On My Bookshelf

There's nothing better than the feeling that reading a great book can give you. Books that really resonate with me can impact my mood and outlook on certain aspects of life, and almost become a part of me in a way.  Over the past several months I've read a handful of great books over a range of genres. I suggest you add these to your reading list asap, and I would love to hear what good books you've been reading lately.

The Fault In Our Stars, by John Green - This is an epic love story about a terminally ill teen and a cancer survivor who fall in love. Don't let the genre (teen/young adult) turn you off, because this novel is really intended for people of all ages. This book is so intelligent and witty, be prepared to laugh hysterically one moment and to grab for tissues the next. The movie adaptation comes out this June.

The Cross In the Closet, by Timothy Kurek - This is the true story of a man who grew up in a very conservative Christian family and was taught to hate those within the LGBTQ community. When Timothy shuns a close friend who comes out as gay, Timothy begins to question his own belief system. He decides to come out as gay to his friends and family in order to understand the lives of those about whom he's always felt extreme disgust and hate. His personal quest to learn more about himself and those he's condemned all his life is eye-opening on many levels.  

The Glass Castle: A Memoir, by Jeannette Walls - This is the most recent book that I've read and I couldn't put it down. This memoir follows the dysfunctional Walls family as the parents choose to live an unconventional existence as impoverished nomads and the children begin to realize that they're entitled to a better life. Parts of the memoir were quite disturbing and made me that much more thankful for my family and the life they provided for me and my brother growing up.

No Easy Day: The Firsthand Account of the Mission That Killed Osama bin Laden, by Mark Owen and Kevin Maurer - I actually read this book a little over a year ago but I had to include it since it's probably the best book I've read over the past several years, period. Everyone remembers that evening in May 2011 when the President announced the successful operation that resulted in Osama bin Laden's death. This book is the firsthand account of that operation as told by a member of SEAL Team Six who helped carry out the mission. You can't help but feel an overwhelming amount of pride and thanks for our servicemembers and veterans when you read this book.

The Perks of Being a Wallflower, by Stephen Chbosky - I read this book after seeing the movie, which is something that I rarely do. The movie resonated with me so much, however, that I knew I had to read the book. This is a coming of age tale, reminiscent of my all-time favorite book, The Catcher in the Rye. It's uniquely written in the format of letters from the narrator to an individual unknown to us readers, and it captures the emotions, excitement, heartbreak, and insecurities all tied to growing up and finding oneself.

Gone Girl, by Gillian Flynn - If you haven't read this book yet then I'm sure you've at least heard of it. This book is suspense at its best and will have you constantly questioning whether you can believe anything the two narrators have led you to believe. Hurry up and read it before the movie starring Ben Affleck comes out in October.