I joined my book club just about 4 years ago and it has truly been one of the best decisions I’ve ever made! As I’ve previously mentioned, I am a book lover, however, this was not the case during or right after college. My life was taken over by books that I was required to read, books that didn’t really interest me, and I lost that desire to just sit and read a good book as I had done for so many years.
When my friend, (and cousin-by-marriage or “un-cousin” as we call ourselves) Holly, asked me and a few other uncousins, cousins and friends to join, I was pumped! Not necessarily for the books, but the getting together, drinking and eating once a month sounded awesome! And so began one of my favorite activities that I’ve ever participated in. We have read close to 50 books by now, and these are my absolute favorites so far:
We Were Liars by E. Lockhart
This book is hands down the BEST book we have read so far, and you know what? It was the very first book that our club ever picked! No book has really come close as far as plot twist and getting a discussion going! It is a story about cousins that are from a very well-off family and the time they spend at their family compound on the East Coast. Just trust me when I say that you NEED to read this one!
When my friend, (and cousin-by-marriage or “un-cousin” as we call ourselves) Holly, asked me and a few other uncousins, cousins and friends to join, I was pumped! Not necessarily for the books, but the getting together, drinking and eating once a month sounded awesome! And so began one of my favorite activities that I’ve ever participated in. We have read close to 50 books by now, and these are my absolute favorites so far:
We Were Liars by E. Lockhart
This book is hands down the BEST book we have read so far, and you know what? It was the very first book that our club ever picked! No book has really come close as far as plot twist and getting a discussion going! It is a story about cousins that are from a very well-off family and the time they spend at their family compound on the East Coast. Just trust me when I say that you NEED to read this one!
Wild by Cheryl Strayed
A memoir about Cheryl's hiking the Pacific Crest Trail might not seem like the most riveting plot, but it really, truly is. It flashes back to her past and things that led her to where she is during the story. It is a story about really finding out what you are made of and about self-discovery. I highly recommend this one and then go watch the movie with Reese Witherspoon! I don't usually enjoy the book AND movie so much, but in this case, it was very well done! (Our book club even took a field trip to the theater to see it when the movie came out!)
A memoir about Cheryl's hiking the Pacific Crest Trail might not seem like the most riveting plot, but it really, truly is. It flashes back to her past and things that led her to where she is during the story. It is a story about really finding out what you are made of and about self-discovery. I highly recommend this one and then go watch the movie with Reese Witherspoon! I don't usually enjoy the book AND movie so much, but in this case, it was very well done! (Our book club even took a field trip to the theater to see it when the movie came out!)
Big Little Lies by Liane Moriarty
I have found one of my favorite authors through book club, and as you may have guessed, it is Liane Moriarty. We have read a few books by Liane and they are all similar in style, but always a book that you don't want to put down! Big Little Lies is the story about a group of moms, their kids and husbands and their community. It is sort of a "mystery" type of book, but not scary or a thriller. It is just one of those books that you can bring on a trip with you and finish before the trip is over! This one has been made into a mini-series on HBO (also with Reese Witherspoon) and I am excited for the second season to come out soon!
I have found one of my favorite authors through book club, and as you may have guessed, it is Liane Moriarty. We have read a few books by Liane and they are all similar in style, but always a book that you don't want to put down! Big Little Lies is the story about a group of moms, their kids and husbands and their community. It is sort of a "mystery" type of book, but not scary or a thriller. It is just one of those books that you can bring on a trip with you and finish before the trip is over! This one has been made into a mini-series on HBO (also with Reese Witherspoon) and I am excited for the second season to come out soon!
A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman
This story is such a sweet one! It is about a cranky old man who finds some unexpected (and unwanted friendships) in his neighbors. It sort of reminds me of that movie Gran Torino with Clint Eastwood, but with a different vibe to it. I really love when the book flashes back to Ove's childhood because this really develops his character! And by the way, the name is pronounced Oo-va, not Ove!
This story is such a sweet one! It is about a cranky old man who finds some unexpected (and unwanted friendships) in his neighbors. It sort of reminds me of that movie Gran Torino with Clint Eastwood, but with a different vibe to it. I really love when the book flashes back to Ove's childhood because this really develops his character! And by the way, the name is pronounced Oo-va, not Ove!
Me Before You by Jojo Moyes
This book is the first in a trilogy (and yes, we read the other two books as well!) It is the story of a quirky girl named Louisa and how she finds a job being the caretaker of Will Traynor is was paralyzed in an accident a few years prior. The relationship that forms between the two is more than just your typical "love story" and it is a truly moving book! Of course, then you also need to read the next two books "After You" and "Still Me"!
This book is the first in a trilogy (and yes, we read the other two books as well!) It is the story of a quirky girl named Louisa and how she finds a job being the caretaker of Will Traynor is was paralyzed in an accident a few years prior. The relationship that forms between the two is more than just your typical "love story" and it is a truly moving book! Of course, then you also need to read the next two books "After You" and "Still Me"!
I really hope that you try reading at least one of these books and maybe even find a book club, or START one, of your own! I look forward to our meetings every month and while some books that we've chosen haven't been my favorite, I am so thankful for finding my love for reading once again!
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