If you’re on the hunt for your next great read, whether you’re curled up at home, travelling, or simply carving out a little “me time.”I’ve gathered a list of my personal favourites: 12 Great Books to Read – That You Won’t Be Able to Put Down!
I recently came across this quote by Mason Cooley: “Reading gives us someplace to go when we have to stay where we are.”
In these unusual and often unpredictable times, I couldn’t agree more.
Following on from my recent post, The Best Books Made into Movies – My Personal Favourites, this new list features twelve page-turners that, in my opinion, would make fantastic movies.
A quick disclaimer: I’m simply an avid reader who loves to get lost in a good story. I’m not a literary critic, nor do I pretend to be one. My definition of a great book is simple, it’s a story I can’t bring myself to put down.
As the American writer and literary critic Edmund Wilson wisely said, “No two persons ever read the same book.” We all bring our own perspectives, emotions, and experiences to the pages we turn.
I hope you find something in this list that speaks to you. Here are my 12 Great Books to Read – That You Won’t Be Able to Put Down!
Paula x
P.s. Do you have recommendations on great books to read? Let me know in the comments!
01.
THE NIGHTINGALE
by Kristin Hannah (published 2015)
“It tells the story of two sisters in France during World War II and their struggle to survive and resist the German Occupation of France. The novel was inspired by the story of a Belgian woman, Andree de Jongh, who helped downed Allied pilots to escape Nazi territory.”
This is an excellent book; it made numerous bestseller lists. Not surprisingly, a screen adaptation has been in the works for some time. Elle and Dakota Fanning are to play Isabelle and Vianne, the lead characters in the movie. Although sadly, it’s uncertain when the film will be released now!
I guarantee you will not be able to put this book down, and a box of tissues will come in handy.
02.
WHERE THE CRAWDADS SING
by Delia Owens (published 2018)
The story follows two timelines that slowly intertwine. The first timeline describes the life and adventures of a young girl named Kya, as she grew up isolated in the marsh of North Carolina from 1952 to 1969. The second timeline follows a murder investigation of Chase Andrews, a local celebrity of Barkley Cove, a fictional North Carolina coastal town.”
“A nature-immersed mystery and love story with an ending that you’ll never guess and never, ever forget.”.
This book is incredible; it’s on all the bestseller lists and in everyone’s Book Club. Not surprisingly, Fox 2000 has acquired the best-selling novel and has tapped Reese Witherspoon to produce a feature film adaptation. I can’t wait!
03.
ONE DAY IN DECEMBER
by Josie Silver (published 2018)
“Two people. Ten chances. One unforgettable love story.“
It is an emotional story of friendship, missed chances, fated love, and life’s unexpected bumps. There is also no doubt that One Day in December would make a fantastic film! It’s one of my favourite books to read; you’ll love it!
04.
SECOND CHANCES
by Charity Norman (published 2013)
“A rich and warm novel of family, divided loyalties and complicated relationships. In the quiet of a winter’s night, the rescue helicopter is sent to airlift a five-year-old boy with severe internal injuries. He’s fallen from the upstairs verandah of an isolated farmhouse and may not last the next few hours.
At first, Finn’s fall looks like a horrible accident; after all, he’s prone to sleepwalking. Only his frantic mother, Martha McNamara, knows how it really happened. And she isn’t telling. Not yet. Maybe not ever.
What do you do when your dream escape turns into a nightmare – and is there ever a way back?”
It is an emotional, gripping, thought-provoking story that you won’t be able to write down! An eye-opener for any parent.
05.
RECONSTRUCTING AMELIA
by Kimberly McCreight (published 2013)
“This book is about secret first loves, old friendships, and an all-girls club steeped in tradition. And about how well any parent really knows their child and how far one mother will go to vindicate the memory of a daughter whose life she could not save.“
Like all great books, there is a potential screen adaptation. Film rights have been optioned by Nicole Kidman’s production company, with Nicole Kidman set to star as the character Kate (the mother) and as an executive producer.
It’s a story that grabs you from the beginning and doesn’t let go, with an awesome ending! You will love it!
06.
THE SEVEN SISTERS
by Lucinda Riley (published 2020)
“The first book in the spellbinding Seven Sisters series. The Seven Sisters is a sweeping epic tale of love and loss by the international number-one bestseller Lucinda Riley.
The series follows seven sisters and begins as their adoptive father – the elusive billionaire they call Pa Salt – dies; they are each given a tantalising clue as to their past. Each book is the story of one of the sisters as they trace their origins worldwide in spellbinding tales of love and loss.”
I would have never picked up this book; it sounded mystical and weird! It took a few chapters for me to get sucked in, but I thoroughly enjoyed it. I can’t wait to read the remainder of the books in the series.
Not surprisingly, a Hollywood production company has already optioned the rights to a multi-season TV series.
07.
IN AN INSTANT
by Suzanne Redfearn (published 2020)
“Life is over in an instant for sixteen-year-old Finn Miller when a devastating car accident tumbles her and ten others over the side of a mountain. Suspended between worlds, she watches helplessly as those she loves struggle to survive.
Heartrending yet ultimately redemptive, In an Instant is a story about the power of love, the meaning of family, and carrying on…even when it seems impossible.“
Grab some tissues; this is absorbing, emotional, engrossing, moving, and thought-provoking. And be sure to keep reading for the Author’s note at the end.
An absolute must for your list of great books to read, book clubs and no doubt a screen adaptation! It is an absolute page-turner – I couldn’t put it down!
08.
THE CHOICE
by Edith Eger (published 2017)
In 1944, sixteen-year-old ballerina Edith Eger was sent to Auschwitz. When the camp is finally liberated, she is pulled from a pile of bodies, barely alive. The Choice is her unforgettable story. It shows that hope can flower in the most unlikely places.”
It is an incredible book and journey that is hard to put down. Everyone should read this book!
09.
IT ENDS WITH US
by Colleen Hoover (published 2016)
“Sometimes it is the one who loves you who hurts you the most.”
With this bold and deeply personal novel, Colleen Hoover delivers a heart-wrenching story that breaks exciting new ground for her as a writer. Combining a captivating romance with a cast of all-too-human characters, It Ends With Us is an unforgettable tale of love that comes at the ultimate price.
Oh my goodness, this was my first ever Colleen Hoover novel. It’s completely unputdownable. It’s one of those profoundly beautiful and unforgettable stories. I had big fat tears, and it’s a story that will stay with me for a very long time. Everyone should read this book!
10.
CRAZY LITTLE THING
by Tracy Brogan (published 2012)
“Sadie Turner can organize just about anything — except her own life. When her cheating spouse topples Sadie’s impeccably tidy world, she packs up her kids for a summer vacation at her aunt’s lake house, hoping to relax, reboot, and formulate a new plan — one that does not include men.”
There is no doubt that this book is chic-lit. However, if you are looking for a light, easy, and fun read that does not weigh you down. This book will make you laugh out loud (I dare you not to laugh)!
11.
SISTER
by Rosamund Lupton (published 2010)
“A thrilling story of fierce love between siblings, Sister is a suspenseful and accomplished debut with a stunning twist.“
Although I read this book years ago, I still recall absolutely loving it. I’m not usually a massive fan of crime fiction. However, I found it an utterly gripping page-turner that I couldn’t. The final page made me cry big, fat tears.
12.
HALF A WORLD AWAY
by Mike Gayle (published 2016)
“Strangers living worlds apart. Strangers with nothing in common. But it wasn’t always that way…
When Kerry reaches out to the sibling she lost on the day they were torn apart as children, she sets in motion a chain of events that will have life-changing consequences for them both.“
It is an emotional and moving book of love, heartbreak and forgiveness. It’s a great book to read, and you won’t be able to put it down.
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