15 Books That Are Better Than Netflix
Start writing a post
Entertainment

15 Books That Are Better Than Netflix

It's called "reading," kids.

28
15 Books That Are Better Than Netflix

I know it sounds impossible...but, why not dust off the old imagination and try reading for a change.

1. "The Paris Wife" by Paula McLain

I don't know how you haven't read this by now...but, it's based on the life of Ernest Hemingway's wife. It follows them through their rocky marriage and also their incredible times living as artists in Paris.

2. "The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao" by Junot Diaz

Poor poor Oscar Wao, you immediately bond with the chubby boy from New Jersey with a passion for SyFy and love. Although he is trying his hardest, nothing ever really seems to go Oscar's way, which he blames on the family curse. But, no matter what, Oscar is willing to risk everything for love.

3. "A Visit from the Goon Squad" by Jennifer Egan

A sort of "Love Actually" deal, where it is a bunch of different stories intersecting, but it is beautifully written with amazingly human characters.

4. "The Prince of Tides" by Pat Conroy

This is literally like a southern soap opera. A suicidal sister, a heroic older brother, an affair with the psychiatrist, and that's just the beginning. Conroy puts every possible twist he can into this novel, but it's still believable and impossible to put down.

5. "Ghost Boy" by Martin Pistorius

The amazing true story about a man trapped in his own body. Martin fell sick as as a boy and fell into a coma, however two years later, he woke up. Only, he couldn't speak or move. So he was trapped with only his thoughts and no way to let his family know that he was actually there. This book fills you with every emotion possible, but it's incredible.

6. "The Glass Castle" by Jeanette Walls

I know that this is a favorite of most people, but it is a heartbreaking memoir about a struggling family and how they cope with their poverty. It takes you all over the country, with you rooting constantly that everything will work out.

7. "Peter Pan" by J.M. Barrie

You know the Disney movie and maybe have seen "Finding Neverland," but have you actually read the book? The story of Peter Pan may seem childish, but it is extremely well-written and will want to make you believe in flying boys and fairies.

8. "Room" by Emma Donoghue

Just recently made into a movie, this book is about a young mother trying to create normalcy for her son. They both only know the world inside a single room, haunted by a man who only comes at night and keeps them trapped. It's heartbreaking but definitely a must read.

9. "Wonder" by R.J. Palacio

Heart-wrenching and heart-warming, this story follows Auggie, a boy with several facial deformities, but it is written from several perspectives, like his best friend and his sister. It'll make you laugh and cry and want to become a better human being.

10. "The Girl on the Train" by Paula Hawkins

A love story (of sorts) and a mystery, this story seems to have it all. It surrounds the lives of three women: Megan, Anna, and Rachel and how the three intersect. Rachel, an alcohol, stalks her ex-husband who is now married to Anna, while Megan lives down the street with a seemingly perfect marriage, although the other women soon discover that Megan is not so perfect. It's hard to put down this book as the story unfolds.

11. "All the Light We Cannot See" by Anthony Doerr

Based during WWII, an intriguing story of a blind girl in Paris and a German orphan and how their stories are related. I don't like giving away too much, but Doerr is an extremely talented writer, and it is almost too easy to get lost in this novel.

12. "Wuthering Heights" by Emily Bronte

OK, stop rolling your eyes. This book may have been required in high school, but try reading it for fun now. It's actually an entrancing story. True love and longing and serious family drama. If you tried reading it like you weren't going to be tested on it, it's actually a great read.

13. "Big Little Lies" by Liane Moriarty

Surrounding the lives of three young mothers, this novel is full of turmoil. Jane, Celeste, and Bonnie all have kids the same age and become fast friends. However, there is constant drama in all of their lives. There is abuse, love, and even a death.

14. "Me Before You" by JoJo Moyes

Lou Clark is an ordinary girl by any means, with a steady boyfriend and a loving family, and she has spent her life in her tiny village. However, she takes a job working for a moody, bossy wheelchair-bound man, Will Traynor. Although they are so different, they become unlikely allies, and Lou soon cares so deeply for Will's happiness, which leads her to a very very hard decision.

15. "The Nightingale" by Kristin Hannah

A definite tear-jerker, but nonetheless an outstanding novel. It exposes the horrors of Nazi-occupied France during WWII. The novel surrounds two sisters who create an inseparable bond and try to create hope in such a cruel environment. The older sister is forced to say goodbye to her husband as he goes off to fight, and also host a Nazi, while her younger sister decides to join the French Resistance, putting their lives at stake.

I know binge-watching your favorite show may seem like the best thing to do with your time, but these books make turning off the screen worth it.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
the beatles
Wikipedia Commons

For as long as I can remember, I have been listening to The Beatles. Every year, my mom would appropriately blast “Birthday” on anyone’s birthday. I knew all of the words to “Back In The U.S.S.R” by the time I was 5 (Even though I had no idea what or where the U.S.S.R was). I grew up with John, Paul, George, and Ringo instead Justin, JC, Joey, Chris and Lance (I had to google N*SYNC to remember their names). The highlight of my short life was Paul McCartney in concert twice. I’m not someone to “fangirl” but those days I fangirled hard. The music of The Beatles has gotten me through everything. Their songs have brought me more joy, peace, and comfort. I can listen to them in any situation and find what I need. Here are the best lyrics from The Beatles for every and any occasion.

Keep Reading...Show less
Being Invisible The Best Super Power

The best superpower ever? Being invisible of course. Imagine just being able to go from seen to unseen on a dime. Who wouldn't want to have the opportunity to be invisible? Superman and Batman have nothing on being invisible with their superhero abilities. Here are some things that you could do while being invisible, because being invisible can benefit your social life too.

Keep Reading...Show less
houses under green sky
Photo by Alev Takil on Unsplash

Small towns certainly have their pros and cons. Many people who grow up in small towns find themselves counting the days until they get to escape their roots and plant new ones in bigger, "better" places. And that's fine. I'd be lying if I said I hadn't thought those same thoughts before too. We all have, but they say it's important to remember where you came from. When I think about where I come from, I can't help having an overwhelming feeling of gratitude for my roots. Being from a small town has taught me so many important lessons that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.

Keep Reading...Show less
​a woman sitting at a table having a coffee
nappy.co

I can't say "thank you" enough to express how grateful I am for you coming into my life. You have made such a huge impact on my life. I would not be the person I am today without you and I know that you will keep inspiring me to become an even better version of myself.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

107325
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments