Well hey there, friends. Guess who’s back, back again (that’s about the only lyrics I know in the Eminem song).
Now, I know I’ve told you about my love for soap operas — hold it, before you roll your eyes at me, this isn’t about my soap recommendations — but have I mentioned that I also love to read?
When I was younger, I always had my nose in a book. Now that I’m older, that hasn’t really changed.
I usually keep a book in my purse, in the trunk of my car and on my night-stand. Better safe than sorry right — you never know when you’re going to have to sit around waiting in a place without Wi-Fi, right?
Well, one of my favourite things to do in the warmer months is sit outside and recharge my battery with some sunlight and dive into a good book. I’m talking the ones that make it feel like time freezes around you as you read.
I’ll have you know that limiting my selection to five novels (fictional books) was not easy. I considered the books very carefully, which can play to all readers. Ones that feature a little bit a humour or romance (don’t you roll your eyes), ones that contain adventure and some that speak to the heart (OK, now I’m rolling my eyes). I hope you enjoy them as much as I do.
1. The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho
This (short) work of fiction is a must read for everyone. It’s one that I return to multiple times and never seem to get tired of. No matter what you’re going through, you’ll find a way to connect it to your situation.
“Lush, evocative, and deeply humane, the story of Santiago is an eternal testament to the transforming power of our dreams and the importance of listening to your hearts.”
2. The Child Finder by Rene Denfeld
Technically under the fiction section — I’d narrow this book down further to a mystery-thriller (one of my favourite categories).
This story about a private investigator using her skills to find a missing little girl will have you on the edge of your seat. According to the synopsis, she’s got an uncanny ability to find the lost or missing. But while searching for a missing girl, the main character is also searching something else — something from her past (duhn, duhn, duhhhhn).
3. Big Little Lies by Liane Moriarty
OK, I devoured this book (think animal feasting on food — that was me with this book).
I read it before I watched the TV series (which was great, but let’s be real the book is always better). Full of twists and turns, juicy drama, the occasional laugh and an unanswered question, this book will leave you wanting more — even when you’ve reached the end.
4. Patrick Bowers Files (series) by Steven James
Recommending an entire series is NOT cheating, OK? The series — starting with The Pawn follows FBI agent Patrick Bowers as he races to find a “cunning and lethal” killer that always seems to be one step ahead. This is probably one of my favourite mystery series (second only to Rizzoli and Isles).
5. It’s Not Me, It’s You by Mhairi McFarlane
For all the RomCom people out there, let me introduce you to a RomCom in book form!
I literally don’t think I’ve ever laughed so hard while reading a book. It’s the story, humour and everything in between you want to see in a good movie.
“It went like this: I proposed. Paul said yes, not particularly enthusiastically. Then we went for drinks, and he sent a text to the Other Woman saying ‘oh god, Delia wants to marry me’ TO ME by mistake ...”
Need I say more?
Now friends, if you like the vibes of book recommendations, I can come back with a list of non-fiction recommendations that will make you cry and some that could ultimately make you pee your pants (depending on how strong your constitution is).
Happy reading, friends.
MORE FROM MILLICENT McKAY:
- Drop your phone and take a minute to meditate
- Spring cleaning isn’t just for your house
- Life is just one big balancing act
Millicent McKay is a picky personality, a Summerside-based journalist with the Journal Pioneer, blogger for @theonewithpaigeandmillee and avid dreamer.
