Did you know that reading is a great way to de-stress after a long day? For some, it’s almost as satisfying as taking off your bra when you walk through the door or eating that box of scorched almonds you’d swore to save. Whether you’re already a bookish babe or you’re looking to get back into reading, we’ve put together a list of some of the books we’re most excited to curl up with this year.
- WHERE THE CRAWDADS SING – Everyone is raving about it and we just have to know what the fuss is all about!
- THE LAST WISH – I mean, did you see The Witcher on Netflix? So f’ing good! Plus we wouldn’t mind picturing Henry Cavill while reading it.
- WIFE AFTER WIFE – Love, lust and betrayal? This has wine and cheese book club night written all over it.
- THE BOOK OF OVERTHINKING – Hands up if you’re a classic overthinker 🙋 This ones for us.
- GROWN UPS – The Queen of getting you all up in your feels, Marian Keys pens hilarious and heartwarming stories.
- THE GIVER OF STARS – Did you read Me Before You? Jojo Moyes is a heartbreaker in the best possible way.
Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens
Why’s it on the list?: This is one of those books that seems to be everywhere. I personally know a handful of people who have read and loved it and if the Goodreads reviews are anything to go by, this looks set to be a heartbreaking, vivid, insightful and complex read.
Synopsis: For years, rumors of the “Marsh Girl” have haunted Barkley Cove, a quiet town on the North Carolina coast. So in late 1969, when handsome Chase Andrews is found dead, the locals immediately suspect Kya Clark, the so-called Marsh Girl. But Kya is not what they say. Sensitive and intelligent, she has survived for years alone in the marsh that she calls home, finding friends in the gulls and lessons in the sand. Then the time comes when she yearns to be touched and loved. When two young men from town become intrigued by her wild beauty, Kya opens herself to a new life – until the unthinkable happens.Perfect for fans of Barbara Kingsolver and Celeste Ng, WHERE THE CRAWDADS SING is at once an exquisite ode to the natural world, a heartbreaking coming-of-age story, and a surprising tale of possible murder. Owens reminds us that we are forever shaped by the children we once were, and that we are all subject to the beautiful and violent secrets that nature keeps.
The Last Wish by Andrzej Sapkowski
Why’s it on the list?: The Witcher was one of those shows that took Netflix by storm (partly for the epic story, but mostly for Cavill) so while I eagerly await another season, I’m going to dive deeper into this high-fantasy world by checking out the books its based on. The Last Wish is book 0.5 in the series and seems to be a great place to get to grips with the world building and the characters.
Synopsis: INTRODUCING THE WITCHER – NOW A MAJOR NETFLIX SHOW
Introducing Geralt the Witcher – revered and hated – who holds the line against the monsters plaguing humanity in the bestselling series that inspired the Witcher video games and a major Netflix show.
Geralt of Rivia is a Witcher, a man whose magic powers and lifelong training have made him a brilliant fighter and a merciless assassin.Yet he is no ordinary killer: he hunts the vile fiends that ravage the land and attack the innocent.But not everything monstrous-looking is evil; not everything fair is good . . . and in every fairy tale there is a grain of truth.Andrzej Sapkowski, winner of the World Fantasy Lifetime Achievement award, started an international phenomenon with his Witcher series. The Last Wish is the perfect introduction to this one-of-a-kind fantasy world.
Wife After Wife by Olivia Hayfield
Why’s it on the list?: I am a sucker for a retelling + books with a historical element seem to be shooting straight to the top of my TBR lately. Really intrigued by the synopsis and based on some of the reviews I’ve read, this whole idea of Henry VIII being reincarnated into a 21st-century mogul is a literary delight. This has book club potential written all over it.
Synopsis: Divorced, murdered, died, divorced, suicide, survived…Wealthy, devilishly handsome businessman Harry Rose is head of Rose Corporation, No. 18 on the Forbes rich list, and recently married to wife number six. But now, with business in the spotlight and his love life under scrutiny, Harry’s perfect world has the potential to come crashing to the ground.From eighties young gun to noughties ginger billionaire, there’s a reason why Harry’s many wives have found him impossible to resist. But behind the money, sex and glamour lies a truer tale of infidelity, conspiracy and lies – and Harry’s ex-wives want him to pay…
Loosely based on the trials and tribulations of the most infamous historical playboy of them all, this tale of glamour and serial monogamy will leave you deliciously entertained.’
