I asked one of my most well read friends, Lexi, to share book recommendations for the year. She put together a wonderful list of 10 books to read in 2018. Be sure to add these titles to your reading list this year! 

I know many of you can relate…I have been a reader my entire life but since I have had children, it’s harder and harder to find the time and energy to stay up at night reading (book vs. Netflix vs. This is Us…only one can win a night!) ! It couldn’t have been more perfect when the moms in my youngest son’s preschool class decided to start a book club two years ago. Not only do I read a book a month (most of the time!), it keeps me in touch with moms who I don’t see as much now that our kids are at different elementary schools in town. The list below is a combination of books my book club has read and loved, as well as a few others I have snuck in on my own.

10 Books to Read in 2018

1. Born a Crime by Trevor Noah

I can’t say enough how much I loved listening to this book on Audible. My family and I take a lot of long car trips during the year and my new saving grace has been Audible. Listening to Trevor Noah, a remarkable narrator, read his stories made the hours in the car fly by. I learned so much about apartheid and was blown away by the fact that this all happened during my lifetime. At the heart of it, though, is a beautiful, amazing story about a mother and a son. I laughed, I cried and I will always remember it. If you are interested in this book, I highly recommend listening to it!

 

2. Homegoing by Yaa Gyasi

I’m sure you have seen this book on a lot of other “must read” lists and there is a reason for that! In two years, it is the only book that all ten of us in my book club loved. Taking place in Ghana over 300 years, it is an unforgettable story about generations of families and how they are tied together. I have never read anything like it. One tip…read the actual book! There is a family tree in the beginning that you will refer to often and it’s hard to go back and forth on the Kindle.

 

3. Mrs. Kennedy and Me by Clint Hill

Not a new book but for a Kennedy/ American History lover like me, an interesting memoir from Jacqueline Kennedy’s personal Secret Service agent. I loved reading about the details of Mrs. Kennedy’s life from an insider who obviously adored and respected her. The book is not sensational, just honest. And reading about President Kennedy’s assassination from someone who was right there is just heartbreaking.

4. Small Great Things by Jodi Picoult

This book lead to the most interesting book club discussion we have had.   I’m not even sure I can say I loved the book but if you are looking for a good book club read, this is it. I always look forward to a new Jodi Piccoult book and this story about race, prejudice and privilege will keep you turning the pages and asking questions.

 

5. The Lost Letter: A Novel by Jillian Cantor

I love historical fiction but wasn’t sure I could read another World War II novel! This book completely surprised me and hooked me with the beautiful love story and different take on the topic. There are two compelling stories going on at the same time and each is captivating. I read this one quickly – the sign of a good book that drew me right in!

6. Born to Run by Bruce Springsteen

Another book I listened to on Audible during two long car rides. It is a long book (18 hours on Audible!) but listening to Bruce’s distinctive, gravelly voice made me feel like he was sitting shotgun in my car telling me his life story. I loved the beginning of the book – hearing about his childhood and his desire for fame. He gets a little wordy as the book goes on (speed up the narration on Audible!) but whether you love him or not, he is a great storyteller and this book will leave you with a new appreciation for a legend of our time.

7. Saints for All Occasions by J. Courtney Sullivan

There is nothing I love more than a sweeping saga about a family over the generations. This book is that and so much more.  You will become immersed in the lives of these two sisters from Ireland and their story of secrets and family drama. I didn’t want it to end!

8. Commonwealth by Ann Patchett

This beautifully written book about how the decisions of two people can affect the lives of so many was a different take on the family drama theme.  An added bonus is the host for this book club served fresh orange juice with gin, which is central to the story line!

 

9. Faithful by Alice Hoffman

The reviews are mixed on this book but I couldn’t put it down. The story of Shelby Richmond and her life after a tragic car accident as a teenager is heartbreaking. I loved the writing and I fell in love with Shelby.

 

10. Lilac Girls by Martha Hall Kelly

Another WWII book but such an important story to tell. The lives of three women living in different parts of the world during the war become intertwined in an unique and captivating way. Based on real people, this was part history lesson, part engrossing page turner.

Post by Lexi Kiriakatis 

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