I love to read and there is no better feeling than getting swept up in a narrative outside of your own hectic life, becoming one with characters for a few hundred pages.
But if I’m being honest, a more accurate statement is– I love to read from April to September. When it hits October, the weather cooling and assignments rushing in, my reading habit gets tossed to the side. Thus, when it hit 60 degrees in Fairfield last week, I once again craved the feeling of getting lost in a good book. If you find yourself in the same boat, here are my top recommendations for your next spring read.
For the 20 something who wants a different perspective on love
- “Good Material” by Dolly Alderton
“Good Material” follows Andy, a struggling comedian, who is grieving his long-term relationship with Jen. In many ways, his life falls apart as he continually returns to the question– “Why did she fall out of love with me?” My roommate and I have picked apart almost every detail of this book, drawing connections in the various chapters. It is the perfect book to read if you love dissecting dynamics, especially in relationships. Dolly Alderton in “Good Material,” as well as her memoir “Everything I Know About Love”, expertly tackles the struggles of navigating your 20s.
For those who need a good cry
- “The Women” by Kristen Hannah
I know historical fiction isn’t for everyone, but I urge you to try a Kristin Hannah book before making that claim. “The Women” is the heroic story of Frankie McGrath, who leaves her idealistic Southern California life to be a part of the Army Nurse Corps in Vietnam. Its themes of mental health, love and friendship are beautiful, while revealing the narratives of women who are often forgotten in history. Candidly, I cried on Jennings Beach because of this – for me, a marker of a truly good book.
For the lover of nostalgia, beach weekends and a bit of drama
- “Five Star Weekend” by Elin Hilderbrand
“Five Star Weekend” explores what happens when you take your five best friends, from very different eras of your life, and put them together for a weekend. Think friends from childhood, college and work, all together. The book explores the power of friendship overcoming the time that may have passed, as well as the strength in forgiveness. With all of her novels set on the beach, there is no better summer author than Elin Hilderbrand. My other favorites from her are “28 Summers” and the “Winter in Paradise” trilogy.
For the person who’s been in a reading ‘slump’
- “Gone Girl” by Gillian Flynn
“Gone Girl” was one of the books I flew through during the boredom of peak COVID quarantine. I still think of it all of the time and regard it as one of the best books I ever read. It follows Nick Dunne the morning after his wife, Amy, goes missing. Shortly after her disappearance, secrets start emerging, and Nick becomes one of the top suspects. If you’re looking for twists and turns, this is the book for you. I highly recommend going in blind, and avoiding watching the movie until you’ve read the book
For the rom-com enthusiast
- “Happy Place” by Emily Henry
By far the easiest read on this list, “Happy Place” is a look into the lives of Harriet and Wyn, a couple on their annual vacation with their closest friends. The only catch is that the two broke up months ago, without telling anyone. The book tells the story of their pretend relationship, leaving readers wondering if the main characters have a second chance at love. Set in a small town in Maine, this book gives complete summer vibes, perfect to escape any of the stresses of second semester.
If the warm weather also has you inspired to crack open a new book, I hope this list serves as a starting point for recommendations. Happy reading!