The Book of Overthinking by Gwendoline Smith
Why’s it on the list?: We all know someone who could use a little less stress in their lives (myself included) so why not loop in a little self help reading into your day? From the few excerpts I’ve read, this book comes off less preachy and more helpful as psychologist Gwendoline Smith gives useful, real-world tips to help you worry less and enjoy life more.
Synopsis: Overthinking is also known as worrying or ruminating and it’s a form of anxiety that many people suffer from.
Psychologist and bestselling author Gwendoline Smith explains in clear and simple language the concepts of positive and negative overthinking, the truth about worry and how to deal with the ‘thought viruses’ that are holding you back. She helps you understand what’s going on in your head, using humour, lots of examples and anecdotes, and she offers powerful strategies for addressing your issues.
Based on cognitive behavioural theory, this book will help you in all the key areas of your life: from your personal life to relationships and work.
Grown Ups by Marian Keys
Why’s it on the list?: There hasn’t been a Marian Keys book I’ve read that hasn’t had me feeling all of the things. I love the way she mixes heartwarming moments with hilarious and embarrassing ones while creating complex characters – one of the Queens of dysfunctional families. Grown Ups looks set to be my next weekend binge read.
Synopsis: They’re a glamorous family, the Caseys.
Johnny Casey, his two brothers Ed and Liam, their beautiful, talented wives and all their kids spend a lot of time together – birthday parties, anniversary celebrations, weekends away. And they’re a happy family. Johnny’s wife, Jessie – who has the most money – insists on it.
Under the surface, though, conditions are murkier. While some people clash, other people like each other far too much . . .
Everything stays under control until Ed’s wife Cara, gets concussion and can’t keep her thoughts to herself. One careless remark at Johnny’s birthday party, with the entire family present, starts Cara spilling out all their secrets.
In the subsequent unravelling, every one of the adults finds themselves wondering if it’s time – finally – to grow up?
The Giver of Stars by Jojo Moyes
Why’s it on the list?: After I read Me Before You and After You, I knew that I was in for whatever Jojo Moyes wanted to write. So far, I haven’t been disappointed by any of her recent books so The Giver of Stars is earning a top spot in my must reads for this year. A historical drama, the few people I know who’ve read this have said it’s a book lovers dream, with enough complexity to keep you hooked and a narrative that weaves together the stories of five female characters.
Synopsis: Alice Wright has travelled halfway across the world to escape her stifling life in England. Handsome American businessman Bennett Van Cleve represents a fresh start. But she soon realises that swapping the twitching curtains of suburbia for newlywed life in the wild mountains of Kentucky isn’t the answer to her prayers. But maybe meeting Margery O’Hara is. The heart and backbone of the small community of Salt Lick, a woman who isn’t afraid of anything or anyone, Margery is on a mission.
Enlisting Alice, along with three other women, all from very different backgrounds, to join her, the band of unlikely sisters battle the elements and unforgiving terrain – as well as brave all manner of dangers and social disapproval – to ride hundreds of miles a week to deliver books to isolated families. Transforming the lives of so many is all the impetus they need to take such risks.
And for Alice, her new job and blossoming friendships become an unexpected lifeline, providing her with the courage she needs to make some tough decisions about her marriage. Then a body is found in the mountains, rocking the close-knit community and tearing the women apart as one of them becomes the prime suspect. Can they pull together to overcome their greatest challenge yet?
What book are you wanting to read this year?
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Written by Monique Renee
Usually barefoot and deep in wanderlust mode, Mon loves binging Netflix, cuddling babies and stalking through Instagram looking for boho decor inspo and hotties with man buns. You’ll usually find her on holiday, planning a holiday or thinking about holidays.
Favourite Instagram to follow: @hotdudesreading
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