Spring Break is finally here and I am ready. I seriously can’t wait. Even though I still have papers and projects I need to get ready for after the break, at least I have a little time to relax. I haven’t been able to take some time to myself in a month or two since school has started and I am so ready for this break, mostly because I’ll have time to read for fun again. I miss reading so much. Here’s a list of the five books I’m going to be reading over break in order to catch up on my reading challenge (that I’m eight books behind on). I love nearly every genre of book. Fantasy is probably one of my favorites but spring to me just screams contemporary. If it’s spring, give me funny, lighthearted romance books. I’m probably going to have a fantasy book or two on here just for kicks because I can’t say no to fantasy.

I’m a bit different with contemporary, however, regarding the fact that I prefer to go into contemporary stories blind. Since they are usually romances or thrillers I don’t like reading the synopsis unless it’s vague enough that it won’t give away any details about the plot.

5. Allegedly by Tiffany D. Jackson

The first sentence of the summary of this book grabbed my attention almost immediately. “Mary B. Addison killed a baby.” This is the first line of the synopsis. I actually had the opportunity to hear Tiffany D. Jackson speak at the AWP writers conference last month in Washington D.C. and her panel was about using media in books. She was so well spoken that I knew I had to pick this one up. I think I bought this book almost immediately after I got back from the conference.

4. Uprooted by Naomi Novik

Uprooted is a fantasy novel that is actually a Beauty and the Beast retelling. I absolutely love a fairy-tale retelling. This one has been getting rave reviews since it was released and I just recently bought it. I’m planning on reading this one over break almost immediately. The first line of the synopsis is this, “Our Dragon doesn’t eat the girls he takes, no matter what stories they tell outside our valley.” The dragon in this story is actually a Wizard that keeps a sentient forest at bay from devouring the village that this story is set in. This book just sounds so unique and I can’t wait to dive in.

3. My Not So Perfect Life by Sophie Kinsella

“Katie Brenner has the perfect life: a flat in London, a glamorous job, and a super-cool Instagram feed.” The rest of the synopsis goes on to say how this is just a façade she puts on because it’s her dream life. It seems like a funny contemporary romantic comedy about a social media feed gone wrong, and I’ve loved everything I’ve read from Sophie Kinsella before so I’m pumped for this one.

2. A List of Cages by Robin Roe

This book sounds like a great story of family and friendship. The main character, Adam, reunites with his foster brother years after they were separated. It sounds like there are dangerous secrets. Also, the main character has ADHD, which is great because I’m trying to read more diversely this year, and that includes reading about mental illnesses. I’m really hoping that this book isn’t problematic at all but I’m planning on reading it over the break and it has been receiving rave reviews so I’m excited to dive in!

1. Big Little Lies by Liane Moriarty

I know nearly nothing about what this story is actually about. All I know is that I read Moriarty’s The Husband’s Secret awhile back and quite enjoyed it. I think that Big Little Lies is more of an adult thriller and for some reason I’m really craving those recently. I remember The Husband’s Secret was really easy to inhale read – I probably read that book in about a day. The other thing I know about Big Little Lies is that it’s being turned into an HBO mini series that I want to watch because Shailene Woodley is starring in it.

These are all five of the books that I’m really hoping to get to over the break (between all my projects and papers I have to read, of course).