Happy Tuesday, Friends. It’s another week with a Bachelor recap. I didn’t have the chance to watch last night, but I’m hoping to get back into recaps at some point over the next couple of weeks. Maybe when Clayton thins the herd down a bit. My Apple Watch goal this month is to walk/run 152 miles, so I had to take a live Peloton class at 6 p.m. and then dinner and dogs took up a good remainder of my evening. So, by the time I was ready to relax on the couch, I really wanted to watch an episode of Yellowstone (we just started the first season).
Speaking of goals, if you read my 2022 post, you’ll know that it’s a personal goal of mine to read more this year. I don’t make specific resolutions because I don’t want to set myself up for something that might not always be attainable given my schedule. But, it’s a good start to try reading more. In my line of work, reading is actually incredibly beneficial to honing my craft. I’m in communications and reading different styles of books by different authors, gives me some language that I could potentially pull from at some point.
I pulled together a list of books that I would like to read at some point, with the full knowledge that I might not be able to get through all of them this year. So, I thought it might be fun to share, and I would love any book recommendations that you might have. First up on my list is a book that I’ve had on my shelf since August. I’m a big Nicholas Sparks fan. I’ve read all of his books. Something about the settings always take me to a real peaceful place.
The Return
Per the back cover, The Return is about an injured army doctor and the two women whose secrets will change the course of his life. All of the pieces that make up the perfect Nicholas Sparks book. Speaking of, it looks like he has released another new title, so of course, I’m adding that one to my 2022 list as well.
The Wish
The Wish seems to have all of the makings of a Sparks’ novel. It’s set by the sea and it’s a story about the enduring legacy of a first love. Again, sign me up. I’ve never met a Nicholas Sparks book I don’t like.
The Midnight Library
The Midnight Library by Matt Haig is one of the books recommended by my book club, which I haven’t actually made it to in person this year. I’m a delinquent book club member that’s for sure. This is a novel about all of the choices that lead to a life well lived.
The House in the Cerulean Sea
This book, written by TJ Klune, is about six magical children in an orphanage – and it’s been described very similar to The Umbrella Academy. I’m interested in reading this because I’ve had several friends sing it’s praises, so I know it should be good.
Killers of the Flower Moon
This might be the next book I read this year. David Grann is a New Yorker staff writer, and he’s telling the true-life murder mystery of the Osage murders. I love nonfiction books, so I’m really looking forward to reading this one.
One Night on the Island
It’s no secret that Josie Silver is another of my favorite authors (hello, One Day in December). Well, she’s got a new book: One Night on the Island. And, I can’t wait to read it. It involves a double booking at a one-room cabin, which in itself doesn’t seem thrilling, but we already know that Josie can take us on a wonderful journey.
Greenlights
I like a good memoir, so I’m intrigued by Matthew McConaughey’s “Greenlights.” I did my master’s degree at The University of Texas, and he’s now a professor at their College of Communication. And, he’s just an interesting guy in general. He describes it as a love letter to life, and I’m all ears.
Save me the Plums: A Gourmet Memoir
Since I’m on the topic of memoirs, I want to read Ruth Reichl’s “Save Me the Plums” memoir. Ruth shares her stories as the woman in charge at Gourmet. She’s a food writer and restaurant critic, so you know her memoir is going to be good. I heard this book mentioned a lot last year, and I never got around to reading it!
Five Presidents
I’m a big fan of historical fiction. And, while this book is historical, it’s certainly not fiction. Written by Clint Hill, former secret service agent for the White House, this book details his time covering five presidencies. It should give us a bit more of an inside look into what goes on behind the scenes in our country. This was another one that’s been on my list for awhile, and I want to dig in at some point soon.
The Vanishing Half
And, I had to have a historical fiction book on this list. The Vanishing Half has received tons of accolades from “The best book of 2020” by the New York Times to being a #1 New York Times Best Seller. It’s a story about two identical twin sisters, but one chooses to live her life black – and the other chooses to live her life white.
So, while I might not get to every single book on this list, I think it’s a nice lineup to consider. Writing things down always helps me commit, and I hope this little list gives you a bit of inspiration to pick up a book you’ve been wanting to read for awhile.
