The beauty of being a book lover? Everyone’s got a different list of favorites—there’s no shortage of suggestions from friends and family.
Since Thanksgiving is mere weeks away, you may be looking for a few books to bury your nose in when the fam starts talking politics, the election, how to bake the bird … you get my drift. Here are the reads I’ll be recommending this holiday season:
I Want My MTV
Craig Marks & Rob Tannenbaum
This book was just plain fun to read. Gossipy and full of “I remember that video!” moments—a great selection for anyone in their 40s looking for a trip down memory lane.
To Be Sung Underwater
Tom McNeal
I love a good love story. I’m not talking sappy sweet Nicholas Sparks here—I’m talking heartbreaking, fall on the bed weeping kind of love story. Judith Whitman’s search for a long-lost love while in the midst of a mid-life crisis is engrossing.
The Snow Child
Eowyn Ivey
This is Ivey’s first effort and it left me anxious for her next book. It’s the story of Mabel and Jack as they try to eek out a living and ignore the giant hole in their lives, all set in the harsh wilderness of Alaska. Full of longing and angst for the parent-child relationship, and beautifully written.
Wild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail
Cheryl Strayed
Oprah honored Strayed’s account of her hike along the PCT by making it one of her first picks for her revived book club, and for good reason. There are several themes, making the story different for everyone who reads it, and excellent fodder for group conversation.
Running the Rift
Naomi Benaron
Heartwrenching and a must-read for the crowd that adored “The Kite Runner” or “A Fine Balance.” Set during the height of Hutu-Tutsi strife in Rwanda, the story follows Jean Patrick’s childhood and his determination to represent his country in the Olympics as a runner.
Gone Girl
Gillian Flynn
This summer’s “it” read, if you haven’t read this already, you’re in for a romp. Don’t be left out of the “Amy be craaazy!” conversation at the dinner table this Thanksgiving.
The Midwife of Hope River
Patricia Harman
Another debut effort—Harman’s exquisite prose captures the life of an on-the-lam midwife in 1930 Appalachia. You will fall into Patience Murphy’s life and want to drink it up.
What books are you thankful for this year? Recommend them below.
