Must Reads For December 

One of my favorite things to do with Kyle is wander around book stores, late at night, coffee in hand. I’ve found a lot of great reads in those hours, and there’s something really peaceful about wandering between each aisle, searching for the right one. In college, there were so many books that I had to read for an assignment or a discussion, and out of those I found that maybe a handful had made an impression on me. But it’s the ones that I came across during our aimless wanderings that really stuck. Here are some of my recommendations!

A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini

I read this novel a few years ago now, and although it’s written about the past, it has uncanny links to the present. Set in Kabul, Afghanistan, it’s the story of two young women with very different paths in life, who eventually meet in very unfortunate circumstances. I was hesitant at first about reading it, but once I got to the second chapter I couldn’t put it down. It helped me to understand a whole new culture, to a degree, and truly tested the things I thought I knew. It gives you a whole new perspective on war, sacrifice, and life itself.

Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn

If you’re into thrillers, this has all of the twists and turns that you’ll love. I stayed up pretty late reading this each night, trying desperately to figure out how it would end. If you don’t already know what happens, (or already saw the movie) you’re in for quite the plot.

Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen

Set in the past, following a chaotic circus show, this book took me by surprise a bit. It seems like the typical love story, but there’s a lot more meaning to it underneath all the action. If you’re into romance with a spin, I highly recommend it.

Looking for Alaska by John Green

I read this novel when I was a senior in high school, and it couldn’t have been better timing. It’s one of those books that has a different impression on you depending on where you are in your life. It starts off as a story of an unusual friendship, and turns into a mystery. No matter who you are, it pulls you in from chapter one. And if you end up enjoying it as much as I did, John Green has some incredible novels to follow.

Wild by Cheryl Strayed

The title speaks pretty well for itself. It’s the story of a woman who decides to hike the Pacific Crest Trail (roughly 3,000+ miles) in a last ditch effort to find herself. As an avid hiker, I found it really inspiring. It’ll certainly make you cry a few times, but the ending is worth it.

The Best of Me by Nicholas Sparks 

Yeah I know, you’re probably thinking I’m “one of those girls”, but this is a very different version of what you would expect. If you’re used to the typical love story, this is anything but. Told from the perspective of a few different characters, Sparks frames a very surprising ending. Worth the read!

The Girl On The Train by Paula Hawkins

As you saw in my post, November Favorites, I had started this book and a few days later I finished it! Even though I’m very slow at reading. The main character is one of those people that you almost despise, but you find yourself cheering them on. It turns into a mystery very quickly (can you tell I love those?) and the story goes on to follow Rachel as she tries to piece her life together. It’ll certainly keep you up at night!

What are your all time favorites? Any new reads lined up for this month?