If you are a regular reader of this blog, you know that I just love books. My first choice for downtime is always to grab a book and I start to get a little jittery when my library queue is low. Here are 12 suggestions for books to read in 2017 if you are looking to be inspired, motivated or just get lost in a wonderful story.
Simply click the title to be taken directly to reviews and more details about each book. And please be sure to leave a comment below with any book recommendations you might have! I would love to hear them.
1. Hidden Figures. This looks amazing and I can’t wait to read this one and see the movie. The story of a group of brilliant African-American women that were math teachers in the segregated South. They were called to work for NASA during the Cold War to propel the United States into Space.
2. The Curious Charms of Arthur Pepper. I just finished reading this and really enjoyed it. The story is of a man that discovers a secret charm bracelet after his wife passes away. He goes on an adventure to uncover the truth of the bracelet and its charms. This was a really quick read for me.
3. Salt to the Sea. I just finished this book as well and had a really hard time putting it down. You may have heard of the Titanic but have you heard of the Wilhelm Gustloff? Fascinating story of a group of young people making their way through Europe during WWII resulting in a ticket on the Wilhelm Gustloff boat, sailing to safety. Can’t recommend this enough.
4. Magnolia Story. Ok, ok I am the last one to read this I suppose. I love the Chipper and Joanna for sure but I was like meh when it came to their book. It did come up on my library queue though and I am glad I picked it up. I can’t say the writing is stellar but it is an interesting story and kept me entertained. They really are a fascinating couple. Give it a shot and see if you agree.
5. We Were the Lucky Ones. I can’t wait to get started on this one. The true story of Polish Jews that are separated at the start of the war and determined to reunite after the war. Spanning five continents and six years, the family finds its way back together. This sounds like a perfect book to follow Salt to the Sea where you get a really in depth look at what it meant to be Polish during the war and the incredible challenges facing refugees.
6. The Trespasser. If you like crime and drama, here is one for you. The story of a female murder squad detective that finds herself with a new homicide case involving a seemingly perfect young woman. Despite pressure to quickly wrap the case up, the Dectectives dig a little deeper and discover there is more than meets the eye about the victim.
7. The Swans of Fifth Avenue. I just finished this book and it was excellent. The story of Truman Capote’s rise in the literary world and his “swans” in NYC. The swans were several women that were connected and wealthy in the 1950’s and appeared to have it all. I wasn’t familiar with this particular group of women but the lifestyles and expectations are really fascinating. And if you haven’t read Breakfast at Tiffany’s or In Cold Blood, those might be next on your reading list.
8. The Curated Closet. I wanted to throw a few non-fiction books in that help manage hectic lives or that might inspire or motivate you for the New Year. The Curated Closet gets great reviews for helping to define your own personal style and develop a wardrobe that reflects what you love. I need this.
9. The After Party. This looks like a lighter read that I didn’t get a chance to pick up in 2016. The story of a young Texas Socialite in the 1950’s looking to nab a wealthy husband.
10. The Book Thieves. This is set to release in February and if the movie Monument Men left you a little meh… here is the story of a group determined to return precious books that were stolen by the Nazi regime during WWII. This is written by one of the actual Monument Men and I can’t wait for the release!
11. On Fire. Here is another one to inspire and motivate for the New Year. A 7 step plan to live an inspired and interesting life. Perfect book to pick up if you struggle with staying positive in life, despite challenges and set backs. The reviews on this one are excellent.
12. A Touch of Farmhouse Charm. One last book to focus your creativity after reading Magnolia Story. This is a fun DIY book filled with pretty inspiration to create charming little pieces for your home.
And here are a few other book lists you may have missed:
100 Books to Read in a Lifetime
100 Children’s Books to Read in a Lifetime
Thanks! I love these reading lists from you – I’ve really enjoyed some of your picks!
So glad to hear it Erin!
I’m listening to the audio version of Bruce Springsteen’s memoir “Born to Run.” He reads it.
I’m surprised how well-written it is. He is a very good raconteur and has an interesting story to tell. Many others would have given up on their dreams long before he did.
I’ll check that out Dee! I have been seeing that one recommended all over the place 🙂
Hello Charlene…I stumbled onto your booklist/blog via a Pinterest post, and will definitely be checking out several of your recommendations! Here are a few books I’ve really enjoyed this past year that I didn’t see, or just missed, on your lists (all fiction). The Monogram Murders by Sophie Hannah (‘the new Hercule Poirot mystery’); Fredrik Backman’s A Man Called Ove and My Grandmother Asked Me to Tell You She’s Sorry; The Language of Sisters by Cathy Lamb; The Girl on the Train by Paula Hawkins; The Silent Sister by Diane Chamberlain; Still Life with Bread Crumbs by Anna Quindlen and The Readers of Broken Wheel Recommend by Katarina Bivald. A few authors I really enjoy (and have read all of their books) — Sarah Addison Allen, Kate Morton, Gil McNeil and Sarah-Kate Lynch. Also, for fun and quirky mysteries, check out Angela M. Sanders at angelamsanders.com.
Thanks Pucci! Girl on the Train is amazing isn’t it? I think I had that on 2015 book list. I liked Readers of Broken Wheel too. Great easy summer book. I’ll check out the rest of your recs. Kate Morton is another favorite of mine. Fortunately she writes a lot of books and they are always engrossing. 🙂