One of my goals this year was to finally really start reading again. Even if it was just a few pages a night. With a focus on making better habits in 2016, I’ve been finally getting to those many books I have downloaded on my iPad.
Today I wanted to share 4 books I’ve read recently and really enjoyed. Next on my list is The Nightingale (have you read it!?) but I’m always looking for recommendations so if you’ve got ’em…do share!
When Breath Becomes Air:
Oh man, this book. Moving is the best way I know how to describe it. I read it in one flight (it is only 160 pages on an iPad) and was profoundly engaged in Dr. Paul Kalanithi’s story. An accomplished neurosurgeon finishing up his residency, at the age of 36 he is diagnosed with stage IV lung cancer. The books is his story of trying to grapple with the meaning of life and how it relates to morality and our identities as humans. Kalanithi’s writing is absolutely beautiful and draws you in almost immediately. It left me with a deeper sense of living for the moment and considering calculated risks for the sake of living vs. being afraid.
Be Frank With Me:
This read is just delightful. You know those books you read where the characters are just so well developed that you can almost imagine how they’d play out on the big screen? That’s Alice, Mimi & Frank. Frank, in particular, is someone you end up just desperately wanting to get to know in real life because of his eccentric personality that pops off the page. I loved the plot in this book so much I read it in just two days (of vacation, albeit) but it details a literary legend M. M. “Mimi” Banning who must take to writing her first book in decades and therefore her publisher sends an assistant to watch over her and her son to ensure progress is being made. It quick-witted, full of fun facts (thanks to the aforementioned eccentric Frank) and a charming, light read overall.
My Paris Dream:
I generally love nearly all books that take place in Paris but this one is particularly interesting as it is Kate Betts’ personal tale of living there as a young 20-something trying to make it in the world of fashion journalism. Her memoire will have you dreaming of what it would be like to try and make it in Paris as an American – from securing Chanel to travels in the South of France with a beau to the willpower to make it where people believe you can’t, there’s a bit of everyone’s story in Kate’s and you can’t help but relate to her journey to find herself and who she is meant to be.
After You:
After You is the sequel to the ever-popular Me Before You (which if you haven’t read yet, stop reading this post and go get it in your hands immediately #sogood and about to be a major motion picture so definitely read it before then.) It continues the story of Louisa Clark who can no longer just be the normal girl living an ordinary life. Rather, she’s trying to determine how you overcome loss and lead a life of value, of purpose. Lou is the girl always worth rooting for and in After You, you’ll find yourself even more in love with her. I am so glad JoJo Moyes wrote this follow up, I can’t even tell you.
…And p.s. if you’re in the mood for a good ol’ fashioned (but very organized) Spring cleaning, you must read this book if you haven’t already.
I loved Kalanithi’s book. So beautiful. xox
Right? His writing was so meaningful and I cried publicly on a plane as I finished it – so touching, so powerful.
I am so thrilled to be reading this post. I have been looking for good book recommendations!
Me Before You has been on my ‘to-read’ list and I think it will be next for me! I didn’t even realize it had a sequel!
I’ve added all of these to the “notes” on my phone and can’t wait to read them! Thanks for sharing these!
XO
Bridget
http://www.bridgetrosebeauty.com/2016/03/bridget-rose-beauty-x-third-love-whats.html
So glad you found the post, Bridget! I can’t wait for you to read Me Before You and then you have After You to look forward to! Ahhhh such a good series.
I have been wanting to hear a review of After You for so long!! I am definitely going to read it now. Saving this to read the others too!!
Let me know what you thought once you read After You!! Would loe to hear what you think 🙂 xx
Love the book reviews! Hope it becomes more regular!
Provided my reading stays regular I will try and do it more often!
I definitely need to start reading again, I think I’ll start with one of these! They all sound amazing!
xx, Merritt
The Style Scribe
I started After You earlier this week! So far, I’m not hooked like I was in Me Before You but everyone raves about it… I think I just miss Louisa and Will’s conversations!
Thanks for the great list! I can’t wait to read My Paris Dream.
Best,
Sarah