I have read 150 books so far this year, and I have had some truly incredible reads. I’ve decided for the October Book of the Month to talk about some of my favorites of the year so far. Let’s get into it!
Book recommendation: “The Boys of Tommen” series by Chloe Walsh
“Boys of Tommen” is a series set in Ireland during the early 2000s, and tells the story of a group of teens who are learning difficult lessons and falling in love. Each couple, in my opinion, can relate to the idea of being saved from “the fate of Ophelia” as they work toward their futures and their relationships.
Although I am obsessed with this series, they are also some of the darkest novels I have read. Every character is dealing with some horrible things at home. Although I love recommending the series to everyone I meet, I can’t urge readers enough to check trigger warnings before diving in.
Book recommendation: “Daisy Jones & The Six” by Taylor Jenkins Reid
When Taylor Swift writes a song about the struggles of being famous, as well as the fears of never finding love, you listen. You also listen when Taylor Jenkins Reid does the same exact thing in her novel “Daisy Jones & The Six.”
“Daisy Jones & The Six” follows the rise and fall of a band in the 1970-80s. The story also focuses on lead singer Billy Dune and his relationship with Daisy Jones, and how it leads to the downfall of their friendship, as well as the downfall of the band.
The novel is not only perfect for fans of Fleetwood Mac, but specifically their song, “Silver Springs.” To say it fits Billy and Daisy would be the understatement of the century.
Book recommendation: “Wild and Wrangled” by Lyla Sage
As a lover of a good cowboy story, I am always looking for a novel that will just make me feel happy. A romance novel is the perfect way to go when I need to cheer myself up.
The fourth book in an interconnected standalone series, “Wild and Wrangled” tells the story of two reconnected childhood sweethearts, Dusty and Cam. Over the course of the novel, Cam and Dusty reunite and fall back in love. Filled with laughter, love, family, friends and cowboys, “Wild and Wrangled” is the prime example of a romance that fills my reader heart with joy.
Book recommendation: “The Naturals” by Jennifer Lynn Barnes
I have read my fair share of mystery novels and series, but by far, my favorite is “The Naturals” by Jennifer Lynn Barnes.
I love a good cold case story, but I’ve never been able to solve one. However, when it comes to Cassie Hobbes, or any other Natural, you might just be able to. The Naturals are a team of teenagers that the FBI brings in to help them solve cold cases – and some not so cold cases well. Over the course of four novels and one novella, the story comes to a shocking conclusion that ties all aspects of the story together. I was hooked from the start.
Book recommendation: “The Hunger Games” by Suzanne Collins
If you ever went through a “Hunger Games” phase like I did when I was younger, the first character you thought of was Katniss Everdeen when you heard “Eldest Daughter” by Taylor Swift for the first time. Since then, I have fallen back into the rabbit hole of “The Hunger Games.”
By now, I feel that “The Hunger Games” doesn’t need an explanation. However, the series is set in a dystopian world where every year, 24 children, two from each district, are chosen to compete in the Hunger Games, a fight to the death with only one victor. Katniss volunteers to take the place of her younger sister and, in doing so, sparks a movement.
I didn’t read the entire series this year, but I did read “Sunrise on the Reaping,” the newest addition to the series, which takes place during the 50th Hunger Games and follows Haymitch, Katniss’s mentor in the original trilogy, as he fights for his life in the arena. All I will say is I haven’t been the same since reading “Sunrise on the Reaping.”
