If you’ve taken a peek at my 101 in 1001 list, you’ll know 1) the end of my current list is fast approaching and 2) I’m thisclose to reaching my goal of reading 30 new books. I’m currently halfway through this book which will be number 30! Since my list of beach books was one of my most pinned posts this summer, I thought I’d share 21 books I’ve loved, 5 books I’ve liked, and 3 books that just weren’t for me. I hope it helps you find a new read or two!
20 books I loved
I’m a sucker for everything from an edge-of-your-seat psychological thriller to a rah-rah self-help book. If you need a little motivation, I highly recommend So Good They Can’t Ignore You or How To Have A Good Day. If you’re in the mood to be scared out of your mind, Gone Girl and What She Knew both had my heart pounding. And if you just need a good laugh, Yes Please, Why Not Me?, and Man Repeller are all great picks.
- The Year of Magical Thinking by Joan Didion
- Zen and the Art of Happiness by Chris Prentiss
- The Here and Now by Ann Brashares
- #GIRLBOSS by Sophia Amoruso
- The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
- Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins
- Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins
- Yes Please by Amy Poehler
- How to be Parisian Wherever You Are by Anne Berest, Audrey Diwan, Caroline de Maigret, and Sophie Mas
- Going Off Script by Giuliana Rancic
- So Good They Can’t Ignore You by Cal Newport
- Why Not Me? by Mindy Kaling
- Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn
- The Girl on the Train by Paula Hawkins
- Year of Yes by Shonda Rhimes
- How to Have a Good Day by Caroline Webb
- What She Knew by Gilly Macmillan
- Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear by Elizabeth Gilbert
- Man Repeller by Leandra Medine
- The Vacationers by Emma Straub
- When Breath Becomes Air by Paul Kalanathi
5 books I liked
These were books I enjoyed but wouldn’t make my most recommended list, whether because they felt a little redundant (Happier at Home) or dragged on longer than necessary (10% Happier and The After Party).
- Not That Kind of Girl by Lena Dunham
- Happier at Home by Gretchen Rubin
- 10% Happier by Dan Harris
- The After Party by Anton DiSclafani
- Opening Belle by Maureen Sherry
3 books I wouldn’t recommend
Of course I had high hopes for every book I cracked open (er, listened to on Audible) but nobody bats a thousand! I think Ellen is hilarious but I found this book a little dumbed down — anyone else? And I couldn’t stand the main characters in the last two — clearly not all protagonists are going to be BFF material but when you can’t find one redeeming quality, it starts to feel like a chore.
- Seriously…I’m Kidding by Ellen Degeneres
- Luckiest Girl Alive by Jessica Knoll
- Maestra by L.S. Hilton
I would love to hear any recent favorites (or wouldn’t recommends) in the comments! xx