As I sit here at the start of the third week of January, writing this blog post, it seems a little weird to be thinking about spring break book recommendations. I mean, we’ve only had school for 7 days since going back after winter break because of the weather, but I needed a bright spot to fill what has felt like the longest month ever.
These books are not any sort of professional development. They are purely for enjoyment. While professional development is important, I also think it’s crucial to take time to relax and unwind on breaks from school.
A little disclaimer: I am not someone who only reads a certain author or a particular genre. My taste in books varies greatly, just like my taste in music – I’m just kind of all over the place. I read books that my friends and people on Instagram recommended. When I find an author I love, I will read all of their books. I’m also trying to read all of the books from Reese Witherspoon’s book club and Jenna Bush Hager’s book club for no other reason than to say that I have.
So, with that in mind, here are some of my favorite books I have read this past year.
Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt
Genre: Fiction
I almost gave up on this book immediately when I realized an octopus was narrating the story. However, it came highly recommended by a former co-worker and is on the Read with Jenna list, so I felt like I couldn’t toss it to the side. I am so glad that I didn’t! This book was wonderful and had me feeling so many emotions for Marcellus the octopus and Tova, the woman who cleans the aquarium where Marcellus lives. Shelby Van Pelt is an amazing writer and did a wonderful job developing her characters so the reader would become invested in their lives. This is a book that I would read again just to immerse myself back into Tova and Marcellus’ lives.
The Giver of Stars by JoJo Moyes
Genre: Historical Fiction
Okay, so I didn’t actually read this book in 2023, but it is one of my favorite books I’ve ever read. The book is set during the Great Depression in the mountains of Kentucky and takes the reader on a journey as a group of five women sign up to be part of a traveling library. The book is based on a true story, and these traveling libraries were part of the Works Progress Administration (WPA), one of Roosevelt’s most popular New Deal programs. As an avid reader, I loved watching as the individuals in these extremely rural Appalachian communities came to look forward to the traveling library visiting their homes. It is a true testament to the importance of literacy, and was a book I just couldn’t put down.
The Good Sister by Sally Hepworth
Genre: Thriller/Suspense
This book was so twisted! However, in the beginning, you kind of forget that this book is supposed to be a thriller. The story is about two sisters, Rose and Fern, and we bounce back and forth between their points of view throughout the story as Fern makes it her mission to get pregnant and have a baby for her sister Rose who is struggling with infertility. For me, Fern was the reason I loved the book so much. I loved her personality and cheering her on as she navigated life with Asperger’s Syndrome. I’ve read through other reviews where people didn’t really think it qualified as a thriller/suspense, but the ending was just so twisted, I think it easily meets the requirements.
Counting the Cost by Jill Duggar, Derick Dillard, and Craig Borlase
Genre: Nonfiction
I am not a nonfiction reader. I just am someone who needs a book with plot and character development, and to be perfectly honest, I read to be transported into the lives of fictional characters. However, I have watched every episode of 19 Kids and Counting (and all the other names it had previously), as well as all the episodes of Counting On. I know people have EXTREMELY strong opinions about the Duggar family, so this book may not be for everyone. The Duggar family truly fascinated me when they first started appearing on television, and I still follow several of the daughters on Instagram just to kind of keep up with what their lives look like now. I read Ginger’s book at the beginning of 2023 when it was released and it just wasn’t what I was expecting. However, Jill’s book, released later in 2023 was exactly what I was hoping for. She did not hold back and definitely just put it all out there about what it was really like growing up as a Duggar. I was engrossed and was constantly keeping my husband updated on all the crazy details she shared. If you grew up watching the Duggars I highly recommend this book!
All Adults Here by Emma Straub
Genre: Fiction
This is the second book I’ve read by Emma Straub and is the reason I have some of her other books on my TBR list. The story explores the lives of a mother, her three children, and a teenage granddaughter. The book took a look at a lot of different issues people experience in life – social, political, emotional, etc., but I think what made me love the book was the focus on forgiveness and not living with secrets and the burden they cause. I know from other reviews many readers felt like there were too many issues thrown into one book, but when we are looking at the lives of 5 people, there is bound to be a lot of unique experiences when you look at each individual, even if they are in the same family.
Let me know if you’ve read any of these books or if you have a must-read that I should add to my list for Spring break!
