The 7 Books I Always Recommend
By Diana Tramontano
Since I first started reviewing books, the request I receive most often is for a list of my favorite titles or a few books to jump-start reading again. I’ve changed my mind periodically (it’s difficult to pick favorites!) but included below are the seven books I’ll always turn to for a suggestion. Enjoy!
Between Two Kingdoms: A Memoir of a Life Interrupted by Suleika Jaouad
In this deeply moving memoir, Suleika Jaouad takes us on a journey through her cancer diagnosis, recovery, and road trip to healing. In her early 20s, Suleika was diagnosed with leukemia and given only a 35% chance of survival. She spends the next five years in and out of hospital beds, chronicling her life for the New York Times. When her cancer finally goes into remission, Suleika hits the road with her new puppy and companion, Oscar, for a journey that will change her life forever.
This book is absolutely breathtaking. It is written with such grace, and although it’s sad at times, Suleika’s story is also empowering and unique. As readers, I know we often look for books that are fun, lively, and entertaining. But I highly recommend trying a memoir, specifically this one, for a story that will push you out of your comfort zone and give you a greater appreciation for the little things.
Loving Frank: A Novel by Nancy Horan
In Loving Frank, Nancy Horan twists fact and fiction into a captivating novel about renowned architect Frank Lloyd Wright’s tantalizing romance with a client. In the early 20th century, Wright was commissioned to design a home for Edwin and Mamah Borthwick Cheney. Through years of research and combing Mamah’s diary, Horan is able to reconstruct the affair between Wright and Mamah while weaving in forgotten stories from long ago.
I love this book for many reasons, but especially for its combination of romance and historical fiction. While I had known little about Frank Lloyd Wright prior to reading, I gained such a unique perspective into his life and the culture of this time period. This is definitely my top recommendation for historical fiction fans!
One Day In December by Josie Silver
On an ordinary winter day, the last thing on Laurie’s mind is finding love at first sight. She’s not even sure she believes in it. But her worldview changes in an instant when she sees her soulmate drive by on the bus. Believing she’ll never see him again, Laurie is shocked when her roommate brings home her latest boyfriend—it's him. Ten years subsequently unfold in a heartbreaking manner. Will they ever get their chance?
Though I’ve read all three of Josie Silver’s books, this remains my favorite. I love how Silver is able to weave in the varied emotions of love, longing, guilt, and heartbreak. The tension between Laurie’s yearning for love and her fractured friendship with Sarah jumps off the page. If you’re in need of a quick and passionate read, this one’s for you!
Red, White & Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston
In a scandalous tale concerning America’s first son and the Prince of Wales, Casey McQuiston proves that true love isn’t always diplomatic. Unraveling the forbidden relationship between these public figures, we gain insight into their deeper emotions and priorities. How can this work? I guess you’ll have to read and see!
The romance between Alex and Henry was thrilling and the secrets constantly left me wanting more. The way McQuiston develops these characters makes it hard not to feel invested in the outcome of their relationship. I also love the political innuendos and cultural commentary throughout the novel. I highly recommend this title as a fun beach read!
The Sanatorium by Sarah Pearse
In this haunting novel, long-lost secrets of the newly renovated Le Sommet hotel begin to resurface. Protagonist and former detective, Elin, visits the hotel for her brother’s engagement party. Though she tries to ignore it, she’s unnerved by strange forces. When mysterious incidents start to unfold—punctuated by a woman who goes missing—Elin must get to the bottom of the true story behind Le Sommet hotel.
I couldn’t go to sleep until I finished this book! It wasn’t necessarily scary, but definitely suspenseful and spooky. I love watching the mystery unravel through Elin’s eyes. Though readers might feel like they know what’s going to happen, Pearse continuously twists chapters to keep you guessing before leading to a thoroughly shocking ending. If you haven’t read it, definitely give it a try before reading Pearse’s new book, The Retreat. I can’t wait!
The Time Traveler’s Wife by Audrey Niffenegger
In a boy-meets-girl story that’s been flipped on its head, this novel is brimming with adventure, love, and imagination. Clare and Henry have known each other since Clare was just a little girl and Henry was 36. At the same time, Clare grows up to marry Henry when she is 23 and he is 31. This isn’t possible, so how could it happen? The two best friends and lovers are beset by Henry’s Chrono-Displacement Disorder, a disease that periodically skews his genetic clock, literally misplacing him throughout time.
Though the premise sounds strange, it is absolutely worth the read. We get to experience Clare and Henry’s genuine friendship and passionate love story, while simultaneously exploring the imagined world of time travel. This story made me smile, cry, laugh, and everything in between. I grew so attached to each character that even now, 8 years later, I still think about them. If you haven’t read this book, pick it up soon for a rollercoaster adventure!
Verity by Colleen Hoover
After a serious accident renders bestselling author Verity Crawford unable to finish her latest book, struggling writer Lowen Ashleigh is offered the chance to finish it herself. As Lowen pours over Crawford’s half-finished manuscripts, she finds an unpublished memoir that holds long-buried secrets. Stuck in the house with both Verity and her husband, Lowen must decide if doing the right thing is worth putting her life in danger, and if there’s a way out.
Verity is my favorite Colleen Hoover book, though it is very different from all her other novels. Although she manages to still incorporate a momentous love story, there’s a darker mystery and suspense to it all. I absolutely could not put this book down, and never expected the ending. I’ll leave it at that for now—wouldn’t want to give too much away! This is a must-read!
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Diana Tramontano is a graduate of The College of William & Mary, where she competed on the Division 1 swim team, and the post-grad publishing course at Columbia University. She is a consulting editor for Zibby Mag and the associate publicist at Zibby Books. She lives in New York City. Follow her Instagram account for more book reviews and recommendations: @99livesofabookgirl