Whether you plan on relaxing beachside, poolside or lakeside, this summer is the perfect opportunity to get swept away by a wonderful book. Here are a few captivating stories you won't be able to put down.
1. The Nightingale by Kristen Hannah
“In love we find out who we want to be. In war we find out who we are."
Travel back in time to World War II and follow the stories of two sisters as they each fight their own battles in German-occupied France. In this eye-opening novel, Hannah portrays the courage of many French women as she explores an often-overlooked aspect of the war, women’s vital role.
2. The Art of Hearing Heartbeats by Jan-Philipp Sendker
"Can words sprout wings? Can they glide like butterflies through the air? Can they captivate us, carry us off into another world? Can they open the last secret chambers of our souls?"
After her father mysteriously disappears, Julia travels to the Burmese village where her father was raised in hope of finding him. However, while searching for her father, she uncovers the extraordinary story of her father’s past. As you become absorbed by Sendker’s lyrical language, this touching novel will inspire you to appreciate life’s precious beauties (Check out the sequel: A Well-Tempered Heart).
3. The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows
“I wonder how the book got to Guernsey? Perhaps there is some sort of secret homing instinct in books that brings them to their perfect readers. "
A perfect beach read that will make you love reading even more. Follow the letters of writer Juliet Ashton as she finds herself fascinated by the close-knit community on the island of Guernsey. In this heartfelt novel, Barrows and Shaffer remind readers of the importance of reading, loving friendships and following your heart.
4. Crazy Rich Asians by Kevin Kwan
“I know my husband has to fly to Beijing to take over some Internet company called Ali Baibai earlier in the week."
What happens when heir to one of Asia’s most immense fortunes brings home his American girlfriend to meet the family? Billions of dollars’ worth of drama. Kwan sends you on a trip to Singapore to experience the life of Asia’s elite class in this incredibly fun and intricate story. If you find yourself completely intrigued by the schemes, love stories and adventures in this book, you can keep reading Kwan’s fascinating tales in his sequel, China Rich Girlfriend (the third and final book, Rich People Problems, was just released a few weeks ago).
5. How to Fall in Love with Anyone: A Memoir in Essays by Mendy Len Catron
"More than 20 years ago, the psychologist Arthur Aron succeeded in making two strangers fall in love in his laboratory. Last summer, I applied his technique in my own life, which is how I found myself standing on a bridge at midnight, staring into a man's eyes for exactly four minutes."
Catron expounds upon her New York Times article “To Fall In Love With Anyone, Do This,” as she explores how our fairy tale image of love effects every day relationships. Her charming yet vulnerable essays combine personal anecdotes and extensive research to reveal why we are drawn to certain love stories.