It’s World Book Day and in honor of it, I’m recommending five books I believe you should consider reading or re-reading in some cases. Let’s face it, in our current crazy times, chances are even if it wasn’t World Book Day, you’d still be searching for your next read, just to have something to help pass the time. So going off the book category selections from my previous post, here are my five World Book Day selections.
- Current Favorite – Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens. The story of “the Marsh Girl”, aka Kya Clark – abandoned, mocked, bullied and abused, who manages to not just survive her harsh circumstances, but to thrive, Where the Crawdads Sing is a deeply emotional, sometimes heartbreaking tale of love, survival and the indomitable strength of the human spirit. And if you’re like me, who always loves a good mystery, there’s even a mysterious death, to keep things interesting.
- Favorite Classic – Emma by Jane Austen. This is not my favorite classic novel but it ranks up there. And I know I’m probably supposed to say Pride & Prejudice or Sense & Sensibility when recommending an Austen novel but sorry, not sorry, neither of these two novels is as thoroughly delightful for me as Emma. I truly believe the latter is Austen’s most fun and entertaining work – romance, hijinks, misunderstandings, a cast of hilariously enjoyable characters, etc. What more can you want?
- Favorite Childhood/Nostalgic – The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis. I honestly cannot remember how old I was when I first read The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe. I just know that the story has stayed with me, having re-read it multiple times at various stages of my life, gaining some new perspective and understanding of it every time. Incredible world-building, wonderful characters, a compelling villain and battle between Good and Evil, rich and beautiful imagery, and just plain great writing.
- Favorite Thriller/Mystery – Big Little Lies by Liane Moriarity. I know, you’ve probably seen the mini-series, which was excellent and very likely you’ve already read the book, if for nothing else because you enjoyed the mini-series that much. But what the hell, read it again because it’s just that good. While the mini-series was excellent, what I loved so much about the book that I felt was lacking a bit in the former, was the humor sprinkled throughout. The cast of various parents, friends, etc. acting as a Greek Chorus throughout the novel, added a certain light-heartedness and fun that kept the story from becoming too dark and depressing, despite the heavy subject matter.
- Favorite Young Adult – All the Bright Places by Jennifer Niven. You’re never too old for a good young adult novel, period. Chances are you may have caught the recently released Netflix adaptation of this novel. While I thought all involved did a good job, this is one of those instances where you should definitely read the book. There was a level of emotional heartbreak, hopelessness, and pain in Niven’s writing, that simply could not truly be captured in the film. This one broke me in all the best ways a good book should.
Happy reading and happy World Book Day.
PoPnOgR@PhY 