Book Club

The one and only book club I ever joined turned out to be a debacle. Close to no one read the book, and close to no one showed up for the scheduled club dinner. Estrogen-fueled fighting ensued. The friendships have since been mended, but the book has been left untouched: The Marriage Plot. In my defense, I did attempt to read the book. It just wasn’t amazing. And with the little time we crazy Americans allow in a day for reading and relaxing and general non work related activities, spending time on an “eh” book is just not worth it.

In the past few months I’ve been reading some page turners, and I’d be happy to share my recommendations. In recent days I’ve seen a few friends post on Facebook that they’re looking for reading suggestions. And now is the season for snuggling up on the couch with a good book…

Middlesex

I abandoned The Marriage Plot and instead picked up Middlesex, the novel that elevated Jeffrey Eugenides to Oprah’s Book Club status. For years I was uninterested in Middlesex’s subject matter (with a hermaphrodite main character) and so I didn’t bother picking up the book, but its intricate storylines that take the reader back in history and around the globe are incredibly entertaining. And Eugenides provides the most poignant, relatable details; anyone can relate to his unique characters. 

The Poisonwood Bible

Barbara Kingsolver is a mastermind. The Poisonwood Bible takes place in the Belgian Congo in 1959, and its story is told from five different perspectives. The book is riveting. I read it while studying abroad in Barcelona. I had no TV, so reading was my main source of entertainment. (In addition to clubbing at Buda Bar, Shoko, etc… J)

Little Bee

Back when I was working at Elle Decor my coworkers and friends Melissa and Micah recommended Little Bee to me, and I will forever be indebted to them for sharing this literary masterpiece. It centers on the intertwining lives of a British woman and a young Nigerian refugee girl. I know it sounds cliché, but this book is truly heartbreaking and hysterically funny at the same time. Little Bee is a must-read. 

Fifty Shades of Grey

For all the haters out there: Lower your expectations. The Fifty Shades of Grey series is not being billed as an astounding work of literary genius. It is, however, being promoted as an enjoyable page turner – which it is! I loved it.

Happy Reading!

A

P.S. Did you hear about Lena Dunham's book deal? I can’t wait to read what she has to say.

P.P.S. My “Book Worm” Pinterest board.