I have an up and down relationship with reading. I can go an entire year without picking up a book and then there are times where I spend every free moment I have with a book under my nose. Lately, I’ve been on a spree, loving the sound of crickets outside my window as I wrap up the day with a great read. So, I thought I would share what I’ve been reading lately in case you’re looking for a new book to read!
1. Dark Places – Gillian Flynn. Just like her other two popular books, Gone Girl and Sharp Objects, this book is twisty and dark. It left me with scary dreams and an overall sad feeling. But don’t let that stop you from reading it, it sure is a page turner. This story follows Libby Day’s journey back through the murder of her entire family. Was is it her satan worshipping brother, that she put in prison, or something else entirely?
2. Since You’ve Been Gone – Morgan Matson. After reading Dark Places I needed a little pick me up. This is a young adult novel, but it sure was fun to read. It follows Emily’s summer before her senior year of high school. Her best friend vanishes with nothing more than a list of things for Emily to do over the summer. Every item on the list is something that takes Emily out of her comfort zone. Along the way, she makes new friends, finds love and learns a little more about herself. I finished this book with big smile on my face, it was super sweet.
3. Grey – E.L. James. So, I picked this one up because I love the Fifty Shades of Grey series. But, if you’re looking for something different in this book, look elsewhere. It is the very same story, retold through Christian’s eyes, so there is little surprise and I found myself bored. Also, everything I loved about the first books, the love story, the mystery, is gone with this book. I probably should have been better about finding what the book was really about before expecting something different from it.
4. Paper Towns – John Green. I loved this book just as much as I loved The Fault in Our Stars. It wasn’t sad and had all the teenage talk of prom and love that I enjoy. Maybe I should grow up, but maybe not. A story of a boy on a journey to find a girl by the clues she has left behind, it’s definitely a fun page turner!
I would love to hear what you’ve been reading. I’m keeping my what to read Pinterest board up to date so I can save some of your favorites for later!
-Brooke
I do the same thing, I live to read but am not consistent at all. Love your picks!! Looking forward to reading Paper Towns.
Xoxo,
Whitney & Blaire
Peaches In A Pod
I really liked Dark Places! But you are right, I can only read one dark book like that at a time and need to follow it up with a light hearted one. I’ve been wanting to read Paper Towns for a while!
Great recommendations! I may have to read a couple of these!
-Hannah
http://www.sweeterthanserenity.com
I really liked Dark Places as crazy as it was. I’m reading Primates of Park Avenue right now (it’s alright) and read Killing Monica before then (loved it!)
~~Megan~~
http://www.poshprime.com
I loved the 50 shades series, but I heard this one wasn’t anything new – so thanks for reaffirming that I don’t need to read lol! xo, Biana –BlovedBoston
I have been reading A LOT of books this summer! If you aren’t on Goodreads, you should join it… you can organize books you want to read, to read, have read, etc. And, a lot of my friends/bloggers are on there! I haven’t read any of these books, the Since You’ve Been Gone sounds good! Here is my Goodreads page: https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/6066115-carrie
Carrie
curlycraftymom.com
Goodreads sounds awesome! I’m going to check it out for sure.
Yeah, I don’t know what I expected it to be any different, but I was so bored!
Oooo, I’ll have to check out Killing Monica! I couldn’t put Dark Places down, but yes, it creeped me out! ha
Yeah! Let me know if you do, I would love to know what you think.
Haha, yes I had some bad dreams after reading Dark Places, but it was so good!
I hope you love it! I thought it was really cute!
wow I’m impressed with how much you’ve read!!!
I’m so guilty for never reading and then going on binges… though, with a new babe it’s not likely I’ll be reading a book anytime soon
I loved paper towns, and in contrast, I actually hated dark places… it was almost so ugly a book that it made me sick to my stomach with distaste for the storyline. I guess that was what the author wanted, right!? I did like sharp objects though, with the sudden twist and emotional backstory. Great reading roundup!! thanks for sharing!
xx! Jordan Taylor | petiteMODERN
Great reviews and suggestions, Brooke! I’m always looking for a new book to read. I want to see the Paper Towns movie, but not sure if I’ll read the book. Since You’ve Been Gone sounds cute! Sometimes those young adult novels are the best.
If you like Gillian Flynn’s writing, you’ll like Swimsuit by James Patterson. It’s very dark, but I loved it! I like thrillers.
Christie
The Closet by Christie
I’ll have to pick that one up! I highly recommend Since Youve Been Gone, it was really cute!
I know exactly what you mean! It was an ugly book and in the end, I was left feeling pretty sad, but I just had to know what was happening, she has a way of hooking you in.
It’s almost like a challenge to me to see how long I can stay hooked on reading, but I’ve always been in and out. Lately, it’s been helping me clear my mind and sleep a lot! But, yeah, that sweet new baby is going to be keeping you busy! 🙂
Great reviews!! I have fallen off the reading bandwagon so this is a good motivator! Hope you are both enjoying you summer:)
Marta
http://www.sweatersstripesandsweets.com
I love to read, so I am always up for a good recommendation!
Amy Ann
Straight A Style
I am an avid political thriller reader, so fictions(romantic or otherwise) have always fallen through the crack for me..but prom and love seems to be the right kind of book for a lazy afternoon…thanks for the recommendations!
Paper Towns! I love the book, even though it’s my second favourite. I think I’ll skip Grey though, I don’t enjoy the Fifty Shades franchise at all.
xx Bash | Hey Bash | bloglovin’
Reallllly want to read Paper Towns- I’ve heard it’s awesome! 🙂
-Ashley
Le Stylo Rouge
I have to pick up my reading game, too. I used to be such an avid reader but I have dropped considerably and I really dislike that it has dropped.
I heard about Grey and I doubt I will read it. I would rather have read something “new” rather than a different perspective of the story. haha. No offense – it wasn’t like the original was that much of a difficult read to understand another perspective of the story. haha (though I was thoroughly entertained like many other women were!)
xo,
nancy
http://www.adoretoadorn.com
Great recommendations, I will definitely look into these fun summer reads. Thanks for sharing.
http://www.racheldinh.com
Dark Places is SO GOOD!! I couldn’t sleep for about a week after reading it, lol, but it was definitely a great book! Also, paper towns looks great! I absolutely loved the fault in our stars, and didn’t know about this John Green book so I will definitely check it out. Thanks for sharing!
Xo
Lee |
LegalLee Blonde
Just like you, I get quite a shift in my reading habit. It’s been two years I haven’t read any book; this certainly has inspired me to buy a new one. Though I admire fiction with no horror 🙂
Kanika
http://www.aboutsapphirejewelry.com/
Great summer reading list! I just started reading Dark Places and will definitely need a pick me up when I’m finished!
Jill
http://www.dousedinpink.com
Oh this is perfect. I’m heading on a trip and about to finish my book-in-progress. The only one of these I’ve read is Dark Places but Since You’ve Been Gone sounds like a perfect light summer read!
Gina || On the Daily Express
Crazy Rich Asians and Before I sleep both books has been so ADDICTIVE. MUST READ!
http://www.petiteandpretty.com