Book Club Favorites

Book Club Favorites

Do you love to devour a good book and then sit around and discuss its awesomeness with like-minded people over a nice dinner and a few delightful libations? Then a book club is exactly the place where you belong. Being part of a book club allows you to open up to books and authors that you may otherwise not choose for yourself. It allows you to see the world through someone else’s eyes and discuss topics in great detail that you wouldn’t normally discuss in everyday conversations. Book clubs are a fantastic way to meet new people and develop an even greater love for a good story.

Having my trio of 3 littles and now working part time, I decided at the end of last school year to make a little more time for myself. I’ve always been an avid reader. One of my first memories of reading is being curled up at the library, for what seemed like hours, poring over Where the Sidewalk Ends by Shel Silverstein. After which I moved onto Babysitter’s Club and the rest, as they say, is history. So, when I learned that a good friend of mine was part of a book club, I jumped at the chance to join, and have loved it ever since. I am so lucky to be part of a wonderful group of ladies who challenge me to think deeper, not only about what I read, but how I view the world and others in it.

If you don’t know of an existing book club near you, head to your local library. The library is a great place to start. They are bound to know all the best places to find readers. Or, go out on a limb and start one yourself. I can practically guarantee that one inquiring post on Facebook and all the “closet readers” will sign up and you’ll have enough to start a club in no time.

Without further ado, here are some recommendations based on what we have loved in my book club.

*The following contains affiliate links which if you choose to purchase I earn a small percentage at no cost to you. All opinions are 100% my own.*

•  The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah is a wonderful story of two sisters set predominantly in Wold War II France but this isn’t your typical WWII tale. The author does an amazing job weaving in the stories of the past within the context of today and will have you guessing until the end. It is a brilliant read with captivating characters set in a heartbreaking backdrop. Love, love, love it!!
• The Light Between Oceans by M. L. Stedman tells an impossibly gripping tale of exactly the lengths a couple will go in pursuit of a child to love. The plot circles around the lighthouse, maintained by complex man with war demons of his own. It offers a triumph of the human spirit and begs the reader to ask, “What exactly does it mean to be a family?”
• The Storyteller by Jodi Picoult in another story that moves back and forth between modern time and WWII. What makes this so great, in my opinion, is that it will make you question the lines between right and wrong at a time when we often think there is a clear good (us) and a clear bad (Nazis). Even as a history teacher, I learned so much about the era and was forced to question things that I had previously not considered, particularly about the Nazi Regime. While both this and The Nightingale are set in the same historical context, the stories couldn’t be more different and unique.
• The Japanese Lover by Isabel Allende is a New York Times Bestseller and truth be told, I’m currently only about 80% finished with it (at least according to my Kindle!). I will update this info as needed once I’ve completely finished it. But this books tackles (in part) the advancement of interracial relationships in America.  It is an interesting story so far but it makes me question, can all behaviors and choices be excused in the name of love? Even if it is forbidden love? I’m not so sure…

All of these books will be available at your local library if you have the luxury of buzzing by there. Some really good ones even have drive thru! But if you are like me, you prefer the Kindle, you can get one for a smashing deal for my readers only from Amazon here.

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Comment below if you read, loved, (or despised?), any of these books. I’d love to hear from you!

Until next time, spend some time this Sunday curled up with a great book and happy reading!

Leanne 

Leanne

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