17. Inside the O’Briens by Lisa Genova
Boston Police officer Joe, notices his sudden change of mood and temper outbursts resulting in a visit to the doctor’s office. When he finds out he has been diagnosed with Huntington’s disease, his only wish is for his four children to avoid inheriting it. Another beautifully written Genova novel, this story takes the reader on a journey that consists of a family being guided through life’s rough obstacles.
- The Voluntourist by Ken Budd
By far one of my favourite books ever read, this novel is composed of six different countries explored by the writer himself, Ken Budd. Uttermost funny, entertaining, and inspiring, Budd has allowed me to get a glimpse of these fascinating countries leaving behind the feeling of wanderlust.
- Mountains Beyond Mountains by Tracy Kidder
Mountains Beyond Mountains is a marvelous book following Dr. Paul Farmer, as he dreams of curing the world. Kidder writes about inspirational Farmer, a man spending the majority of his days fighting to cure tuberculosis in countries Haiti, Peru, and Russia. An intense read that fills you with information involving the spread of diseases in under-developed countries.
- Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn
A witty, physiological thriller composed of the mysterious disappearance of Amy Dunne. Husband Nick Dunne finds the ever-so clever clues his wife has left behind on the day of their 5th wedding anniversary. Nick Dunne is pinned by relatives, friends, and the rest of the world as the disappearance of his wife is broadcasted on TV. Feeling very confused, the truth begins to twist as innocent Nick is framed for the murder of his wife. After reading this book, I was left with a sick feeling in my stomach. A definite must read!
- The Book Thief by Markus Zusak
Set in Germany during World War II, Liesel Meminger and Rudy Stein steal books for some good childhood fun. Throughout their daily experiences, Liesel must keep an important secret involving a Jewish man hiding in her basement. This book is an emotional read and a guaranteed tissue-in-hand kind of novel.
- Uncle Vanya by Anton Chekhov
Uncle Vanya is a play published in 1897 written by a Russian man named Anton Chekhov. The play describes a rich, troubled family who show ignorance towards the real issues of the world. Each character struggles in a different form within the play revealing the fact that they are highly needy and self-absorbed. Chekhov makes references to climate change, the ultimate meaning of beauty, relationships, and love.
- Women at Point Zero by Nawal El Saadawi
Women at Point Zero is a quick read involving the oppressed women in Egypt during 1975. The main character Firdaus is interviewed by a psychiatrist 24 hours before her execution. Firdaus explains her life story growing up and becoming a prostitute. Based on a true story, Saadawi writes the horrors undertaken by Firdaus.
- Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone by J.K Rowling
First book of the series, Harry Potter, a young boy is taken to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. He meets hundreds of students with the similar gift of being a wizard. Potter, a naturally curious boy, learns to play Quidditch and gets into troublesome situations with his newfound friends Hermoine Granger and Ron Weasley. Rowling is a famous writer who has created a world filled with fascination and chaos.
- Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets by J.K Rowling
Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets is the second book to the series and I loved it just as much as the first, if not more! In the novel, Harry Potter attends his 2nd year at Hogwarts School only to be warned by a house elf named Dobby that the school is unsafe. Potter’s curious mind leads him into trouble once more with the help of his friends.
- Humans of New York Stories by Brandon Stanton
One of my absolute favourites, this book consisting of 428 pages with over a hundred stories of people photographed and interviewed by Stanton himself, brings tears of sadness and joy. For more than five years, Stanton has walked the streets of New York sharing the stories of over ten thousand people. These stories are mainly posted to his blog Humans of New York, but can also be read within this book where they go deeper in detail.
Happy reading 🙂
Written by Tessa R. Adamski
Life in Colour 
0 comments on “26 Books to Add to Your Reading List”