Serendipity in a Novel

I am a hands down a bookworm. I absolutely love getting lost in a novel and never being able to put it down. Whether I'm at the beach, stuck inside on a rainy day or on a plane, I will always have a book nearby. This summer I got the chance to read quite a few books because I actually had free-time (for the first time since starting college, 4 years ago)! Below is a list of my favorite books that I have read recently, in no particular order. I have also read all 18 Pretty Little Liar books, and the Maze Runner series (which I would recommend to everyone because they both great series)!

1. Rising Strong: You might think, I'm not really into the whole self-help book thing so I'll skip this one. This book isn't just another self-help book though. It is about being brave and how to pick yourself up when you fall. This book is about how you can live a wholehearted life and fall, pick yourself up and try again. I recommend Rising Strong to everyone who has ever failed at something and struggled to keep going.

2. Where'd you go Bernadette: This book takes place in Seattle and is about a girl who's mother goes missing. The daughter, Bee, puts together many different clues that help her discover the secrets of her mother's past. This is a good book that keeps you reading chapter after chapter.

3. Paper Towns: This book is now a movie, which I refuse to see because I loved the book so much and don't want the movie to ruin it. This book is about a boy who longs to be with a girl. They go out one night and have a fun adventure but when he wakes up in the morning she is gone. The entire book is about him following a paper trail and trying to find her. I got completely caught up in the mystery and couldn't wait to see how it ended!

4. Yes Please: This book is by Amy Poehler and is as funny as she is. There are parts that are sad and parts that are hilarious. She takes you through her life; starting before she even got to hollywood. She is honest and real in this book. She puts it all on the table and it is such a great read! If you like Amy, I'd recommend reading this book.

5. You are a Badass: I picked up this book while walking through Franchesca's Boutique because I though it looked funny. I didn't realize what it was even about but I grew to love it as I read it. It is a self help book but its not a classic one. The author does a fabulous job of integrating humor and instruction into each chapter. The thing that I love most about this book is that she constantly emphasizes "love yourself no matter who you really are."

6. The Martian: This book is also a movie! I'm kind of curious to see how they did the movie since the book was so scientific and "next gen." The Martian is about a group of astronauts who travel to Mars, get caught in a sand storm and have to go back to earth but accidentally leave one man behind. This man is Mark Watney. The beginning of the book is a little dry because it is his entries in a journal while he is all alone on mars. However, the last part of the book keeps you guessing and you won't be able to put it down! I really enjoy science and technology so I found this book really interesting. It might be more challenging to read if you aren't into science but overall it was great!

7. Big Little Lies: I actually just purchased this book the other day so I'm not quite sure how it is.. but this is the description on the cover "Madeline is a force to be reckoned with. She’s funny, biting, and passionate; she remembers everything and forgives no one. Celeste is the kind of beautiful woman who makes the world stop and stare but she is paying a price for the illusion of perfection. New to town, single mom Jane is so young that another mother mistakes her for a nanny. She comes with a mysterious past and a sadness beyond her years. These three women are at different crossroads, but they will all wind up in the same shocking place." I'm excited to read it because it has great reviews!

8. The Vacationers: This book is a quick and easy read. It is a fun novel that keeps you interested. The Vacationers is about a family from NYC who goes on vacation to Spain. It follows the story of a each individual on the trip and slowly unravels family secrets. Its a story about a family who completely falls apart before they put it back together again. I really enjoyed reading this book and think it is perfect to read while you are on vacation.

9. The Art of Racing in the Rain: This book is kind of the opposite of Marley and Me.. The majority of the book is sad but the ending is the happiest ending! It follows the life of a dog, from the dog's perspective. The dog's owner gets cancer and it explains how he reacts to that as a dog. If you have ever wondered what it is like to be a dog, this book is for you! The author does a wonderful job of interpreting dog life. Despite the book being a little sad, it is a great read.

If anyone has any book suggestions, please leave me a comment or send me an email! I'm in need of some good books to take with me to Texas over the holidays! Thanks for reading my blog.