The main goal this summer is to spend nights and weekends not working and just relaxing. Now there are a few ways I love to relax: watching my favorite TV shows on Netflix, going to the movies or watching a good movie at home, and of course, reading books. Recently, I went on a little shopping spree and picked up five books I knew would be the perfect reads this summer.
Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn – This book is number one on my must-read list, and it’s the one I’m starting with because there is a movie expected to come out soon. It’s a story about Nick and Amy Dunne, a North Carthage couple who are about to celebrate their fifth wedding anniversary when Amy suddenly disappears from their rented McMansion on the Mississippi River. Of course he isn’t exactly doing himself any favors as he parades so many lies, deceits and inappropriate behavior. Could he be the killer?
The Husband’s Secret by Liane Moriarty – The book is about a woman’s husband who wrote her a letter she’s supposed to read after he passes away. The letter contains all of his deepest, darkest secrets. It’s something that could really destroy the life the couple has built together. Now think about what would happen if said wife came across the letter while her husband was still alive. I can’t wait to see what unfolds in this book.
The Fault in Our Stars by John Green – Another book with a movie coming out soon (the trailer looks great). Written by a Youtuber, The Fault in Our Stars is about a young girl named Hazel who, despite the tumor-shrinking medical miracle that gave her a few years, has never been anything but terminal. Things change when she meets Augustus Waters in her Cancer Kid Support Group. After their meeting, her story is going to be rewritten completely. I can already tell that this is one book I’m going to need about three boxes of Kleenex.
Someday, Someday, Maybe by Lauren Graham – As a huge Gilmore Girls fan, I immediately knew I had to pick up this book. The story takes place in 1995 where Franny Banks is only six months away from her three-year deadline. A deadline she first gave herself when she moved to New York with dreams of being on Broadway and doing something important. Unfortunately, all she has to show for her hard efforts is waiting tables at a comedy club, and being in an ad for ugly Christmas Sweaters. Her roommates Dan (an aspiring sci-fi writer) and Jane have been supportive, but she knows she hasn’t been successful in her goals. People keep telling her to think of a backup plan, and while she can picture herself moving back home and settling down with her ex-boyfriend, she’s not quite ready to give up.
Divergent by Veronica Roth – I just learned the author is a Chicago-native and even wrote the book while she was living in Barrington, which isn’t too far from where I live. Divergent, another book that’s now a movie, tells the story of Beatrice Prior living in Chicago that’s now divided into five factions where each is dedicated to a cultivation of a particular virtue: Candor (the honest), Abnegation (the selfless), Dauntless (the brave), Amity (the peaceful) and Erudite (the intelligent). The first book takes places during an appointed day, which happens every year, and all 16-year-olds will have to choose between staying with their family or being who they really are. Beatrice can’t have both. She renames herself to Tris and now must live with the choice she made, while keeping her dark secret that could ultimately get herself killed. I’ve already seen the movie and I can’t wait to see how much I like the book.
The summer is the best time to relax outside with a cup of coffee and a good book. I can’t wait to curl up and start reading. Look for my follow-up reviews on these five books!
Q. What book(s) do you plan on reading this summer?
