As I sit here in the middle of January, it feels a little strange to be writing about spring break book recommendations. We’ve barely had seven school days since winter break, thanks to the weather, and yet, here I am dreaming of warmer days and a little downtime. Honestly, I needed something to brighten up what has felt like the longest month ever.
These books aren’t about professional development; they’re purely for fun. While professional growth is essential, it’s just as crucial to relax and unwind during school breaks. Also, I am including links for these books, but I am not an Amazon affiliate so I don’t earn a commision. I check out my books from the library.
A quick disclaimer: I don’t stick to just one author or genre. My reading habits are as varied as my taste in music — I’m all over the place. I read what friends and Instagram recommend, binge-read authors I love, and work my way through Reese Witherspoon’s and Jenna Bush Hager’s book clubs, mostly just to say I’ve done it.
With that in mind, here are five books I couldn’t put down this past year:
Genre: Fiction
I almost gave up on this book when I realized part of it was narrated by an octopus. But a former co-worker highly recommended it, and it’s on the Read with Jenna list, so I gave it a chance. I’m so glad I did!
This story had me feeling all kinds of emotions for Marcellus the octopus and Tova, the woman who cleans the aquarium where he lives. Shelby Van Pelt’s writing is amazing, and her characters are so well-developed that I felt completely invested in their lives. I’d read this book again just to spend more time with Tova and Marcellus.
Genre: Historical Fiction
Okay, so I technically didn’t read this in 2023, but it’s one of my all-time favorite books. Set during the Great Depression in the Kentucky mountains, it follows five women who run a traveling library as part of Roosevelt’s New Deal programs.
As an avid reader, I loved seeing how much the people in these rural Appalachian communities appreciated the library visits. This book is a beautiful testament to the power of literacy, and I couldn’t put it down.
Genre: Thriller/Suspense
This book was twisted in the best way! At first, it doesn’t feel like a thriller. It’s about two sisters, Rose and Fern, and their complicated relationship. Fern decides to have a baby for Rose, who struggles with infertility, and the story alternates between their perspectives.
Fern’s personality is what made me love this book. She’s navigating life with Asperger’s Syndrome, and I found myself cheering for her throughout. While some reviews debate whether it qualifies as a thriller, I think the dark, unexpected ending seals the deal.
Genre: Nonfiction
I’m not usually a nonfiction reader, I prefer being transported into fictional worlds. But I’ve watched every episode of 19 Kids and Counting and Counting On, so I was curious about this book.
Jill Duggar doesn’t hold back, sharing what it was really like growing up in the Duggar family. I couldn’t stop reading and kept updating my husband on all the jaw-dropping details. If you followed the Duggars, this is a must-read.
Genre: Fiction
This is the second book I’ve read by Emma Straub, and it’s why I’ve added more of her work to my TBR list. The story dives into the lives of a mother, her three grown children, and her teenage granddaughter, tackling everything from family secrets to forgiveness.
Some readers felt the book juggled too many issues, but I loved how it explored each character’s unique challenges. With five characters, it makes sense that their lives would be messy, complicated, and relatable.
Let me know if you’ve read any of these or if there’s a must-read I should add to my spring break list!
