Reading has always provided such a great escape from my daily life; not that my life has been unhappy, but it’s nice to step into someone else’s head or world for a little while. While reading books, I have escaped to fantasy worlds, Nazi occupied France, 1950s Italy, 1800s England, an American city occupied by vegetarian vampires, I mean the list goes on and on.
I love opening up a new book, and flipping through to check the number of pages per chapter. And let’s not forget about that glorious new book smell.
Most of us are fortunate to read and write what we choose, so, to celebrate International Literacy Day, I would like to recommend some of my favourite books.
Magic in Manhattan series by Sarah Mlynowski
Bras and Broomsticks is the first book from the Magic in Manhattan series by Sarah Mlynowski. The story follows fourteen year-old Rachel and her struggles with high school, friends, and the fact that her younger sister is a witch. This book is a hilarious and fun read! I remember laughing out loud quite a few times. It’s great for young teens, but can be enjoyable if you’re older. The rest of the series is great too.
The Mediator Series by Meg Cabot
The Mediator series by Meg Cabot is one of my favourite book series ever! I first read these books in my mid-teens and spent every second of my free time devouring them. The spines are so worn because my sister and I have read them so many times; I lost count after nine.
The books are about Suze Simon, a sixteen year-old girl who can see and speak to ghosts; she also gets a little physical with them when they don’t cooperate. I don’t want to give too much away, but it’s kind of like Veronica Mars, meets Ghost Whisperer, meets Buffy the Vampire Slayer, minus the vampires, kind of… You’ll understand when you read book 2. READ. THESE.
The series is being adapted for the screen by Netflix. Sarah Spillane will be directing, and Debra Martin Chase (The Princess Diaries) will produce. I really hope this adaptation will do the books and characters justice. Fingers crossed.
Hush Hush series by Becca Fitzapatrick
I read this series and my college years and could not put them down! There are a lot of mixed reviews about these books, but I really enjoyed them.
Hush, Hush is about Nora Grey who falls for the mysterious bad boy in her high school, although she is reluctant at first and things start to get a little dangerous. Dive into the paranormal and teen romance.
These book are also being adapted for the screen and Liana Liberato and Wolfgang Novogratz will play the roles of Nora and Patch.
The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah
I read The Nightingale a few years ago and I really enjoyed it. If you are a fan of historical dramas , then this one is for you.
The story takes place in Nazi occupied France and recounts the struggles of two very different sisters, Vianne and Isabelle, and their resilience during the war. This book is beautifully written and had me at the edge of my seat and crying a few times throughout.
The book is being adapted into a movie with Dakota and Elle Fanning as the leads.
Daisy Jones and the Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid
Daisy Jones and the Six is beautifully written by Taylor Jenkins Reid. I heard nothing but good things about this book and I wasn’t disappointed.
The book follows the rise and fall of a rock band in the late 60s and early 70s in California. It has the typical drama and complications of drugs, alcohol sex, and rock and roll, but Jenkins really reveals the essence of the characters and their inner struggles.
I really like the documentary style of this book; every character’s story is heard from their own point of view, which I prefer since I’m not a huge fan of third person narration.
Daisy Jones and the Six is part of Reese Witherspoon’s book club, and will be adapted into a mini-series by her production company Hello Sunshine, along with Amazon Studios. They hit the nail on the head with the cast of actors; I have high expectations for the adaptation.
Next, I am escaping to 1950s Jaipur.
The Henna Artist by Alka Joshi
I started reading The Henna Artist Sunday night and I love Alka Joshi’s writing style. I will be leaving a detailed review on my blog once I am done.
Happy Reading 🙂