Tell me the last time you read a really good book. I’m talking about a book that you didn’t want to put down. One that you started reading and when you looked up – hours had passed. I’ve read some that I’m so drawn into that I can’t wait to end my day so I can pick up where I left off. When it comes to books I certainly have read my fair share. It’s one of my most consistent habits. So much so that I’ve started a bookstagram. I read over 100 books last year and when people find out how much I read, I always hear that they wished they could find the time to read or that they miss reading. If starting a reading habit is on your bingo card this year, I’ve got you covered.
I remember when my kids were small, I forgot what it was like to complete anything let alone a book. It took my kids getting older to jump back into my reading habit. Once I dove back in though, it picked up to the point that I read more than I did before. Starting a reading habit doesn’t have to be a chore. It is easier though when you start with a book that lets you get lost. If you start with something so good, you can’t stop talking about it it will be even easier to jump into more books. It just takes greasing the wheel a bit to get the gears moving again.
Of course, as someone who reads as much as I do, I have plenty of suggestions to kick-start or restart your habit. I’ve got some romance, mystery, and family drama in the mix. If you’re ready to dive in, let’s get started.
Malibu Rising – It surrounds a family that lives in Malibu. They’re not the dreamy, house on the beach, wealthy family that you associate with Malibu – in the beginning. Their road to wealth is not one you’d volunteer for. There’s lots of struggle, tragedy, and family drama. The kids in this family end up raising themselves AND saving themselves. You want to see them win! Their dad – not so much. He’s a whole other beast and I kept waiting for him to redeem himself. Your jaw will drop many times over because of him. You’ll want to see him fail – HARD!
The School For Good Mothers – This book made me want to fight everyone! An exhausted mom makes a mistake by leaving her 18-month-old daughter at home alone while she runs an errand. It’s a mistake she’ll pay for over and over again. After having to meet with social workers and having supervised visits with her ex-husband and mistress-turned-live-in girlfriend – it’s not enough to get her baby back. So she’s sent to the school for good mothers. If she passes their tests – she’ll be allowed to be a mother to her child again. What happened at this school had me wanting to throw the book across the room!
Yellowface – This one is a true page-turner! I had no idea where this story was going to end up. Two writers know each other from college. One goes on to have massive success. She’s Asian. The other has more of a fledgling career. She’s white. They meet up for drinks from time to time. One night after drinks they go to the apartment of the successful writer. They are amazed at how much they have in common and how well they are getting along. The more successful writer shares her unfinished manuscript to get feedback. Before there is a chance to read it, they decide they are hungry and end up making pancakes. And because they are having a good time they decide to have a pancake eating contest.
The successful writer chokes and her acquaintance attempts to save her to no avail. She dies. Distraught she meets with police and attends the funeral. Then one day she decides to read the manuscript. It’s good. It’s about a specific time in Asian history. After a thought process about how to proceed, she decides to pass it off as her own. The first issue that arises is how this white woman has written so personally and passionately about events in Asian history.
Miss Pearly’s Girls – Another great read was Miss Pearly’s Girls. it’s a story about sisters coming home to visit their mother who is having an emergency healthy situation. The sisters haven’t gotten along for years! It’s their mom’s wish that they’ll work things out and get all their secrets out in the one. This book delivered one bombshell after another. Their secrets run DEEP! I didn’t know what to expect and that was a great thing.
Symphony of Secrets – This one is a page-turner! Professor Bern Hendricks uncovers a shocking secret about the most famous composer in America. The professor is the biggest fan of the work of the composer and is largely considered the authority on him. He’s hired to do one final project and uncovers a web of lies, theft, and murder. This was another jaw-dropper!
Summer on The Bluffs – When I say beach read, Summer on the Bluffs comes to mind. It follows girls brought together each summer by a childless couple who become their godparents. The couple has a home in Oak Bluffs, an exclusive black beach community. The couple exposes the girls to a life they couldn’t imagine and shows them what’s possible for them. They come back as young women for a life-changing summer where their godmother will be giving them a home in the community. The women are holding on to secrets that they hope won’t keep them from getting a home. They don’t know that their godparents hold secrets of their own that could change everything.
The Perfect Ruin – One wronged woman goes to incredible lengths to exact revenge on a wealthy couple in Miami. Their crime? A tragedy ended her childhood years ago and one half of this perfect couple is responsible. She’s determined to ruin their lives. She infiltrates their circle and puts her plan in motion. And whoa, it’s quite a plan. I wasn’t prepared AT ALL for how this book ended.
The Perfect Marriage – This is a THRILLER! It follows a married couple, Adam and Sarah. Adam is a writer and Sarah is a top criminal defense attorney. Her job comes in handy when her husband is accused of the murder of his mistress!! His wife decides to represent him as his attorney. She convinces him she’s his best chance of beating this case. This whole book had me on the edge of my seat and took twists and turns I didn’t expect. The ending left my jaw on.the.floor.
In Five Years – Dannie lives her life by the book and on purpose. She’s pretty much going through life checking things off her list. Corporate lawyer – check. On track to be a partner – check. Have an equally successful mate – check. Get engaged to that mate – check. On the night of her engagement, she falls asleep and has a glimpse of her future. That dream changes everything and sends her life spinning in a new, scary direction.
Don’t Let Her Stay – Another thriller! This book follows Joanne who is living the perfect life in the perfect home with her husband. They’ve recently had a baby and while she’s a bit bored she’s in no way prepared for what’s headed her way. Her husband has an older daughter. She’s away at school and comes home to visit. Her husband couldn’t be happier to have his daughter back home for the school break. Joanne is a little nervous because she’s never met the girl. Soon after meeting, she has to wish she’d never laid eyes on the girl. She comes right in and turns their whole world inside out. Can Joanne get her husband to believe his wife about what his beloved daughter is up to?
Any one of these books will get you started on starting a reading habit. Which one sounds like it might be just your speed?
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